26 May 2026 - 12 days. We have a few places left for this cruise departure, contact tours@newscientist.com to check cabin availability.
4 July 2027 - 12 days from £8,781 per person
Register for 2028 and we will contact when confirmed details including dates and prices are available
Discover early human civilisations and fascinating wildlife among the wild isles of Scotland aboard the state-of-the-art and comfortable expedition vessel the Douglas Mawson. From the windswept Hebrides, inhabited for over 8,000 years, to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, explore Neolithic villages, Bronze Age relics, and Viking sites that bring ancient civilisations vividly to life against some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes.
Embark on an unforgettable journey beginning in the historic heart of Edinburgh, a city where ancient castles meet cutting-edge science. From there, set sail into the wild, visiting legendary and awe-inspiring locations: explore the serene monastic beauty of Iona, uncover the secrets of prehistoric life at Skara Brae, wander the dramatic landscapes of Skye, witness the unique ecosystems of Eigg, and venture to the remote, otherworldly cliffs of St Kilda, a living laboratory of geology, wildlife, and human history. Every stop offers a chance to connect with the natural world, ancient civilisations, and the science that reveals their stories.
Accompanied by New Scientist journalist Michael Marshall in 2026 and author and New Scientist former editor-in-chief, Emily H. Wilson in 2027 who will deliver a series of insightful talks, exclusive to the New Scientist Discovery Tours group. Travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world and archaeological wonders. This is an ideal environment for curious-minded couples, friends and solo travellers to relax.
New Scientist will be taking a small group of guests aboard the state-of-the-art recently launched expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson. Spacious viewing areas and a hull designed to minimise environmental impact mean you can enjoy the journey in comfort while staying connected to the natural world. There will be no more than 154 guests onboard and the New Scientist group will take part in all the expedition activities plus have seprate evening talks from Michael.
From the ship, explore by Zodiac along dramatic, sea-sculpted coastlines, watching for playful dolphins, curious seals, majestic whales, and one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies, where wildlife and rugged landscapes come alive right before your eyes.
In partnership with Discover The World.
Life on board your Scottish expedition cruise
Your expedition is a carefully curated mix of daytime activity off board, designed to immerse you in the beauty of the Scottish Isles, and talks while on board. During the day, the itinerary remains flexible as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for engaging in wildlife encounters and exploring ancient sites.
The expedition team will help you experience a range of activities centred around daytime exploration via Zodiac boat safaris, guided hikes, birdwatching, trips ashore and photography.
In the evening and during sailing, the accompanying speaker from New Scientist, Michael Marshall, and the expedition crew will give informative lectures on board.
Your expedition can be as active or as leisurely as you want, with a wide range of options. No activity or talk is mandatory. As with any cruise, nature is often in charge, so having a flexible approach to the itinerary will help you make the most of it.
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh and the Scottish Enlightenment
After arriving in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, you will check into the Radisson Blu Hotel and meet the operations team, who will cover pre-embarkation procedures with you. In the early evening, there will be welcome drinks with accompanying New Scientist journalist Michael Marshall, plus a talk from a local academic on the Scottish Enlightenment. In the late 17th century, Scotland was the most literate country in the world, which led to an outpouring of scientific development. The remainder of the evening is at leisure and your hotel is just a 5-minute walk to the historic city centre.
Day 2: Tour on Edinburgh and embark from Troon
After breakfast, the operations team will take your luggage for transfer to the ship while you join a local guide for a tour of Edinburgh. Stretching just over 1 mile, five cobblestone streets make up the walking precinct of the Royal Mile. Starting at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, we’ll step back in time to hear tales of scientists, poets and politicians as we stroll past some of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings, including the Canongate church and Scotland's own Parliament House.
You’ll have free time to explore the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, an UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the capital city’s skyline, just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colourful history.
At mid-afternoon, you will take a 2-hour transfer to the west coast port of Troon, where you will board your ship, the Douglas Mawson.
Once on board, settle into your cabin before meeting the ship's expedition team and crew, then enjoy an informal dinner in the impressive restaurant. The ship will smoothly sail along Scotland's north-west coast during the evening.
Days 3 and 4: Inner Hebrides
From golden beaches and jagged peaks to abandoned settlements and picturesque villages, your days in the Hebrides archipelago will be packed with variety. You may explore remote lochs beneath some of Britain’s most untamed mountains and wander between unusual rock formations, all while you are watching for whales, dolphins, otters, seals and the increasingly rare basking sharks. If conditions permit, you may land at an island reserve, home to red deer and white-tailed sea eagles. Hikers may opt for panoramic views from summits and ridges.
Michael will give his first talk on the evening of day 3, which will continue on subsequent nights.
Early on day 4, you will visit the tiny island of Iona. Barely 5 kilometres long, Iona is known as the birthplace of Christianity in Britain, and also for its tranquillity and beautiful environment.
Other potential landings include the remote Isle of Eigg and the rugged Isle of Skye for wonderful hikes among stunning wildflowers. Skye is a centre of Gaelic culture, and some islanders still speak the language. The wildlife, history, geology and beautiful scenery make it a favourite island to discover.
If the weather permits, you may also explore the Cuillin Hills by landing at Loch Scavaig in the heart of the Cuillins for a short hike to Loch Coruisk.
Days 5 to 7: Outer Hebrides and Orkney Islands
From the Inner Hebrides, you will sail to the Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles), which stretch for 209 kilometres and look out on their western side to the Atlantic Ocean. Your first stop is at the Isle of Lewis, the largest and northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides, to visit Callanais and its fascinating group of Standing Stones, dating from around 3000 BC.
Then you will sail on to the isolated archipelago (and World Heritage site) of St Kilda, where derelict crofts bear testament to the fortitude of islanders who once tended the unique Soay sheep, harvested seabirds for food and paid their rent in the form of wool, meat and feathers. The isles hold Europe’s most important seabird colony and are home to Britain’s highest sea stacks.
Orkney’s archipelago of 70 windswept islands, north of the Scottish mainland, offers a rich tapestry of archaeology, history and wildlife. You will follow the passage of time, from 5000-year-old World Heritage Neolithic sites, Viking relics, reminders of occupation during the second world war, to present-day crofting communities. Imposing sea cliffs teem with seabirds and cliff-top paths beckon keen hikers.
At the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray lies the earliest known house in northern Europe, occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5000 years ago. Here you will be welcomed by the friendly and lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble Poor Man's Corner, hailing from Papa Westray. Mingle and enjoy a few drinks, while listening to the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms.
Days 8 to 10: Shetland Islands
Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life. The plan is to visit some of the following sites:
Jarlshof is one of Shetland's best-preserved and most complex archaeological sites. It was exposed by storms in the late 19th century. The record of human occupation dates from around 3200 BC and also shows evidence of Bronze Age and early Norse occupation. Clay moulds into which molten bronze was poured revealed that settlers were casting axe heads and short swords from 800 BC.
Mousa Broch, on the small uninhabited island of Mousa, is the best preserved of Scotland’s 570 brochs (fortified Iron Age towers). Storm petrels nest among its stones, which can be seen when visiting the broch at night. In daylight, a large colony of common and grey seals basks on its shores, and you may spot otters (Dratsi, in Shetland dialect).
Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. A birdwatcher’s paradise, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major migration flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe. In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins.
Grey and common seals inhabit these waters around Fair Isle, while sharp eyes may spot harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, killer whales (orcas) and minke whales.
Situated along the western shores of Shetland's mainland, Papa Stour boasts some of the most striking coastlines in the region. Marvel at impressive caves, arches, stacks and skerries. Papa Stour is a haven for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and those with an interest in archaeology, offering a diverse range of experiences.
Day 11: Kirkwall
After sailing back south, discover the rich history in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Initial impressions are misleading, as the harbour area looks modern, but the narrow, winding streets and lanes of the old town, which have remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, are appealing.
You can choose from two different archaeological shore excursion options that best suit your interests and level of fitness:
Option 1: Orkney Treasures including Skara Brae
Embark on a journey through the serene countryside, traversing the awe-inspiring Standing Stones of Stenness and viewing the Ring of Brodgar, an immense ceremonial stone circle with roots reaching back into pre-history. Continue your exploration of the ancient village of Skara Brae, a settlement that has withstood the test of time for 5000 years. Delve into its rich history, thoughtfully interpreted at the visitor centre, and witness the remarkable dwellings unveiled from beneath the sand dunes by storms a mere 150 years ago. Then visit the nearby Skaill House, a distinguished manor on the grounds of a farmstead believed to date back to the Norse period.
Option 2: The Heart of Neolithic Orkney
As with option 1, you will visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Then you will explore Barnhouse, an ancient Neolithic village and part of Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the houses and learn about the everyday lives of the Neolithic people who built these structures. Conclude your day with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, a testament to the Vikings' architectural prowess during their 500-year reign over the islands.
Day 12: Disembark in Aberdeen
By the time your breakfast has finished, the ship will have docked at the granite port city of Aberdeen where you will disembark. If you are flying from Aberdeen’s airport a transfer will be provided. Alternatively, we encourage you to spend a few days exploring the city and the distilleries of Royal Speyside.
