Small-Ship Expedition from Glasgow to Aberdeen
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Small-Ship Expedition from Glasgow to Aberdeen
June 13 to 24, 2021
Figure 1: Standing stones, Callanish, Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Dennis Minty.
In the isles of Scotland, the past is present. Music, dancing, and stories. Rugged ruins.
Ancient villages. Soaring seabirds. Visit mystical, coastal Scotland by ship!
Scotland, like good whisky, is best savoured slowly. Nature and culture thrive on the
isles. Hear music and stories. Revel in wildlife. Absorb the scenery. Immerse yourself
in history.
Explore in comfort aboard Adventure Canada’s “Ocean Endeavour”. Visit historic
Glasgow, the Western Isles, Pentland Firth, Orkney, the Shetland islands, and
Aberdeen. Learn from Scottish experts as we go.
Scotland is spectacular in springtime. June is breeding season for birds. Search for
whales on a Zodiac outing. Meet the locals and get a glimpse of island life. Raise a
dram at world-famous distilleries.
Wander among Neolithic ruins. Explore sea caves and bird cliffs.
Savour Scotland — slowly.
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A Letter from Virginia Van Vliet
Dear ROM travellers,
I’m thrilled to share that ROMTravel is working together again with Adventure
Canada, the award-winning family-run travel company. This time we’re delighted to
introduce Scotland Slowly.
Scotland is a wonderful contradiction of wild ocean, dramatic cliffs rocks, and gentle
grasses, but magic flows through this mystical, coastal landscape. You may have
experienced the delights of Edinburgh or the rich architecture and arts of Glasgow,
but it is the islands that remain a last bastion of the Gaelic language and culture. They
are a stronghold of forgotten lifeways, and home to tightknit communities built by
clan and kin – ancient mysteries awaiting rediscovery.
Like whisky, Scotland is best savoured slowly. The sea will be our gateway to its past
and present, to a world of faeries, legends, and ancient kingdoms. Aboard the 198-
passenger expedition ship “Ocean Endeavour” we will explore the rugged coastline
from Glasgow to Aberdeen. We will enjoy fine food and comfortable lodging, with a
fleet of Zodiacs to bring us to fjords and caves, cozy communities, and clamouring
cliffside colonies of seabirds.
On board, we’ll learn from storytellers and historians who will regale us with Scottish
folklore and history, and scientists and artists who will explore alongside us on shore.
Music, dancing, and storytelling are at the heart of Scottish culture, and not to be
missed are Scotland’s famous pubs where we’ll enjoy a pint (or two) and mix with
locals for a dance and a yarn. Always, we learn as we go.
Join me, as a distinguished ROMTravel guest in June 2021 where you’ll enjoy the
company of a small group of friendly, like-minded people. Together we’ll discover
Scotland by sea.
ROMTravel will host a number of information sessions on our Scotland Slowly
expedition, please join us.
Virginia Van Vliet
ROMTravel Contact Information
Virginia Van Vliet, ROMTravel Coordinator
Phone: 416.925.5891
E-mail: virginiavanvliet@gmail.com
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Our Travel Partner: Adventure Canada
Adventure Canada is an award-winning family-run travel company with more than
thirty years’ experience specializing in small-ship cruises to the world’s more remote
coastlines. They engage, educate, and entertain by connecting people to each other
and the land through travel. Adventure Canada’s pioneering approach to expedition
cruises and small-group experiences emphasizes wildlife, culture, learning, and fun.
Awards
Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
Cruise Vision Award
Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
Best Adventure Cruise Line
Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth
Solo Travelers Choice Award
Figure 2: Broch of Dun Carloway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Dennis Minty.
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Itinerary
Scotland Slowly
Date: June 13 to 24, 2021, aboard the “Ocean Endeavour”.
Price: From $5,995 to $15,595 USD per person, solo cabins based on availability.
Starts: Glasgow, Scotland.
Ends: Aberdeen, Scotland.
Day-by-Day Itinerary Overview
Figure 3: Map of Scotland, showing our planned route and ports of call.
Day 1-2: Glasgow / Greenock, Scotland
Day 3: Islay
Day 4: Iona and Staffa
Day 5: Skye
Day 6: Outer Hebrides
Day 7: St. Kilda
Day 8: Isle of Lewis
Day 9: Kirkwall, Orkney
Day 10: Papa Stour and Foula
Day 11: Aberdeenshire
Day 12: Aberdeen, Scotland
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Highlights
Appreciate Scotland's picturesque shorelines and fascinating maritime heritage.
Wander among monuments at the heart of the Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World
Heritage site.
Marvel at the largest collection of prehistoric megalithic structures in western Europe.
Sample a wee dram at one of Scotland’s finest distilleries on the Isle of Islay.
Experience island life on Foula in the Shetlands.
View the largest seabird colony in the United Kingdom at the cliffs of St. Kilda, a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
Purchase world-famous Harris Tweed, hand woven from pure virgin wool dyed and
spun in the Outer Hebrides.
Itinerary
Day 1 and 2: Glasgow and and Clan Donald, along with a visit to
Greenock, Scotland Gruinart Nature Reserve, a thriving
The bustling metropolis of Glasgow is habitat for barnacle goose, hen
the economic engine of Scotland and harriers and corncrakes.
an architectural delight. On Day 1, Islay is world-famous for fine whisky,
enjoy a welcome dinner and thanks to clear waters, fine peat and
overnight hotel stay. On Day 2, after a barley.
walking tour we’ll depart via coach,
and travel onward to Greenock.
Originally a small fishing community,
Greenock grew with industrialization
and boasts the site of the first dock
on the River Clyde. The community
has a rich maritime history and was a Figure 4: Laphroaig distillery, Islay. Wikipedia and
major shipbuilding and import Ayack.
centre. Here, we'll board the “Ocean
Day 4: Iona and Staffa
Endeavour”, our home for the next
The isle of Staffa is famed for basaltic
ten nights.
formations and numerous caves. The
Day 3: Islay best known of these is Fingal’s Cave,
The Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is a spectacular geological feature
the southernmost of the Inner named for the Celtic hero. Originally
Hebrides. This island lies only 40 known in Gaelic as “the melodious
kilometres from the Irish coast. Islay is cave”, it provided the inspiration for
a haven for seabirds, thanks to the Mendelssohn’s overture, “The
warming effects of the Gulf Stream. Hebrides”.
We will visit Loch Finlaggan historic St. Columba established his
site, home of the Lords of the Isles monastery at nearby Iona – the burial
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place of kings. The restored Iona offer dramatic ocean views for our
Abbey complex preserves two hikers!
outstanding 8th century crosses and a
Day 8: Isle of Lewis
splendid collection of sculpture. Lewis is the largest of the Hebridean
Day 5: Skye Islands and a Gaelic stronghold.
This is a fabulous day for birders, Harris Tweed has its headquarters on
photographers, and hikers. We will Lewis. Its product is hand woven
cruise the southwestern shore of Skye exclusively in the Outer Hebrides by
to visit Loch Coruisk, a freshwater weavers working at home. We’ll visit
loch accessed through Loch Scavaig. Stornoway, the island’s capital.
Here we find one of the finest On the west side of Lewis is Callanish,
mountainscapes in Britain, backed by one of Britain’s most important Stone
the Cuillin Mountains. We will hike Age sites. Callanish’s standing stones
the western shore and revel in the are said to be giants who were
view. punished by St. Kieran for refusing to
Day 6: Outer Hebrides convert to Christianity.
At times referred to as the Long Isle Day 9: Kirkwall, Orkney
or the Western Isles, the Outer Kirkwall is dominated by the massive
Hebrides are a fantastic collection of Magnus Cathedral, dating from 1137.
over 100 islands 70 kilometres off This is the final resting place of the
Scotland’s west coast. Known today famed Orcadian Arctic explorer, John
as a leader in renewable energy and Rae.
a Gaelic stronghold, the Outer
Hebrides have a colourful history. We’ll visit the Heart of Neolithic
Here we find the oldest evidence of Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage
human habitation in Scotland with site. Here, we’ll find the 4,000-year-
Pictish, Norse and Scots influence. old Ring of Brodgar and The Hall of
We’ll search out the rich marine and Clestrain, the childhood home of
bird life of the islands as conditions John Rae!
permit. Day 10: Papa Stour and Foula
Day 7: St. Kilda Marine and bird life flourish at Papa
The archipelago known as St. Kilda Stour among cliffs, caves, sea stacks,
was inhabited until 1930. Today, St. and blowholes. We will have a
Kilda is a UNESCO World Heritage morning Zodiac cruise exploring the
site, protecting fascinating ruins as coastline’s rugged beauty!
well as natural heritage features. Twenty-three kilometres west of the
Seabirds thrive on the island of Hirta - Shetland Islands, Foula is the most
notably, puffins, fulmars, and the remote inhabited island in the UK.
largest gannet colony in Britain (and Here, a few dozen folk make their
the second-largest in the world). Hirta homes, many preserving traditional
is also home to feral sheep left by the methods of agriculture and
departing islanders. Enormous cliffs subsistence. Arctic terns, red-
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throated divers, and great skuas may Applicable taxes and credit card fees
be found here. Complimentary expedition jacket
Day 11: Aberdeenshire
Contribution to Adventure Canada's
Scotland’s northeast coast features
Discovery Fund
seaside towns, rolling fields, stunning
coastlines and countless historic Special access permits, entry and
points of interest. The gentle park fees
landscape makes it perfect for Team of expedition staff
walking and exploring by foot. We’ll
spend our day exploring the vibrant Guided activities
region outside of Aberdeen. Sightseeing and community visits
Day 12: Aberdeen, Scotland All Zodiac excursions
The “Ocean Endeavour” arrives in
Port fees
Aberdeen in the morning. You may
choose to extend your stay in Pre-departure materials
Scotland on your own or make your Educational program
way home from here.
Nikon Camera Trial Program
Expedition Prices Interactive workshops
All prices are per person, in United Evening entertainment
States Dollars.
All shipboard meals
Cabin Category 10: $15,595
Cabin Category 9: $14,595 Expedition Cost Does Not
Cabin Category 8: $13,595
Include
Cabin Category 7: $12,595 Commercial and charter flights
Cabin Category 6: $11,595 Program enhancements / optional
excursions
Cabin Category 5: $10,595
Gratuities
Cabin Category 4: $9,595
Personal expenses
Cabin Category 3: $8,295
Mandatory medical evacuation
Cabin Category 2: $6,995 insurance
Cabin Category 1: $5,995 Additional expenses in the event of
delays or itinerary changes
Expedition Cost Includes
Possible fuel surcharges
Welcome dinner and one hotel night,
based on double occupancy, in Pre- and post-trip hotel
Glasgow on June 13, 2021 accommodation and administrative
fee
Passage aboard the “Ocean
Endeavour”
-7-How to Book
To reserve your space contact Loretta Rempel at Adventure Canada at 905.271.4000
or 1.800.363.7566 extension 233 or e-mail at loretta@adventurecanada.com.
Adventure Canada is a registered Ontario company, we are licensed to sell travel
packages through the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). Adventure Canada is
required to keep all customer deposits in Client Trust Accounts and may only use the
funds once the trip has begun, or to make a deposit to an operator on behalf of the
client. Our Client Trust Accounts are subject to audit by a Chartered Professional
Accountant (CPA) on an annual basis and are regularly inspected by TICO auditors.
Adventure Canada’s TICO Registration Numbers 4001400 / 50021860
Program Enhancements precision, professional-quality
photography equipment courtesy of
We’re pleased to provide the the onboard Nikon Camera Trial
following optional program Program. Together, we empower our
enhancements to help you make the guests to create truly dynamic images
very most of every day – in your own and tell vibrant stories.
way!
Qajaq/Kayak (Pay Extra)
Expedition Jackets
Explore at water level in small groups
(Complimentary) with our experienced kayak guides.
You will receive a complimentary We offer excursions on double
expedition jacket to keep you kayaks, as well as the essential gear
protected from the elements. for safety and comfort.
Designed specifically for expedition
travel, your jacket is waterproof and Biking (Pay Extra)
windproof. This jacket is yours to Experience communities and
keep as a coveted and useful landscapes at your own pace! For
memento of your adventure. fitness enthusiasts and independent
explorers, we carry a fleet of Kona
Nikon Camera Trial mountain bikes. These multi-geared,
Program (Complimentary) all-purpose bikes are available during
select community excursions.
Travellers aboard “Ocean Endeavour”
expeditions will be able to use
Our Commitment to Safe Travel
As leaders in the expedition travel industry for over thirty years, Adventure Canada
takes very seriously the ongoing health and safety concerns of all our guests,
community hosts, staff, and crew during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Much
uncertainty remains about the future of safe travel, and we are doing our best to
understand these new challenges and respond appropriately.
-8-In consultation with recommendations from the Association of Arctic Expedition
Cruise Operators and the World Health Organization, we have developed the below
set of guiding principles in preparation for our upcoming 2021 season.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will make changes to and further develop
these protocols in the months ahead.
Learn more about our health and safety procedures.
Clean Ship
The “Ocean Endeavour” is equipped with a HEPA-filtered fresh air heating and
cooling system. Medical grade virucidal cleaning agents and sanitization equipment
will be used to clean and sterilize all cabins, public areas, crew areas, and ship’s
equipment on an increased cleaning schedule.
Healthy People
Mandatory pre-screening and COVID-19 testing will be conducted before all guests,
staff, and crew board the ”Ocean Endeavour”. Daily health screenings will include
temperature checks and health questionnaires for your personalized health log.
Social distancing measures and small group programming will be the norm on our
expeditions.
Responsible Experiences
All staff and crew will be trained on infection control and COVID-19 outbreak
prevention protocol, including two dedicated professional medical staff for each
voyage. Our executive management team will complete a thorough review of all
expedition logistical plans before each departure to ensure our plans are prioritizing
evolving health and safety best practices and local requests.
Community Commitment
All visits will be tailored to ensure community and guest safety is at the forefront of all
our activities. Mandatory health and safety briefings will be conducted before each
community visit based on site-specific best practices and community requests. We
will continue to collaborate with community tourism partners to ensure specific
guidelines are followed.
Contact Information
Virginia Van Vliet, ROMTravel Coordinator
E-mail: virginiavanvliet@gmail.com
Phone: 416.925.5891
Loretta Rempel, Adventure Canada
E-mail: loretta@adventurecanada.com
Phone: 905.271.4000 or 1.800.363.7566 extension 233
-9-Internet Link for this Trip
This document contains an internet link which can be clicked when viewing the
document on a smartphone, tablet or computer screen.
The link is:
Adventure Canada health and safety procedures
https://www.adventurecanada.com/health-safety-
advisory?utm_source=atwood_4_page_flyer&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=ar
ctic_atlantic_brochure_mailing
Figure 5: "Ocean Endeavour" off St. Kilda, Scotland. Dennis Minty.
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