Aboard the Ocean Endeavour, we’ll enjoy contemporary comforts as we explore our way out from Glasgow, through the Western isles and the Pentland Firth to Orkney and Shetland. Abundant ecology and spectacular geology beckon adventurers for a closer look. Scotland’s western and northern isles are a dream destination—and for many, a long-awaited return to ancestral homelands. Culture, heritage, and natural history abound here, echoes of Europe’s ancient past.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Appreciate Scotland’s picturesque shorelines and fascinating maritime heritage
- Wander among monuments at the heart of the Neolithic Ornkey UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Marvel at the largest collection of prehistoric megaliths in western Europe
- Experience island life on Foula in the Shetlands
- View the largest seabird colony in the United Kingdom at the cliffs of St. Kilda
- Purchase world-famous Harris Tweed, hand woven from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Glasgow/Greenock, Scotland
- Day 2: Islay
- Day 3: Iona and Staffa
- Day 4: Skye
- Day 5: St. Kilda
- Day 6: Stornoway, Lewis
- Day 7 and 8: Papa Stour and Foula
- Day 9: Fair Isle
- Day 10: Kirkwall, Orkney
- Day 11: Aberdeen, Scotland
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Glasgow/Greenock, Scotland
Begin Your Adventure
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.
Day 2: Islay
Tour the Loch Finlaggan Historic Site
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.
Day 3: Iona and Staffa
Make a Pilgrimage to Iona Abbey and Fingal's Cave
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.
Day 4: Skye
Enjoy Photography, Birdwatching, and Hiking
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.
Day 5: St. Kilda
Journey to St. Kilda UNESCO World Heritage Site
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!
Day 6: Stornoway, Lewis
Witness Modern and Ancient Scottish Culture
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, 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.
Day 7 and 8: Papa Stour and Foula
Take a Zodiac Cruise
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.
Day 9: Fair Isle
Enjoy Birdwatching and Serene Island Culture
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.
Day 10: Kirkwall, Orkney
Visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site
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.
Day 11: Aberdeen, Scotland
Wave a Fond Farewell
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.
Next Departure Date: 13 Jun 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Jun 2025 - 23 Jun 2025 | USD$7395pp | ||
| Category 1 - Quad | USD$7395pp | Contact us | |
| Category 2 - Triple | USD$8395pp | Contact us | |
| Category 3 - Main Twin | USD$9695pp | Contact us | |
| Category 4 - Main Twin | USD$10995pp | Contact us | |
| Category 5 - Main Twin | USD$11995pp | Contact us | |
| Category 6 - Comfort Twin | USD$12995pp | Contact us | |
| Category 7 - Select Twin | USD$13995pp | Contact us | |
| Category 8 - Superior Twin | USD$14995pp | Contact us | |
| Category 9 - Junior Suite | USD$15995pp | Contact us | |
| Category 10 - Suite | USD$16995pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1 - Quad
240 sq. ft, located on deck 4, interior cabin, 4 lower single beds, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, (separate shower room and powder room), TV, telephone.
Category 2 - Triple
200 sq. ft, located on deck 4, interior cabin, 3 lower single beds, 2 private bathrooms, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities., TV, telephone.
Category 3 - Main Twin
120 sq. ft., located on deck 5, 2 single beds, interior cabin, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Category 4 - Main Twin
100 sq. ft., located on deck 4, 2 single beds, exterior cabin, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone, porthole window, unobstructed view.
Category 5 - Main Twin
115 sq. ft., located on deck 5, 2 single beds, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone, picture window, unobstructed view.
Category 6 - Comfort Twin
135-175 sq. ft, 2 single beds or 1 matrimonial bed, 2 porthole windows or picture window, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Category 7 - Select Twin
145-190 sq. ft., 2 single beds or 1 matrimonial bed, window, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Category 8 - Superior Twin
180-210 sq. ft., 2 lower single beds or 1 matrimonial bed, picture windows, unobstructed view, sitting area, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Category 9 - Junior Suite
270-290 sq. ft, picture windows, unobstructed, matrimonial bed, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone, sitting area.
Category 10 - Suite
310 sq. ft., located on deck 7, forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed & private bathroom, bathtub, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Ocean Endeavour Deckplan
Specifications
- Type of vessel: Passenger Cruise Ship
- Capacity: 198 passengers
- Year built: 1982, Settin - Poland
- Refurbished: 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018
- Registry: Bahamas
- Length: 450 ft
- Breadth: 69 ft
- Draft: 19 ft
- Ice Class: 1B
- Main Engines: 4x Skoda Sulzer
- Propellers: 2x variable pitch propellers
- Stabilisers: Girofin stablizers
- Bow-thruster: 600 kW / 800 hP
Whats included?
- Passage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
- Applicable taxes and credit card fees
- Complimentary expedition jacket
- Contribution to Discovery Fund
- Special access permits, entry, and park fees
- Expert expedition team
- Guided activities
- Sightseeing and community visits
- All Zodiac excursions
- Port fees
- Pre-departure materials
- Educational program
- Interactive workshops
- Evening entertainment
- All shipboard meals
What’s not included?
- Commercial and charter flights
- Program enhancements/optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
- Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
- Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!