Small Ship Cruising

Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow

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Direction and Year

Select the cruise direction, and the year, you would like to travel.

Days
11
From (per Person)
£7,790
Journey Type
Small Ship
Time of Year
May, Sep
Cities & Landmarks
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Shetland Islands, Isle of Lewis, Isle of Skye, Orkney Islands
Isle of Skye, Scotland

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Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Enjoy an exclusive early morning visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, joining a local guide for a private tour through the historic official residence of the monarch in Scotland

Visits to Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement, and Gerrannean Blackhouse Village, a living museum, on Orkney Mainland

Tauck Exclusive private reception and dinner aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh


TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff and local guides

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at £2,768

Glasgow and Edinburgh city sightseeing on hotel stays in the heart of the cities – 1 night in Glasgow, 2 nights in Edinburgh

 

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

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On some days, walking extends to 2–3.5 miles (~4,000–7,000 steps), with occasional stairs, hills, or uneven surfaces. Standing periods may last up to 90 minutes, but this level still includes breaks and lower-effort days.

Pace

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A steady daily tempo with 2–3 guided activities. Most days include early departures balanced with rest periods or scenic downtime. Transitions between cities occur every 2–3 days.

View Full Itinerary

a collection of treasures

There's no better way to explore all the natural and cultural riches that Scotland and its islands have to offer – from treasured tartans and traditions of the clans, to the wonders of single malt whiskies at a distillery in the Highlands to the distinctive folkways of the captivating Scottish Isles...

Our 11-day trip includes a 7-night cruise aboard the luxury small ship Le Dumont d'Urville, plus a choice of hotel stays in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Cruise to the celebrated Orkney and Shetland Islands, and the remote isles of Mull, Skye and Lewis; explore eclectic Edinburgh, the traditions of Scottish music and dance, and the Highlands' incredible scenery, with a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a sea safari, and more. Read Less

See for yourself what Small Ship Cruising is all about

Visit the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse

At the opposite end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle stands the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace), the official residence of the monarch while in Scotland. The earliest part of the palace dates to the 16th century, when Mary, Queen of Scots resided here; see her rooms and more on Tauck's skip-the-line visit, available when members of the Royal Family are not in residence. The palace was transformed into a modern royal residence by the current King's great-grandfather, King George V. You'll also enjoy the royal gardens and wild Holyrood Park.

Highland treasures at Inverness

Macbeth's castle and more at Inverness in the Highlands

Capital of the Highlands, Inverness is set within Scotland's Great Glen at the mouth of the River Ness. In the "happiest city in Scotland" (according to a recent survey), explore the Clava Cairns of Bulnuaran, circa 2500 BC, and Cawdor Castle, portrayed in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" (actually built long after the real Thane was dust). Or visit Culloden Moor – where Bonnie Prince Charlie's uprising was defeated in 1746 – and Fort George. Also cruise the Caledonian Canal to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, and explore brooding Loch Ness in a canoe or tour a local distillery.

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Deck Plans

Welcome Aboard

Deck 7

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Deck 6

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Deluxe Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite

Prestige Stateroom

Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms)

Privilege Suite

Deck 5

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Deluxe Suite

Owner's Suite

Prestige Stateroom

Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms)

Privilege Suite

Deck 4

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Deluxe Suite

Prestige Stateroom

Deck 3

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Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Deck 2

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Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

About Booking This Tour

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Deposit & Booking Information

Deposit Information:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. Your deposit is £750.

Terms and Conditions:

For additional information pertaining to our Tauck Journeys, including Cancellation Information and Booking Conditions, click here to learn more.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
  • Traveler Name(s):  Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver's license.
  • Traveler's Address(es)
  • Traveler's Phone Number(s)
  • Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
  • Interest in purchasing a travel protection product (US and Canada)
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

Regarding your final payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Protect Your Travel Investment

Customer Protection: Our UK-based agents comply with the bonding requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority and provide full financial protection for the package holidays that we sell in the UK. For flight-based holidays, this is through the Air Travel Organiser's Licence (details of which are available from the UK-based agent with whom you book). When you buy a package holiday that doesn't include a flight, protection of your monies paid to our UK-based agent will be provided by way of a bond.

Trip Prep & Essentials

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Luggage Restrictions

Checked Luggage

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.

Packing Recommendations

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site.

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. Formal wear is never required.

In the ship's main dining room, slacks and a collared shirt are acceptable for gentlemen, and for women, slacks/skirt and a blouse are appropriate.  We have found, however, that the international mix of travelers on board tend to dress somewhat more formally than one might expect.  Thus, you may prefer to wear a jacket and tie or a cocktail dress for special evenings like the Captain's welcome and farewell dinners aboard the shipand for the special welcome and farewell dinners at the beginning and end of your journey.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing swimming shorts, bathing suits, t-shirts, tennis shoes or flip-flops.          

Valet laundry and dry-cleaning services are available for a fee at the hotels. Onboard, valet laundry and pressing services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the cruise ship other than those prescribed and stocked by the ship's physician.

Hairdryers are available at the hotels and aboard the ship. For safety reasons, curling and clothes irons are not permitted aboard the ship.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for a cruise:

  • Comfortable walking shoes (VERY IMPORTANT)
  • Hiking boots for those who choose to hike
  • Trekking poles or a walking stick
  • Water shoes or sneakers for those who choose to go on the rib boat (recommended)
  • Rainwear, such as a raincoat and rain hat, plus a collapsible umbrella, waterproof shoes/boots
  • Long pants, fleece jacket or warm sweater; light sweater for warmer days
  • Warm hat, gloves and socks (It can be cool and windy on the Scottish Isles)
  • Sport coat for men (with tie suggested for Captain's dinners) and slacks/dress for women for evening wear
  • Binoculars
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Small flashlight
  • Daypack for your photographic equipment or other belongings
  • Washcloth - not all European hotels provide washcloths, so you may want to bring one along.  A package of pre-moistened towelettes is an excellent alternative.
  • Prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last your entire journey), and written copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.  While it may be possible to refill prescriptions during your journey, the availability of refills cannot be guaranteed.  What's more, refilling prescriptions in foreign countries can be difficult and time-consuming.    
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Uncommon Access

Travel In Good Company

Sophisticated, Intimate Ambiance Onboard Ship

All Inclusive

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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