Compare Voyages to Antiquity: Iceland and the Islands of the North by Road Scholar vs Highlights of Scotland by Intrepid Travel

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive London, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
London D Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and get your room assignment. The Group Leader will be on hand to provide assistance as needed. Then take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. We will meet in the hotel lobby. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. All meals aboard ship are included, as well as afternoon tea and late night snacks; non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and select wines included with dinner. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room, we will enjoy a welcome dinner buffet with coffee, tea, water, and wine included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
London, England
London B,L Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and depart the hotel for a panoramic overview of London's monuments and most famous sights with a local expert.

Lunch: Enjoy an authentic London pub lunch. Pubs — public houses — are an institution hearkening back to the Roman era. Our menu today is traditional fish and chips and dessert. Water, tea or coffee is also included.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we will transfer by coach to discover the Museum of London with our local expert. We will trace the history of London and its people from prehistoric to modern times. We will learn about the capital's turbulent past, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. In the Galleries of Modern London, we will walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in the recreated pleasure gardens, and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor's Coach.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Your Group Leader can provide suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Tower of London, embark the Aegean Odyssey
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1/2 mile, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: After check-out, transfer via private coach to the Tower of London. On this field trip with your local expert, absorb over 1000 years of history and learn about Great Britain's dramatic and fascinating past. Get up close to the Crown Jewels, the symbol of the monarchy's power and status.

Lunch: The ship offers a welcome lunch buffet following embarkation.

Afternoon: Transfer to the port in Tilbury to embark the Aegean Odyssey. After getting your cabin, take some time to freshen up and relax. We will gather late afternoon in the Observation Lounge for our Road Scholar orientation to the ship. Along with everyone on board, we will participate in the ship’s mandatory safety drill when announced.

Dinner: Aboard ship, Road Scholars are invited to dine together on the first night. Thereafter, you may choose either the Marco Polo Restaurant that serves a variety of á là carte items or the Terrace Café with its buffet. The ship’s chefs use fresh local ingredients to create menus inspired by regional cuisine.

Evening: At leisure. Most evenings aboard ship are free to enjoy as you like whether it’s attending a shipboard guest lecture or listening to live music in the Charleston Lounge.

Day 5
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship, breakfast will be buffet-style and served in the Terrace Café.

Morning: At sea. As we head towards the Shetland Islands, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: At sea. As we head towards the Shetland Islands, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain and uphill segments.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning, we will disembark the ship and discover Lerwick on foot with a local expert. We will begin from the Victoria Pier in the heart of Old Town and visit the Old Tollbooth followed by the famous Lodberries which were used in the 18th century to load and unload goods from boats. Next, we will continue along the Hillhead to see the town's narrow lanes, followed by a visit to the Shetland Museum to discover the island's heritage with our local expert.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: At sea. As we head towards Iceland, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: At sea. As we head towards Iceland, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Heimaey, Iceland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain and uphill segments.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: At sea. As we head towards Iceland, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Disembark the ship and discover Heimay on foot with our local expert. Our first stop is Skansinn, the site of an old fort built by orders of the Danish king in the 17th century. Next, we will visit a traditional wooden stave church donated by Norway to commemorate the millennium of Christianity in Iceland. Finally, we will begin our exploration on foot across the lava fields of Eldfell (Fire Mountain) formed in 1973 by a volcanic eruption. Late afternoon we will return to the ship on foot.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Reykjavik, Iceland; Golden Circle
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1/2 mile, some uneven terrain and uphill segments.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach for a full day discover of Iceland's Golden Circle with a local expert. We will stop at Thingvellir National Park, the only place in the world where any part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, separating the Eurasian and North American plates, is above sea-level. Next, we will continue our journey to the Gullfoss Waterfall, the most famous of Iceland's many waterfalls.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will continue our exploration of the Golden Circle with a visit to Geysir geothermal area, from where the word “geyser” originates. Strokkur is an explosive geyser that erupts every few minutes and is another one of Iceland’s world famous landmarks. We will return to Reykavik via motorcoach to visit the Perlan which has a viewing deck with panoramic views of the city.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Isafjordur, Iceland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer by motorcoach to discover the isolated Westfjords. Our first stop is Bolungarvík and Ósvör Fisherman’s Hut, a museum housing traditional turf-and-stone shacks, where we will learn the history of the area from a local expert. After, we will transfer by coach to he church of Hólskirkja or “the church on the hill”, built in 1908. Next, we will coach to the town of Ísafjörður, the largest settlement in the Westfjords and one of the main cultural and trading centres in Iceland, for a discovery on foot with our local expert. Lastly, we will visit the local Maritime Museum including some traditional Icelandic refreshments.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The ship’s shore excursion desk will tell you what is available and the cost involved. Ship departs late afternoon.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Akureyri, Iceland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning, we will disembark the ship and board a motorcoach to begin our discovery of the Jewels of the North with a local expert. Our first stop is the Goðafoss Waterfall or “Waterfall of the Gods”. Next we will visit Lake Mývatn which is home to thousands of birds. Our journey continues to explore the mud-pots and fumaroles of Námaskarð, a geothermal field full of sulphur deposits and boiling springs.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will transfer to the lava landscape of Dimmuborgir, a place where the strange formations of volcanic rock have provided inspiration for many Icelandic folktales. Next, we will visit the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir, formed by explosions of gas during the cooling of boiling lava over the wetlands near the lake. These craters are a popular site for birdwatchers and are protected as a natural conservation area. Late afternoon transfer to Akureyri to rejoin the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Husavik, Iceland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a smaller boat. Walking up to 1/2 mile.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer by coach to the Húsavík Whale Museum to learn about the history, biology, and habitat of whales with a local guide. Húsavík is globally recognized as one of the best locations in the world to watch whales. After the museum, we will transfer by coach to join our whale-spotting crew on the waters of Skjálfandi Bay. Like all wild-nature experiences, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The ship’s shore excursion desk will tell you what is available and the cost involved. Ship departs early evening.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: At sea. As we head towards the Faroe Islands, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 15
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning, we will disembark the ship and explore Torshavn on foot with a local guide. Torshavn is one of the smallest and most pleasant capital cities in the world. After visiting the scenic overlook, we will continue to the open-air museum "Hoyviksgardur" which includes a traditional farmhouse and buildings, before taking a walk through the colourful warehouses, 18th century cathedral and iconic turf-roofed homes of the old town, Tinganes.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: At sea. As we head towards Scotland, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 16
Kirkwall, Scotland / Skara Brae
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, some uneven terrain and cobblestones.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning, we will disembark the ship and board a motorcoach to explore the ancient treasures of Kirkwall with a local expert. First, we will transfer to the Ring of Brodgar, a ceremonial circle of stones dating back 5,000 years. After, we will continue on to Skara Brae, an ancient village which was occupied from 3190 BC to 2500 BC. Discover the dwellings that were revealed beneath sand dunes 150 years ago.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: At sea. As we head towards Edinburgh, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 17
Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: After breakfast, we will board a motorcoach and transfer to Edinburgh. On foot, we will explore Scotland’s Royal Mile with a local expert.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The ship’s shore excursion desk will tell you what is available and the cost involved.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 18
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: At sea. As we head towards London, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation.

Day 19
Disembarkation, London, Westminster Abbey
London B,D Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Disembark and transfer via private coach to London for a field trip to Westminster Abbey with a local expert. The Abbey is a living pageant of British history; learn about kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains. The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country, with the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint still at its heart.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Your Group Leader can provide suggestions

Afternoon: Transfer to the hotel for check-in followed by free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 20
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
In Flight B
Activity note: See your program’s travel details regarding transfers

Breakfast: In hotel dining room depending on departure times. This concludes our program.

Morning: Transfer to London airports for departures. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.

Day 1 Glasgow

Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and this is where your adventure begins. It boasts world famous art collections, and is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. The city has some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London, first-class sports and leisure facilities, as well as a vast array of restaurants, bars and exciting nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting att 6 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde, once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, become acquainted at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor eating, trendy designer shops and ever-changing developments, the Merchant City is Glasgow with style, and one of the most popular areas to visit for tourists and locals alike.

Day 2 Fort William

After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.

Day 3 Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye

This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!

Day 4 Isle of Skye

Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

Day 5 Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness

This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Day 6 Inverness

Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.

Day 7 Edinburgh

A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.

Day 8 Edinburgh

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent.