At a Glance
MULTI-TRIP PROMOTION Save 10% on each expedition when you book two or more selected expeditions in 2023, and a whopping 30% on each expedition when you book two or more in 2024. This promotion is combinable with Free Single Supplement. Not combinable with any other offers or incentives. Based on availability. Expeditions must sail in the same calendar year. Additional terms and conditions apply*.
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Escape from bustling life to the peace-inducing deserted isles of Scotland as you aboard the Ocean Endeavor to embark on a journey from Aberdeen to Glasgow. Immerse into the captivating scenes of isles, bountiful wildlife, astonishing culture, and a phenomenal bird-watching experience on this 11-day small ship expedition.
Your pursuit of Scottish adventure begins with a visit to Aberdeen where the old ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All transfers as specified in the itinerary
- All onboard meals with afternoon tea and snacks all round
- 10 nights' accommodation aboard the luxury Ocean Endeavour on a twin share basis
- Interactive workshops, educational programs & Nikon camera trial program
- Guided activities, sightseeing and community visits as specified
- Access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic
- Complimentary expedition jackets and photography equipment
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Special access permits, entry, park & port fees
- Evening entertainment
- All zodiac excursions
- Expert expedition team
- NOTE: $528 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day) is an additional charge
Itinerary
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Commence your day with self-led exploration in Aberdeen. Board the Ocean Endeavor for an evening departure. Come across a lot of old-fashioned stone structures in Aberdeen, built using granite. The high quantities of mica present in stones give them a silvery spark. Get fascinated by the acclaimed city's highlights namely, forty-five parks, gardens, and floral exhibits. Pay a visit to riveting museums and well-known golf courses. For the food lovers tantalize your taste bud with some delicious bites of food ranging from seafood to pub fare and sip on the world-renowned Scottish Whiskey. Meander along its old world charm traversing art galleries, science center and central library. |
Ocean Endeavour 
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, uncover the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom, mystic Fair Isle lies amid rich fishing grounds halfway from the Orkneys to the Shetlands. This former Viking hub belonged to Norway until the fifteenth century. Now it’s an idyllic colony of roughly sixty-five shepherds and craftspeople, the latter of whom are famous for their knitted wool sweaters. Fair Isle is also celebrated for its birds: some 350 species flocks here, including fulmars, kittiwakes, skuas (locally called “bonxies”), and the sweetest wee puffins you’ll ever see. Spot great skuas, the rare species found here in abundance. Spend time exploring the cultural charms of Fair Isle. Give a visit to the local museum that preserves the island’s heritage and get acquainted with the local culture. Compliment the arts, knitwear, and crafts of the talented craftsmen of the island. Explore the lighthouse, climb up the spiral stairs and reach the top to gaze at the widespread waters. You can benefit more from walking than any other means of transport while exploring Fair Isle. Stroll by the coast, take the route to North Haven or simply observe the crofts and cliff scenes. |
Ocean Endeavour Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
This morning takes a splash aboard a Zodiac cruise, the ideal ride for spectating a blooming avifauna and aquatic creatures along the rugged coast. Enjoy the sight of local Grey Seals as they peep out from the waters. Marvel at the bird life among Papa Stour’s cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and blowholes. For the fortunate souls, encounter dolphins, seals, and seabirds to photograph their candid shots. Call into the sweet and petite Foula, 23km west of the Shetland Islands, and home to just a few dozen folks. Admire how these locals preserve traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence. Explore is scenic villages and encounter sociable residents along the way. Be on the lookout for Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas that may be found here. |
Ocean EndeavourBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
A part of you that loves ancient philosophy will be pleased to spend some valuable time in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 5000 years old exceptional stone structures that are creations of people from the Orkney Islands, will stun you. Each one of the four hearts of Neolithic Orkney sites is a Neolithic design, a long-lived marvel of architecture in its own right. Altogether the four hearts turn out to be one of Western Europe’s finest Neolithic landscapes. Discover the wondrous marvels of Heart of Neolithic Orkney like a well-preserved settlement of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the huge chambered tomb of Maeshowe, and the Stones of Stenness. The four monuments in the heart visually depict life in the distant archipelago stretching five thousand years back in time. Visit the long-standing Hall of Clestrain, the birthplace of renowned Arctic Explorer, John Rae. Saunter around the City of Kirkwall to get a glimpse of Scottish cosmopolitan life. |
Ocean EndeavourBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Fill your day with an exploration of modern and ancient Scottish culture. Stornoway, a port town is the biggest administrative center of the Outer Hebrides. Stornoway welcomes anyone who wants to embark on Hebridean adventures in Lewis. The Lewis Isle has got many unique island adventures under its belt, making your stay quite memorable. The Lews Castle, The Lews Castle Museum, and Archive are the must-watch landmarks for anyone who wants to learn about the thousand years old history of the island. Scout around for shops that sell the island’s renowned tweed. Know the narrative behind the lofty Callanish’s standing stones. At the Callanish visitor center, you can unwind and have a sip of coffee or admire the arts and shop for gifts. Walk in the gardens or parks or upgrade the knowledge of history-geek within you by giving a visit to locations like Latta's Mill Stornoway, Ness Historical Society, and Carloway Broch. The Outer Hebrides is a paradise for history enthusiasts, featuring a number of museums and cultural landmarks. |
Ocean EndeavourBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Have an exhilarating moment as you step your foot on peaceful St Kilda, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A remote tiny place which has had no inhabitants since 1930. You can locate the ruins of the inhabitants - three old chapels and the house called, ‘Amazon’s House.’ The view of oceans from the mighty cliffs is one of the ethereal experiences in Scotland. Hike gorgeous cliffs of the lonely island. Espy the sounds as well as toing and froing of numerous seabirds for whom the island of Hirta is a breeding ground. Spot the feral sheep, the sheep that emigrating islanders behind them. The islands of the St. Kilda archipelago hallmark great bird diversity and human history as well. For around 4000 years, the human population has resided here, depending on gannets, fulmars, and puffins for food, oil, and feathers. The absence of trees over the entire island will bemuse you. Despite no trees, you will witness that the place doesn’t lose even a bit of its awesomeness. |
Ocean EndeavourBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Board the Zodiac cruise to seek peace at the uninhabited islands of Outer Hebrides. Navigate around a mesmerizing cluster of 100 islands located seventy kilometers off the west coast of Scotland. Some deserted islands can only be accessed by Zodiac. Behold the archaeological ruins that divulge the good old evidence of humans dwelling in Scotland. The scenic islands are an ideal place to declutter the worries from your busy lifestyle and inhale the gushes of pure Hebridean air. Even in the absence of human habitats, there’s a lot of life on these islands in the form of birds and marine creatures. Take note of birds like puffins, fulmars, and kittiwake, and spot whales and dolphins in the Atlantic waters. Also, observe a great range of seabirds from razorbills to gulls. Admire the beauteous Taransay island, home to red deer and sea birds, also surprising the visitors with its abundant flora. The Outer Hebrids is full of islands having unresolved tales. Cherish the transcendental experience as you traverse the tranquilizing waters that take you to the far-flung isles, one of the most peaceful locations on the globe. |
Ocean EndeavourBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Arrive at one of the finest places that allures photographers, hikers, and birdwatchers alike. Skye is one of the most toured locations in Scotland. On the southwestern shore of the island is a beautiful freshwater lake named Loch Coruisk. Skye measuring 50 miles in length, gives you the freedom to choose from a range of activities performed on the foot like hiking, strolling, or trekking among the magnificent landscapes and mountains. The Cuillin Range and the Trotternish Ridge offer exciting clambers for adventurous trekkers. The views on the top will take your breath away. Enjoy as many or as few walks in Skye and be captivated by the ancient ruins, pools, beaches, lighthouses, and many natural and cultural wonders. Be glued to the wildlife around the isles of Skye like otters playing in the waters, seals relaxing near the shores, dolphins jumping in and out of the sea, and red deer grazing. If you’re lucky, the breathtaking sight of the White-Tailed Sea Eagle will astound you. |
Ocean EndeavourBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Set out for an adventure in beautiful caves that have distinctive history. Visit Iona, the Holy Isle, where St, Columba built his monastery. Be hooked on the marvelously revived Iona Abbey complex, conserving two illustrious crosses dating from the seventh century. Sail on the Zodiac cruise that will take you to the Isle of Staffa. The rugged coast of Staffa abounds with many caves and basaltic formations. The most prominent cave of Staffa, the Fingal's cave holds an unparalleled history and geology. The seals and seabirds may greet you on your way. The visually appealing Hexagonal basalt columns from the inner walls of the sea cave measure 72 feet tall and 270 feet deep. This marvel is the outcome of lava. The fractured columns hardly form an elementary bridge above the water level to make way for you to further explore the inside of the cave. The cave’s vaulted roofs echo the sound of ocean waves inside. See for yourself why it is originally known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave” and provided the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides. |
Ocean EndeavourBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, uncover the majesties of the Islay Isle, named as ‘whiskey coast’ of west Scotland where you will get to taste the briny whiskeys. The whiskeys here are said to be the finest in the world. For the Scotch lovers, embark on an adventure to its famed distilleries. Call into Loch Finlaggan's historic site, the homeland of the lords of Isles and Clan Donald between the 13th to 15 centuries. Stop by the visitor’s center for ancient artifacts. Head towards one of the topmost undomesticated sites in the world. At Loch Gruinart catch sight of Greenland barnacle and, corncrake, hen harrier, Greenland white-fronted geese, and otter. Explore the Gruinart Nature Reserve where grasslands are cultivated at the site to preserve species of corncrakes by providing them a breeding ground in summers. Notice the various flavors of the Gruinart Nature reserve which is embellished with wet grasslands, moorland, blanket bog, saltmarsh, and broadleaved woodland. |
Ocean EndeavourBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Leaving inspired and content, end your journey by disembarking the Ocean Endeavour from Greenock in the morning and taking a coach transfer to Glasgow. Say your farewells in this city of rich maritime history that was a major shipbuilding and import centre. Note: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
The price is based on Comfort Cabin Category 6 (Double/Twin). Please contact us for available cabins and prices. NOTE: plus $528 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day). Free Single Supplement (see details below).
More Info
- The departure point is Aberdeen
- The finish point is Glasgow
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Aberdeen
In Scotland, the summers are warm and humid, the winters are very cold and snowy, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 24°F to 85°F and is rarely below 11°F or above 93°F. Scotland's oceanic climate is generally cool and very wet. The average annual high temperature is around 11 degrees Celsius (51° Fahrenheit). The day to day weather can vary enormously and is very unpredictably. The east coast has a marginally more continental climate than the west, which has drier weather, sunnier summers and colder winters.
The wettest parts of Scotland experience an average of 250 days of rain per year, whereas the driest parts only experience an average of about 150 days of rain per year. The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days, whereas on the peaks and mountains the number of days with snow falling is on average 100 days.
Vessel: Ocean Endeavour
Capacity: 198 passengers
Length: 137 metres (450 ft.)
Draft: 5.8metres (19 ft.)
Main Engines: 4 x Skoda Sulzer 6ZL40/48
Propellers: 2 x variable pitch propellers
Cruising speed: 15 knots
Crew: 124
Ice Class: 1B
Lifeboats: 6
Life rafts: 12
Safety Features: 6 fully enclosed lifeboats and 8 life rafts. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull and the lifeboat and life raft capacity exceeds SOLAS requirements with at least 25% additional capacity above the number of people on board.
The Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges, and a panoramic top deck observation room, she is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to explore throughout the polar summers. Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2018. At 137 meters in length, the Ocean Endeavour has plenty of interior and exterior space. Ample deck space offers comfortable lounge chairs, a swimming pool, two saunas, and a hot tub. The spacious interior allows for varied workshops and presentations to occur simultaneously. The three lounges aboard the Ocean Endeavour are optimal locations for seminars, events, parties, and conversation. Other facilities: Mud Room, Gym, Laundry, Medical Clinic, Elevator service (decks 3-6).
Category 10 (Suite)
Deck seven: orward-facing pic-ture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator. Approx. 310 sq. Ft.
Category 9 (Junior Suite)
Deck five: picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, sitting area — approx. 270 sq. ft. Deck seven forward: forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, sitting area, private bath with full tub, refrigerator. Approx. 290 sq. Ft.
Category 8 (Superior Twin / Double)
Deck five: two picture windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths, sit-ting area — approx. 210 sq. ft. Deck seven forward: forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub — approx. 180 sq. ft. Deck seven midship: picture windows, partial obstruc-tion; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 190 sq. Ft.
Category 7 (Select Twin / Double)
Deck five: picture windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths, approx. 190 sq. ft.
Deck eight: oversize windows, partial obstruction; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 145 sq. Ft.
Category 6 (Comfort Twin / Double)
Deck four: two porthole windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths. Approx. 175 sq. ft. Deck seven: picture window, partial obstruction; two lower berths. Approx. 135 sq. ft.
Deck eight: picture windows, obstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 160 sq. Ft.
Category 5 (Main Twin)
Deck five: picture window, unobstructed view; two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 115 sq. ft.
Category 4 (Exterior Twin)
Deck four: porthole window, unobstructed view; two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin) / 90 sq. ft. (single).
Category 3 (Interior Twin)
Deck five: interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin) / 110 sq. ft. (single).
Category 2 (Triple)
Deck four: interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths. Approx. 200 sq. ft.
Category 1 (Quad)
Deck four: interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath. Approx. 240 sq. Ft.
Expedition Jackets: (Complimentary) You will receive a complimentary expedition jacket to keep you protected from the elements. Designed specifically for expedition travel, your jacket is waterproof and windproof. This jacket is yours to keep as a coveted and useful memento of your adventure.
Nikon Camera Trial Program: (Complimentary) Travellers aboard Ocean Endeavour expeditions will be able to use precision, professional-quality photography equipment courtesy of the onboard Nikon Camera Trial Program. Together, we empower our guests to create truly dynamic images and tell vibrant stories.
Qajaq/Kayak: (Additional Cost) Explore at sea level in small groups with our experienced kayak guides. We offer excursions on double kayaks, as well as the essential gear for safety and comfort.
Biking: (Additional Cost) Experience communities and landscapes at your own pace! For fitness enthusiasts and independent explorers, we carry a fleet of Kona mountain bikes. These multi-geared, all-purpose bikes are available during select community excursions.
For those who prefer not to share, we have a limited quantity of cabins in Category 3 through to Category 7 with no single supplement!
When travelling on Ocean Endeavour, solo travellers can take advantage of a limited quantity of cabins in Category 3 through to Category 7 with no single supplement! Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee is 1.5 times the berth cost.
If you are willing to share a cabin, you may choose to book a berth in cabin categories 1-7 (based on availability) and Adventure Canada will pair you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. If you consent to share, but we do not find you a roommate, you do not pay extra.
Single occupancy in Categories 8–10 is available at full double-occupancy rates.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
