Scotland By Sea
June 15-25, 2025
Spectacular seascapes, historic castles, dedicated farmers and gifted artisans are just a few of the highlights from our new, in-depth tour of the Scottish Isles. Whether you are immersed in all-things-fiber or have always dreamed of visiting the Scottish Isles, our 10-day trip includes traditional highlights along with several unique destinations.
Itinerary*
Day 1: Oban, Scotland
Day 2: Colonsay and Iona (Inner Hebrides)
Day 3: Staffa and Lunga (Inner Hebrides)
Day 4: Loch Scavaig, (Isle of Skye)
Day 5: St Kilda and Stac Lee (Outer Hebrides)
Day 6: Handa ana Inverewe
Day 7: Shiant Islands and Isle of Lewis
Day 8: Papa Westray & North Ronaldsay
Day 9: Lerwick (Shetland Islands)
Day 10: Noss Head & Fair Isle (Shetland Islands)
Day 11: Aberdeen
*Kindly note itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions.
A word about expedition cruising
Island Sky
If large, resort-style vessels accommodating thousands of passengers are your ideal, then the MS Island Sky is not the vessel for you. You will not find floor shows nor round-the-clock buffets, But you will find an intimate atmosphere where every morning begins a new adventure often traveling by Zodiac to remote landing sites and unique opportunities.
Things that make this trip unique
Scotland offers a range of destinations and though it is roughly the size of South Carolina, the diversity of life and livelihood in the Scottish Isles is best explored by sea. This is our only tour to Scotland that stops at North Ronaldsay, the northern most island in the Orkneys (population 72). Within fiber circles, it is famous for its seaweed-eating sheep that were walled off the island's pasture land in the 1830s to reserve the land for more valuable cattle. To this day, when the tide comes in the lapping waves signal the "dinner bell" as hundreds of sheep race for the water's edge.
Textiles
We will have several opportunities to see (and purchase) some of Scotland's iconic textiles including a visit to the Harris Tweed Mill, master knitters on Fair Isle, and an abundance of yarns and tams at Jamieson and Smith.
Rates and Cabins
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Pricing is quoted in UK pounds and converted from your currency at time of payment.
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A non-refundable 10% deposit is required to secure your reservation.
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Final payment is due 120 days before sailing.
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Wine is included at lunch and dinner, All other alcoholic beverages are chargeable.
Prices are per person, for solo travelers please see "sole occupancy."
What's Included
All accommodations and meals
All transportation to designated venues on the itinerary.
All tickets for museum and historic site access.
What's Not Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Tips and Gratuities
International flights
Travel Insurance (mandatory)
Deck Plans
Questions and Answers
What's the weather like?
Temperatures in summer typically stay in the 50s. However, the damp ocean air often makes it feel cooler. Rain is not only possible, it's all but guaranteed. Why else does the grass perpetually stay green. The further north we travel, the colder and windier it will get. Then again, there are those perfect days in June when the sun is shining brightly and not a breath of wind to be found.
What about seasickness?
Typically, the seas in this are rather active., although the summer months are known to be calmer than other times of the year. However, for those who are prone to seasickness, advance preparedness is the key.
If this is an expedition, what are the physical requirements?
Each person must be ambulatory, The amount of walking or hiking is at the sole discretion of the individual and may limit access to certain destinations. If walking long distances or along uneven surfaces is problematic, hiking poles are strongly recommended.
Itinerary changes?
We make every effort to stick with the itinerary. However, the weather ultimately dictates our schedule and it is possible we may have to switch landings on a certain day. Occasionally, we might have to miss a landing completely. Please know these decisions are always made based on making your safety our top priority.
