Wild Scotland Expedition
May 18-29, 2025
12 days | Scotland | alumni UBC Travel Club
This expedition is sold out! Please contact Celeste here to be placed on the waitlist.
The fringes of Scotland enjoy a reputation for their wildness, where rugged people and equally tenacious wildlife have been able to establish a foothold and thrive in a seemingly forbidding environment. On this riveting voyage of discovery, intrepid travellers discover the “wild isles” of Scotland and follow the trail of the brave Gaels and Vikings to discover stark landscapes cloaked in a long history and an even longer occupation by wildlife.
After meeting in capital Edinburgh and boarding the state-of-the-art M/V Greg Mortimer, we sail north to several Scottish Islands, including the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Shetlands (including Fair Isle), and the Orkneys. Known for their rich tapestry of culture and rugged natural beauty, these dramatic coastlines are broken by the occasional fishing village and quaint seaside communities. Each day we disembark our vessel to explore, cruise in Zodiacs, and enjoy walks along the coast. We see sea-sculpted coastlines, watching for dolphins and whales cavorting in the water and marvelling at the hundreds of thousands of seabirds that occupy impressive colonies. We meet the friendly locals and maybe even sample a wee dram of Scotland’s finest. We visit impressive archaeological sites that take us back to the early establishment of people here. Fresh air is never in short supply! Expert expedition staff complement our sightings and experiences onboard and on land with their insights that lead us to a fuller understanding of this magical place. All along, enjoy the amenities of the M/V Greg Mortimer, our perfect vehicle for accessing Scotland’s remote shores.
This departure is offered through the alumni UBC Travel Club and is open to all explorers!
Please Note: Our group of 12–18 travellers is aboard the 132-passenger M/V Greg Mortimer.
Tour Cost (per person):
US$12,350 - 20,850 depending on the cabin (incl. taxes)
Group Size:
12 - 17 participants
What’s included: Airport transfers on tour start and end dates; twin share accommodations on board the M/V Greg Mortimer as indicated, including daily cabin service; one pre-expedition night in Edinburgh; meals as specified as well as snacks, tea, and coffee during the voyage; beer, house wine, and soft drinks with dinner; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from the vessel expedition team; services of vessel guides and your Quest leader (with a minimum of 12 participants); complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); all entrance fees to monuments, park fees, and local taxes; a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day | Activity |
1 | Arrive in Edinburgh |
2 | To Troon / Embark the M/V Greg Mortimer |
3 - 4 | The Inner Hebrides |
5 - 7 | The Outer Hebrides and Fair Isle |
8 - 11 | The Shetlands and Orkneys |
12 | Disembark at Aberdeen |
Download Itinerary
Ship Information
The first passenger ship to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, the Greg Mortimer is able to cross oceans comfortably and efficiently. It accommodates an average of 132 expeditioners per voyage within 79 cozy, comfortable cabins, all of which have a view of the ocean; 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym, sauna, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
Your Tour Leaders
Sherry Kirkvold brings a deep love of nature along with her more than 30 years of experience as a naturalist, geographer and expedition leader. She has worked in the national, provincial and regional park systems as well as museums in British Columbia.
Chris Earley is the University of Guelph Arboretum’s Interpretive Biologist and Education Coordinator and a self-proclaimed 'nature geek'. He teaches workshops at the Arboretum, and participates in research around the world. Chris has led many previous Quest trips around the world.
Tour Cost (per person):
US$12,350 - 20,850 depending on the cabin (incl. taxes)
Group Size:
12 - 17 participants
What’s included: Airport transfers on tour start and end dates; twin share accommodations on board the M/V Greg Mortimer as indicated, including daily cabin service; one pre-expedition night in Edinburgh; meals as specified as well as snacks, tea, and coffee during the voyage; beer, house wine, and soft drinks with dinner; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from the vessel expedition team; services of vessel guides and your Quest leader (with a minimum of 12 participants); complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); all entrance fees to monuments, park fees, and local taxes; a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.