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Cruising the British Isles: England, Ireland & Scotland
Tour Description:
Voyage beyond mainland England, Ireland
and Scotland for a completely unique
experience exploring spectacular coastlines,
natural landscapes and historic treasures.
Joined by A&K’s famed Expedition Team,
discover the ravishing cliffs of Donegal and
Moher, the wild Hebrides, and the velvet-green
Orkney archipelago. Then, enjoy a
luxurious post-cruise stay at The Balmoral, a
long-celebrated Edinburgh landmark.
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - London, England
Arrive in London, where you meet your fellow guests
and Expedition Team. Transfer to Dover to board your
expedition vessel this afternoon. Later this evening, enjoy a
welcome briefing and reception aboard.
Day 2 - At Sea
Relish a day at sea, relaxing with new friends and attending
lectures to enrich your upcoming discoveries in Ireland.
Day 3 - Cork, Ireland
Go ashore in Cork, the Republic of Ireland’s second-largest
city. Explore the city center’s renowned university area, as
well as Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, an impressive example of
Gothic Revival architecture. Continue a few miles inland to
Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Here, you
might choose to ascend the parapet to see the Blarney Stone,
said to bestow "the gift of the gab” on all who kiss it.
Day 4 - Galway
Today, arrive in Galway, a lively cultural enclave renowned
for its vibrant lanes, colorful houses and thriving arts scene.
You might enjoy a culinary walking tour and Irish whiskey
tasting, explore the Burren’s vast karst landscape with a
botanist and visit a local sheep farm, or spend the day amid
Connemara’s rugged shoreline. Later, take in iconic vistas
from a scenic lookout atop the Cliffs of Moher.
Day 5 - Donegal
Today, your Captain charts a course past Ireland’s Killybegs
to County Donegal, a rugged enclave of deep-sea inlets,
sandy beaches and spectacular mountains. Once ashore, you
may opt for a scenic tour of Donegal Town, a drive through
the countryside to the Slieve League Mountains, or a visit to
Northern Ireland’s walled city of Londonderry to reflect on
the legacy of “Bloody Sunday” and “The Troubles.”
Day 6 - Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Come ashore in Mull, a remote island enclave of grand
mountains, seaside villages, sandy beaches and some of
the wildest coastal scenery in Europe. Here, you might
visit Duart Castle, sample fine gins and whiskies at a local
distillery, or tour the charming coastal burgh of Tobermory
and a nearby farm. Afterward, cruise past great basalt
columns flanking deep caves as you make your way to Staffa.
Conditions allowing, enjoy a Zodiac experience near Fingal,
a sea cave formed by hexagonally jointed basalt.
Day 7 - Oban
Continue cruising toward Oban. Set on the doorstep of
the Scottish Highlands, this former fishing town became
the “Gateway to the Islands" at the dawn of the steamship
era. Once ashore, explore the town’s distillery, McCaig's
Tower and Battery Hill. Other options may include a visit
to the standing stones of Kilmartin Glen, a tour of Inveraray
and Kilchurn castles, or a six-mile hike of the West Highland
Way.
Day 8 - Outer Hebrides
Framed by wild, windswept beaches, Scotland’s Western
Isles span the rolling moorlands of Lewis and the towering
mountains of Harris. Today, you might opt for a drive
through the moorlands, stopping to explore the Calanais
Standing Stones and the island’s crofting traditions, or drive
the Golden Road, pausing to visit a Harris tweed weaver and
a local distillery.
Day 9 - Orkney Islands
Rich in Viking heritage, the landscapes of the Orkneys span
rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and wave-swept sea caves. Today,
you might explore historic Kirkwall; Skara Brae, one of the
best-preserved Stone Age settlements in Western Europe; or
the spine-tingling Ring of Brodgar, a circle of standing stones
dating to 2700 BC.
Day 10 - Scottish Highlands
Northern Scotland is legendary for its dramatic, windswept
mountains, wooded hills and rich history. Today, explore
the magnificent Highlands, choosing from excursions that
may include a visit to Inverness, a private cruise on mythic Loch Ness and stop at Urquhart Castle, an exploration of
Culloden’s battlefield, or a whisky tasting at Glenmorangie
Distillery.
Day 11 - Edinburgh
Bid farewell to your Captain and crew as you sail through
the Firth of Forth and disembark in Edinburgh, a city that
embodies the Scottish national heritage like few other
places. Tour this vibrant capital, taking in Edinburgh Castle
and inspiring city views. This evening, gather for a farewell
reception and luxurious night's stay at The Balmoral, a
longstanding Edinburgh landmark.
Day 12 - Edinburgh
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or
continue on an extension touring Edinburgh and the historic
Scottish Borders.
