Travel in comfort to Scotland's farthest-flung islands, only accessible by sea


Journey to Scotland’s farthest-flung islands, including the Shetlands, Orkneys, and Outer Hebrides, where crofters and fisherfolk live close to the sea and maintain an island way of life.


Make landings by Zodiac in places otherwise inaccessible to travellers and visit the abandoned settlement at St. Kilda, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Immerse yourself in history at standing stones, brochs, ruins, and castles


Wander wide-eyed through Scotland’s rich and layered history that rises up from the ground to meet you.


Visit archaeological ruins including standing stones, brochs, ancient complexes, and medieval castles.


Learn about the English, Scots, Norse, Pictish, and Neolithic cultures that all made their mark in Scotland.


Spot seabirds and whales in rich marine environments


Peruse Scotland’s rocky coastlines that attract millions of seabirds, including northern gannets and puffins.


Cruise the rich waters of the North Atlantic and North Sea that are favoured by numerous species of whales.


Enjoy the springtime conditions that are excellent for viewing seabirds and spotting marine mammals.


Sample fine Scotch straight from the source


Visit small distilleries, famed the world over, that are home to some of Scotland’s most celebrated single malts.


Tour these unique attractions, learn how Scotch is made, and sample some of the world’s finest straight from the source.


On Islay and around the islands, where fresh water and characteristic peat are found in plenty, numerous Scotch distillers ply their unique trade.


Get up-close-and-personal to some of Europe's finest cliffs and caves on daily Zodiac rides


See for yourself why Felix Mendelssohn was inspired to write his overture The Hebrides after visiting Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa.


Explore the rugged coastline and spot plentiful marine and bird life among Papa Stour’s cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and blowholes.


Access uninhabited isles only reachable by Zodiac.

 

After meeting in Glasgow we’ll depart via coach, and travel onward to Greenock. Greenock has a rich maritime history and was a major shipbuilding and import centre. Here, we'll embark and start our journey.

 

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 in the Finlagglan Castle. Delve into its captivating past and marvel at the artefacts on display in the site's museum.

If you’re a Scotch lover (and who isn’t?), take the opportunity to enhance your journey with an optional excursion to the world-renowned whisky distilleries that the island is famous for.

 

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.

 

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.

 

The archipelago known as St. Kilda was inhabited until 1930. Today, St. Kilda is 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!

 

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

Meander through one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites, Callanish’s 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.

 

Explore the rugged coastline and spot flourishing marine and bird life among Papa Stour’s cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and blowholes on a Zodiac cruise.

Call in at sweet and petite Foula, twenty-three kilometres west of the Shetland Islands, 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.

 

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.

 

Wander through the stone walls of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar.

Tour the Hall of Clestrain, childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae. In Kirkwall, let yourself be captivated 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.

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.

 

Complete your journey by disembarking in Aberdeen.

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

Say your farewells in this modern city that retains its old-world charm.

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Cabin Category 1

$7,395 USD pp
Cabin Category 1
Quad Deck 4 Interior cabin Four lower berths Private bath Approximately 240 square feet

Cabin Category 2

$8,395 USD pp
Cabin Category 2
Triple Deck 4 Interior cabin Three lower berths Two private baths Approximately 200 square feet

Cabin Category 3

$9,695 USD pp
Cabin Category 3
Main Twin Deck 5 Interior cabin Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 120 square feet

Cabin Category 4

$10,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 4
Main Twin Deck 4 Porthole window, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 100 square feet

Cabin Category 5

$11,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 5
Main Twin Deck 5 Picture windows, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 115 square feet

Cabin Category 6

$12,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 6
Comfort Twin Deck 4 Two porthole windows, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 175 square feet Deck 7 Picture windows, partial obstruction Two lower berths Private bath Refrigerator Approximately 135 square feet Deck 8 Picture windows, obstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath Refrigerator Approximately 160 square feet

Cabin Category 7

$13,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 7
Select Twin Deck 5 Picture windows, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 190 square feet Deck 8 Oversize windows, partial obstruction Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath Refrigerator Approximately 145 square feet

Cabin Category 8

$14,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 8
Superior Twin Deck 5 Two picture windows, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Sitting area Approximately 210 square feet Deck 7 Forward-Facing Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath with full tub Approximately 180 square feet Deck 7 Picture windows, partial obstruction Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath Refrigerator Approximately 190 square feet

Cabin Category 9

$15,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 9
Junior Suite Deck 5 Picture windows, unobstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath Sitting area Approximately 270 square feet Deck 7 Forward-Facing Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath with full tub Sitting area Refrigerator Approximately 290 square feet

Cabin Category 10

$16,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 10
Suite Deck 7 Forward-Facing Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath with full tub Refrigerator Approximately 310 square feet

Cabin Category 1

$7,395 USD pp
Cabin Category 1
Quad Deck 4 Interior cabin Four lower berths Private bath Approximately 240 square feet

Cabin Category 2

$8,395 USD pp
Cabin Category 2
Triple Deck 4 Interior cabin Three lower berths Two private baths Approximately 200 square feet

Cabin Category 3

$9,695 USD pp
Cabin Category 3
Main Twin Deck 5 Interior cabin Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 120 square feet

Cabin Category 4

$10,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 4
Main Twin Deck 4 Porthole window, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 100 square feet

Cabin Category 5

$11,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 5
Main Twin Deck 5 Picture windows, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 115 square feet

Cabin Category 6

$12,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 6
Comfort Twin Deck 4 Two porthole windows, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 175 square feet Deck 7 Picture windows, partial obstruction Two lower berths Private bath Refrigerator Approximately 135 square feet Deck 8 Picture windows, obstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath Refrigerator Approximately 160 square feet

Cabin Category 7

$13,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 7
Select Twin Deck 5 Picture windows, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Approximately 190 square feet Deck 8 Oversize windows, partial obstruction Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath Refrigerator Approximately 145 square feet

Cabin Category 8

$14,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 8
Superior Twin Deck 5 Two picture windows, unobstructed view Two lower berths Private bath Sitting area Approximately 210 square feet Deck 7 Forward-Facing Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath with full tub Approximately 180 square feet Deck 7 Picture windows, partial obstruction Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath Refrigerator Approximately 190 square feet

Cabin Category 9

$15,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 9
Junior Suite Deck 5 Picture windows, unobstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath Sitting area Approximately 270 square feet Deck 7 Forward-Facing Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath with full tub Sitting area Refrigerator Approximately 290 square feet

Cabin Category 10

$16,995 USD pp
Cabin Category 10
Suite Deck 7 Forward-Facing Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen) Private bath with full tub Refrigerator Approximately 310 square feet

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 137m

Passenger Capacity: 199

Built: 1982 - refurbished 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018

Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout.

Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.

Features of the Ocean Endeavour  

VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool

Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking.

Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica

Cabin layout for Ocean Endeavour

Inclusions


• Voyage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
• Port Fees and any applicable taxes
• All meals on board
• Expedition jacket to keep
• Rubber boots to borrow for the voyage
• On board facilities including fully stocked library, gym, hot tub and sauna
• Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
• Applicable access permits, entry, and park fees
• Knowledgeable Expedition team
• Guided activities while ashore
• Sightseeing and community visits
• All Zodiac excursions
• Comprehensive Pre-departure materials
• On board education program, lectures and interactive workshops
• Nikon Camera Trial Program
• Evening entertainment

Exclusions


• Commercial & charter flights (where applicable)
• Travel Insurance including mandatory Medical Evacuation insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Program enhancements/optional excursions (Eg Kayaking where available)
• Gratuities (Recommended USD$15.00 per passenger per day)
• Personal expenses including any medical expenses incurred on board
• Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
• Possible fuel surcharges
• Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
Ocean Endeavour
British Isles ExpeditionExpedition
11 Days from
$7,395 USD pp

Highlights

• Travel in comfort to Scotland's farthest-flung islands, only accessible by sea

• Immerse yourself in history at standing stones, brochs, ruins, and castles

• Spot seabirds and whales in rich marine environments

• Sample fine Scotch straight from the source

• Get up-close-and-personal to some of Europe's finest cliffs and caves on daily Zodiac rides

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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