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Islands and Wildlife of the British Isles Itinerary
Day 1 - Dover (England)
Embark your ship in Dover.
Day 2 - At sea
Relax and enjoy the facilities on board during a day at sea.
Day 3 - Fishguard (Wales)
This small, typical fishing village, seems to have stood still in time. With its charming main street and lush green surroundings, Fishguard lies between the Preseli Hills and the coast of Pembrokeshire. Split in two by a steep, winding hill, the “new” town sits on a clifftop commanding spectacular views. Explore the surrounding areas with walks through the ancient woodlands and the nearby Gwaun Valley which flows between Fishguard and the Preseli Mountains. With its unique atmosphere, there is plenty of wildlife and prehistoric sites to explore, the valley is listed as one of the most important meltwater channels in Britain and dates from the last Ice Age.
Day 4 - Rathlin Island (Northern Ireland)
Sitting just off the north coast, with its rugged cliffs, several lakes and vast, natural grasslands, Rathlin Island boasts Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony. At just six miles long and one mile wide, it is ideal for exploring by bike or on foot on one of the many walks in the area. Cliff-top walks are waiting, or choose from many rambling cross-island trails. Visit the Seabird centre and lighthouse -a unique and fully operational “upside-down” lighthouse. Here, close-up views of the seabird colonies are enjoyed, as well as spectacular panoramic coastal views. Or stroll to Mill Bay where you can watch the frisky seals either at play or just relaxing in the sunshine.
Day 5 - Isle of Iona (Scotland) - Staffa
World famous for its religious connections, Iona was settled in 563 AD by the Irish missionary, St Colomba. The much-restored Abbey is one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites, and still remains a place of pilgrimage and peace. Spend time exploring the Abbey and learn about its fascinating history, visit the ancient graveyard where 48 of Scotland’s kings are buried or take a short walk to the highest point on Iona offering spectacular 360 degree views. Early afternoon, if conditions allow, we will spend time doing a ‘scenic sail by’ of the cave-riddled island of Staffa. The uninhabited island is home to the cathedral-like Fingal’s Cave, immortalised by Mendelssohn’s glorious ‘Hebrides Overture’.
Day 6 - St Kilda
Any visit to this distant and wild archipelago, with its breathtaking sea cliffs, is totally weather-dependent. As a UNESCO double World Heritage Site and the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the National Trust for Scotland, it is an unforgettable experience. The outlying stacs and islands, which are the remains of a volcanic crater, provide ledges for thousands of nesting seabirds. Minke whales are frequently seen around the swirling waters of the archipelago.
Day 7 - Stornoway
Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is the main town of the Western Isles and the capital of the Isle of Lewis, which is the largest and most northerly of the Outer Hebrides. A bustling harbour and waterfront with museums and art galleries are overlooked by the handsome Lews Castle which we invite you to explore with us.
Day 8 - Fort William
We enjoy a scenic sailing into the spectacular Loch Linnhe with mountains, islets, estuaries and lochs creating the ideal backdrop. Dominated by the view of Ben Nevis, Fort William is our base for exploring this magnificent area. With its reputation as the “Outdoor Capital of the UK”, close proximity to Britain’s highest mountain and some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain this is an ideal location. There are plenty of local points of interest worth a visit – whether it's the excellent West Highland Museum in the centre of the town, St Andrew's Church, St Mary's Catholic Church, or the Old Fort.
Day 9 - Islay
Pronounced “EYE-la” was once the seat of the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles. This is ‘whisky island’, world famous for its peaty single-malt whiskies and its many local distilleries is one of the largest Hebridean islands. Offering a diverse landscape, together with ancient Celtic ruins, Islay is a stop-off for migrating birds, making it ideal for seabird spotting along its many superb cliff-top walks.
Day 10 - Douglas (Isle of Man)
With a 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 and rugged cliffs, the island has a spectacular landscape of rolling hills, moorland and heath, waterfalls, pebble-dash beaches and coastal paths – an ideal destination for exploring.
Day 11 - Holyhead (Wales)
Holyhead is an ideal destination to explore the charm and history of North Wales. Enjoy a visit to Holyhead Breakwater Country Park with its wildlife and industrial exhibitions, lake Llyn Llwynog and explore the Rocky Coast. Renowned for its lighthouse and large colonies of seabirds South Stack island is also home to the RSPB visitor centre in Ellins Tower. Why not walk part of the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path exploring the sea cliffs and enjoying magnificent views stretching across to Ireland. *Due to port congestion, 1 August voyage will overnight in Douglas (Isle of Man) where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the delightful seaside town in the evening and spend an extended time ashore. The following day will be spent at sea making our way towards the Isles of Scilly whilst our onboard team of experts will prepare you for the upcoming days as well as share their vast knowledge of the destinations visited.
Day 12 - Isles of Scilly (England)
This enchanting archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is home to outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoilt islands and around 140 islets. Covered in heathland, with magnificent sandy beaches, these islands are surrounded by rocks and reefs and offer picturesque coastal walks. Ideal for exploring on foot, the small town of Tresco is home to the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden with its 20,000 plants from 80 different countries. You can also explore the castle ruins, the Valhalla Museum or stroll along the tropical-like white beaches. Should conditions allow, we aim to do a beach clean-up on this charming island.
Day 13 - Fowey
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the beautiful, historic harbour town of Fowey rests on the west side of the Fowey Estuary, a flooded valley cut by meltwater after the last Ice Age. Explore this delightful location on foot and wander down to the panoramic Gribbin Head on the west side where the Gribbin Headland Daymark went up in 1832 as a navigation aid. There are many other walks available, including the “Hall Walk” along the Pont Pill creek or along the esplanade to Readymoney Cove and St Catherine’s Castle.
Day 14 - Portland
Located at the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, an area renowned for its natural beauty and historical heritage, Portland is a destination bursting with intrigue and history. With quiet coves, disused quarries, a rich and fascinating history with some of the best views in Britain as well as being a haven for wildlife.
Day 15 - Dover
Disembark your ship in Dover.
The Captain reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.