The Inner Hebrides welcomes you with Tobermory, a charming fishing port with multi-colored houses whose distillery produces a renowned single malt, and Iona, the cradle of Christianity in Scotland where the famous Book of Kells was written. Further south, arrive at Killybegs, a gateway to the city of Donegal. Next, view the city of Galway with a real immersion into the heart of Gaelic culture. Also, make its way to Glengarriff. This village surrounded by nature is blessed with a very mild climate and the temperate waters that bathe the Beara Peninsula allow rhododendrons, azaleas, gorse and fuchsias to thrive in the local gardens. Before making the way to Dublin, L’Austral takes you to Kinsale, a charming little port sheltered within the Bandon Estuary.
Highlights
Sail into the heart of Celtic shores, lands of magic and legends
View Giant’s Causeway site, Galway and Dublin
Explore magnificent Iona, the sacred island of Scotland
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is nonother than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical center, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Spectacular Giants Causeway, Panoramic Belfast & Titanic, A Day Along the Antrim Coast.
Located at the northernmost tip of the lovely Isle of Mull, Tobermory has to be one of the most beautiful natural seaports on Scotland’s West Coast. Founded in 1788, this ancient fishing village has been converted to a leisure port highly appreciated today for its surroundings and the quiet charm it exudes. You will definitely be won over by the row of many-storied houses on the hillside, illuminating the harbor with their vibrant colors. Although the real spectacle is outdoors, a visit to the interesting Mull Museum dedicated to the local history and the exhibitions at the An Tobar art gallery is well worth the time.
Of all the islands in the Inner Hebrides, Iona is by far the most conducive to contemplation and meditation. And for good reason... it is here that St Columba landed from Ireland in 563 and undertook to establish Christianity in Scotland. Now an abbey, the islandメs true spiritual center stands where the ancient monastery founded by the Irish missionary was built. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery. In sunny weather, arriving on the Isle of Iona is a stunningly beautiful experience.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Isles Of Iona & Mull, Traditional Weaving On The Hebrides, Iona Abbey, Cradle Of Christianity.
Tucked away and sheltered by a large inlet, this charming fishing port is located on Ireland's most northern extremity, in the heart of the southern coast of County Donegal. As your boat glides into the port, soak up the dazzling colors of the trawlers docked in the harbor. You may well have the opportunity to tour the Donegal Carpets Factory, one of the world's oldest handmade carpet manufacturers. You can also take a tour of the Glenveagh National Park and its castle, after having crossed through the wild, untamed beauty of northern Ireland. Donegal is a rambler's paradise, and the Blue Stack Mountains are sure to have you hooked with their peace, quiet and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Wild Donegal & Glencolmcille, Glenveagh Castle & Park, Walking The Bluestack Mountains, A Stroll Through Donegal Town.
Built at the mouth of the Corrib on in the West, Galway is one of the liveliest towns in the country. The cobbled streets in its historical center offer plenty of designer boutiques, artists’ studios and bohemian cafés.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Galway Through The Ages, Scenic Cliffs Of Moher, A Day in Scenic Connemara.
In County Cork, discover Glengarriff, a little village set in the heart of intact nature. Located on the Beara Peninsula, renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, the municipality, which owes its name to the Gaelic word Gleann (literally “wild glen”), is surrounded by rugged mountains, wooded spaces — including one of Ireland’s oldest oak forests — and white sandy beaches. In addition to this natural setting, ideal for hiking, the site enjoys a tropical microclimate that favors the development of dense vegetation, composed of superb exotic plants.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Gougane Barra Scenic Drive, Bantry House & Gardens, Walk Through Glengarriff Nature Reserve.
Considered Ireland’s most beautiful village, Kinsale will captivate you with its sublime natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Located at the mouth of the Bandon River in County Cork, this charming little port is home to picturesque streets lined with colorful houses, art galleries and theatres, as well as to a 17th-century fort. Not far away, perched on a rocky promontory, stands the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse: still in operation today, it has magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Cork & Blarney Castle, Panoramic Cork & Old Jameson Distillery, Killarney & Muckross House and Gardens.
Day 8: Dublin | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and art centers. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th-century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
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.
$3,260
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Deluxe Suite
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Owners Suite
484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.