Fred. Olsen – Discovering Edinburgh & Historic Isles of Scotland – 2023

Departure from Dover, United Kingdom

Board the ship mid-afternoon before you set sail.

At Sea

Enjoy a full day of cruising.

Leith (for Edinburgh), Scotland

From the UNESCO-listed Old Town & New Town districts within the city centre to the lush parks and rolling hills on the outskirts, Edinburgh is a city that begs to be explored, offering something for everyone.

To see some of Scotland’s most famous and beautiful sights, be sure to explore the historic Old Town quarter which is home to the city’s magnificent castle, the famous Holyrood Royal residence, the parliament building and St Giles’ Cathedral. Or if you prefer to indulge in a little retail therapy, you can wander the high-end stores and independent boutiques that line Princes Street, George Street and other areas in the New Town.

Leith (for Edinburgh), Scotland

Edinburgh is also renowned for its annual celebrations and events, including the world-famous Military Tattoo and New Year’s Hogmanay – both of which can be visited on a fantastic Fred. Olsen Cruise.

Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland

Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of Shetland. The bustling, cosmopolitan seaport is the islands’ only town, and its wonderful natural harbour is a joy to explore.

Until the 1600s, Leir Vik – Norse for a muddy bay – was little more than a few huts. However, conflict between the British and Dutch, whose fishing fleet fished for herrings off the islands, led to the building of a permanent settlement. This included Fort Charlotte, which once overlooked the harbour but has now been enclosed by the town following land reclamation.

Despite the wealth created by North Sea oil, modern Lerwick retains many fascinating small shops and historic buildings. Wandering along atmospheric Commercial Street is a delight, and the Böd of Gremista – a “fishing booth” built in 1780, is now a fascinating museum. The ground floor has the salt store and the kitchen, where herrings were hung to dry. Outside the town are the well preserved remains of the Broch of Clickimin, a small Bronze-Age settlement excavated in the last century.

Cruise West Voe of Sumburgh, United Kingdom

A sail by West Voe of Sumburgh is a sail by the southernmost, and most beautiful, of all the bays on the Shetland mainland.

At first glimpse of West Voe, its beautiful beach – a crescent of steep dunes and inviting white sands lapped by turquoise waters – is what catches your eye, but as you study the landscape you soon noticed there’s much more than the bay’s little strip of paradise.

Look to the south-east to marvel at the imposing cliffs of Sumburgh Head, a famous haven and breeding ground for seabirds such as puffins, and see the lighthouse – built in 1821 by Robert Stevenson, Robert Louis Stevenson’s grandfather – perched atop this dramatic landmark. There are important historical spots to see too, including the archaeological sites, Jarlshof and Old Scatness.

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history. It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for ‘Church Bay’, relating to the town’s 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway.

Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of Orkney’s turbulent past. The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali.

Don’t miss Tankerness House, a beautifully preserved 16th century townhouse, and the Orkney Wireless Museum, with it’s fascinating insights into the history of radio, too.

Invergordon, Scotland

Invergordon, located at the head of Cromarty Firth in the stunning Scottish Highlands, has a homespun charm and serves as a gateway to the legendary waters of Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, the town of Inverness, and the Whyte & Mackay whisky distillery.

A short walk into the centre reveals the town’s collection of impressive murals painted by local artists, which tell stories of the local area. It’s also the perfect place to explore Scottish history amid the brooding splendour of 15th century Cawdor Castle (forever – but incorrectly – linked with Shakespeare’s Macbeth), and the imposing Dunrobin Castle, which dates from the 13th century and houses a fine collection of paintings and family memorabilia belonging to the Earls of Sutherland.

At Sea

Enjoy a full day of cruising.

Arrival at Dover, United Kingdom

After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home.