Today, guests onboard National Geographic Explorer explored two small islands to the west of the island of Mull. In the morning, we enjoyed a visit to the island of Staffa with its amazing columns of basalt lava and featuring the mythical Fingal’s Cave. It’s an amazing geological site found on the west coast of Scotland and reasonable ocean conditions allowed for both a Zodiac cruise of the spectacular coastline as well as a landing to stretch the legs. Over lunch we made a short ship transit to allow for another landing on the island of Iona with a short walk to the historic Benedictine Iona Abbey for an informative tour with local guides followed by some free time to wander in and out of the small gift shops and local galleries and studios.
5/23/2025
Read
National Geographic Explorer
Aberdeen
Blue skies, a comfortable temperature, and a gentle breeze accompanied guests as they enjoyed visiting the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside and the city of Aberdeen. As guests disembarked for their morning activities, a lone piper played traditional tunes at the foot of the gangway, a very warm greeting to Aberdeen that further enhanced our overall Scottish experience. While some guests had the opportunity to visit Highland Cattle and Scottish Blackface sheep at a nearby farm, others were able to spend a wonderful morning at either Drum Castle or Crathes Castle. Castle visits included a guided tour of these fortified homes and were followed with independent time, during which guests enjoyed walking through the beautiful gardens and woodlands. For those guests that participated in the city tour of Aberdeen, the sunny conditions highlighted the ornate structures of the Granite City, so named because many of the buildings are constructed of the rock that is found in the hillsides surrounding the city. A glorious morning was enjoyed by all in this remarkable city and its surroundings.
