Shetland, Orkney & Hebrides

Located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, opposite Rosyth, Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century. While no longer the largest city, it remains the heart of Scottish politics, culture, and religion. At its center stands the iconic Edinburgh Castle, anchoring one end of the world-famous Royal Mile that stretches through the historic Old Town to the Palace of Holyrood, the Queen’s official Scottish residence. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Edinburgh offers a rich cultural experience, from unique shopping to tasting traditional haggis and Scotland’s renowned whisky.

While at sea, take advantage of the activities and amenities on board. Unwind at the spa, exercise in the fitness center, or relax by the pool and soak up the sun, depending on the season. With no port stops, use this time to attend lectures or enjoy live entertainment. Browse the boutique, visit the PONANT photography space, or explore the upper deck for stunning ocean views. Keep watch for marine life that may appear along the way. Enjoy a perfect balance of relaxation, recreation, and discovery.

The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its seafront of old houses and narrow streets, offers travelers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.

Included Excursions:

Lerwick Walking Tour: Enjoy a walking tour from the pier to get to know the capital of Shetland, Lerwick. 

Treasures of the Shetland Islands: This tour allows you to enjoy the unique, picturesque landscape of the Shetland Isles and to visit one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Britain. Traveling south along the coastal road, with the sea on one side and the hills of the South Mainland on the other, pass through several small settlements.

The stone houses stand proudly facing the sea in the charming town of Stromness, the second most populous town in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. Long ago called Hamnavoe – meaning “safe harbor” – because of the safety it provided to Viking travelers, sailors, and merchants sailing around Great Britain, the town has retained its gentle way of life. Strolling along its picturesque streets will immerse you in the history of the fishermen and whale hunters, but also allow you to discover a lively town with a living culture.​

Included Excursions:
Orkney's Archaeological Wonders: During this scenic circular tour, explore the beautiful West Mainland of Orkney, the location of one of the greatest concentrations of World Heritage prehistoric sites in Britain. Passing through an area of rich farmland, rolling hills, and moorland, fringed by magnificent cliffs, visit the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar. Further on, you will arrive at Skara Brae, the most exciting and best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old Neolithic village are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the pretty, sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, this Stone Age settlement was completely buried under sand for thousands of years, until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Amongst the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning over approximately 600 years of occupation, all based on the tough maritime economy. Looking across the village gives a good idea of how it looked all those centuries ago, and close inspection of the houses gives a unique insight into how the ancient ancestors lived. The hardship of life in Skara Brae can be directly contrasted to Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, which is located nearby and constitutes the next stop of your journey through ancient Orkney. A powerful bishop built it on an ancient graveyard in 1620. This excursion involves walking on uneven terrain. It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat. The order of the visits may be reversed.

Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather-covered valleys and lochs stretch onto infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long, jagged coastlines. Not far from Stornoway, the island’s main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century, stands one of Scotland’s most prominent prehistoric sites: the Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars, and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.

Included Excursions:
Historic Lewis: Departing from Stornoway, drive along the beautiful Atlantic coastal road. Arrive at Gearrannan, a reconstructed settlement of traditional blackhouses where folk lived together with their animals. The houses were made using dry stone masonry and had thatched roofs, distinctively weighted down with rocks. Visit the small museum, enjoy a display of a typical crofting activity such as weaving or butter-making and take in the views at this dramatic site on the wild Atlantic coast. Continue your panoramic drive and reach Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, probably constructed about 200 BC. Broch-building ceased around AD 100, but they may have continued in use.  Evidence from excavations suggests Dun Carloway may have been used until about AD 1000. It’s also said to have been used as a stronghold by members of the Morrison Clan during the 1500s. Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness. This excursion involves walking on uneven grounds, and steps. It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat. Bring water from the ship.

Discover Harris Tweed: Harris Tweed tells the story of the rich history, culture, beautiful landscape, and vibrant communities in the remote Outer Hebrides. Start your tour by visiting Carloway Mill, one of only three working Harris Tweed textile mills in the world producing the renowned Harris Tweed fabric. Enjoy a guided tour that will take you through the process of creating tweed on the original Victorian machinery and see the process from the raw material to the finished product. The workers at the mill are passionate and knowledgeable and will offer a real insight into how the fabric is made. Then, you will be transferred to the nearby Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. In this re-created traditional village you will experience the way of life in a typical crofting township and see traditional activities, including the weaving of the famous Harris Tweed. Finally, enjoy a scenic drive back to Stornoway, passing the famous Callanish Standing Stones, and stop in the island's capital where you can either visit the Harris Tweed exhibition in the Town Hall to learn more about the product or perhaps purchase your own in one of the many harbourside shops. This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground and uneven terrain. It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat.

Explore Bostadh: Take a journey back in time on the Isle of Great Bernera with a visit to Bostadh, a charming hamlet dating from the Late Iron Age. From the moment you set foot on the island, you will be immediately struck by the beauty of its wild landscapes and its villages that seem suspended in time. You will set off to explore Bostadh. This settlement established 1,500 years ago is a fascinating testament to Scotland’s Iron Age. On the way, you will see fishing villages and the stone dykes that are characteristic of the island’s landscape. Finally, you will arrive at the stunning beach at Bostadh, where you can take in the breathtaking panorama before visiting a reconstructed roundhouse, a typical example of an Iron Age dwelling. Your excursion continues with a visit to Breacleit, a picturesque village home to a small museum documenting the island's history and heritage and a church with spectacular views over the loch. As this excursion involves some walking, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. Access to the Iron Age house is via uneven steps, making this excursion unsuitable for anyone with reduced mobility.

Essential of Lewis
 

Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colorful houses, the town’s outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colorful harbor bustling with local craftsmen’s shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Center.

Included Excursions:

Dunvegan Castle & tannery: This tour takes you across the wonderful landscape of Skye to visit the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland—Dunvegan Castle—the stronghold of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod. Explore this beautiful Highland estate, with its gardens, woodland, burns, and sea loch.
 
Isle of Skye & Museum of Island Life: This excursion involves walking on uneven ground, grass, and pavement. It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes and warm and waterproof clothes. The order of the visit may be reversed.

Talisker Discovery: Learn about the art of Scottish whisky making with a tour of the iconic Talisker Distillery followed by a tasting. From Portree, embark on a scenic journey towards the imposing peaks of the Cuillin and admire the striking contrast between the Red and the Black Cuillins before arriving in Carbost, a small village known for its famous Talisker Distillery. During your visit, discover the secrets of making their emblematic single malt, renowned for its peaty notes and smoky finish. A 3-dram tasting will enhance your experience. On the way back to Portree, enjoy a final immersion in the spectacular scenery in the heart of the island. This tour is not accessible to wheelchair users and is not recommended for those with walking difficulties. It involves approximately one hour of walking/standing in the distillery, with uneven ground and steps.

A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK." Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is near the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.

Included Excursions:

Ben Nevis Distillery: This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground and several stairs inside the distillery. Due to the historic nature of the building, not all parts of the distillery are accessible. It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes and a jacket.

Wonders of the Highlands: This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground, as you wish to do. 62 uneven stone steps climb up a spiral staircase, 70 cm wide, to the top of the tower. The steps may be slippery when wet. There is a handrail, lighting, and several windows, but some people find the space claustrophobic. Groups will not climb the monument together. It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes and a raincoat. The order of the visits may vary.

Glencoe & the Highlands: From the pier, join your local coach and start your journey from Fort William to one of Scotland's most spectacular places. Surrounded by towering mountains, Glencoe is the iconic highland landscape.

Loch Linnhe is located in the Scottish Highlands, stretching between the Isle of Mull and Fort William. Sail in the heart of picturesque landscapes and admire the formations of the magnificent mountains and valleys surrounding the loch, including the famous Ben Nevis. The pure waters of Loch Linnhe are teeming with marine life; harbor seals may be found among its faithful inhabitants.

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's checkerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example. Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent journey back home.