United Kingdom/Ireland
The Ultimate U.K. Voyage: London to Edinburgh on the Ocean Albatros
Program No. 24890RJ
Cross multiple countries off your must-see list on this Floating Campus! Explore England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and their iconic sites on this voyage.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
11 days
10 nights
24 meals
9B 6L 9D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
6
Portrush, Giant's Causeway
At Sea
7
Portree, Isle of Skye
At Sea
11
Edinburgh, Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
It’s the ultimate voyage through the countries of the United Kingdom — experience England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on our Floating Campus! Board the expedition ship Ocean Albatros and embark on an exciting circumnavigation of the U.K. Come into port at iconic natural wonders such as Giant’s Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site and Loch Ness and bustling cities including London and Edinburgh. From castles to cathedrals, admire the U.K’s medieval history and modern culture. Your two onboard instructors offer lectures, Q&A sessions and casual discussions to expand on your experiences in port. In true campus style, you’ll also have opportunities to participate in onboard activities, live performances and getting to know other Road Scholars who love learning — and voyages — as much as you do.
Activity Level
Choose Your Pace
This program offers two activity levels to choose from on every departure date: one that has more walking and standing and one at a less active pace. Walking up to 3 miles per day over various types of terrain; walking up stairs unassisted, getting in and out of motor coaches.
What You'll Learn
- Seize the opportunity to visit all four countries — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — that comprise the United Kingdom.
- Visit Giant’s Causeway in Portrush and admire the natural wonder of its interlocking basalt columns caused by a volcanic eruption.
- Spend a full day in Kirkwall and visit the Neolithic site of Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Take in the beautiful scenery and mountains as you cruise the cold deep waters of Loch Ness and look out for the evasive Loch Ness Monster.
- Enjoy the camaraderie of other Road Scholars as you take in private lectures, unique field trips and educational onboard activities on this exclusive Floating Campus voyage.
General Notes
This learning adventure is part of Road Scholar’s Floating Campus. You’ll enjoy a true campus feel as we have the entire ship to ourselves and welcome a maximum of 150 Road Scholars, and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions. Enjoy onboard activities, live performances and the camaraderie that can only be found with an entire ship full of fellow Road Scholars!
Suggested Reading List
(16 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Ultimate U.K. Voyage: London to Edinburgh on the Ocean Albatros
Program Number: 24890
London, A History
A brief, evocative meditation on the rich and varied history of England's capital city by the prolific British writer, critic and historian. Wilson examines London through several lenses, using humor and insight to discuss art, architecture, politics and culture.
Trainspotting
Trainspotting is Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh’s 1993 work of fiction. Set in the late 1980s, the novel follows the “Skag Boys,” who are involved in Edinburgh, Scotland’s heroin scene, particularly in the neighborhood of Leith.
Eyewitness Guide London
This superb guide to London features color photography, dozens of excellent neighborhood maps and a district-by-district synopsis of the city's attractions. Handsome, convenient and up-to-date, this is the guide to carry.
Scotland: the Story of a Nation
Encompassing everything from the first Mesolithic settlers in 7000 B.C. to the present movements for independence, Scotland: The Story of a Nation is history on an epic level, essential reading for anyone interested in the rich past of this captivating land.
Scotland: a New History
Michael Lynch, named as 'one of the most influential historians in Scotland of the last thirty years', has written an extraordinary one-volume history of the country that spans twenty centuries, from the Picts to the present day.
Outlander
# 1 New York Times Bestseller, the first book in Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed Outlander saga. Based in the Scottish Highlands, this spellbinding novel of passion and history combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages.
How the Scots Invented the Modern World
As historian and author Arthur Herman reveals, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Scotland made crucial contributions to science, philosophy, literature, education, medicine, commerce, and politics—contributions that have formed and nurtured the modern West ever since.
A Traveller's History of London
The story of London, from the Romans to Tony Blair, tailored to the traveler.
The Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns
Burns is an icon for the UK and Scotland he is a national symbol. This volume of poems and songs is a best selling, beautiful edition of his work.
The Story of England
Beautifully illustrated with color pictures, chronological charts, royal genealogies and maps, this popular history of English politics, economics and culture from the Neolithic Age to the 1990s is an excellent travel companion.
Londoners
Drawing on the unforgettable stories of nearly 100 Londoners, Taylor provides a rich and vivid kaleidoscopic view of modern-day London through the diverse voices of those who, regardless of whether they love or hate it, capture the heart and soul of one of the world's greatest cities.
Before Scotland: The Story of Scotland Before History
This book follows the movement of hunter-gatherers north, the growth of fishing, and the establishment of farming. The author also covers cultural evolution in Scotland - the roles played by megalith builders, Celts, Picts, and others.
Robert the Bruce: King of Scots
Using contemporary accounts, Ronald McNair Scott tells the story of Scotland's legendary leader, and one of Europe's most remarkable medieval kings.
Waverley (1814)
Waverley (1814), tells the story of Edward Waverley, a naïve young man who is posted to Scotland with his regiment. Edward must decide whether he will follow the civilization he has always known, or be drawn into an older world of honor.
The Wasp Factory
The literary debut of Scottish author Iain Banks, The Wasp Factory is an imaginative and disturbing look into the mind of a child psychopath.
London, A Literary Anthology
Ranging from the 15th century to the present day, the British Library’s generous selection of poems and novel excerpts evokes the spirit of London through the ages. Full-color works of art from the library's collection are interspersed throughout.
Meals
24 Meals
9 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
9 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance:
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- May 01, 2025 - May 11, 2025
- May 01, 2025 - May 11, 2025
1 night
London
Set in a Grade II-listed 19th century building, the hotel is comprised of ten townhouses that were once separated, resulting in a unique layout for its rooms and stairwells, as well as beautifully restored frescoes and stained glass windows. Its Kensington location is also perfect for those interested in arts, culture and fashion, with the Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and the famous boutiques around Knightsbridge all within walking distance.
7 nights
Copenhagen
The Ocean Albatros has 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea views, most with their own balcony. The vessel has more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and is one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for participants.
1 night
Edinburgh
The InterContinental Edinburgh The George has been welcoming hotel guests since 1881. At its heart are five listed Georgian townhouses, built in 1775 as homes for Edinburgh’s most prosperous citizens. Explore Edinburgh's stunning architecture, the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, just moments away from this charming hotel.
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