Scottish Highlands and Islands
Daily Itinerary 12 Days / 11 Nights

PS89-14
May 18 - 29, 2009

We continue our exploration of these remote coastlines with a further foray into the mystique of the Scottish highlands and islands. So many of these places are difficult or impossible to access from land. From Fingal’s Cave and St. Kilda’s blackhouses of the Hebrides area, we head eastward to the remote Shetland, Orkneys and Fair Isles. It is a journey that explores and celebrates the tenacity of the people of the area through time. Fantastic bird life abounds in this spring season of nesting.

DAY 1: (Scotland) The charming sheltered seaside town of Oban seems a natural starting point for this program.
DAY 2: Our first stop takes us to the beautifully restored Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull and later the ship brings us to the charming waterside community of Tobermory for a whiskey distillery visit.
DAY 3: Excellent views from the ship give an insight into Fingal’s Cave on Staffa and if the weather is kind there will be a Zodiac cruise or walk into this evocative cave. Nearby Iona is home to the Abbey and burial grounds of Scottish kings.
DAY 4:  A walk in the Cuillins in Loch Scavaig takes us in search of a reported seal colony. Later in the day visit Kinloch Castle on Rum, a remarkably quirky castle.
DAY 5: The crofters of St. Kilda lived a harsh life and hunted the nesting seabirds. Although the original people are all gone, descendents of the tenacious birds inhabit the cliffs of this island and the nearby Boreray sea stacks.
DAY 6: On the northern coast of Isle of Skye, explore Dunvegan Castle, seat of the clan MacLeod and the abandoned Isay Island.
DAY 7: The Inverewe Gardens houses unusual species of flora this far north due to the Gulf Stream. Further north the sandstone cliffs of Handa are teeming with seabirds.
DAY 8: (Isle of Lewis) The standing stones of Callanish, the Dun Carloway broch, the blackhouses of Gearrannan and the seafaring town of Stornoway give further insight into the area.
DAY 9: (Orkneys) Having rounded Cape Wrath the ship reaches the Orkneys noted for lovely silver jewelry and fantastic archaeological treasures – Maes Howe, Ring of Brodgar, standing stones of Stennes, Skara Brae and more recently Magnus Cathedral and the Italian Chapel.
DAY 10: (Shetlands) A scenic drive takes us to the archaeological sites of Jarlshoff and Scatness and if time permits, Mousa Broch. There is also time to wander the ambling streets of Lerwick.
DAY 11: (Fair Isles) Reportedly the most isolated community of Britain, Fair Isles is home to only about 60 inhabitants and a bird observatory.
DAY 12: (Scottish mainland) An overnight steam brings us to Dundee, our port of disembarkation.
(Please contact us for a more detailed daily itinerary. Please note that this is our planned itinerary – actual execution is subject to weather and scheduling limitations. PSE reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as needed without recourse.

Number of Meals Included
11 Breakfasts
10 Lunches
11 Dinners

Expedition Map