Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides
8 daysIreland (Eire)
Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides is a 8-day guided tour with National Geographic Expeditions through Ireland (Eire). 5 departures are open from Jun 2, 2027 to May 12, 2028. The lowest current price is $8,500 per person (twin share), for the Apr 28, 2028 departure. Included: Transfers upon arrival/departure for Guests booked on recommended group flights, Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship, Meals as indicated in the itinerary and Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary.
Immerse yourself in a fabled land, where history, culture, myth and legend intertwine on this National Geographic Expedition Cruise of Scotland’s wild isles.
- Length
- 8 days
- Route
- Dublin, Ireland / Embark Ship to Edinburgh / Disembark Ship
- Meals
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Price basis
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Trip type
- Expedition Cruise
- Activity level
- Light-Moderate
- Service level
- Premium
- Operated by
- Lindblad
- Ship
- National Geographic Explorer
Watch this price
Highlights
- Spend time on Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland’s largest puffin colony and the unique “upside down lighthouse.”
- Embark on an expedition day on the western coast of the Isle of Skye to explore its rugged shoreline and dramatic landscapes.
- Uncover the Viking heritage and stunning scenery of the remote Shetland and Orkney Islands as you delve into their unique cultures with local historians, explore ancient brochs and hike across island trails.
- Stroll through the renowned and picturesque Inverewe Gardens in Loch Ewe while keeping an eye out for the Scottish Big 5—red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal and golden eagle.
Itinerary
- Dublin, Ireland / Embark ShipDay 1
- Rathlin Island, Northern IrelandDay 2
- Isle of Skye, Scotland / Loch EweDay 3
- Shetland and OrkneyDay 5
- Edinburgh / Disembark ShipDay 8
Day 1Dublin, Ireland / Embark ShipDublin, Ireland / Embark Ship
Arrive in Dublin and transfer from the airport to the city center. More living museum than city, traces of Dublin’s past are on display at every turn with medieval castles, cathedrals and one of the oldest universities in Europe: Trinity College. Experience the city at your own pace before embarking the ship this afternoon.
Day 2Rathlin Island, Northern IrelandRathlin Island, Northern Ireland
Start your expedition on Rathlin Island, home of Northern Ireland’s largest puffin colony, perched precariously on seaside cliffs. It is also home to thousands of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Take the shuttle up to the cliffs and home to the Rathlin West Light, the “upside down lighthouse”, built between 1912 and 1917. From here you can peer over the cliffs and observe the seabirds that call these dramatic drops home. After getting your fill of the cliffs and panoramic sea views, hike along the country lane back to the harbor and witness daily island life around you.
Day 3Isle of Skye, Scotland / Loch EweIsle of Skye, Scotland / Loch Ewe
Sail through the Sea of the Hebrides to the Isle of Skye, known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles. Enjoy an expedition day along its coast, exploring inlets and villages that this region is known for—and possibly a wee dram of the local libations. The next day, move further up the coast to Loch Ewe, inhabited over the centuries by crofting villages and used as a gathering point for maritime trade and military convoys. Today, one of the best known highlights of the Loch is Inverewe Gardens, initially curated by a private land owner and currently looked after by the National Trust of Scotland. Enjoy a relaxed morning amongst the gardeners tending the early season beds, while keeping an eye out for the Scottish Big Five of red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal and golden eagle that call this area of the world home.
Day 5Shetland and OrkneyShetland and Orkney
Rounding the most northern region of the United Kingdom, spend the next three days winding your way south through Shetland and Orkney. Shetland is composed of 16 individual islands and offers the chance to delve into its Viking and Norwegian roots, as well as its farming culture on the edge of the ocean. Orkney offers its own highlights, including the capital of Kirkwall and the famed harbor of Scapa Flow. Your expedition team will make the most of these days by calling at remote piers and beaches by Zodiac. Explore ancient brochs overlooking the North Sea and hike across island trails.
Day 8Edinburgh / Disembark ShipEdinburgh / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Edinburgh and transfer to the airport for flights home.
What’s included
Included
- Transfers upon arrival/departure for Guests booked on recommended group flights
- Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Not included
- Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable
- Trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
Dates and prices
Per person, twin share
Good to know
- What to Expect: In keeping with the nature of an expedition, your schedule is kept flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, adapting your course to the conditions and opportunities that arise. Your expedition experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose—whether it’s light or moderate or a little of both. Guests should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time, and able to get in and out of expedition landing craft. Daily activities may include Zodiac cruises, easy hikes, walking tours and visits to cultural or historic sites, with options most days for more physical activities such as longer hikes and kayaking. All departures are family friendly.
- Expedition Team
- A National Geographic Expert or Photographer joins the expedition team on all National Geographic Endurance departures.
Questions about Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides
How much does Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides cost?
The lowest current price is $8,500 per person (Apr 28, 2028 departure). Prices are per person, twin share, and depend on the departure date; the page lists every date with its price.
When is Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides cheapest?
April 2028 has the lowest current price, from $8,500 per person, among 3 months with priced departures.
When does Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides depart?
5 departures are open in June 2027, April 2028 and May 2028. Departures marked "On request" are confirmed by an advisor.
What is included?
Transfers upon arrival/departure for Guests booked on recommended group flights, Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship, Meals as indicated in the itinerary and Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary. Not included: Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable, Trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance and Visas.
Where does Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides go?
The 8-day itinerary visits Dublin, Ireland / Embark Ship, Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, Isle of Skye, Scotland / Loch Ewe, Shetland and Orkney and Edinburgh / Disembark Ship.
How do I book Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides?
Send a request and an advisor confirms the current fare and availability and books it for you. You do not pay on the website. Prices are read from the supplier and shown only while they are less than 14 days old, so a price on this page is never older than that. The final price is confirmed when you book.