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Scotland

The Hidden Coasts of Scotland: An Expedition on the Ocean Albatros

Program No. 24592RJ
Experience Scotland from Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands and Outer Hebrides as you join us for our Floating Campus on board the Ocean Albatros!
Program
At a Glance
Duration
12 days
Program Begins
Edinburgh
Program Concludes
Edinburgh
Meals
28 ( 10B, 8L, 10D )
Activity Level
The northern coast of Scotland is known for its incredible natural beauty, remote islands and ancient landmarks. This learning adventure begins and ends in Edinburgh and leads you on a journey to Aberdeen, the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and Outer Hebrides. Marvel in the remote landscapes of Scotland as your onboard instructors offer their insight into the history and biodiversity of the region through lectures, Q&A sessions and casual discussions. In true campus style, take part in onboard activities like a book club or photography instruction, enjoy a live performance of Scottish dance and music and get to know other Road Scholars who love learning — and voyages — as much as you do.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy exclusive access to experts who will be with you throughout your journey and learn from them as you take in onboard lectures and educational activities.
  • Spend a night in Edinburgh before and after your voyage to discover landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile with a local expert.
  • Learn about royal history at the Castle of Mey in Caithness, purchased and restored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
  • Discover Scotland’s prehistoric landmark during a field trip to the Ring of Brodgar in the Orkney Isles, thought to be constructed for astronomical observations.
  • Voyage to some of Scotland’s remote islands as you explore the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and Sumburgh Head in Shetland, and enjoy Zodiac rides along Loch Torridon.
General Notes
This learning adventure is part of Road Scholar’s Floating Campus. You’ll experience a true campus feel as we enjoy field trips onshore and expert instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions. Enjoy a book club, onboard activities, a live performance and the camaraderie that can only be found with fellow Road Scholars! Please note that we need a minimum number of participants to enroll in this program to have exclusive use of the ship. In the event we do not meet the minimum number, then the cruise line may have its own passengers on the ship, though they will not be part of any Road Scholar activities.
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Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard is a professor of conflict history and archaeology at the University of Glasgow, and has carried out pioneering archaeological investigations across the globe. He has written widely on a variety of archaeological and historical topics for academic and general audiences. Tony is also a familiar face on television, and since popularizing battlefield archaeology with the BBC series 'Two Men in a Trench,' he has gone on to make regular appearances on popular history shows like 'Nazi Megastructures' and 'Defending Europe.'
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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Tommy Hatwell
Tommy Hatwell—born in Plymouth, England—has lived, worked, and photographed all over the globe. In 2017, he completed his B.A. with honors in commercial photography and soon after was nominated for the prestigious Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery in London, also opening his first solo exhibition. He shares his passion and knowledge of photography by traveling around the world, offering workshops, and visiting universities. Tommy provides creative, hands-on photography lessons during Road Scholar Floating Campus programs, both on shore and aboard ship.
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Katy Chamberlain
Katy Chamberlain is a geologist and volcanologist, who specializes in the interpretation of pre-eruptive magmatic evolution using geochemical analyses of erupted products. She currently holds the position of lecturer in igneous petrology at the University of Liverpool in the UK. Katy has worked all over the world, studying super-eruptive processes in the Bishop Tuff (USA), ocean island volcanism at Ascension Island and the Canary Islands, and subduction zones processes in the Southern Volcanic Zone of Chile.
Activity Level
Choose Your Pace
This program offers two activity levels to choose from on every departure date: one Keep the Pace that has more walking and standing and one On Your Feet covering slightly shorter distances at a slower pace. Must be comfortable getting in & out of tender boats and zodiacs, feel comfortable navigating around the ship and handle stairs while on board. PLEASE NOTE: The ship is not suitable for wheelchair/electric scooter use.
Floating Campus
On our Road Scholar Floating Campuses, we’ll have the entire ship to ourselves and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (13 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.