The Isles of Scotland are the stuff of legend — dramatic coastlines, ancient stories, and a culture all their own. On this 10-day expedition cruise through the Shetland, Orkney, and Hebrides islands, you’ll experience it all. Starting in Glasgow and journeying northward, you’ll sail through wild, remote landscapes teeming with seabirds, history, and rugged beauty. From the craggy cliffs of St. Kilda to the white-sand beaches of the Shetlands, each island has its own vibe and its own story to tell. With every Zodiac ride and misty horizon, you’ll fall a little more under Scotland’s spell.
Marine wildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Age Range
10-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leith, Orkne
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leith, Orkney Islands, Thurso
30% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Begin in vibrant London, where royal landmarks and a scenic Thames cruise set the tone. Explore the academic allure of Oxford, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, and the musical spirit of Liverpool before heading to historic York. Continue north to Scotland, where you’ll discover the cultural richness of Glasgow, cruise the serene waters of Loch Lomond, and uncover the legend of Loch Ness. With visits to whisky distilleries, castle ruins, and the regal city of Edinburgh, this tour is a captivating blend of history, scenery, and unforgettable experiences
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Edinburgh, Stratford-upo
London, Edinburgh, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Inverness, Scottish Borders
Discover the country’s most iconic sites and the stories behind them on this tour of England. Explore London’s landmarks, walk through university towns like Oxford and Cambridge, and visit the landscapes that inspired legends from Robin Hood to Harry Potter. Travel through the Peak District, stop in market towns and enjoy local flavours along the way. You’ll find yourself on an unforgettable journey through the heart of England.
Explore Scotland's wild islands, home to some of the world's largest seabird colonies, including adorable puffin and noisy Arctic tern. The Scottish isles are a bird watcher's paradise with species such as fulmar, kittiwake, guillemot, gannet and shag too. Your ship will get you as close to these sightings as possible, but you can also take to the water in Zodiacs to really get the most out of your wildlife experiences. Seal will frolic close to you and you may encounter whale and dolphin swimming around you. Back on land, discover ancient sites, huge monoliths and remote, picturesque villages in the Hebrides, Shetlands and little-visited tiny isles surrounding the mainland. This is a diverse exploration of rugged and remote Scottish islands, from a unique vantage point.
Visit St. Kilda - a World Heritage Site
Zodiac cruise through spectacular lochs - home to seal, dolphin and basking shark.
On the Shetland Islands - uncover captivating history through a visit to an Iron Age broch.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Loved the organization of our Scotland trip! Steven, our guide, was excellent! Some of my favorite trips were Bosnia and Beyond and Baltics in Winter (older version). Great communication with the US office in planning.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Edinburgh, Dunblane, Loch Ness
Edinburgh, Dunblane, Loch Ness, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park
Tick off Europe’s top destinations on this Europe Christmas & New Year tour. See London's sights and cruise the Rhine River in Germany and Amsterdam's canals. Capture famous landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower. Spend Christmas Day in the snowy Swiss Alps and visit the medieval town of Bruges. Taste and toast your way through Europe this festive season, savouring local delights in each country. Enjoy lunch at a British pub, indulge in Bavarian delights, sample Tuscan cuisine and try traditional Belgium waffles!
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey to the edge of Scotland. Departing from Edinburgh, search for 'Nessie' at Loch Ness and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and ancient history of Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. Explore Neolithic wonders, stroll along pristine beaches, and uncover the secrets of remote islands. With an expert guide leading the way, this adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Scotland's wild and enchanting far north.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Uncover the best of Southern England in a week on this group tour from London, staying in 3-star hotels. Explore the Isle of Wight, including the holiday home of Queen Victoria and see the mysterious Neolithic Stonehenge. Visit the purported birthplace of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle, drive through the wild landscapes of Dartmoor and spend two nights in coastal Exeter. Wander around the pretty Cornish village of Port Isaac, see St Michael's Mount and admire the view from Land's End, the UK's most westerly point. Stop in Glastonbury to see the 7th century abbey on your way back to London.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Isle Of Wight, Exeter, Falmouth
London, Isle Of Wight, Exeter, Falmouth
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Uncover the best of Southern England in a week on this group tour from London. Explore the Isle of Wight, including the holiday home of Queen Victoria and see the mysterious Neolithic Stonehenge. Visit the purported birthplace of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle, drive through the wild landscapes of Dartmoor and spend two nights in coastal Exeter. Wander around the pretty Cornish village of Port Isaac, see St Michael's Mount and admire the view from Land's End, the UK's most westerly point. Stop in Glastonbury to see the 7th century abbey on your way back to London.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Isle Of Wight, Exeter, Falmouth
London, Isle Of Wight, Exeter, Falmouth
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Climb aboard for an unforgettable expedition through the wild, windswept Isles of Scotland. Starting near Glasgow, you’ll sail along the rugged northeast and northwest coasts, weaving through some of Europe’s most enchanting and remote islands before wrapping up in historic Edinburgh. Think dramatic cliffs, misty hills, and ancient landscapes that feel straight out of folklore. Keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife — especially seabirds — and soak up the rich traditions, bold flavours, and untamed beauty that make Scotland feel like its own magical world.
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
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Inverness, Ullapool, Cul Mor, Ga
Inverness, Ullapool, Cul Mor, Gairlochy, Isle of Skye
Experience the best of Scotland, from its dramatic Highlands and rugged islands to its rich cultural heritage, on a journey thoughtfully designed to support the environment, local communities and heritage preservation. With more MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences and sustainable partners than ever, this tour ensures your travels have a positive impact. Meet a descendant of Robert the Bruce at his ancestral home; visit the Balmoral Estate, a royal favourite of King Charles; and explore the revival of tartan at Prickly Thistle, Scotland’s first B-Corp certified textile mill. Search for seals, whales and seabirds in the pristine waters off Dornoch Bay and the Isle of Mull, supporting conservation-focused local operators. Unwind in luxury at Cameron House on the edge of Loch Lomond, where you can glide across the loch on an elegant champagne cruise—all while embracing a new era of responsible, high-end travel.