2022 Scotland
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2022 SCOTLAND SCOTLAND BASKING SHARKS, THE HIGHLANDS, HEBRIDES & THE TATTOO 01 – 14 AUG 2022 ● 14 DAYS ● 11 GUESTS Journey into the unspoiled rugged landscape of Scotland on a unique expedition filled with captivating views, bountiful wildlife, great marine life, and a fascinating blend of history and culture. Swim alongside the prehistoric-looking Basking shark. Travel from the rolling landscape and crystal- clear lochs of the Highlands to the hundreds of islands that make up the Hebrides archipelago on the Northwest coast of Scotland. An unforgettable adventure filled with a wild array of flora and fauna blended with authentic Scottish and Gaelic island life. The Scottish sea is said to be one of the most biologically productive in the world. It is estimated that the total number of Scottish marine species exceeds 40,000. Each year Basking sharks migrate from the sub-tropics to waters surrounding the Hebrides, making this the best place to see the world’s second-largest fish. Spend a week exploring the Hebrides and snorkel with these gentle giants as they cruise through the plankton-rich waters next to you; watch a playful colony of Grey and Common seals play in the kelp forest and see the curious porpoises and dolphins as they come to join the fun. Keep an eye out for Orcas, Minke and Pilot whales passing by. Watch the seals and otters lazing along the coastline. Enjoy walks to hidden caves and isolated beaches. Visit one of the largest colonies of Puffins in the world and watch the numerous sea birds gliding through the air. Explore the Scottish Highlands with its famous Scottish Highland cattle grazing lazily on the rolling greenery and the deer roaming freely around you. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and the culturally rich country and history, as you venture through the mountains, traditional villages, past the glistening Lochs and mysterious Glens. Witness the vast array of birdlife as well as the diverse landscape alongside the myths and legends of these mystical lands. For the ultimate finale head to Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh. A medieval town mixed with modern elegancy, all positioned in the shadow of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy the cultural splendors and history of the city and the surrounding areas. Indulge in an incredible dinner inside Edinburgh’s castle before being escorted by bagpipes to the esplanade of the castle to watch the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. With the artistic and musical performances of numerous military bands and groups, a mind-blowing experience and an incredible way to finish your Scottish adventure. PRE-EXTENSION – THE SHETLAND ISLANDS 28 JUL – 02 AUG 2022 ● 5 DAYS ● 11 GUESTS For the perfect prelude to your Scotland Expedition, join us on our Pre-extension to the Shetland Islands. Situated just 400miles away from the Arctic circle, the landscape and wildlife are unique and varied. From the far north to the most southern of the islands, a bird lovers paradise with extraordinary landscapes, traditions, and nature waiting to be explored. WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 2 [email protected] CLICK TO VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS HIGHLIGHTS • Snorkel with the world’s second-largest fish, the Basking shark. • Experience the incredible Edinburgh Tattoo and dine in the World-Famous Edinburgh Castle. • Explore wetlands, highlands, lowlands, and islands on this full immersion into the biodiversity of Scotland. • Take a kayak and watch playful Common and Grey seals alongside otters along the coastline. • Explore remote uninhabited islands with dramatic rugged cliffs, caves, sea stacks, green grassy slopes, white sandy bays, and turquoise seas. • Observe Red deer, Scottish highland cattle, Blue hares, badgers and polecats on wildlife walks. • Spot numerous birds of prey including Golden eagles, White-tailed eagles, Sea eagles, and Peregrine falcons. • Get close to a large colony of Puffins, and take bird walks to see Oystercatchers, Common Guillemots, Northern Gannet, fulmars, razorbills, terns, shags, and pine martins. • Visit Historical and poignant landmarks like Culloden Battlefield, Jarlshof and Blair Castle. • Follow in the footsteps of Royalty on the famous Royal Britannia Yacht. WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 3 [email protected] ITINERARY OVERVIEW PRE-EXTENSION THE SHETLAND ISLANDS 28 JUL – 02 AUG 2022 ● 5 DAYS ● 11 GUESTS Day 01 | Jul 28 Depart Home / En Route to Edinburgh Airport, Scotland Day 02 | Jul 29 Edinburgh / welcome dinner Day 03 | Jul 30 Fly to Sumburgh / Jalshof / Birdwatching / coastal walk Day 04 | Jul 31 Yell & Unst / Hermaness National Nature Reserve Day 05 | Aug 01 Noss & Bressary / Shetland Museum Day 06 | Aug 02 St Ninian’s Isle / fly to Edinburgh SCOTLAND BASKING SHARKS, THE HIGHLANDS, HEBRIDES & THE TATTOO 01 – 14 AUG 2022 ● 14 DAYS ● 11 GUESTS Day 01 | Aug 01 Depart Home / En Route to Edinburgh Airport, Scotland Day 02 | Aug 02 Arrive Edinburgh / Welcome dinner Day 03 | Aug 03 Highlands / Blair Castle / Insh Marshes Day 04 | Aug 04 Cairngorms National Park Day 05 | Aug 05 Culloden / Loch Ness Day 06-11 | Aug 06-11 Spend a week exploring the Hebrides and snorkelling with Basking sharks Day 12 | Aug 12 Distillery / Edinburgh Day 13 | Aug 13 Royal Edinburgh / Tattoo Day 14 | Aug 14 Fly home WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 4 [email protected] PRE-EXTENSION ITINERARY THE SHETLAND ISLANDS 28 JUL – 02 AUG 2022 ● 5 DAYS ● 11 GUESTS Day 01. Jul 28, 2022. Arrive in Edinburgh Depart your home and journey to Scotland, arriving at Edinburgh international airport. Edinburgh sometimes referred to as the ‘Athens of the North,’ is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: The Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the Georgian New Town, dating from the 18th century. The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and what saw it be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. We can assist you in making a booking for extra hotel nights at the Bruntsfield Hotel, situated within walking distance of the historical city center. Day 02. Jul 29, 2022. Welcome Dinner The Bruntsfield Hotel is a 4-star townhouse hotel just a short walk from Edinburgh city center. With open views across Bruntsfield links park and the Meadows park, an ideal location to enjoy the landscape and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Edinburgh. Check-in and relax, explore the city, or take a leisurely walk through the tree-lined paths of the parks on your doorstep. Browse the artisan retailers and bespoke goods in the surrounding shops or grab a coffee and a cake in one of the stylish local cafes. In the evening, meet Thomas and the rest of the explorers for a welcome cocktail and special welcome dinner. Overnight: Bruntsfield Hotel – Superior rooms (L, D) Day 03. Jul 30, 2022. Fly to Sumburgh / Jalshof / Birdwatching / Coastal Walk Take an early flight to the Shetland Islands in the far North of Scotland. Lying on the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska, and just 400 miles south of the Arctic Circle, a unique and beautiful area of the world. Upon arriving, travel to the nearby Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlements, hailed as the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland. Step back in time at this remarkable archaeological site with human settlers dating from 2500BC up to 17 th century AD, a unique selection of ruins and history including a fortified manor house, and oval houses. Continue to Sumburgh Head RSPB Reserve for some birdwatching and a breathtaking coastal walk, with excellent views of the seabird colonies, including Gannets, Auks, and Bonxies. Keep an eye to the sea to get a glimpse of passing whales. After an exhilarating day combining history and nature, check-in at the hotel and enjoy a tasty meal, an eclectic mix of modern and traditional Scottish cuisines, as well as the fantastic Shetland seafood, all whilst watching the boats sail by in the harbor. Overnight: Kveldsro Hotel (B, L, D) Day 04. Jul 31, 2022. Yell & Unst / Hermaness National Nature After breakfast, travel to the far North of the Shetland Isles and take a ferry to the islands of Yell and Unst. Spend the day exploring the islands, including a walk at the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, which is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of Bonxie in the world. It is also a superb and wild spot to gaze out across the sea and see the sensationally placed lighthouse on the island of Muckle Flugga and the tiny rock of Out Stack, the most northerly point of land in the United Kingdom. Overnight: Kveldsro Hotel (B, L, D) WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 5 [email protected] Day 05. Aug 01, 2022. Noss & Bressary / Shetland Museum The cliffs of Noss and Bressay are a haven for seabirds. Today is the perfect opportunity for photography, as you visit one of the world’s prime locations for birdwatching; the Noss National Nature Reserve is home to 20,000 Gannets, 25,000 Guillemots, 3,000 Kittiwakes, 1,200 Puffins and hundreds of Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Shags, and Skuas. Enjoy a cruise around the spectacular cliffs with the jaw-dropping views. Return to Lerwick and take a tour of the Shetland Museum, before enjoying a special meal and local entertainment for your final evening in the Shetland Isles. Overnight: Kveldsro Hotel (B, L, D) Day 06. Aug 02, 2022. St Ninian’s Isle / Fly to Edinburgh For our last morning, we make our way south to St Ninian’s Isle. Walk across the sandy isthmus that connects the mainland to St Ninian’s to a tiny island. Enjoy the spectacular sight of the island of Foula, a perfect location to end our time in the Shetland Isles.