Travel to the most remote inhabited island in Britain, Fair Isle, where you’ll enjoy a guided walk. Formerly governed by Norway, Fair Isle is occupied by around 60 residents and is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The knitting industry is an important source of income for the island’s residents, with Fair Isle famous for its traditional knitted woollen sweaters. The island is also home to over 200 flowering plants and has an abundance of wildlife, with 390 species of birds having been recorded on Fair Isle to date. One of the largest European colonies of Atlantic puffin can be found here.
During your visit, you will be welcomed by the islanders. You will have the opportunity to visit the museum before enjoying tea and home-baked goods with the islanders in the community hall.
Arrive in the capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall. Spend the day on your chosen sightseeing activity.
Freedom of Choice – Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae
Discover the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a group of Neolithic monuments that together have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, two fascinating ceremonial stone circles. Explore the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae, one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in Western Europe. Located on the Bay of Skaill, the settlement was hidden underneath a huge sand dune for centuries until it was revealed after a fierce storm in 1850.
Freedom of Choice – Ring of Brodgar and Stromness Town Experience
Head to the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. En route, pass through the World Heritage-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, taking in the Stones of Stenness and pausing at the Ring of Brodgar. Head to Stromness and explore the charming fishing village with your guide on foot, strolling along the beautiful harbour and flag-stoned main street. Continue with your guide or choose to visit the Pier Arts Centre, relax in a cafe, or peruse the crafts shops. Return to the coach and follow the coastline of Scapa Flow on the way back to Kirkwall.
Freedom of Choice – Mull Head Hike
Set off on a scenic drive to the rural landscape of Orkney’s East Mainland, passing the striking St Magnus Cathedral on the way. Arrive at The Gloup, a spectacular chasm caused by a collapsed sea cave. Embark on a walking tour along the cliff tops and discover this remarkable geological feature on foot. Continue to the Brough of Deerness, the site of a Viking Age settlement, and walk further along the cliffs for magnificent views over Mull Head. Enjoy the opportunity to spot cliff birds and local flora.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Day 6
Stornoway (Outer Hebrides)
Arrive in Stornoway, the largest settlement of the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands situated off the west coast of Scotland. Decide how to explore today with an included Freedom of Choice activity.
Freedom of Choice – Ancient Lewis and Blackhouse Village Experience
Journey across the island to Callanish on the west coast. Visit the Calanais Standing Stones, a remarkable cruciform setting of stones erected around 5,000 years ago, often described as Scotland’s Stonehenge. Travel to Dun Carloway, a broch perched atop a mound of rock on the Isle of Lewis. Continue north to the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a reconstructed settlement of traditional blackhouses featuring dry stone masonry and thatched roofs. Explore the museum, witness a crofting activity demonstration such as weaving or butter making (subject to availability), and take in breathtaking views of the rugged Atlantic coast. Drive through moorland back to Stornoway.
Freedom of Choice – Lews Castle Walking Experience
Embark on a scenic walk along Stornoway’s seafront, passing charming fishing boats and grounds that were originally the formal gardens of Lews Castle. Learn about the site’s transformation from grazing land to lush woodlands and gardens filled with an array of native and exotic plants. Arrive at the grand Victorian-era Lews Castle, a mock Tudor masterpiece built by Sir James Matheson. Discover the castle’s rich history, including its use as a naval hospital during World War II. Visit the Museum nan Eilean, showcasing life in the Outer Hebrides through a collection of fascinating artefacts and archives. The museum also has six chess pieces of the world-famous Lewis Chessman on display. Enjoy time at leisure to further explore the castle and grounds before returning to the ship independently.
Freedom of Choice – Isle of Harris Distillery
Travel south from Stornoway to the Isle of Harris, arriving in the picturesque port town of Tarbert. Visit the renowned Isle of Harris Distillery, famous for its award-winning gin and newly released single malt whisky, The Hearach. Take an insightful tour to learn about the distillery's craft and heritage. Afterwards, explore Tarbert’s highlights, including the iconic Harris Tweed shop with its hand-woven garments and the Essence of Harris store, offering island-made candles and fragrances. Return to Stornoway via the same scenic route, soaking up the mesmerising mountainous landscapes along the way.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Day 7
Dunvegan, Armadale (Isle of Skye)
Today is dedicated to exploring the Isle of Skye. As the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, this mesmerising destination is home to rugged seascapes, picturesque fishing villages and ancient castles. Explore Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, set in the heart of a staggering 17,000-hectare property. As one of the greatest and most renowned Hebridean strongholds, Dunvegan Castle is the only Highland fortress to have been continuously owned and occupied by the same family for over eight centuries.
Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod since medieval times, including treasures such as the Dunvegan Cup, the mystical Fairy Flag and Sir Rory Mor's Horn. Visit the castle, where stewards will be on hand to provide further information and answer your questions. Explore the lovely gardens that surround the waterfall known as Rory Mor's Cascade.
Day 8
Staffa, Iona
This morning, arrive at Staffa, a striking uninhabited island located off the west coast of Scotland in the Inner Hebrides. Here, a Signature Experience awaits. Your adventure then brings you to the Isle of Iona, situated off the southwest coast of Mull. 48 Scottish kings, as well as Norwegian and Irish kings, are said to have been laid to rest here at the Reilig Odhráin burial ground. Visit Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centres in western Europe. Or perhaps enjoy a slower pace and go for a wander along the beach.
Signature Experience – Fingal's Cave
Hop into a Zodiac for a closer inspection of Fingal’s Cave (weather permitting). Gaze in wonder at the unique hexagonal basalt columns, which were formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. This breathtaking natural sea cave stretches to a remarkable height of 22 metres and a depth of 82 metres.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Signature Experience
These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Day 9
Portrush
Today, your ship will dock in Portrush in Northern Ireland. Embark on your preferred sightseeing activity.
Freedom of Choice – Giant’s Causeway
Travel to the Giant’s Causeway, a series of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that rise from the sea. This geological marvel was formed due to volcanic activity approximately 50 to 60 million years ago.
Freedom of Choice – Dunluce Castle and Old Bushmills Distillery
Journey along the rugged coast of Antrim to awe-inspiring Dunluce Castle, a now-ruined medieval castle set on a rocky headland. From here, visit the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Day 10
Douglas (Isle of Man)
Arrive in Douglas, the capital of the extraordinary Isle of Man, known for its stunning natural beauty and fascinating history. Choose how to explore today with an included sightseeing activity.
Freedom of Choice – Castle Rushen, Steam Railway and Tynwald Experience
Set out on a scenic drive to Castletown, the Isle of Man’s former capital. Explore medieval Castle Rushen, which served as the residence of the last Norse King of Man and features a historic clock gifted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597. Continue to Castletown’s railway station and board a steam train for a picturesque journey through the countryside on the 150-year-old Victorian line. Disembark in Douglas and travel to Tynwald Hill by coach, the original site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament.
Freedom of Choice – Scenic Isle of Man Experience
Admire stunning views as you drive to the most southerly point of the island, The Sound, one of the most scenic destinations in the British Isles. Enjoy the opportunity to spot seals on the nearby islet of Kitterland, and perhaps even dolphins and basking sharks in the surrounding waters. Then, head to Castletown and marvel at magnificent Castle Rushen from the outside before enjoying time at leisure to explore the town independently. Continue to Tynwald Hill, the historic site of the world’s oldest continuous parliament, before returning to Douglas.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Day 11
Belfast
During a tour of Belfast, you’ll see the Grand Opera House, Albert Memorial Clock, Queen's University Belfast and the Botanic Gardens. Stop at the Belfast City Hall before exploring Titanic Belfast, located where the ill-fated RMS Titanic was built.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Day 12
Holyhead
Today, you’ll dock in the historic port town of Holyhead on Holy Island in Wales. Choose how to explore with a range of sightseeing activities on offer.
Freedom of Choice – Bodnant Garden
Set out on a scenic journey across the island of Anglesey, then cross the Menai Strait via the Britannia Bridge to the mainland of North Wales. Take in wonderful coastal views as you continue towards Conwy before arriving at spectacular Bodnant Garden. Located above the River Conwy in North Wales and offering breathtaking views of Snowdonia, the horticultural haven spans 80 acres, featuring formal gardens, expansive lawns, grand terraces and lush woodland. Purchased at an auction in 1874 by Henry Davis Pochin, the garden was developed by five generations of the one family. Enjoy a guided walk before spending time at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Freedom of Choice – Caernarfon Castle
Marvel at the picturesque landscapes unfolding before you as you travel across Anglesey and the Menai Strait to the famous Caernarfon Castle, a unique fortress which dates back to 1283. One of four castles commissioned by the order of Edward I in northern Wales, the fortress-palace is recognised as one of the most remarkable buildings of the Middle Ages. Explore the magnificent ruins inside with your guide. Then, enjoy time at leisure to either continue your exploration of the castle, visit the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum in two of the castle’s towers, or wander through Caernarfon town.
Freedom of Choice – South Stack RSPB Reserve
Explore the South Stack RSPB Reserve, a beautiful area comprising of heathland and farmland amid dramatic sea cliffs, an important nesting site for seabirds. Around 9,000 seabirds nest on the cliffs, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, kittiwakes and fulmars, with most leaving the reserve by the end of July. Set out on a guided walk with a member of the reserve, who will help you identify birds and wildlife. Gaze in wonder at the colourful wildflowers and get a chance to spot a chough swooping along the cliffs, the rarest member of the crow family in the British Isles. You may even catch a glimpse of the rare silver-studded blue butterfly, or porpoises and dolphins in the water. After your guided walk, enjoy time to explore independently.
Daily: Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Day 13
Depart Dublin
Dock in Dublin this morning, where you’ll disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Daily:· Breakfast
