Sail across the United Kingdom aboard the L'Austral luxury ship. Start your cruise by embarking at Dublin. During a stopover in Belfast, visit the Giant's Causeway. This massive geological formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features over 40,000 basalt columns. L’Austral will also take you to the Isle of Man, located between the United Kingdom and Ireland. Discover the capital Douglas, a postcard from the United Kingdom of yesteryear with a Victorian atmosphere. Step ashore at Cobh, a maritime port in County Cork in southwest Ireland. One next port of call will be at the Isles of Scilly, a strange little archipelago whose landscapes seem to have come straight out of Enid Blyton's famous story, The Rockingdown Mystery. Finally, disembark at Portsmouth, end of this beautiful cruise.
Highlights
Sail into the heart of Celtic shores, lands of magic and legends
Explore the mysterious Giant's Causeway site
View the old port of Liverpool on your way
Discover Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Embark on the L'Austral at the port of Dublin and start your adventure.
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.
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 none other 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, 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 certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
Optional excursions such as a visit to Giant's Causeway, tour to Belfast and Titanic, and a day along the Antrim Coast are available for additional fees.
The fast-moving and appealing city of Liverpool sprawls along the banks of the River Mersey. This former bastion of industry in England's north-west has found its second wind, thanks especially to the highly successful redevelopment of its docks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. The city, the Beatlesﾒ birthplace, has lots to offer to its visitors. While a walk down the Waterfront from Pier Head to Albert Dock is a major highlight you can also love the quality of ﾠmuseums such as the Walker Art Gallery and the wealth of architecture in the city. But what really impresses you is the playful and open-minded spirit of its inhabitants, which John Lennon referred to as positive energy.
Optional excursions such as The Story of the Beatles and a visit to the cathedrals of Liverpool are available for additional fees.
Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man, a self-governing island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The Isle of Man is best-known for its grueling annual TT motorbike race but Douglas itself is a charming traditional seaside resort. Take a stroll or horse tram along the busy promenade and visit the Manx Museum, which retraces the island's fascinating Celtic and Viking heritage. You can take a steam train into the mountainous interior, to see medieval castles and pretty villages and farms.
Optional excursions such as a visit to the Great Laxey Wheel, the scenic Southern Isle of Man, and the historic Manx are available for additional fees.
This charming stopover on the southern coast of Ireland certainly wins you over with its pastel-shaded houses layered up the hillside. A little train avoids you from having to climb the steep streets of the historic center. Once you’re there, you come to Saint Colman cathedral overlooking the coastline. The extensive panorama provides views of the little islands in Cork Harbour. Down below, the pubs complete with their floral window displays are enough to catch your eye. The pubs are famous for their traditional dishes like “colcannon” - a steaming hot soup made with cabbage served in a bowl, or a plate of boxties - crispy potato cakes with horseradish.
Optional excursions such as a visit to Blarney Castle & Kinsale, Cork city walk, and panoramic tour to Cork & Old Jameson Distillery are available for additional fees.
Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south-west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise. The long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, whilst the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.
Optional excursions such as a visit to Tresco Abbey Garden, Garrison walking tour, and wildlife boat tour are available for additional fees.
Located in the English Channel west of the Cotentin Peninsula, the Channel Island Jersey is a place that was shaped by the sea. Here, some of the most impressive tides in the world erode the coastline and nourish the land. From its eastern edge, you might be able to glimpse the French coast. It is often said that though this island may be small, it is full of character. With country roads that lead on to the cliff tops, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and Saint Helier is its capital. Its magnificent landscapes are begging to be explored. Invigorated by the sea air, you will love strolling along the island’s wild coastline. Here, the sea is never more than a ten-minute walk away.
Day 8: Portsmouth | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Located in the south-east of London, Portsmouth is one of the three most important military ports in England. This maritime tradition takes shape in the Historic Dockyard, the home of Portsmouth's arsenal, where emblematic ships are to be found, including HMS Victory, captained by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The hometown of Charles Dickens and the adopted home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the celebrated adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Portsmouth is not short of attractions with its parks, seafronts and city walls. Do not miss the view over the city from the Spinnaker Tower, taking the form of a great sail and soaring from 170 meters into the air, making it one of the highest monuments in the United Kingdom.
After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at Portsmouth.
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.
$3,770
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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours 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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
