Lands Of The Celts, Scotland & Ireland Cruise

Day 1 - Edinburgh, UK

Arrive: Sun 28 April 2024 / Depart: Sun 28 April 2024 at 17:00

Two miles distant from its ancient seaport of Leith lies Edinburgh, Scotland's national capital. The Scottish capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is comprised of two distinct areas - the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character. Always favored by geography, Edinburgh is ideally situated on the Firth of Forth, an inlet from the North Sea, and built on extinct volcanoes surrounded by woods, rolling hills and lakes. On a clear day, there are glorious vistas from each of these hilltops. Looming above the city is the striking fairy tale castle built on the site of a 7th-century fortress. Towards the Middle Ages life within the fortress spilled onto the long ridge running to the foot of Arthur's Seat, which crowns Holyrood Park. The city's most legendary citizens are the arch Presbyterian John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots, who dominated the Edinburgh of the late 16th century. Edinburgh's delightful city center is a joy to explore on foot. Every alley reveals impressive steeples, jagged, chimney-potted skylines, or lovely rotund domes.

Day 2 - Aberdeen, UK

Arrive: Mon 29 April 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Mon 29 April 2024 at 18:00

Located on the easternmost point of mainland Scotland, Peterhead has always been linked to the sea. It was founded in the late 16th century as a fishing port, and its harbor dates from 1593. The folkloric nickname for the town is the Blue Toon, supposedly because local fishermen traditionally wore blue worsted stockings. Fishing is still an important industry, although the historically important whaling trade is gone. Scottish whalers plied the seas from Greenland deep into the Antarctic, and many place names in the South Atlantic recall the Scots’ intrepid exploration of the region. Falkland, McMurdo, Weddell, the South Shetland Islands, Scotia Sea and dozens more bespeak the heritage. They sought whale oil to lubricate the Industrial revolution back home. Today petroleum from offshore wells fuels the economy of Scotland’s northeast, and supports tens of thousands of jobs in the region. The Maritime Heritage Centre recounts the story up to the present. Aberdeen, called the Granite City, is Scotland’s third largest city. It is a place of majestic stone buildings, gothic-turreted and spired, hewn from the local stone so richly laced with mica that it glitters like silver in the sunlight. The University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495 and is still one of Britain’s finest. The city’s parks and gardens have consistently secured it a place in the annual Britain in Bloom awards. Whether you choose to explore the beautiful old city, the spectacular natural splendors of Aberdeenshire or the area’s many traditional whisky distilleries, you will doubtless find plenty to enchant you on Scotland’s northeastern coast.

Day 3 - Lochinver

Arrive: Tue 30 April 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Tue 30 April 2024 at 18:00

Day 4 - Isle of Skye

Arrive: Wed 01 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 01 May 2024 at 18:00

Patras is the largest city in the Peloponnese as well as the capital of Greece's Achaia region. Dominated by the castle at the top of a hill, Patras is divided into two parts. The older section, at the foot of the castle, features a number of appealing neoclassical houses, while the lower city offers numerous mansions which house the Municipal Theater and the Odeon among them.Perhaps foremost of the city's attractions is the Cathedral of St. Andrew, rising majestically over the lower city. Less secular in nature are the many delightful cafes, pastry shops and tavernas to be found along the busy streets.

Day 5 - Isle Of Canna, Scotland, United Kingdom

Day 5 - Castlebay

Arrive: Thu 02 May 2024 at 13:30 / Depart: Thu 02 May 2024 at 18:00

Day 6 - Killybegs

Arrive: Fri 03 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 03 May 2024 at 18:00

Karlskrona is a locality and the seat of Karlskrona Municipality, Blekinge County, Sweden with 66,675 inhabitants in 2018. It is also the capital of Blekinge County. Karlskrona is known as Sweden's only baroque city and is host to Sweden's only remaining naval base and the headquarters of the Swedish Coast Guard.

Day 7 - Roundstone, Ireland

Day 8 - Galway

Arrive: Sun 05 May 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Sun 05 May 2024 at 14:00

An historic Irish castle built along the River Corrib in 1121 grew rapidly into the city of Galway. There are two main squares in the city, Eyre Square and the Spanish Parade. At the center of Eyre Square is John F. Kennedy Park, erected in honor of U.S. President Kennedy’s visit here in 1963. A carved bust of the president was affectionately placed by the people of Galway at the exact spot where Kennedy stood to deliver his speech. Spanish Parade is the site of the Spanish Arches, two stone arches that made up the historic wall that once surrounded Galway. Remnants of medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted rings, books and musical instruments. In addition to the many traditional Irish pubs, are the picturesque ancient neighborhoods of The Claddagh and Salthill. The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, built in 1965 in the Renaissance-style, is the last great stone-walled cathedral to be built in Europe, while Galway Cathedral is much older, dating back to 1320.

Day 8 - Inisheer, Aran Islands, Ireland

Day 8 - Scenic Cruising Cliffs Of Moher

Day 9 - Dingle (Ireland)

Arrive: Mon 06 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 06 May 2024 at 15:30

Day 9 - Scenic Cruising Skellig Michael

Day 10 - Cape Clear Island, Ireland

Day 10 - Schull, Ireland

Day 11 - Kinsale, Ireland

Arrive: Wed 08 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 08 May 2024 at 14:00

Day 12 - Plymouth, UK

Arrive: Thu 09 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 09 May 2024 at 19:00

Plymouth, the largest city in Devon, has a long maritime history. Construction on the Royal Naval Dockyard was begun by William III in the late 17th century, and the site continues to serve as a naval base today. Excellent views of Plymouth Sound, with its many bays and inlets, may be enjoyed from the grassy esplanade known as the Hoe. Although heavy bombing destroyed much of Plymouth during World War II, a fascinating part of the past may still be seen in the Barbican, the oldest surviving section of the city. The Mayflower Steps mark the spot from which the Pilgrims sailed for the New World in 1620. You may wish to take a look inside the massive Royal Citadel, built by Charles II in 1666. The city houses Europe's premier oceanography institute with an unrivalled aquarium. An excursion into the lovely Devonshire countryside should prove a most pleasant diversion.

Day 13 - St Peter Port, UK

Arrive: Fri 10 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 10 May 2024 at 17:00

Guernsey, the second largest of the Channel Islands, offers the visitor a mild climate, breathtaking scenery and a peaceful, unspoiled ambiance, all of which combine to make it a popular destination for British and French vacationers. Besides tourism, the island is notable for its highly successful agricultural industry, producing flowers, strawberries and millions of pounds of the coveted "Guernsey Tom," a juicy succulent tomato.

Day 14 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Sat 11 May 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Sat 11 May 2024 at 17:00

Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover. As you get closer, the coastline unfolds before you in all its striking beauty. White chalk cliffs with streaks of black flint rise straight from the sea to a height of 350’ (110 m). Numerous archaeological finds reveal people were present in the area during the Stone Age. Yet the first record of Dover is from Romans, who valued its close proximity to the mainland. A mere 21 miles (33 km) separate Dover from the closest point in France. A Roman-built lighthouse in the area is the tallest Roman structure still standing in Britain. The remains of a Roman villa with the only preserved Roman wall mural outside of Italy are another unique survivor from ancient times which make Dover one of a kind.

Day 15 - London

Arrive: Sun 12 May 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: Sun 12 May 2024 at 17:00

London is one of the great entertainment, financial and fashion centers of the world. It dates back to ancient times when the Romans made it a hub of their road system and built the first London Bridge. There are actually two separate cities - the City of London and the City of Westminster - and they function side by side. The City of London is mostly a place of business and finance, while Westminster (the West End) is the locale of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, as well as theaters, clubs, parks and myriad shops. *Please note that embarkation and/or disembarkation in London, United Kingdom requires the use of a tender.

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Isles of Scilly

Arrive: Tue 14 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 14 May 2024 at 14:00

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago off the Cornish coast, in southwest England. The islands are covered in heathland, and fringed by sandy beaches such as Great Bay on St. Martin’s. On Tresco, one of the 5 inhabited islands, Tresco Abbey Garden is home to subtropical plants and also the Valhalla Museum, displaying shipwrecked figureheads. The tower of 17th-century Cromwell’s Castle stands at the north of Tresco.

Day 18 - Lundy Island, United Kingdom

Arrive: Wed 15 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 15 May 2024 at 17:00

A delightful escape from the hubbub of the modern world, three-and-a-half-mile-long Lundy Island is located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. Roads are undisturbed by cars. There's a small village, a Victorian church, even a 13th-century castle. The surrounding waters are home to Great Britain's first marine nature reserve. On this granite outcropping, there are farms and open moorlands. Seals blanket the eastern shore. Owned by Britain's National Trust and maintained by the Landmark Trust, the island evokes a more tranquil time.

Day 19 - Dublin

Arrive: Thu 16 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 16 May 2024 at 23:00

Historic Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is rich in tradition and heritage. Founded in 841 as a Viking settlement, Dublin remained under Viking rule until the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. Divided by the Liffey and Tolka rivers, Dublin is a truly quaint and picturesque city. Bridges, waterways, narrow alleyways, and beautiful Georgian architecture await discovery. Dublin’s 751 pubs support a traditional folk music scene second to none. Wandering along its streets, you cannot avoid noticing the city’s different faces -- its cobblestone streets next to modern and mid-century buildings, massive stone churches heavy with the weight of ages, and colorful storefronts with ornate woodcarvings. The history of Dublin and Ireland itself can be seen through the changes in Dublin Castle. This impressive architectural landmark is one of Ireland’s most iconic symbols. Of traditional Norman design, it was erected in the 13th century to serve as the headquarters for Norman power.

Day 20 - Calf of Man, Isle of Man

Arrive: Fri 17 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 17 May 2024 at 13:00

Day 20 - Peel, Isle of Man

Arrive: Fri 17 May 2024 at 15:00 / Depart: Fri 17 May 2024 at 23:00

Day 21 - Rathlin Island

Arrive: Sat 18 May 2024 at 15:00 / Depart: Sat 18 May 2024 at 23:00

Rathlin Island is an island and civil parish off the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. It is Northern Ireland's northernmost point.

Day 21 - Port Ellen, Scotland

Arrive: Sat 18 May 2024 at 15:00 / Depart: Sat 18 May 2024 at 23:00

Port Ellen is a small town on the island of Islay, in Argyll, Scotland. The town is named after the wife of its founder, Walter Frederick Campbell. Its previous name, Leòdamas, is derived from Old Norse meaning "Leòd's Harbour". Port Ellen is built around Leodamais Bay, Islay's main deep water harbour.

Day 22 - Baile Mor, Isle of Iona, UK

Arrive: Sun 19 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 19 May 2024 at 12:30

Day 22 - Staffa

Arrive: Sun 19 May 2024 at 13:30 / Depart: Sun 19 May 2024 at 19:00

The tiny island of Staffa, part of the Inner Hebrides, is celebrated for its stunning geology. Vikings named it Stafyi-øy meaning ‘stave island,’ as its rock formations reminded them of the vertically placed logs used to construct their houses. Staffa is made up completely of hexagonal columnar basalt. Sixty-five million years ago, erupting lava cooled quickly, forming these distinctive shapes. Hexagons are most often associated with honeycombs in beehives, however, they are also characteristic in volcanic formations. Over time, a weakness in the rock was eroded by fierce Atlantic waves, creating legendary Fingal’s Cave. It was once known as ‘The Musical Cave’ for the wonderful sounds of the sea water reverberating against the sides of its large cavern. The island was first promoted by Sir Joseph Banks, who was Captain James Cook’s naturalist in 1772. In the 19th century, Jules Verne, William Wordsworth, John Keats, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, the artist JMW Turner and 19-year old Felix Mendelssohn also visited Staffa

Day 22 - Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Arrive: Sun 19 May 2024 at 21:00

Tiny, tidy Tobermory welcomes you to the Isle of Mull, largest of the Inner Hebrides. The colorful town is curved around its harbor, and the Mull Museum is a good place to start discovering more about the island, as well as its maritime and crofting background. Iona Abbey is an atmospheric relic of ancient times, with a Gothic and Romanesque nave. Nearby Duart Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, the seat of Clan MacClean. The central keep was built in 1360. Glengorm Castle is scenically situated overlooking the sea and the distant Outer Hebrides. Retire to the small Tobermory Distillery, one of Scotland’s earliest, for a taste of single malt whisky, then keep an eye out for a glimpse of the magnificent white-tailed sea eagles recently re-introduced on the island.

Day 23 - Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Depart: Mon 20 May 2024 at 13:00

Tiny, tidy Tobermory welcomes you to the Isle of Mull, largest of the Inner Hebrides. The colorful town is curved around its harbor, and the Mull Museum is a good place to start discovering more about the island, as well as its maritime and crofting background. Iona Abbey is an atmospheric relic of ancient times, with a Gothic and Romanesque nave. Nearby Duart Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, the seat of Clan MacClean. The central keep was built in 1360. Glengorm Castle is scenically situated overlooking the sea and the distant Outer Hebrides. Retire to the small Tobermory Distillery, one of Scotland’s earliest, for a taste of single malt whisky, then keep an eye out for a glimpse of the magnificent white-tailed sea eagles recently re-introduced on the island.

Day 23 - Lunga, Trishnish Island

Arrive: Mon 20 May 2024 at 15:00 / Depart: Mon 20 May 2024 at 19:00

The island of Lunga is the largest of the Treshnish Isles in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The Isles are part of the Loch Na Keal National Scenic Area.

Day 24 - Am Baile Beach

Day 25 - Stornoway (Isle Lewis)

Arrive: Wed 22 May 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Wed 22 May 2024 at 13:00

Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, was founded by Vikings in the 9th century. But the Hebridean culture goes back much further, as testified by the circles of standing stones that are found on the island, and shards of pottery dated from at least 5,000 years in the past. There are remnants of various historic periods to be seen here, including traditional blackhouses, an ancient design, some of which were incredibly still in use into the 1970s. Lews Castle, which overlooks the town, is a more modern copy of a Tudor manse, which was built by a former owner of the island. Latta’s Mill, a 19th century overshot water mill, has been reconstructed and operates as an attraction. The main occupations on Lewis are fishing, farming, and production of Harris Tweed, a traditional cloth named for another nearby Hebrides isle.

Day 25 - Shiant Isles

Arrive: Wed 22 May 2024 at 14:30 / Depart: Wed 22 May 2024 at 18:00

Day 26 - Kirkwall

Arrive: Thu 23 May 2024 at 08:00

Kirkwall is the largest town of Orkney, an archipelago to the north of mainland Scotland. The name Kirkwall comes from the Norse name Kirkjuvágr, which later changed to Kirkvoe, Kirkwaa and Kirkwall.

Day 27 - Kirkwall

Depart: Fri 24 May 2024 at 05:00

Kirkwall is the largest town of Orkney, an archipelago to the north of mainland Scotland. The name Kirkwall comes from the Norse name Kirkjuvágr, which later changed to Kirkvoe, Kirkwaa and Kirkwall.

Day 27 - Copinsay Island, Scotland

Arrive: Fri 24 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 24 May 2024 at 13:00

Day 28 - Invergordon

Arrive: Sat 25 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 25 May 2024 at 14:00

Invergordon, the port for Inverness, is located in the northern part of Scotland on the Moray Firth. The quaint town of Inverness has reminders of such historical figures as St. Columba, Mary Queen of Scots, and Oliver Cromwell. Its attractions include a 17th-century clock tower, part of a fort erected by Cromwell's army and the 19th-century cathedral. Regarded as the "Capital of the Highlands," the town holds many traditional Scottish events each summer.

Day 29 - Edinburgh, UK

Arrive: Sun 26 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 26 May 2024

Two miles distant from its ancient seaport of Leith lies Edinburgh, Scotland's national capital. The Scottish capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is comprised of two distinct areas - the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character. Always favored by geography, Edinburgh is ideally situated on the Firth of Forth, an inlet from the North Sea, and built on extinct volcanoes surrounded by woods, rolling hills and lakes. On a clear day, there are glorious vistas from each of these hilltops. Looming above the city is the striking fairy tale castle built on the site of a 7th-century fortress. Towards the Middle Ages life within the fortress spilled onto the long ridge running to the foot of Arthur's Seat, which crowns Holyrood Park. The city's most legendary citizens are the arch Presbyterian John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots, who dominated the Edinburgh of the late 16th century. Edinburgh's delightful city center is a joy to explore on foot. Every alley reveals impressive steeples, jagged, chimney-potted skylines, or lovely rotund domes.