Stepping Stones in the Atlantic: The Hebrides, Faroes, Shetland & Orkney Islands

15 days
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4.3/5 Great
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Large Ship Cruise
This trip has been discontinued. Instead see Hogmanay in Scotland Journey to Ireland Britain & Ireland In prehistoric times, Celtic monks in search of the utmost solitude took to the sea, sailing from Great Britain to remote “stepping stone” islands: the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides and Faroes. Embark on a voyage to these iso...
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Overview

Trip type
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Navigate to some of the most beautiful, isolated islands in the Atlantic including St. Kilda and the Faroe Islands.
    • Interact with the 60 or so residents of Fair Isle, the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom.
    • Discover Orkney’s remarkable prehistoric sites including two ceremonial stone circles and a well-preserved village.

What's this trip about?

    This trip has been discontinued. Instead see Hogmanay in Scotland Journey to Ireland Britain & Ireland In prehistoric times, Celtic monks in search of the utmost solitude took to the sea, sailing from Great Britain to remote “stepping stone” islands: the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides and Faroes. Embark on a voyage to these isolated isles and delve into their human history from ancient settlements to recent evacuations. Zodiac boats bring you close to dramatic coastlines. Look for whales and seals.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityEdinburgh
End CityAberdeen

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

Activities

Trip includes

    • 13 nights of accommodations
    • 36 meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 9 lunches, 13 dinners
    • 11 Field trips
    • Free round-trip airfare from JFK is included in the program price
    • Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
    • An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
    • Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
    • The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant and provides 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance services coverage.
    • Taxes
    • State-of-the-art QUIETVOX listening devices

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day One: Flights Depart

Evening: Flights to Edinburgh, Scotland depart North America.

Day Two: Arrivals / Edinburgh, Scotland               

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor (or similar)

Arrive To: Flights arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland. Transfer to the program hotel. Check-in time at the hotel is at 3:00. Although we will try to secure an early check-in for participants...

Day Three: Edinburgh, Scotland - The Royal Mile             

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor (or similar)

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Depart the hotel this morning for an exploration of Edinburgh. Start the morning at Edinburgh Castle, perched above the cit...

Day Four: Edinburgh / Oban / Embark MV Sea Explorer

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer by coach from Edinburgh to Oban. The driving time is approximately 3 hours, but the views through the Scottish highlands will be well ...

Day Five: Migulay & Pabbay, Outer Hebrides    

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Explore the remote islands at the tip of the South Uist including Mingulay and Pabbay. Zodiacs will be used to explore and we hope to make ...

Day Six: St. Kilda, Outer Hebrides           

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Arrive at first light in St. Kilda, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some fifty miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. The largest island, Hi...

Day Seven: North Rona, Outer Hebrides              

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Spend the day around North Rona, an isolated island some fifty miles north of Cape Wrath. The last islanders left North Rona in 1844 and to...

Day Eight: Torshavn, Faroe Islands          

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Enjoy a morning at sea before we arrive in the Faroe Islands at lunch time.

Brunch: Lunch on board the ship

Afternoon: From ...

Day Nine: Mykines, Faroe Islands           

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Today we will use the Zodacis to explore the westernmost islands of the Faroes. One of the loveliest of the archipelago, Mykines is wonderf...

Day Ten: Papa Stour & Foula, Scotland 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: This morning you will board Zodiacs to explore the stunning cliff scenery, sea stacks, arches, blowholes, and coastal cavers of Papa Stour....

Day Eleven: Lerwick & Mousa, Shetland Islands               

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.

Morning: After breakfast discover the Shetland capital and begin your exploration of this historic port. Wander through the narrow stone lanes, and...

Day Twelve: Fair Isle & North Ronaldsay, Orkney Islands             

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: This morning Sea Explorer will call at Fair Isle where you will be met with a warm welcome by the tiny population of sixty or so islanders....

Day Thirteen: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sea Explorer

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: This morning, head into the west of Mainland, Orkney's largest island. Pass through the gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Hea...

Day Fourteen: Aberdeen, Scotland / Disembark              

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Aberdeen City Centre (or similar)

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Disembark the ship this morning. Enjoy a morning exploration of Aberdeen

Lunch: Lunch on your own to explore the local fare.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore Aberdeen.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day Fifteen: Departures              

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for flights returning to North America.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $0
Price per day$0
Last Updated: 8/10/2018

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Passport charges
    • Any kind of insurance
    • Personal Expenses

Accommodation

Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor (or similar)

2 nights  Edinburgh

Located in the stylish West End of Edinburgh’s city center, the Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor hotel combines a historical 1860s listed building with a chic and modern interior. Housed over two buildings – the main building and the Townhouse annex - the hotel boasts modern decor, yet retains stunning traditional features such as beautiful coving, ceilings and ornate staircases. Situated only 200 meters from Haymarket train station and a short walk from popular attractions including Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and the Royal Mile, this unique Edinburgh hotel is the perfect base to explore Scotland’s capital.          

Sea Explorer

10 nights  Belgravia, London

The deluxe Sea Explorer is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 114 guests. Built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2005, it has 57 suites. This small ship offers several advantages that mass cruiseliners cannot match. It can dock or anchor almost anywhere and are not limited to large commercial ports. The Sea Explorer can slip into small towns and tiny fishing villages. The ship's 70 officers and crew ensure personalized service.             

DoubleTree Hotel Aberdeen City Centre

1 night  Aberdeen

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

13 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches and 13 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-21678RJ

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