By Mallory Hayes, Regional Sales Director – Northwest, Lindblad Expeditions
Editor's Note: Cruise Specialists has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Lindblad Expeditions, and we've had the pleasure of working closely with Mallory Hayes for many years. As Lindblad's Regional Sales Director for the Northwest, Mallory has helped our advisors and clients discover some of the world's most extraordinary expedition destinations. We asked her to share highlights from her recent voyage through Scotland's Wild Isles.
I've been fortunate to travel to some incredible places with Lindblad Expeditions, but Scotland's Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides quickly became one of my favorite voyages.
From wildlife encounters and ancient history to beautiful gardens and local whisky, every day offered something completely different. What made it even more memorable?
The history throughout the voyage was equally remarkable.
On the tiny island of Mousa in the Shetland Islands, we hiked to the Broch of Mousa, the tallest and best-preserved Iron Age broch still standing anywhere in the world. Built around 300 BC, it's astonishing to think this massive stone tower has survived for more than 2,000 years while still standing nearly intact.
As incredible as that was, Orkney somehow raised the bar even higher.
Visiting the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae was a genuine highlight of the trip. Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved Neolithic village dating back to around 3180 BC, gave me chills. Standing where people lived over 5,000 years ago—and being able to touch stones that have survived since long before the Egyptian pyramids were built—was a perspective-changing experience.
Of course, Scotland isn't complete without a little whisky.
Our visit to Highland Park Distillery for a whisky tasting was both educational and delicious. Learning about the traditions behind one of Scotland's most respected single malts while sampling its distinctive flavors made for a wonderful afternoon and offered another connection to the local culture.
Another surprise favorite was Inverewe Garden, managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Despite being located in the rugged Highlands, the gardens are filled with an extraordinary collection of plants from around the world thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. It felt like discovering an oasis tucked into Scotland's dramatic coastline.
And then came one of those unforgettable expedition moments that no itinerary can promise.
While spending time on the Bridge, someone spotted a pod of orcas. Within moments everyone was gathered, watching these magnificent animals surface alongside the ship. It's exactly the kind of spontaneous wildlife encounter that makes expedition cruising so exciting. You never know what nature has planned for you, and that's part of the adventure.
Looking back, it's difficult to narrow the voyage down to just a handful of highlights. Every landing introduced a new landscape, every excursion revealed another chapter of Scotland's fascinating history, and every day offered opportunities to learn from Lindblad's expert naturalists and historians.
What I love most about this itinerary is how naturally it blends wildlife, history, culture and stunning scenery. One day you're surrounded by thousands of seabirds, the next you're exploring archaeological sites that predate recorded history, and later you're enjoying local food and whisky with fellow travelers while reflecting on the day's discoveries.
If you're looking for a cruise that's rich in experiences rather than crowds, this itinerary is hard to beat. Scotland's Wild Isles showcases a side of the British Isles that many travelers never experience, and Lindblad's expedition approach allows you to immerse yourself in it in ways that simply aren't possible on larger cruise ships.
It's a voyage I'll be talking about for years to come, and one I would recommend without hesitation to anyone who loves history, wildlife, photography or simply discovering extraordinary places.
One of the things I value most is working with travel advisors who truly understand expedition travel and take the time to match guests with the right experience. That's one of the reasons I enjoy working so closely with the team at Cruise Specialists. Their advisors know the Lindblad product exceptionally well, genuinely care about their clients, and understand what makes an expedition cruise different from a traditional vacation. I always feel confident recommending Cruise Specialists to travelers who are considering a Lindblad voyage because I know they'll be in knowledgeable and experienced hands.
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