Aurora Expeditions Announces New Scottish Coast to Coast Voyage 2013

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions has launched its new 2013 ‘Wild Scotland’ voyage with a 10% Earlybird Offer. Going from coast to coast, the voyage will explore the heritage and wildlife of the beautiful Scottish Isles as few see them.

Carrying a maximum of 54 passengers, Aurora Expeditions ship Polar Pioneer will depart from the picturesque town of Oban on the west coast and end in Aberdeen on the east. The 11 day voyage departs 23 June - 3 July 2013.

Following in the footsteps of our Celtic and Viking forefathers, the historic and wildlife themed voyage will blaze a trail across Scotland’s beautiful coastline including the Highlands, western islands, Outer Hebrides, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Aberdeen. Exploration from Polar Pioneer will be carried out using Aurora Expeditions' fleet of Zodiacs and landings ashore.

Aurora Expeditions’ Scottish historian Carol Knott will regale fascinating stories and provide enriching lectures to unlock the mysteries of this ancient coastline. Passengers will experience history firsthand, taking in Neolithic sites scarcely altered in 5000 years and pondering the mystery of huge monoliths that marked seasonal change. Passengers will visit remote crofting communities and iconic castles that were once strongholds of Scottish clans. A naturalist will also be among the team of expedition experts, all of whom provide fascinating talks to help interpret the day’s sightings.

The dramatic coastline of the western Islands and Highlands is peppered with many stunningly beautiful sea lochs piercing far inland, providing sheltered cruising waters amid spectacular scenery. Pretty villages and golden beaches extend towards the north western islands which dot the north Atlantic to create a wonderland of seabird-speckled cliffs, towering sea stacks, glorious mountains and windswept moors. The remote northern islands of the Shetlands and Orkneys are warmed by the Gulf Stream and abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life. The north eastern coast typifies a seaboard carved by the North Sea, creating a unique visual landscape and a haven for wildlife.

Adventure Activity Option

Kayaking is available on this voyage. Paddlers will enjoy an intimate experience of these intricate coastlines paddling beneath cliffs echoing the raucous cries of gulls and kittiwakes. Previous experience is essential and numbers are limited – contact Aurora Expeditions for more information.

Prices and Offer

Prices start from AU$6080 per person. *Earlybird offer - Book before 30 June 2012 and receive 10% off. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply.    All passengers will also receive a complimentary 12 month membership to National Trust of Australia (NSW), including entry into over 300 properties in the UK .

For more information on Aurora Expeditions' Scotland itineraries, please visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/scotland or contact + 61 2 9252 1033 (freecall 1800 637 688) www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Picture - Graham Morgan

Enjoy stunning scenery and amazing wildlife all in ultimate luxury with Hebridean Island Cruises

Join Hebridean Island Cruises’ (www.hebridean.co.uk / 01756 704 704) small luxury cruise ship, Hebridean Princess, for a seven night cruise to get up close and personal with Scotland’s fascinating wildlife.

The Hebridean Outposts cruise visits St Kilda, the UK’s only double World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important breeding grounds for sea birds as well as the Shiant Isles, home to over 250,000 nesting birds including Atlantic Puffins.

Passengers might be lucky enough to spot whales, dolphins, porpoise or basking sharks as they cruise around the outer Hebrides.

The fully inclusive cruise starts from £5,040 per person (based on two people sharing an outside cabin).  Hebridean Outposts departs from Oban (Scotland) and calls at Gairloch, Ullapool, Isle Martin, Shiant Isles, Isle of Lewis, St. Kilda, Isle of Barra, Isle of Iona before the final port of Tobermory on Mull. Price is based on 5 June 2012 departure.

Prices include all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For more information and to book visit www.hebridean.co.uk or call 01756 704 704.