Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides Cruise
Set out on an unforgettable expedition along Scotland's rugged coasts aboard National Geographic Endurance. From the Isle of Skye and its picturesque villages to the dramatic landscapes of the remote Shetland and Orkney Islands, delve into vivid histories and stunning scenery aboard this intimate, 8-day voyage. Discover archaeological sites steeped in ancient mythology. Explore medieval castles, Viking ruins, and early Christian sites. Beyond Scotland, encounter significant seabird colonies on Northern Ireland’s Rathlin Island. Experience the thrill of true exploration as you spend days charting courses, by Zodiac and on foot, based on the expertise of your expedition leaders, naturalists, and local guides.
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: 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
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.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Start your expedition on Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland’s largest puffin colony, as well as thousands of seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Visit the Rathlin West Light, the “upside down lighthouse” built between 1912-1917. It is in a cave on Rathlin Island that Robert the Bruce, the famous Scottish King, is said to have taken refuge during a fight against the English in 1306, and where he was inspired to keep up the struggle for Scottish independence.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 managed by the National Trust of Scotland. Enjoy a relaxed morning amongst the broad collection of flora while keeping an eye out for the Scottish Big Five of red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal and golden eagle.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rounding the most northern region of the United Kingdom, spend the next three days winding your way south through the Shetland and Orkney Islands. The Shetland Islands are comprised of 16 individual islands and offer the chance to delve into their Viking and Norwegian roots, as well as their farming cultural on the edge of the ocean.
The Orkney Islands offer their 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Edinburgh and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Passenger Capacity: 126
Length: 124 m
Built: 2020
National Geographic Endurance is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel purpose-built for year-round polar navigation. Named in honour of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Endurance expedition, she is the first polar ship in Lindblad’s history designed from the keel up for exploration. With an ice-class rating of PC5 (Category A) and a fully stabilised hull, she grants access to remote and often uncharted corners of the Arctic and Antarctica in exceptional comfort and safety.
Her revolutionary X-Bow®—a striking forward-leaning design—enables superior wave-cutting performance, ensuring a smoother, quieter ride and minimising spray on deck for better wildlife observation. On board, guests enjoy thoughtfully designed public spaces including a wraparound observation lounge, library, and an expedition base for gear and briefings. Dining is offered across three flexible venues, all serving sustainable, locally inspired cuisine. With a full suite of tools for exploration and a design deeply rooted in expedition heritage, Endurance is the ultimate platform for discovering Earth’s most remote regions.
Inclusions
• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
Exclusions
• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
Expedition
Our Associates Include
