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Sailing the Scottish Isles
Embark on the ultimate exploration of Scotland's natural and cultural treasures through our 11-day journey. Experience a 7-night cruise aboard the luxurious Le Dumont d'Urville and choose between stays in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Sail to the renowned Orkney and Shetland Islands, as well as the remote isles of Mull, Skye, and Lewis. Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's eclectic charm, revel in Scottish music and dance traditions, behold the breathtaking Highlands scenery, and indulge in unique experiences like a Palace of Holyroodhouse visit and a thrilling sea safari.
Unrivaled Travel Experiences: Sailing the Scottish Isles
Day One Arrival: Arrive in Edinburgh
Overnight: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel or InterContinental Edinburgh The George
A transfer is included from Edinburgh Airport or Edinburgh Waverley train station to your choice of hotels in the heart of the city: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel or the InterContinental Edinburgh The George. Settle in then enjoy an evening welcome reception and dinner aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Meals: Dinner
Day Two: Holyroodhouse & Edinburgh Sights
Overnight: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel or InterContinental Edinburgh The George
Begin the day with a visit to Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland, where you'll explore the magnificent state apartments, the royal gardens, and the royal art collection. Then take a ride through Holyrood Park, once the royal hunting estate, followed by a guided walk along the Royal Mile, the cobbled main street that runs between the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with shops, pubs, museums, and more. The rest of the day and evening are free to explore at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day Three: Edinburgh Castle and Boarding your Ponant ship
Overnight: Le Dumont-d'Urville
Enjoy more Edinburgh sightseeing with a tour of iconic Edinburgh Castle. Next, explore Edinburgh's "New Town" and "Old Town" on a guided walking tour that includes the Botanical Gardens, Inverleith Terrace, Charlotte Square, Queen Street, Princes Street, and George Street. Then drive to Leith and embark; enjoy cocktails on deck followed by dinner as you sail for the Shetland Islands.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Four: A Day at Sea
Overnight: Le Dumont-d'Urville
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you sail towards the Shetland Islands. A full schedule of activities will be offered throughout the day for you to choose from or simply sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruising day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Five: Treasures of the Shetland Islands
Overnight: Le Dumont-d'Urville
Arrive dockside at Lerwick on the largest island, where you have a choice of shore excursions:
Drive to the southern tip of mainland Shetland to visit the uninhabited island of Mousa, site of a 2,000-year-old round stone tower, 43 feet high.
Cross to Shetland's east coast for a view of St. Ninian's Isle, where a cache of Pictish treasure was discovered in the 1950s.
Venture into the Shetland countryside for a visit to a croft (farm) for an authentic crofting experiences with a local crofter and his sheep dogs.
Visit Jarlshof to see a 5,000-year-old settlement, then ride to the nearby top of Sumburgh Head for views of the sea, seabird colonies, and Shetland's first lighthouse, built in 1821.
Visit Scalloway, its 17th century castle, and the Scalloway Museum to learn about the village's clandestine role in World War II and visit a farm that breeds Shetland Ponies.
Or, take a tour through Lerwick's lodberries (waterside houses), the town hall, the Shetland Museum and Archives, and the lifeboat station, followed by time to explore the town on your own.
In the evening aboard ship, a local historian will lecture on the "Shetland Bus," a secret operation during World War II that smuggled agents in and refugees out of occupied Norway at night by way of fishing vessels.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Six: Orkney Archipelago & Monuments
Overnight: Le Dumont-d'Urville
Arrive in Kirkwall, once a medieval Norwegian port, where you have a choice of shore excursions:
Take a guided walking tour of Kirkwall that includes its medieval cathedral and Bishop's and Earl's Palace, then visit Scapa Flow and the Italian Chapel.
Walk along the cliff tops of Orkney's rural east mainland, rewarded with stunning views over Mull Head.
Discover the remarkable range of food and drink found throughout Orkney's on an excursion that combines the finest local produce with the beautiful landscapes and coastline.
Explore the four monuments that make up the heart of Neolithic Orkney as well as a visit to Skara Brae.
Aboard the ship, enjoy a lecture featuring a local historian and storyteller well-versed in local myths and legends.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Seven: Lochs, Brochs, & Standing Stones
Overnight: Le Dumont-d'Urville
Dock in the town of Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, and take your choice of excursions:
Set off on a sea safari to view marine life and some of the most magnificent coastline in Scotland; the coastal waters are known to draw bottle-nosed dolphins, orcas, seals, sharks, puffins, petrels, and more.
Explore the Victorian-era Lews Castle.
Enjoy a panoramic coach excursion that includes the Standing Stones of Callanish, Dun Carloway Broch, and Gearrannan Blackhouse Village situated in a beautiful secluded bay. Spend some leisure time at Stornoway before a private tasting of Scottish Whiskey.
In the evening, the ship sets sail for the Isle of Skye.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Eight: The Isle of Skye, Castles & Storybook Views
Overnight: Le Dumont-d'Urville
Skye is steeped in Celtic and Norse legend. At Portree, a fishing town in a harbor sheltered by cliffs, take your choice of shore excursions:
Cruise around Portree Bay and the Sound of Raasay on a wildlife safari which may include seals, otters, dolphins, and sea eagles along with enchanting coastal views.
Travel to Kintail where iconic Eilean Donan Castle stands on a small tidal island and explore while learning of its turbulent history.
Visit medieval Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the MacLeod Clan, rising four stories high on a promontory overlooking Loch Dunvegan and the sea.
Enjoy a guided tour of a working croft.
Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore Portree on your own or return to the ship. Later, a professional photographer will give a presentation of his works and discuss photography on the Scottish Isles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Nine: The Isle of Mull
Overnight: Le Dumont-d'Urville
Sail to the Isle of Mull, a popular destination for naturalists and photographers. Anchor in Tobermory on a morning arrival and choose from three excursions:
Drive along the scenic coastline to Duart Castle, a medieval landmark on the sea cliffs, still owned by the members of the Maclean Clan.
Enjoy a short but scenic drive to Aros Park for a guided nature hike.
Visit the Lip na Cloiche Gardens.
In the evening, join the captain's farewell reception followed by dinner as you sail for the Scottish mainland.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Ten: Disembark and Explore Glasgow
Overnight: The Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel or VOCO Grand Central Glasgow
Disembark at Greenock or Fairlie and drive to Glasgow, where a tour of city sights includes Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, George's Square, Buchanan Street, the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, and Prince's Square. In the afternoon, visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Join us in the evening for a farewell reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Eleven: Journey Home from Glasgow
Overnight: Fly Home
After breakfast, fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel or VOCO Grand Hotel Glasgow.
Meals: Breakfast
