The Jewels of Scotland - 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Scotland's northernmost regions. From the bustling city of Aberdeen to the remote beauty of the Outer Hebrides, this journey offers a unique blend of cultural exploration, historical landmarks, and stunning natural scenery. Each day brings new adventures, from the ancient standing stones of Lewis to the vibrant streets of Kirkwall and Lerwick. Enjoy comfortable accommodations aboard the MV Ocean Albatros and savor local culinary delights as you explore the hidden gems of Scotland's rugged coastline.
Included
Full board is included on all cruises – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon snacks. The program also includes free tea and coffee 24 hours a day as well as a welcome and farewell cocktail. To accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements, dinners always include a meat option, fish option and vegetarian option. Our fully equipped onboard bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and water. All meals on board the vessel is chef-prepared. If you have special dietary requirements (food allergies, intolerances, health conditions or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible - ideally, no later than 2 weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew upon boarding the ship.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
Our small expedition ships Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory have a distinct advantage over larger, traditional cruise ships. They can access narrow inlets and sail close to shore, in-between icebergs and in remote areas of the ocean. This allows us to disembark quickly via our fleet of Zodiac watercraft and access amazing sites with greater speed and efficiency. Both vessels are ideal for small-ship cruising due to their sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port. The vessels are part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption.
Ocean Albatros has a total of 93 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony. All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included. Learn more about different cabin types under STATEROOMS on the following website: https://albatros-expeditions.com/ships/ocean-albatros
As a solo traveller, you might consider the Category G cabin, which is a single room. Albatros Expeditions also offers solo travellers the option of occupying a cabin by themselves (in exchange for paying a single supplement, 75%) or, to share a cabin with other, same-gendered solo travellers - either in a Category C (Balcony Stateroom) or a Category F (Triple Porthole Stateroom). In the event that a guest sharing a cabin decides they prefer the privacy of their own cabin while onboard, a single supplement will be applied to cover the extra cost of occupying a cabin alone.
All our cruises have an English-speaking Expedition Team. Our expedition cruise team consists of expedition leaders and staff, biologists, and professionals who have extensive knowledge of Polar Regions and a passion for exploration. The team speak several languages and are eager to assist you throughout the journey. We aim to include and support the local areas that we visit: you will often find that our onboard staff are from destinations visited on the itinerary.
9-day/8-night cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double stateroom with a private bathroom in the category chosen
English-speaking expedition staff
Near-port nature walks with the expedition team
Information briefings and lectures by the Expedition Team
Special photo workshop
Full board on the ship
Dinner drink package
Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
Welcome and farewell cocktails
Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Aberdeen
- Aberdeen - Arrival day
- More
Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Aberdeen, known as the Granite City for its shimmering Victorian architecture. After exploring the city's rich cultural offerings, including museums, galleries, and cafes, you'll board the MV Ocean Albatros. Settle into your comfortable stateroom and prepare for an exciting journey along the coast of North East Scotland.
Day 2 – Day 2: Scrabster
Day 2: Scrabster
Arrive at Scrabster, the northernmost mainland port of Britain. Explore the nearby John o' Groats, the traditional northernmost point of mainland Britain, and visit the Castle of Mey, a historic residence restored by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Enjoy the wild, windswept beauty of this remote region.
Day 3 – Day 3: Stornoway
Day 3: Stornoway
Navigate to the Isle of Lewis and explore Stornoway, a town rich in Gaelic culture. Visit the ancient Calanish Standing Stones and the grand Lews Castle. Stroll through the town center, where you can shop for Harris Tweed and enjoy local seafood delicacies.
Day 4 – Day 4: Oban
- Oban
- More
Cruise through the breathtaking Sound of Mull, keeping an eye out for dolphins and basking sharks. Arrive in Oban, the gateway to the Scottish Isles. Explore the town's vibrant culinary scene, renowned for its fresh seafood and local whisky.
Day 5 – Day 5: Loch Torridon
Day 5: Loch Torridon
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Loch Torridon, shaped by ancient glaciers. Join your expedition team for a Zodiac cruise to spot local wildlife, including otters, seals, and the majestic white-tailed eagles.
Day 6 – Day 6: Kirkwall
- Kirkwall
- More
Arrive in Kirkwall on the Orkney Isles, rich in Viking history and Neolithic treasures. Visit the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the town's narrow streets and the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral.
Day 7 – Day 7: Lerwick
- Lerwick
- More
Explore Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, with its rich Viking heritage. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives and the Broch of Clickimin. Enjoy the bustling high street and the stunning coastal vistas, keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
Day 8 – Day 8: Invergordon
Day 8: Invergordon
Sail through Cromarty Firth to Invergordon, a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Explore the town's vibrant center and street art. Visit nearby Inverness and the legendary Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
Day 9 – Day 9: Aberdeen
- Aberdeen - Departure day
- More
Return to Aberdeen, where your journey began. After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the crew of the Ocean Albatros and disembark, ready for your next adventure or journey home.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.