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Cruise wild, historic and archaeological Scotland

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26 May 2026 - 12 days

Discover early human civilisations and fascinating wildlife amongst the wild isles of Scotland aboard the state-of-the-art and extremely comfortable expedition vessel, the Greg Mortimer.

From the windswept Hebrides, inhabited for over 8,000 years, to the fascinating Orkney and Shetland Isles, where ancient Neolithic, Bronze Age and Viking sites conjure images of civilisations long gone. Zodiac cruise past sea-sculpted coastlines watching for dolphins, seals and whales along with one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies. 

Enjoy a full programme of talks, shore visits, short hikes and Zodiac boat safaris with New Scientist journalist Michael Marshall, along with the highly knowledgeable and supportive expedition team, experts in exploration, history, science and wildlife.

Explore the Scottish capital of Edinburgh then sail to iconic locations including Iona, Skara Brae, Skye, Eigg and St Kilda.

With no more than 128 guests, amazing viewing spaces and a ship-build designed to minimise negative environmental impacts, the Greg Mortimer guarantees a far more enjoyable guest experience than the other older and larger cruise ships. 

Michael Marshall will host a smaller group within the ship, to give an insightful series of talks. Travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world and archaeological wonders. An ideal environment for curious-minded couples, friends and solo travellers to relax.

LIFE ON BOARD YOUR SCOTTISH EXPEDITION CRUISE

Your expedition is a carefully curated mix of daytime activity offboard, designed to immerse you in the beauty of the Scottish Isles, and talks while on board. During the day, the itinerary remains flexible as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for engaging in wildlife encounters and exploring ancient sites.

The expedition team will help you experience a range of activities centred around daytime exploration via Zodiac boat safaris guided hikes, birdwatching, trips ashore and photography. 

In the evening and during sailing, the accompanying speaker from New Scientist Michael Marshall and the expedition crew will give informative lectures on board.

Your expedition can be as active or as leisurely as you want it with a wide range of options. No activity or talk is mandatory. As with any cruise, nature is often in charge, so having a flexible approach to the itinerary will help you make the most of this cruise.

DAY 1: EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT

After arriving in the Scottish capital Edinburgh, you will check into the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh Hotel and meet the operations team, who will cover pre-embarkation procedures with you. In the early evening, there will be welcome drinks with the accompanying New Scientist journalist Michael Marshall plus a talk from a local academic on the Scottish Enlightenment. In the late 17th Century Scotland was the most literate country in the world which led to an outpouring of scientific development. The remainder of the evening is at leisure and your hotel is just 5 minute’s walk to the historic city centre.

DAY 2: EXPLORE EDINBURGH THEN DISEMBARK FROM TROON

After breakfast, the operations team will take your luggage for transfer to the ship whilst you join a local guide for a tour of Edinburgh. Stretching just over one mile, five cobblestoned streets make up the walking precinct of the Royal Mile. Starting at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, we’ll step back in time to hear tales of scientists, poets, and politicians as we stroll past some of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings including the Church of Canongate and Scotland's own Parliament House.  

You’ll have free time to explore the Royal Mile and the World Heritage Site Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the capital city’s skyline, just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colourful history.

At mid-afternoon, you will take a two-hour transfer to the west coast port of Troon, where you will board your ship the Greg Mortimer for your voyage.

Once onboard, settle into your cabin before meeting the ship's expedition team and crew then enjoy an informal dinner in the impressive restaurant. The ship will smoothly sail along Scotland's northwest coast during the evening

DAY 3 AND 4: INNER HEBRIDES

From golden beaches to jagged peaks, abandoned settlements and picturesque villages, your days in the Hebrides archipelago will be packed with variety. You may explore remote lochs beneath some of Britain’s most untamed mountains and wander between unusual rock formations. All the while you are watching for whales, dolphins, otters, seals, and the increasingly rare basking sharks. If conditions permit you may land at an island reserve, home to red deer and white-tailed sea eagles. Hikers may opt for panoramic views from summits and ridges. 

Michael will give his first talk on the evening of day 3, which will continue of subsequent nights.

Early on day 4, you will explore the tiny island of Iona. Barely 5 kilometres (3 miles) long, Iona is known as the birthplace of Christianity in Britain, and also for its tranquillity and beautiful environment.

Other potential landings include the remote Isle of Eigg and the rugged Isle of Skye for wonderful hikes among stunning wildflowers. Skye is a centre of Gaelic culture, and some islanders still speak the language. The wildlife, history, geology and beautiful scenery make it a favourite island to explore.  

If the weather permits, you may also explore the Cuillin Hills by landing at Loch Scavaig in the heart of the Cuillins for a short hike to Loch Coruisk.

DAY 5 TO 7: OUTER HEBRIDES AND ORKNEYS

From the Inner Hebrides, you will sail to the Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles), which stretch for 209 kilometres (128 miles) and look out on their western side to the Atlantic Ocean. Your first stop is at the Isle of Lewis, the largest and northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides to visit Callanais to see the fascinating group of Standing Stones, dating from around 3,000 BC.  

Then you will sail onto the isolated archipelago (and World Heritage site) of St Kilda, where derelict crofts bear testament to the fortitude of islanders who once tended the unique Soay sheep and harvested seabirds for food and paid their rent in the form of wool, meat and feathers. The isles hold Europe’s most important seabird colony and are home to Britain’s highest sea stacks.

Orkney’s archipelago of 70 windswept islands, north of the Scottish mainland, offers a rich tapestry of archaeology, history and wildlife. You will follow the passage of time, from 5,000-year-old World Heritage Neolithic sites, past relics from Vikings and reminders of World War II occupation, to present-day crofting communities. Imposing sea cliffs teem with seabirds and cliff top paths beckon keen hikers.

At the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray lies the earliest known house in Northern Europe, occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5,000 years ago. Here you will be welcomed by the friendly and lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble ‘Poor Man's Corner’, hailing from Papa Westray. Mingle and enjoy a few drinks, while listening to the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms.

DAY 8 TO 10: SHETLAND ISLES

Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life. The plan is to explore some of the following sites: 

Jarlshof is one of Shetland's best-preserved and most complex archaeological sites. It was exposed by storms in the late 19th century. The record of human occupation dates from around 3,200 BC and also shows evidence of Bronze Age and early Norse occupation. Clay moulds into which molten bronze was poured revealed that settlers casting axe heads and short swords from 800 BC.

Mousa Broch, on the small uninhabited island of Mousa, is the best preserved of Scotland’s 570 brochs (fortified Iron Age towers). Storm petrels nest among its stones, which can be seen when visiting the broch at night. In daylight, a large colony of common and grey seals basks on its shores, and you may spot otters (Dratsi, in Shetland dialect).  

Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. A bird watchers’ paradise, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe. In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins. 

Grey and common seals inhabit these waters around Fair Isle, while sharp eyes may spot harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, killer whales (orcas) and minke whales. 

Situated along the western shores of Shetland's mainland, Papa Stour boasts some of the most striking coastlines in the region. Marvel at impressive caves, arches, stacks, and skerries. Papa Stour is a haven for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those with an interest in archaeology, offering a diverse range of experiences. 

DAY 11: KIRKWALL

After sailing back south, discover the rich history in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Initial impressions are misleading, as the harbour area looks modern, but the narrow winding streets and lanes of the old town, which have remained relatively unchanged over the centuries are appealing. 

You can choose from two different archaeological shore excursion options that best suit your interests and level of fitness: 

Option 1: Orkney Treasures including Skara Brae 

Embark on a journey through the serene countryside. Traversing the awe-inspiring Standing Stones of Stenness and viewing the Ring of Brodga, an immense ceremonial stone circle with roots reaching back into pre-history. Continue your exploration of the ancient village of Skara Brae, a settlement that has withstood the test of time for 5000 years. Delve into its rich history, thoughtfully interpreted at the visitor centre, and witness the remarkable dwellings unveiled from beneath the sand dunes by storms a mere 150 years ago. Then visit the nearby Skaill House, a distinguished manor on the grounds of a farmstead believed to date back to the Norse period.

Option 2: The Heart of Neolithic Orkney 

As with option 1, you will visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Then you will explore Barnhouse, an ancient Neolithic village and part of Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the houses and learn about the everyday lives of the Neolithic people who built these structures. Conclude your day with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, a testament to the Vikings' architectural prowess during their 500-year reign over the islands.

DAY 12: DISEMBARK IN ABERDEEN

By the time your breakfast has finished, the ship will have docked at the granite port city of Aberdeen where you will disembark. If you are flying from Aberdeen’s airport a transfer will be provided. Alternatively, we encourage you to spend a few days exploring the city and the distilleries of Royal Speyside.

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Highlights

  • Explore Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age sites along with evidence of Viking occupation and early crofting.
  • Discover the history Scotland’s remote and rugged islands including Iona, Eig, Skye, and the Orkney and Shetland Isles aboard an intimate, purpose-built polar expedition ship
  • Fascinating talks from New Scientist write Michael Marshall and expedition crew.
  • Look for whales, otters, dolphins and seals.
  • Visit Britain’s highest sea cliffs at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed St Kilda.
  • Immerse yourself in Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh.

Meet the expert

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Michael Marshall is a science writer focused on early civilisations, human evolution, life sciences, health and the environment. He has a BA and MPhil in experimental psychology from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in science communication from Imperial College London. He has worked as a staff journalist at New Scientist and the BBC. Since 2017, he has been a freelance writer, published by outlets including BBC Future, National Geographic, Nature, New Scientist, The Observer and The Telegraph. In 2019, he was shortlisted for News Item of the Year by the Association of British Science Writers for his New Scientist article about a new species of early human. Michael's first book, The Genesis Quest, is about the beginning of life on Earth and was published to universal acclaim in 2020. He writes a monthly email newsletter about human evolution, Our Human Story, for New Scientist.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Exclusive talks from Michael Marshall.
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from our group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package.
  • One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Edinburgh on Day 1.
  • Half-day tour in Edinburgh followed by a transfer to Troon, on Day 2.
  • Onboard accommodation during the voyage including daily cabin service.
  • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage.
  • Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
  • Captain’s Farewell reception includes a four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
  • Educational lectures and guiding services from the expedition team.
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult).
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket.
  • Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information.
  • Port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
  • 24-hour support.
  • Wi-Fi. Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel insurance.
  • International flights.
  • Single supplements.
  • Transfers except those mentioned above.
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes.
  • Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
  • Hotel accommodation and meals except those specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
  • All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
  • A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

The emphasis of the expedition is to get you off the ship as much as possible. Zodiac boat safaris, hiking and guided visits are all available, but how much you participate will be at your discretion. The ship is very comfortable and you can enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant wildlife from it at your leisure.

To join most excursions, you need to be able to climb down into a Zodiac boat. Once on land, there will be short walks and occasionally coaches will be provided to get between sites.

The hikes on land will start from a few kilometres and will be at a slow pace, to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes, flora and fauna. There will be further and faster hikes available as well.

A suggested kit list will be sent to you before departure. A 3-in-1 polar jacket is supplied and is yours to keep.

Accommodation

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
Greg Mortimer

Launched in 2019 and named after the Australian polar explorer and founder of AE Expeditions, the Greg Mortimer is a 104-metre purpose-built expedition ship featuring a state-of-the-art Ulstein X-BOW® hull design. This has a piercing effect on smaller waves, making for a smoother, faster voyage while leaving less marine disturbance in its wake. The ship operates with low energy consumption, high fuel efficiency and a streamlined design to reduce emissions. It also utilises virtual anchoring, using a combination of GPS, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises damage compared with conventional anchors.

Accommodating a maximum of 128 guests, it has one of the smallest capacities in expedition cruising, which makes for an intimate and friendly experience. Its smaller size and ice-strengthened hull also give you the opportunity to explore a wider range of remote sites. The relaxed atmosphere on board includes an open seating restaurant and bridge access – even in your pyjamas, for a midnight polar bear sighting.

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

The ship has a wide range of dedicated observation points, including an indoor 180-degree lounge, a 360-degree open deck and two hydraulic viewing platforms. There is also an innovative floating dock that ensures you can quickly and easily participate in Zodiac boat safaris and shore landings. The hydraulic viewing platforms allow unobstructed views of nursing whales, nesting seabirds and the bow pushing through pack ice. Elsewhere on board, you can enjoy the well-stocked library, wellness centre, hot tubs, sauna, informal restaurant and separate bar.

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

All staterooms have an ocean view, private bathrooms, ample personal storage, desk, safe and 42-inch television. They are available in twin, king double bed or triple-share configuration.

In addition, you can also choose a balcony stateroom, with full-length window doors that open onto a private balcony. These are available in twin and king double bed configuration, and can be booked as interconnecting rooms if you are in a group who would like more than one room. There are four different types available based on room size, ranging from C, B, A to superior.

The four junior suites and the captain's suite are the largest rooms. Both room types include a separate lounge area, plus binoculars to keep and a stocked minibar with champagne.

You can choose any of the double cabins for solo use at a supplement. If you would prefer, we can try to find another solo traveller of the same gender who is willing to share a cabin.

AE Expeditions is an award-winning, Australian-owned company that has been exploring the world by sea for more than 30 years. 

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.