Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders

Many of Aberdeen’s historic stone buildings are made of locally quarried granite; high in mica, they can sparkle like silver. The city is famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays. 

In recent years, Aberdeen has become the gateway to the North Sea oil industry, but the city retains its old-world charm and is a wonderful place for a walkabout.

Journey to charming Fair Isle, once a Viking hub and now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds.

Keep your binoculars handy to spot some of the 350 bird species that the island boasts, including puffins and great skuas in substantial numbers.

Take a tour of the local museum, dedicated to preserving the island's heritage.

Call in at sweet and petite Foula, home to just a few dozen folks, many of whom preserve traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence.

Keep an eye out for the Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas that may be found here.

Visit Vágur, where the warm hospitality of its 1,300 residents awaits you. Relish in the opportunity to witness Faroese chain dancing and share in stories of Vágur‘s captivating past.

Enjoy the abundance of birdlife that the island boasts.

Let your senses feast on the view of Suðuroy’s towering west side. Admire majestic cliffs, stunning mountains, sea stacks, and the magnificent Beinisvørð mountain as it stands tall from afar.

See for yourself why the island is famed for its dramatic cliffs towering over the North Atlantic and enjoy this paradise for birds, including European storm petrels and Atlantic puffins.

Take in the drama of Vágar, one of the remote Western Islands, where soaring cliffs kiss the sea and emerald valleys cradle charming villages. This is a place of quiet wonder, where every path leads to a new story, and nature’s raw beauty makes you humble.

Wander through the 4,000-year-old standing stone circle, the Ring of Brodgar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back 5,000 years to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Considered one of the most important Neolithic ruins in Europe today, wander the well-preserved stone houses and learn what daily life was like here.

Tour the Hall of Clestrain, childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae.

In Kirkwall, let yourself be charmed by the city’s sights, dominated by the massive St. Magnus Cathedral dating back to 1137.

Experience its lively pubs, vibrant music scene, fabulous shopping opportunities, and thriving artisan community.

Visit Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic stronghold and the capital of the largest of the Hebrides. Browse colourful shops to purchase the island’s famous tweed.

Meander through one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites, the Calanais Standing Stones, which are said to be giants who were punished by St. Kieran for refusing to convert to Christianity.

Experience the living history at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where you can learn about a typical crofting township of the last century. Explore the blackhouses and traditional activities, including the weaving of the famous Harris Tweed.

Discover Dun Carloway Broch, a uniquely Scottish site perched on a rocky mound. See this ancient structure, standing at an impressive nine metres tall.

Reach out-of-the-way, uninhabited islands that are only accessible by Zodiac during an expedition landing to the Outer Hebrides—a fantastic collection of over 100 islands seventy kilometres off Scotland’s west coast.

Take note of archaeological remains that reveal the oldest evidence of human habitation in Scotland, with influence from Pictish, Norse, and Scottish cultures.

Search out the rich marine and bird life of the islands as conditions permit.

The St. Kilda archipelago was inhabited until 1930, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting fascinating ruins as well as natural heritage features.

Seabirds thrive on the island of Hirta, which is also home to feral sheep left by the departing islanders. Enormous cliffs offer dramatic ocean views for our hikers!

Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or birder, you will love a visit to Skye.

Cruise the southwestern shore of this large island keeping a keen eye out for species like common sandpiper, oystercatcher, gannets, and razorbills. Delight in the opportunity to witness these remarkable creatures in their natural environment and add unique sightings to your birdwatching list.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Skye's mountainous landscapes and choose the level of activity that suits you best for a walk, hike, or trek among the awe-inspiring Cuillin Hills, one of Britain's finest mountainscapes.

Visit Iona, where St. Columba established his monastery—the burial place of kings.

Admire the beautifully restored Iona Abbey complex, which preserves two outstanding crosses dating as far back as the eighth century.

Take a Zodiac cruise at the Isle of Staffa, famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves, the best-known being Fingal’s Cave.

See for yourself why it is originally known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave” and provided the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides.

Explore the renowned Loch Finlaggan Historic Site, tucked away in the enchanting Islay, also known as the Queen of the Hebrides. Immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of the region. Indulge in the stories of Scottish nobility at the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald. Delve into its captivating past and marvel at the artefacts on display in the site's museum.

Nestled on the west coast, Oban is a striking seaside town surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside. Here, we’ll disembark and depart via coach to Glasgow.