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Oban to Aberdeen

Following in the footsteps of our Celtic forefathers, this historic and wildlife themed voyage will blaze a trail across Scotland's beautiful coastline from Oban to Aberdeen. Aurora Expeditions' resident historian and naturalist will regale fascinating stories and provide enriching lectures to bring this ancient coastline to life, whilst its genealogist will unlock the past of the regions clans and ancestors.

Days may be spent visiting remote crofting communities and iconic castles that were once strongholds of Scottish clans, before supping a dram of whisky at one of the famous distilleries. The dramatic coastline of the western Islands and Highlands is peppered with many stunningly beautiful sea lochs piercing far inland, providing sheltered cruising waters amid spectacular scenery. Pretty villages and golden beaches extend towards the north western islands which dot the north Atlantic to create a wonderland of seabird-speckled cliffs, towering sea stacks, glorious mountains and windswept moors.

The remote northern islands of the Shetlands and Orkneys are warmed by the Gulf Stream and abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life. While the north eastern coast typifies a seaboard carved by the North Sea creating a unique visual landscape and a haven for wildlife.

From lively Oban, enter a world of booming sea caves, puffins, basking sharks and playful dolphins. History haunts the beautifully preserved Stone Age villages, ancient abbeys and abandoned castles that adorn headlands and windswept moors of the Hebridean Islands. World Heritage-listed St Kilda and its rocky outliers are home to breeding seals, some of Europe's largest seabird colonies, fantastic sea stacks and derelict crofts, where hardy islanders once lived. Birders find paradise in the Shetlands, where Viking influences prevail. The Orkneys offer insight into WWII and a wee dram of Scotland's finest.

Why travel with Aurora Expeditions?

Small groups are best

At sea, Aurora Expeditions' high-latitude, expedition ship is small enough to go where others can't, often resulting in more landings. On land, Aurora's group size is limited to 16. Fewer people means a more personalised experience and a lasting camaraderie.

Consistently Aurora Expeditions.

Rather than book you onto another company's trip, Aurora Expeditions operate only its own expeditions, either on vessels that it charters, or working closely with local experts who share its ethos and style.

Aurora Expeditions' staff put you first

Your security, wellbeing and understanding of the places you visit are Aurora Expeditions' staff's priorities. Aurora's staff have a passion for sharing their knowledge and making everyone feel as if they are on the same team.

Enrichment through understanding

The more Aurora Expeditions' remote area specialists share their knowledge about the history and natural environments you encounter, the more rewarding the experience.

Environmental sensitivity

Aurora Expeditions' helped develop international environmental guidelines for the polar regions you visit, and consciously limits the number of people it takes to its destinations.

Flexibility and freedom

Aurora Expeditions stops for breaching whales! Enjoy your destinations in your own way, within the bounds of safety. Hike up a snow slope, take your time photographing wildlife, inspect historical huts or simply sit and admire the view.

Aurora Expeditions' spirit of adventure!

Photograph wind-plumes on Mt Everest, share the trail with gauchos, yak-herders or rarely-visited rainforest hunters. Scuba dive or snorkel with leopard seals, sea kayak with whales or enjoy a feast of tundra berries. Ponder ancient rock paintings or lift your spirits in a Buddhist monastery. No matter where in the world, Aurora Expeditions encourages a true sense of exploration.

Aurora Expeditions has fun

Aurora Expeditions loves what it does and believes that everyone involved, from expeditioners to staff, ship's crews to trekking teams, shares the same goal – the best expedition imaginable!

Many inclusions

Whether it's a stylish jacket and photo journal memento to keep, or gumboots to wear on our polar voyages; flights for our fly/sail Antarctic program; linking flights in Iceland, Alaska, Ecuador, Nepal and Africa or Everest heliflights, our inclusions are what most others would consider extras.

Environmental Stewardship

From Aurora's very first Antarctic voyage in 1992, it has been committed to environmentally responsible tourism practices. Founding Australian members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), Aurora supports research, donates funds, and allocates resources to ensure it leaves places it visits as it found them – or better. As you travel with Aurora,it hopes you develop a deeper understanding of the natural forces shaping our world. By creating lifelong environmental ambassadors, Aurora aims to preserve the wild places for future generations.

If you're a solo traveller, welcome on board!

Aurora Expeditions welcomes many solo travellers on its trips, and their numbers are increasing each year. Maybe it's simply the nature of the expeditions, but Aurora understands what a big step it is for many to set off on their own. To address this, Aurora has developed its informal 'cabin-mate finding service' that matches solo travellers with a cabin mate of the same gender. And it has had great success so far! Aurora Expeditions' small groups and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to make new friends (and remember everyone's name!), and the inspiring destinations are a great conversation starter. Plus, by sharing a cabin you'll also avoid paying any extra 'single supplements'. You might arrive alone, but Aurora can guarantee that you'll go home with lifelong friends.