Wild Scottish Isles & Wales

Scotland

• Enjoy a 13-day expedition cruise of the Scottish Isles aboard Sea Spirit
• Visit Britain’s highest sea cliffs at St Kilda, home to over 60,000 gannets
• Discover the history, landscape and wildlife of the Shetland Islands
• Take a zodiac to Staffa’s world-famous Fingal’s Cave
• See grey seals as they come ashore to rest and breed at Mingulay
• Explore Scotland’s least visited islands including North Rona, Sula Sgeir, and Mingulay
• See whales, dolphins, basking sharks and seals as we sail around the Isles
• Enjoy a warm welcome at Foula, home to fewer than 30 villagers
• Take a zodiac at Papa Stour to navigate the stunning cliff scenery, arches, and blowholes
• Take a zodiac to Mousa and explore the extraordinary Iron Age broch
• Enjoy informative lectures onboard with a team of conservation experts and professional naturalists
• Visit the fascinating island of Fair Isle and interact with the friendly islanders
• Explore Scotland’s vibrant capital city, Edinburgh

Wales

• Visit Betws-y-Coed – home to the famous Swallow Falls
• Explore the ancient walled town of Conwy
• Discover the smallest city in Britain – St Davids – located inside Pembrokeshire National Park
• Ride one of the ‘Great Little Trains of Wales – the Vale of Rheidol Railway
• Go underground to a mine at The Big Pit National Coal Museum
• Visit the magnificent Brecon Beacon’s National Park
• Visit the lovely seaside town of Tenby
• Discover extraordinary Caerphilly Castle – the largest castle in Wales
• Explore the exciting Welsh capital, Cardiff

Inclusions

• All ground transportation
• All hotel accommodation (twin-share)
• Twin-share stateroom aboard Sea Spirit
• All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather conditions)
• Rubber boots for shore landings throughout the cruise
• Wi-Fi on board Sea Spirit
• Travel Directors’ tour leader (land portion only)
• Expert local guides
• All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
• All tips and gratuities

Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs. A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, and a non-refundable deposit of from AUD $6,000 per person paid at the time of booking. All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.

05/05/2026 Australia – Dubai

Depart from your chosen capital city on your flight to Dubai.

06/05/2026 Dubai – Glasgow (D)

Depart Dubai Emirates EK 27, 07.50

Arrive Glasgow 12.45

On arrival into Glasgow we transfer to our pre-voyage hotel. The afternoon is at leisure in Scotland’s largest city, known for its rich history. In the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner where we meet our cruise team and fellow passengers.

Glasgow Hotel

Glasgow

07/05/2026 Glasgow: Board Ship (BD)

After breakfast we have the option to either undertake a city tour or head out to the edge of the Highlands for a more wildlife focused few hours as we visit sites around Loch Lomond. In the afternoon we board our ship, Sea Spirit, where we enjoy welcome drinks and dinner. In the evening we sail out of the Clyde as we begin our exciting 13-day voyage of the Scottish Isles.

08/05/2026 Iona & Treshnish Islands (BLD)

This morning we land on Iona. St Columba arrived here from Ireland in 563AD and Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community. The island is also a stronghold for Corncrakes as well as many other species. We then continue to Staffa in the Treshnish Islands, home to a remarkable series of black basaltic columns and the famous Fingal’s Cave which inspired Felix Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides overture in 1830. From here we head to Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles and home to prolific birdlife including Storm-petrels and Puffins. The waters here are rich with aquatic mammals and we look out for Minke whales, dolphins and basking sharks.

09/05/2026 Mingulay (BLD)

We begin today at the southern end of the Western Isles chain on Mingulay, in the Outer Hebrides. Mingulay is a stunning crescent island and has a beautiful sandy bay where grey seals come ashore to rest and breed. The steep cliffs along the west are home to golden and white-tailed eagles as well as thousands of seabirds. Subject to weather conditions we will spend the afternoon exploring the rarely visited Monarch Isles, a heavily protected area that is home to 10,000 grey seals and a significant population of black guillemots.

10/05/2026 St Kilda (BLD)

The archipelago of St Kilda is often regarded as the jewel of Britain’s Islands: a wild and uninhabited cluster of rocks in the Atlantic dominated by the largest seacliffs in the UK and home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds. We explore Village Bay, the only landing location and the site of human occupation for over 2,000 years until 1936. In the afternoon we explore some formidable stacks circling Soay, Stac Lee, Stac an Armin and Boreray which all fall under UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Up to 60,000 pairs of gannets breed on these stacks, making for a truly remarkable experience.

11/05/2026 The Shiant Isles, Sula Sgeir & North Rona  (BLD)

The Shiants are a small group of islands at the southern end of Minch in the Hebrides, and are home to 60,000 pairs of puffin, as well as nearly 20,000 pairs of guillemots, razorbills, storm-pterels, and peregrines. The Minch is a very rich area for sea mammals and we keep a lookout for white-beaked and risso’s dolphins, and potentially even humpback whales as well. These tiny islands are the foraging grounds for Guga Hunters, men who sail up from Lewis to harvest gannets.

12/05/2026 Foula & Papa Stour (BLD)

This morning we visit Foula, one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands off the western coast of Shetland. Fewer than 30 people live here in a fertile strip of croft land, alongside thousands of seabirds including one of the UK’s largest populations of great skuas. The cliffs are second only to St Kilda and we are met here with a warm welcome and the opportunity to explore this superb island. Over lunch we continue to Papa Stour where we use zodiacs to navigate the stunning cliff scenery, sea stacks, arches, blowholes and coastal caves.

13/05/2026 Shetland: Muckle Flugga & Hermaness (BLD)

We continue our exploration of Shetland around the northern isle of Unst. Here Muckle Flugga, the northernmost land in the UK, is the focus of a zodiac cruise whilst the sheltered bay, Fiska Wick, provides a landing opportunity with a walk over Hermaness National Nature Reserve, home to a great array of seabirds and carnivorous plants. In the afternoon we explore Haroldswick, the centre of the highest density of rural Viking sites anywhere in the world.

14/05/2026 Lerwick & Mousa (BLD)

Our exploration today begins with a zodiac landing on Mousa, home to the best-preserved Iron Age Broch in the world. In the afternoon we set sail for Lerwick for a free afternoon to explore this historic port, and wander through the narrow stone lanes. We also have the option to visit Jarlshof, the best-known archaeological site in Shetland containing remains spanning from 5,500 years ago up to the 17th century.

15/05/2026 Fair Isle (BLD)

Located midway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands, the island of Fair Isle has a tiny population of just fifty-seven. Though few in number, the islanders always extend a very warm welcome to visitors, and we have the entire day to explore their incredible island. We have the opportunity to enjoy a walk across the island in search of the puffin slopes, visit the Bird Observatory, stop by the community hall for a cup of tea, and maybe purchase some of the island’s famous knitwear. In the afternoon we explore the coast of the Fair Isle by zodiac.

16/05/2026 North Ronaldsay (BLD)

Arriving at the northern end of the Orkney Islands we visit the bird observatory on North Ronaldsay. The island is also famous for its coastal sheep which are walled off the pasture and onto the foreshore where they graze seaweeds.

17/05/2026 Isle of May & Bass Rock (BLD)

Overnight we sail down the eastern coast of Scotland and relocate to the outer Firth of Forth. We spend the morning exploring the delightful Isle of May, home to hundreds of Arctic Terns and thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbirds, and gulls, which all breed on the island. In the afternoon we cruise around the impressive Bass Rock, home to an impressive gannetry.

18/05/2026 Leith – Edinburgh (BLD)

After breakfast we disembark Sea Spirit and continue to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, which is rich in history and culture. This morning we enjoy a city tour, including such highlights as Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile. We enjoy a stroll down the Royal Mile soaking up the atmosphere and, perhaps, stopping to taste one of Scotland’s greatest contributions to world civilisation – shortbread! If your palate leans towards something stronger, there are many pubs where you can taste a range of famous Scottish single malt whiskies. In the afternoon we continue our exploration of Edinburgh on foot before checking into our fabulous hotel.

The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh

19/05/2026 Edinburgh – Chester (BLD)

Leaving Edinburgh we head south to England’s Roman city of Chester. Chester’s city walls are the most complete city walls in Britain, with some sections still intact from 120AD. From here we see great views of this beautiful city and the adjacent landscapes, and later visit the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre just outside the city.

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel

Chester

20/05/2026 Chester – Betws-y-Coed – Conwy (BLD)

We leave Chester this morning and head to the delightful walled market town of Conwy, stopping en route at the pretty town of Betws-y-Coed. Conwy is one of Europe’s finest surviving medieval towns, and we explore two of its remarkable ‘houses’. The first, Conwy Castle, is Edward I’s most striking and powerful fortress, and perhaps the most impressive of all the Welsh castles. The second is the tiny Quay House, reputed to be the smallest house in Great Britain, at just 1.8m wide and 3.1m high.

Caer Rhun Hotel

Conwy

21/05/2026 Conwy – Anglesey – Mount Snowdon – Conwy (BLD)

This morning we cross the Menai Strait to the island of Anglesey, an area of outstanding natural beauty, where we delve deep into the past with a visit to the Iron Age and Celtic sites for which it is famous. Later we enter the magnificent Snowdonia National Park, home to the largest mountain in England and Wales – Snowdon – and take the steam train to the summit. After our visit here we return to Conwy.

22/05/2026 Conwy – Portmeirion (BLD)

Our destination today is Portmeirion located on the estuary of the River Dwyryd. The delightful Italianate Village of Portmeirion was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams Ellis between 1925 and 1975, and was famously used as ‘the village’ in the 1960s TV show ‘The Prisoner’ starring Patrick McGoohan. On arrival we enjoy a tour of the town, and also have some free time to continue exploring the beautiful Baroque architecture and grounds.

Portmeirion Village Hotel

Portmeirion

23/05/2026 Portmeirion – Aberystwyth – St David’s – Tenby (BLD)

After breakfast we board our coach and drive south through some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales, as we head to the wonderful university town of Aberystwyth. Wales is famous for its heritage train network, and this afternoon we travel on one of the ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’ – the Vale of Rheidol Railway. A narrow-gauge steam locomotive takes us 19 km up the beautiful Rheidol Valley, clinging to the mountainside as we cross through lush valleys to the remarkable Devil’s Bridge. Leaving Aberystwyth, we delve deep into the Pembrokeshire National Park and visit the smallest city in Britain – St Davids – where we explore the wonderful cathedral which is the resting place of the patron Saint of Wales, Saint David – or Dewi Sant, as he is called in the Welsh language. Across the road from the cathedral sits the magnificent Bishop’s Palace which dates back to the 6th century and is one of the most important religious sites in Wales. We then continue to Tenby, a lovely seaside town rich in history and culture, and renowned for its glorious beaches and fine Victorian houses.

Heywood Spa Hotel

Tenby

24/05/2026 Tenby (BLD)

This morning we have free time to explore the stunning beaches and town of Tenby. Later we visit Velfrey Vineyard where we enjoy a tour and tasting of their award-winning wines.

25/05/2026 Tenby – Brecon Beacons (BLD)

Today we board our coach and drive to the Brecon Beacons National Park, a natural wonder and home to almost 300 monuments, as well as rushing waterfalls and caves. We enjoy lunch in the park and have time to explore and soak up the beautiful scenery, before transferring to Brecon for our overnight stay.

Llangoed Hall Hotel

Brecon

26/05/2026 Brecon – Cardiff (BLD)

This morning we make the 45 minute drive to the ’Big Pit’ National Coal Museum, a World Heritage site, where we learn about the historic mining culture of Wales. We enter a cage and descend 90 metres to the pit floor below, where we see the pit pony stables and hear stories from former colliery workers. After our visit here we visit the biggest of all the 641 castles in Wales – Caerphilly Castle – just outside Cardiff. Built by Gilbert ‘the Red’ de Clare in the 13th century, it is a stone behemoth, surrounded by a series of moats and watery islands. Later we continue onto Cardiff, the capital of Wales.

Voco St David’s Hotel

Cardiff

27/05/2026 Cardiff (BLD)

Compact, multicultural Cardiff has a wealth of cultural and historic sights and this morning we set out on foot to explore the city and surrounding areas. Our tour takes in such key landmarks as the Principality Stadium, the National Assembly of Wales and the Senedd. After lunch we visit Cardiff Castle, one of the leading heritage attractions in Wales. Located within beautiful parklands in the very heart of the city, the castle is at once a Roman fort, Norman stronghold and Victorian Gothic masterpiece, with more than 2,000 years of history concealed within its walls. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner.

28/05/2026 Cardiff – Birmingham – Dubai (B)

This morning we check out of our hotel and make the 2h 30m transfer to Birmingham to connect with our homeward flight.

Depart Birmingham Emirates EK 40, 14.35

29/05/2026 Dubai – Australia

Arrive Dubai 00.40

On arrival in Dubai connect with the flight to your chosen Australian capital.

If I travel alone, do I have to pay the single supplement?

If you wish to have sole use of a hotel room on the tour, you will need to pay the single supplement. If you are travelling alone but willing to share a room, we will endeavour to match you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. We cannot guarantee that a share-match can be provided, and in the event that this cannot be arranged at the time of final payment, you will need to pay the single supplement.

How long is the flight from Australia to Glasgow?

Flying time to Dubai is between 11 and 14.5 hours, depending on your Australian capital city of departure. Flight time from Dubai to Glasgow is 7 hours 30 minutes.

What are the average temperatures at this time of year?

The temperature varies along the route. In Wales, temperatures during the day can get up to 18 – 20C. In the Scottish Isles it is considerably cooler with a temperature range of around 10 to 13C.

What is the best currency to take on this journey?

The best currency is GBP, in small denominations. i.e.  50s, 20s, 10s.

How much spending money do I need for the entire trip?

Because almost everything is included, we would suggest an amount of £900 per person as being ample for the whole journey.

Are credit cards acceptable?

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the journey and ATMs are available in the main towns and cities. However it is not recommended to rely on these as your main source of funds. The ship accepts credit cards and cash in GBP and Euros.

Do I need vaccinations for this journey?

There are no compulsory vaccinations for this tour. We recommend that your Tetanus vaccination is up to date. Please consult your doctor for further advice on vaccinations.

Can I extend my stay in Cardiff at the end of the tour?

Yes, it is possible to stay on in Cardiff after the group departs – or have additional days in Scotland  at the beginning of the tour. Our consultants will be happy to make the arrangements for you. If you wish to take up this option, all arrangements must be confirmed before leaving Australia.

Do I need any visas for this tour?

No, visas are not required on this tour.

A lot of companies have many expensive optional extras on their tours. Do you?

We don’t believe in a lot of expensive ‘optional tours’. Our itineraries are designed to make the best possible use of time and to include all the must-see sights, plus additional surprises. Therefore, practically everything is included in the tour cost.

Is the water safe to drink en route and what is the general standard of hygiene?

The standard of hygiene is high along the entire route and tap water is of a high quality and perfectly safe to drink.

What is the standard of the hotels?

The hotels are generally 4-star quality, comfortable, clean and all with en-suites.

Are there internet facilities en route?

Most of the hotels we use have internet facilities.

Do mobile telephones work?

Telstra and Optus mobiles work throughout the entire journey. You will need to ensure you have global roaming. Contact your service provider for further details. Or you can download apps for your phone such as WhatsApp and Viber.

How much should we tip the guides and porters?

There is no need to tip guides or porters as all tips and gratuities are included in the tour cost. Tipping aboard Polar Pioneer is also included.