Wild Scotland

Having made your way to Edinburgh, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred toour group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collectyour luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with youabout pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase lastminute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh Hotel (or similar)

Edinburgh is to London as poetry is to prose, as Charlotte Brontë once wrote. One of the world's stateliest cities and proudest capitals, it's built—like Rome—on seven hills, making it a striking backdrop for the ancient pageant of history. In a skyline of sheer drama, Edinburgh Castle watches over the capital city, frowning down on Princes Street’s glamour and glitz. But despite its rich past, the city’s famous festivals, excellent museums and galleries, as well as the modern Scottish Parliament, are reminders that Edinburgh has its feet firmly in the 21st century.Nearly everywhere in Edinburgh (the burgh is always pronounced burra in Scotland) there are spectacular buildings, whose Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian pillars add touches of neoclassical grandeur to the largely Presbyterian backdrop. Large gardens are a strong feature of central Edinburgh, where the city council is one of the most stridently conservationist in Europe. Arthur's Seat, a mountain of bright green and yellow furze, rears up behind the spires of the Old Town. This child-size mountain jutting 822 feet above its surroundings has steep slopes and little crags, like a miniature Highlands set down in the middle of the busy city. Appropriately, these theatrical elements match Edinburgh's character—after all, the city has been a stage that has seen its fair share of romance, violence, tragedy, and triumph.Modern Edinburgh has become a cultural capital, staging the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival in every possible venue each August. The stunning Museum of Scotland complements the city’s wealth of galleries and artsy hangouts. Add Edinburgh’s growing reputation for food and nightlife and you have one of the world’s most beguiling cities.Today the city is the second most important financial center in the United Kingdom, and the fifth most important in Europe. The city regularly is ranked near the top in quality-of-life surveys. Accordingly, New Town apartments on fashionable streets sell for considerable sums. In some senses the city is showy and materialistic, but Edinburgh still supports learned societies, some of which have their roots in the Scottish Enlightenment. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, for example, established in 1783 "for the advancement of learning and useful knowledge," remains an important forum for interdisciplinary activities.Even as Edinburgh moves through the 21st century, its tall guardian castle remains the focal point of the city and its venerable history. Take time to explore the streets—peopled by the spirits of Mary, Queen of Scots; Sir Walter Scott; and Robert Louis Stevenson—and pay your respects to the world's best-loved terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. In the evenings you can enjoy candlelit restaurants or a folk ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, a traditional Scottish dance with music), though you should remember that you haven't earned your porridge until you've climbed Arthur's Seat. Should you wander around a corner, say, on George Street, you might see not an endless cityscape, but blue sea and a patchwork of fields. This is the county of Fife, beyond the inlet of the North Sea called the Firth of Forth—a reminder, like the mountains to the northwest that can be glimpsed from Edinburgh's highest points, that the rest of Scotland lies within easy reach.

After breakfast, check-out and bring your luggage to the foyer. Please place any items required today in your handluggage as your main bag will be transferred to the ship.Edinburgh awaits us this morning as our local guide welcomes us with stories of Scotland's capital city. Stretchingjust over one mile, five cobblestoned streets make up the walking precinct of the Royal Mile. Starting at The Palaceof Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, we’ll step back in time to hear tales ofprinces, poets, and politicians as we stroll past some of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings including the Church ofCanongate and Scotland's own parliament house.Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominatedScotland’s long and colourful history. This instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part ofEdinburgh’s World Heritage Site. Note: entry to the castle is not guaranteed (tickets not available until closer todeparture).You’ll have time to explore the castle precinct and Royal Mile which are scattered with friendly pubs and charismaticrestaurants (lunch own expense). Our two-hour transfer takes us to the west coast port of Troon where ourexpedition team will welcome you aboard the Greg Mortimer in the late afternoon.Once onboard, settle into your cabin before our important briefings. We will set sail along Scotland's northwestcoast in the evening and meet your expedition team and crew.

From golden beaches to jagged peaks, bleak moors and heather clad hills; from abandoned settlements topicturesque villages, our days in the Hebrides archipelago will be packed with variety. We may explore remote lochsbeneath some of Britain’s most untamed mountains and wander between unusual rock formations. We may watch for whales, dolphins, otters, seals, and the increasingly rare basking sharks. Possibly we will land at an island reservethat is home to red deer and white-tailed sea eagles.Kayakers will be introduced to their craft and will be briefed for their adventures, before picking up paddles tocircumnavigate tiny islets or glide into narrow waterways that intertwine the islands. Hikers may opt for panoramicviews from summits and ridges.Early the next morning we will aim for the tiny island of Iona. Barely 5 kilometres (3 miles) long, Iona is renowned asthe birthplace of Christianity in Britain. It is also a burial ground of early Scottish Kings. The Irish monk, St Columbaand twelve disciples, landed here and founded a monastery in 563 CE. From this base, St Columba set aboutconverting Scotland and much of Northern England to Christianity.On Staffa, we hope to have the chance to explore Fingals Cave, where the melodious sound of waves crashingagainst towering basalt pillars inspired Mendelssohnns Hebridean Overture. We may enter the cave in Zodiacs, orclamber ashore to walk into the mouth of the cave. On shore we will also find Puffins in abundance.We plan to land on remote Isle of Eigg just south of the rugged Isle of Skye for wonderful hikes among stunningwildflowers. The wildlife, history, geology and beautiful scenery make it one of our favourite islands to explore.We hope to make the following landings: The Cuillin Hills have earned a reputation as Britain’s most untamed andchallenging mountains. The rocky jagged Black Cuillins attract rock climbers. The smoother conical granite peaks ofthe Red Cuillins are crowned with heather. We may land at Loch Scavaig in the heart of the Cuillins and take a shorthike, perhaps to Loch Coruisk, for spectacular views and get a glimpse of the range’s grandeur. Keener hikers may beable to venture further afield, weather permitting. Meanwhile kayakers may paddle around Loch Scavaig, into LochCoruisk. They may explore the island of Soay and an abandoned shark fishing station – all against the backdrop ofclassic views of the Cuillins.

From the Inner Hebrides we make our way to the Outer Hebrides – also known as the Western Isles – that stretch for209 kilometres (128 miles) and look out on their western side to the Atlantic Ocean. Our first stop is at the Isle ofLewis, the largest and northern-most island in the Outer Hebrides. We plan to make a stop at Callanais, wherearchaeology buffs will be keen to see the fascinating group of Standing Stones, dating from around 3,000 BCE.Weather permitting, we plan to land at the isolated archipelago (and World Heritage site) of St Kilda, where derelictcrofts bear testament to the fortitude of islanders who once tended the unique Soay sheep and harvested seabirdsfor food—and to pay their rent in the form of wool, meat and feathers. The isles hold Europe’s most importantseabird colony and is home to Britain’s highest sea stacks.

Discover the rich history in Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. Initial impressions are misleading, as the harbourarea looks modern, but the narrow winding streets and lanes of the old town, which have remained relativelyunchanged over the centuries are appealing. Everything west of Kirkwall is known as West Mainland, an area of richfarmland, rolling hills and moorland, with dramatic cliffs along the Atlantic coastline. Some of the mainarchaeological attractions we may see include the standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and thechambered tombs of Maes Howes that to this day still have unresolved mysteries.Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1: Orkney Treasures - Skara BraeEmbark on a journey through the serene countryside, venturing into the World Heritage heartland of the Orkney’s,celebrated for its abundance of prehistoric archaeology. Traverse past the awe-inspiring Standing Stones of Stennessand make a pause at the Ring of Brodgar—an immense ceremonial stone circle with roots reaching back nearly 5000years. Continue your exploration to the ancient village of Skara Brae, a settlement that has withstood the test oftime for 5000 years. Delve into its rich history, thoughtfully interpreted at the visitor centre, and witness theremarkable dwellings unveiled from beneath the sand dunes by storms a mere 150 years ago. A short 200-meterstroll leads to Skaill House, a distinguished manor and Orkney's finest. Constructed in 1620 by Bishop GeorgeGraham on the grounds of a farmstead believed to date back to the Norse period, Skaill House boasts a 400-yearlegacy. All 12 of its Lairds throughout history are interconnected, each contributing to the house's storied history andimpressive collection. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales and artifacts within the walls of this historic manor, atestament to the enduring heritage of Orkney.Option 2: The Heart of Neolithic OrkneyPass through the gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a WorldHeritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Stop at the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle ofstones dating back almost 5000 years. Next take a short coach journey to marvel at the smaller, yet taller and moreancient Standing Stones of Stenness, currently the oldest known stone circle in Europe. Ponder upon its creation andhear of folk tales and traditions inspired by its mysterious and elusive magnificence. Wander along to Barnhouse, anancient Neolithic village and part of Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the houses and learn abouteveryday lives of the Neolithic people who built these structures. Pause to appreciate the serene bird hide nestledalong Harray Loch, offering a tranquil interlude in nature. Conclude your day with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, atestament to the Vikings' architectural prowess during their 500-year reign over the islands. This unique tourpromises a fresh perspective, unveiling the lesser-explored facets of Orkney's Neolithic legacy and inviting you toconnect with its mysterious and enduring history.

In bustling Kirkwall, the main town on Orkney, there's plenty to see in the narrow, winding streets extending from the harbor. The cathedral and some museums are highlights.

At the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray lies the earliest known house in Northern Europe, occupied by Neolithicfarmers over 5,000 years ago. Here we are welcomed by the friendly locals. Enjoy the lively Scottish dance and folkensemble, "Poor Man's Corner," hailing from Papa Westray, set to grace the local pub with their spirited tunes.Mingle and enjoy a few drinks, while listening to the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms.Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similarlatitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeologicalsites and offer a taste of traditional island life. We plan to explore some of the following sites:In Lerwick, learn stories of smugglers, fisherman, Vikings and fictional detectives as you walk around Shetland’sbustling capital. Lerwick may mean ‘muddy bay’ in Old Norse but there’s nothing damp or gloomy about this thrivingseaport. Take a guided walking tour of the town and learn all about its history and most iconic buildings.With its mile-long seabird cliffs, the Island of Noss is a National Nature Reserve. In breeding season the sound ofaround 150,000 birds and chicks fills the air. Millions of years of wind and ice have honeycombed thousands ofnesting ledges in sandstone cliffs almost 200-metres / 656-feet high. Resident seals and visiting otters feed in densekelp around the shores.Jarlshof is one of Shetland's best preserved and most complex archaeological sites. It was exposed by storms in thelate 19th century. The Old House of Sumburgh, built here in the 17th century, was named 'Jarlshof' by Sir WalterScott in his novel 'The Pirate'. The record of human occupation dates from around 3,200 BCE. Jarlshof’s main BronzeAge site is the house of a bronzesmith working around 800 BC. Clay moulds into which molten bronze was pouredrevealed that he was casting axe heads and short swords. It seems that Shetland suited early Norse settlers, for theyquickly settled here and left their mark on Shetland's history for ages to come.Mousa Broch, on the small uninhabited island of Mousa, is the best preserved of Scotland’s 570 brochs (fortified IronAge towers). Storm petrels nest among its stones, which can be seen when visiting the broch at night. In daylight, alarge colony of common and grey seals basks on its shores, and you may spot otter (Dratsi, in Shetland dialect).

Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station, and is alsofamous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. About five kilometres by three kilometres / three miles by two miles inarea, it is surrounded by impressive cliffs. The 70 or so islanders mainly live in traditional crofts on the more fertilelow-lying southern part of the island.A bird watchers’ paradise, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe.In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins. The Isle is anexcellent place to view seabirds, especially puffins at close range. Fair Isle also has over 250 species of floweringplants, including wetland flowers, rare orchids, alpine species and common wildflowers. We’ll be welcomed by thehospitable villagers and may take a hike or visit the museum. Grey and common seals inhabit these waters aroundFair Isle, while sharp eyes may spot harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, killerwhales (orcas) and minke whales.

On arrival in Aberdeen, disembark in the early morning and bid a fond farewell to fellow travellers before a transferto the airport to continue your journey.Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we recommend booking flights departing after 12.00 pm on the day ofdisembarkation in case there are delays.

With close to 220,000 inhabitants, Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city. Locally quarried grey granite was used during the mid-18th to mid-20th centuries for many of Aberdeen's buildings, and hence the nicknames it has earned as the Granite City, or the Grey City. Aberdeen granite was also used to build the terraces of the Houses of Parliament and Waterloo Bridge in London. Since the discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s, Aberdeen has also been called the Oil Capital of Europe or the Energy Capital of Europe. It is no wonder that because of the oil fields in the North Sea, Aberdeen's seaport is very important. The Heliport with its flights to the oil fields is one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world.