Small-Ship Expedition from Glasgow to Aberdeen June 13 to 24, 2023

Figure 1: Standing stones, Callanish, Isle of Lewis, . 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, , the 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.

- 1 - 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, 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: [email protected]

- 2 - 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 Certified Safe Travels Operator Adventure Canada has been awarded a Safe Travels certificate by the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. This accreditation recognizes us as a global leader in our adopted health and hygiene protocols and confirms our commitment to putting the safety, health, and security of our clients, staff, and crew before all else.

Figure 2: Broch of , Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Dennis Minty.

- 3 - Itinerary Scotland Slowly Dates: June 13 to 24, 2023, aboard the “Ocean Endeavour”. Cost: From $6,395 USD depending on cabin category; flights not included. 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: Day 4: Iona and Day 5: Skye Day 6: Outer Day 7: St. Kilda Day 8: Isle of Lewis Day 9: , Orkney Day 10: Papa Stour and Day 11: Aberdeenshire Day 12: Aberdeen, Scotland

- 4 - 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 . View the largest seabird colony in the 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 . 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 historic St. established his site, home of the Lords of the Isles monastery at nearby Iona – the burial

- 5 - 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. , 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 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-

- 6 - 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 Cost Interactive workshops All prices are per person, in United Evening entertainment States Dollars. All shipboard meals Cabin Category 10: $ 15,995 Cabin Category 9: $ 14,995 Expedition Cost Does Not Cabin Category 8: $ 13,595 Include Cabin Category 7: $ 12,995 Commercial and charter flights Cabin Category 6: $ 11,995 Program enhancements / optional excursions Cabin Category 5: $ 10,995 Gratuities Cabin Category 4: $ 9,995 Personal expenses Cabin Category 3: $ 8,695 Mandatory medical evacuation Cabin Category 2: $ 7,395 insurance Cabin Category 1: $ 6,395 Additional expenses in the event of Expedition Cost Includes delays or itinerary changes Possible fuel surcharges Welcome dinner and one hotel night, based on double occupancy, in Pre- and post-trip hotel Glasgow on Day 1. accommodation and administrative fee Passage aboard the “Ocean Endeavour”

- 7 - How to Book To reserve your space contact Sheryl Saint at Adventure Canada at 905.271.4000 or 1.800.363.7566 extension 224 or e-mail at [email protected]. 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 Travellers aboard “Ocean Endeavour” select community excursions. 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: [email protected] Phone: 416.925.5891 Sheryl Saint, Adventure Canada E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 905.271.4000 or 1.800.363.7566 extension 224

- 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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