Join this incredible 9-day journey that begins in Ireland and extends to the rarely visited outposts of the Hebrides! This voyage is a perfect mix of history, culture, beautiful landscapes and amazing birdwatching in this unique Northern European region.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Dublin and settle into your comfortable and centrally located hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the oldest pub in Ireland, the Brazen Head, dating back to the year 1198.
Begin your day in Glendalough, where you can take a guided tour of the historic monastic ruins. Here, you have the opportunity to see one of Europe's finest examples of Round Tower architecture, as well as many stone churches, a cathedral, and decorated crosses. While admiring the ruins, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glens and lakes. Head back to Dublin for lunch, then take a guided panoramic tour, including highlights such as Dublin Castle, Trinity College, the Old Parliament House, and the Guinness Storehouse. After the tour, board the ship and sail for the Isle of Man.
Day 3: Isle of Man-Peel Castle and House of Manannan
Begin your day with a Zodiac cruise to the historic, beautiful Isle of Man. Step ashore and visit Peel Castle, an impressive ancient fortress that later became the fort of Magnus Barefoot, an 11th century Viking king. If you are feeling adventurous, climb to the top of Gatehouse Tower and admire panoramic views of Peel. Afterwards, visit House of Manannan to explore a life sized reconstruction of a Celtic roundhouse, learn about life in a Viking longhouse, and explore 19th century Peel.
Day 4: Northern Ireland-The Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle
With the North Atlantic coast on one side and a landscape of dramatic cliffs on the other, the Giant's Causeway has been an artists' haven and a center of scientific debate for centuries. This amazing coastline formation, consisting of about 40,000 basalt columns, is the result of a ancient volcanic eruption. In 1986, the Giant's Causeway was declared Ireland's first World Heritage Site.
Spend today marveling at this natural wonder while spotting a number of seabirds, including petrels, fulmars, redshanks, shags, cormorants, razorbills, and guillemots. From the Giant's Causeway, head to Dunluce Castle, the castle that was the inspiration for Cair Paravel in the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. The castle is dramatically located on a headland right on the sea and is only accessible by a bridge. In the evening, begin the journey towards the isolated outposts of the Inner and Outer Hebrides.
The exact itinerary during these days will depend on weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The following are examples of exciting places that may be visited in the Hebrides.
Iona, Staffa, and Lunga Iona is a small island that has deep spiritual and historical significance. It is the final resting place for no less than 60 kings of Scotland, including King Duncan I who was murdered by Macbeth. If the weather is good, the ship will then stop at Staffa and the magnificent Fingal's Cave, the inspiration for Mendelsohn's "The Hebrides Overture". The crew also hopes to land on Lunga, to walk amongst puffin communities and explore remnants of the Viking era.
St.Kilda Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St.Kilda through the Sound of Harris. St.Kilda is an incredible uninhabited archipelago that lies about 40 miles from nearest land. The ship plans to drop anchor in Village Bay on the main island of Hirta to explore a historical village that once supported a population of 200. Afterwards, the ship will pass the amazing island of Boreray, the impressive Stac an Amin and Stac Lee, where you have the opportunity to see the nesting grounds of tens of thousands of gannets.
Dunvegan Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, and is located on the magnificent rocky shores of Loch Dunvegan. The castle grounds are surrounded by an eclectic mix of plants, woodland glades, and shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams flowing down to the sea.
Canna Beautifully situated with stunning views over the neighboring island of Rum, Canna is a tiny agricultural and cattle rearing community that is home to many magnificent birds such as white-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles.
Islay Often called the "Queen of the Hebrides," this beautiful, southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides is renowned worldwide for its many distilleries producing a variety of single malts that are distinguished by full, rich and very peaty characters. Take the chance to visit a distillery and learn about how the malts are produced.
Day 9: Oban
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Oban in the morning and begin your journey home. Transfers to Glasgow's airport or Central Station are included.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Triple Cabin
Triple Cabin with upper and lower berths. Located on Deck 3.
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Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3.
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Twin Cabin Plus
Twin Cabin Plus with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3.
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Double Cabin
Double Cabin with one double bed. Located on Deck 3.
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Double Cabin Superior
Double Cabin Superior with one large double bed. Located on Deck 3.
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Owners Cabin
Owners Cabin with one large double bed. Located on Deck 4.
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Solo Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin for solo use. Same cabins as the Twin Cabin, located on Deck 3.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 188 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 188 reviews on
2 days ago
Cheska is a great asset for your company she is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with
Susan Johnson
3 days ago
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks
Scott Sepsy
5 days ago
Amazing trip and the best customer service
Liz
6 days ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!
Kelly Mattingly
1 week ago
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.