Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
This was my first trip with Explore but I hope it will not be my last. The trip was great, the food and accommodations were better than expected, and the guides were exceptional.
City sightseeingWalking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Fabulous trip, if too rushed at the beginning. If we could set off on day 1 from Inverness earlier in the day it would be preferable. Days were a bit rushed, too, leaving hardly any time to explore/do anything in Kirkwall, since they rool up tge sidewalk at 4:30 or 5pm. Marco did great job of altering itinerary to accommodate those who wanted time in town. An additional day, however unwieldy for the tour operator, could easily solve it. On last day, the later departure from Kirkwall helped too. The walks and Neolithic sites were great, made incredible by the fantastic sunny weather we were lucky enough to have. The guides providing dinner reservations for the group was helpful too, as the place seemed quite busy.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
If you dream of wild coasts, ancient history, and rare wildlife, the "Wild Scotland - M/V Sylvia Earle" tour is your chance to experience the untamed spirit of the Scottish isles. Over 12 days, this guided small group trip sets sail from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, showcasing remote archipelagos and scenic villages that few travelers ever reach.
Marvel at colossal seabird colonies, from adorable puffins to vocal Arctic terns, as your ship navigates rugged coastlines and dramatic lochs. Zodiac excursions bring you up close to playful seals, and with luck, the sight of whales or dolphins cresting the waves. On land, explore the ancient wonders of the Hebrides, Shetlands, and other little-visited isles where history lives in Iron Age brochs and windswept ruins.
Highlights include a visit to the World Heritage Site of St. Kilda and immersive Zodiac cruises through spectacular waterways teeming with marine life. The tour’s unique selling point is its rare access to Scotland’s most remote natural havens, offering birdwatchers and nature lovers a front-row seat to some of Europe’s most pristine environments—an unforgettable exploration by land and sea.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Ready for an adventure that redefines island cruising? The "Wild Scotland - M/V Greg Mortimer" trip is a relaxed-paced exploration designed for travelers with a keen eye for nature and history. Over 12 days, journey from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, navigating the rugged beauty of Oban, the Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, and beyond. Glide through spectacular lochs by Zodiac, spotting playful seals, dolphins, and even basking sharks. The Scottish isles are a haven for birdwatchers, home to vast colonies of puffin, Arctic tern, and gannet. On land, ancient sites and remote villages await discovery, including the UNESCO-listed St. Kilda and Iron Age remnants on the Shetland Islands. Accommodation, transport, and meals are all part of this comprehensive cruise package. The unique selling point? This tour offers unparalleled wildlife encounters, from seabirds to sea mammals, all explored from the comfort of a modern expedition vessel—truly the ultimate way to experience Scotland’s wild, seldom-seen side.
Cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the wild isles of Scotland - from the windswept Hebrides, inhabited for over 8,000 years, to the verdant Orkney Islands, where ancient Neolithic and Viking sites conjure images of long-lost civilizations. Zodiac-cruise past sea-sculpted coastlines, watching for dolphins and seals, and photograph seabirds in one of Europe's largest seabird colonies. Visit charming villages, meet the friendly locals, and perhaps even sample a wee dram of Scotland's finest.
Dramatic Sea Cliffs - Marvel at the towering cliffs of the Isle of Noss, home to thousands of gannets, guillemots, and fulmars in a spectacular seabird colony.
Ancient Settlements - Explore the prehistoric and Norse site of Jarlshof, where Iron Age brochs and wheelhouses reveal layers of human history.
Viking Heritage - Discover the rugged beauty and rich Norse legacy of the Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago steeped in myth and tradition.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
