Small Ship Cruising

Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow

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Direction and Year

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Days
11
From (per Person)
$13,290 CAD
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 CAD $4,265

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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Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Pace

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Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

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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Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms)

Prestige Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Privilege Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite

Deck 5

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Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms)

Prestige Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Privilege Suite

Owner's Suite

Deck 4

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Prestige Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Deck 3

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Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Deck 2

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Deck 7

View Cabin Categories

Deck 6

View Cabin Categories

Deluxe Suite

Prestige Stateroom

Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms)

Privilege Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite

Deck 5

View Cabin Categories

Deluxe Suite

Prestige Stateroom

Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms)

Privilege Suite

Owner's Suite

Deck 4

View Cabin Categories

Prestige Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Deck 3

View Cabin Categories

Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Deck 2

View Cabin Categories

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Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

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Eastbound: Glasgow → Edinburgh

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About Booking This Tour

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Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay for entry into Scotland; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact the British embassy or consulate of your home country to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Beginning on January 8, 2025 all travelers of any age visiting (for 6 months or less) or transiting through the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) will be required to show documentation of a United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA). The UK ETA is an advance travel permission required from foreign nationals who intend to visit or transit through the United Kingdom.  The exception are those traveling with their valid British or Irish passport/documentation.

This policy is intended to improve border security and to make the travel experience more efficient. We have the following details to share about the UK ETA process:
To apply please go to the UK ETA website or mobile app:

The application process will ask you to:

  • Take or upload a photo of the passport you will use to enter the UK.
  • If you are applying via the mobile app, and your passport has a biometric chip (usually located on the back cover of USA passports), you will be asked to scan that chip.    You will hear a beep when the biometric chip has been successfully read. If you get a repeated error message, you can skip this step.
  • Scan your face with your device if it has a camera, Face scans will not be required of children aged 9 and under.
  • Take or upload a photo of yourself.  The photo must include your head and shoulders against a plain background and there should be nothing covering your face and eyes.      Head coverings should only be worn for religious reasons.
  • Confirm your identity and provide your email address.
  • Pay a fee of GBP 10 per person (for all ages), payable via credit card, debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

In applying for the UK ETA, you do not need to provide details of your travel plans. You will need to complete your application in one sitting and cannot save your progress and return to the application later. If you do not do anything for 20 minutes, the service will time out. Your answers will be deleted and you will need to start again.

Once completed, an email confirming the approval of the UK ETA will usually be sent within 3 working days.  The UK ETA will be linked to the passport you applied with (if you get a new passport within the 2 year validity of the UK ETA you will need to get a new UK ETA). 

We suggest you print or keep a record of your confirmation email but it is not necessary to show any papers. The UK ETA will be valid for multiple journeys over 2 years or until expiration of the associated travel document (your passport), whichever is sooner .

You still need to pass through Customs to enter the United Kingdom, and the UK ETA does not guarantee entry.

 

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Cruise Regulations

International Maritime Security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied.

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 CAD $1,700.

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 60 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.

Tauck Travel Protection Product / If You Have To Cancel

Effective for plans purchased as of July 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey. Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

  • Trip Cancellation – Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 

  • Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.

  • Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.

  • Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 

  • Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
  • Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is: 

$895 per person – Galápagos Wildlife Wonderland small ship family cruise, Tauck Bridges family river cruises 

$995 per person – Most Europe riverboat cruises

$995 per person – Most Europe small ship cruises and most Latin America cruises

$1,285 per person – Asia, Australia and Antarctica cruises

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the fees listed will apply.

Guests choosing to purchase Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

120 days or more before departure:

Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person

119 – 60 days before departure:

Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person

59 – 1 days before departure:

Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person

Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

120 days or more before departure

$1100 per person – European river cruises

$1300 per person – Galápagos Wildlife Wonderland

  $1700 per person – European small ship cruises

$1700 per person – Latin America cruises

$2100 per person – Asia, Australia and Antarctica cruises

119 – 60 days before departure:

Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

59 – 1 days before departure:

Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein.

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

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Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. 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 stricter in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. 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. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.


Checked Luggage – General

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 – General

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.

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.

Weather

Scotland's climate is temperate and, as in the rest of the U. K., the weather tends to be unpredictable. In general, Scotland tends to be cool, damp and cloudy, and is colder on average than the rest of the U.K. The coldest areas are the highlands, and the northern latitude has short winter days and very long summer evenings. The east coast experiences more sunshine, but colder winters, compared to the west. The average high temperatures for May through September range from 55 to 65˚F (13 to 18˚C) and the average low temperatures range from 45 to 55˚F (7 to 13˚C). Glasgow on the west coast has almost 50% more rain per year than Edinburgh.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

 

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings (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
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, chargers and extra memory cards
  • 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.
  • Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
  • 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

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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