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Islands and Wonders of the British Isles
Day 1 - Dover (England)
Embark MS Maud in Dover.
Day 2 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea. Meet the expedition team who will prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead.
Day 3 - Fishguard (Wales)
Fishguard is a small fishing village, which appears to have stood still in time. Fishguard lies between the Preseli Hills and the coast of Pembrokeshire. It's split in two by a steep, winding hill and the 'new' town sits on the clifftop. Fishguard's history steeps back as far as the 10th Century and has been part of Viking raids and Norse settlements. The local library houses 'The Last Invasion Tapestry' a 100-foot long masterpiece which records the scenes of the invasion by the French in 1797. Explore the surroundings with walks through ancient woodlands and the nearby Gwaun Valley. There is plenty of wildlife to discover and prehistoric sites to explore.
Day 4 - Belfast (Northern Ireland)
We sail into Belfast, a city with a proud seafaring history and the birthplace of the Titanic. History buffs will enjoy Ulster Museum and Belfast Castle, while nature lovers can visit the Botanic Gardens. Stroll the cobbled streets of the chic Cathedral Quarter, with its elegant Victorian architecture, and pop inside St Anne’s Cathedral to see its beautiful mosaics. In Donegall Square, you'll find the historical landmarks of City Hall and the Grand Opera House, with its beautiful façade. Belfast also allows access to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, and the rugged northern coastline. Explore the towering cliffs and distinctive hexagonal columns of this natural wonder.
Day 5 - Castlebay (Scotland)
One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling that anything can happen on any given day. That’s why we’ve carved out one day to take full advantage of exploring the region. Today, the Captain and the Expedition Team will decide whether we explore Barra or Vatersay, the two most southerly inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides, linked to each other by a causeway. Go in search of birds and sea life in our expedition boats or attempt to land in the innumerable coves and beaches that dot the islands close to Castlebay.
Day 6 - Kirkwall
Today we sail to the Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall. Explore this vibrant and compact Viking-influenced capital on foot. Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae is also only a bus ride away. Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their distinctive single malts. If you fancy something different, Orkney Distillery produces Kirkjuvagr gin from Orcadian botanicals.
Day 7 - Stornoway
Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is the capital of the Isle of Lewis which is the largest and most northerly of the Outer Hebrides. A bustling harbour and waterfront museums are overlooked by Lews Castle. Further afield are mills where hard-wearing Harris Tweed is woven.
Day 8 - Islay
Pronounced 'Eye-la', Islay was once the seat of the MacDonalds, Lord of the Isles. This is 'whisky island', world-famous for its peaty single-malt whiskies and its many local distilleries. Islay offers a diverse landscape with ancient Celtic ruins and is an ideal stop-off for migrating birds, making it ideal for seabird spotting.
Day 9 - Douglas (Isle of Man)
With its rural landscape and rugged coastline, the Isle of Man became a designated Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its marine and coastal ecosystems. With more than 100 miles of stunning coastline, it's an ideal place to explore. The islands has a strong Celtic and Viking heritage. Visit the museums, or board a historic steam train, or perhaps discover the castle of the island. Nearby Douglas Head is a rocky outcrop overlooking Douglas Harbour. On previous calls to the Isle of Man, guests have joined the local community and taken part in a beach clean-up as well as engaging in a tree-planting ceremony.
Day 10 - Waterford (Ireland)
Welcome back to Ireland - the Emerald Isle. Today you’ll set foot in the oldest city in Ireland, founded by the Vikings in the 10th century beside a ford in the River Suir. Waterford is a well preserved and very walkable small city, famed for its beautiful crystal glass production. Intricate and bold street art daubs walls and houses in this city of culture, so don’t forget your camera. Walk around the Viking Triangle, so named for the three-sided shape made by the thousand-year-old walls that once surrounded the city. Or explore the charming Waterford greenway and historic Kilkenny Castle, a relic of medieval Ireland.
Day 11 - Isles of Scilly (England)
This enchanting archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is home to outstanding natural beauty, uncrowded islands and around 140 islets. Ideal for exploring by foot, Tresco Abbey Garden has around 20,000 plants from 80 different countries. Perhaps also explore the castle ruins or Valhalla Museum. Time will be split on the island and you may also choose to visit St Mary's or join an optional trip around the islands looking for nature.
Day 12 - Dartmouth (England)
Arrive at the delightful waterfront of Dartmouth, set of the banks of the River Dart. This enchanting town is steeped in maritime history and has a rich culture. With a commanding location above the town, dating back to 1863, the magnificent building of Britannia Royal Naval College trains the finest officers in the world, and is set in 126 acres of landscaped gardens offering views over the river, the town and out to sea. Buckfast Abbey, historic castles, steam train rides and magnificent walking trails are just a few of the many compelling attractions waiting to be explored during the visit. MS Maud will be anchored in the centre of the town with a short tender ride ashore, allowing easy access to visit the town on your own to stroll through the lanes and enjoy the quaint shops. Or join one of our impressive excursions to learn more about this fascinating town and the scenic Devonshire surrounds.
Day 13 - Dover
Disembark MS Maud in Dover after breakfast
For weather and navigational reasons, the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.