Wild Scotland: St Kilda, Ben Nevis & Northern Isles

United Kingdom

Experience the best adventure destinations Scotland has to offer on this thrilling voyage through the Highlands and Islands. From the highest mountains of Britain to the highest sea cliffs, from vast bird colonies to some of Europe’s most ancient human monuments, there is fascination and adventure at every turn. Stand on the primeval stones of Assynt, explore Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Kilda, summit Ben Nevis, and visit the Neolithic village of Skara Brae – all on one superlative voyage designed for adventure

Highlights

  • Five nights aboard luxury Ocean Victory exploring wildest Scotland
  • Excursion options in the mountains of the Nevis Range – including the heights of Ben Nevis, or a cruise on legendary Loch Ness
  • St. Kilda UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Northwest Highlands UNESCO Geopark
  • Historic Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
  • Scotland’s northernmost whisky distillery.
  • Neolithic Sites Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar
  • Fascinating lectures given by the expedition team.

Exclusive 40% Offer

SAVE 40% on the cruise cost - only until April 30! Use the Promocode SCOT-40 during the booking process!

Stewart's Take

Tie Your Laces and Explore the Best That Scotland Has To Offer!

Overview

Experience the best adventure destinations Scotland has to offer on this thrilling voyage through the Highlands and Islands. From the highest mountains of Britain to the highest sea cliffs, from vast bird colonies to some of Europe’s most ancient human monuments, there is fascination and adventure at every turn. Stand on the primeval stones of Assynt, explore Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Kilda, summit Ben Nevis, and visit the Neolithic village of Skara Brae – all on one superlative voyage designed for adventure

Itinerary

Day 1: All Aboard in Fairlie! Ocean Victory awaits our guests in the quaint harbor town of Fairlie, overlooking the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde, just a stone’s throw from the dynamic city of Glasgow. After mandatory safety briefings and drills, settle into your stateroom and toast your departure with an expertly crafted cocktail as Ocean Victory sets a course for the glassy lochs of the Highlands. Day 2: Fort William On the second day of our expedition, Ocean Victory arrives beneath the brooding mountains of the Nevis Range at the town of Fort William – Scotland’s adventure capital. Options to explore here are endless, from the famous crags of Glencoe to the heights of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and the storied shores of Loch Ness. Whether you are lacing up your hiking boots, grabbing your binoculars, or simply exploring the sights of the town – including the engineering marvel of Neptune’s Staircase – adventure awaits in every corner of Fort William. Day 3: St. Kilda Britain’s remotest archipelago, St. Kilda is Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for both its human and natural wonders. We drop anchor in the bay overlooking the village – a unique settlement often compared to Machu Picchu, built entirely from stone by the islanders who once called this island home. Windswept, rugged, and difficult to farm, the locals of St. Kilda left for less challenging lands in 1930, leaving the island to vast seabird colonies and ancient Soay sheep, once the islanders’ primary source of food. Day 4: Ullapool Small, remote, and rarely visited, Ullapool is the largest town in the Northwest Highlands, a corner of Scotland with a population density closer to Mongolia than Britain. Ullapool sits on a long, calm loch surrounded by forests and mountains and is the gateway to the Northwest Highlands UNESCO Geopark. The ancient rocks here tell the story of billions of years of gradual evolution – encompassing the rise of life on Earth, the movement of continents, and impacts from space – creating a striking, otherworldly landscape of isolated mountains, rolling hills, and deep lochs. Explore on foot and step back millions of years with each step. Day 5: Kirkwall, Orkney The capital and largest town of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall’s narrow streets beckon visitors to explore the town’s deep Scottish and Norse heritage. Highlights include the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral and the Highland Park distillery, Scotland’s northernmost whisky producer. However, the islands’ history stretches back far beyond the medieval era to the Neolithic. Sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are among the best preserved on Earth, bearing witness to 5,000 years of history and inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Day 6: Aberdeen, Disembarkation On the final day of our expedition, Ocean Victory arrives in the heart of the Granite City. After a fond farewell to the officers and crew, step onto the granite streets of Scotland’s most important port city – the ideal place to head home with treasured memories of the glens, or to continue exploring the wonders of eastern Scotland

Vessel

M/V OCEAN VICTORY

Ocean Victory

The brand-new luxury infinity vessel Ocean Victory is one of the most modern small ship vessels in the world. This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited to small-ship expeditions, with a total of 93 comfortable cabins for guests, all with a view of the ocean, 90% with a balcony, even a suite with a French balcony! Ocean Victory is deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctica voyages. With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her 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. 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, the Ocean Victory will also be environmentally friendly onboard, with the implementation of the Green Initiative Program. Amenities onboard include a Nordic Bar Lounge, Ocean Shop, various restaurants, including an open deck dining facility, and a highly new and modern lecture lounge.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Booking Information

Essential Information

Deposit

Reservations require a 25% deposit at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure and can be paid by bank transfer. Balance payments may be made by credit card subject to a 2% surcharge.

Cancellations

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administration fee of minimum USD 1,250 per person. Cancellations received From 179 days to 121 days prior to departure 25% of the total cruise tariff. From 120 days until departure: 100% of the total cruise tariff.

Insurance

Adequate trip cancellation insurance is required for this expedition, including emergency medical evacuation coverage (minimum USD 150 000).

Pricing, Sharing and Single Occupancy

Prices shown are per person on a shared basis. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with someone of the same gender and pay only the share rate. Single occupancy is available in dedicated category G sole use cabins or by supplement.

Booking Terms

Please read carefully the general Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Polar Latitudes Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Personal information forms will be required to be completed. More information will be sent to you at the time of booking. 

Included

  • 6-day cruise in a shared outside double suite with bathroom/toilet
  • English-speaking guides
  • Choice of free excursions, including light, medium and hard trekking options
  • Inspiring and enriching lectures onboard by qualifi ed lecturers
  • Full board on the ship
  • Coffee, tea and afternoon snacks on theship
  • Taxes, tariffs, and port fees

Excluded

  • Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
  • Meals not on board ship
  • Beverages other than coffee, tea and water
  • Tips for ship crew (approx. 16 USD per day per participant)
  • Personal expenses
Booking Request
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