Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland

Arrive in London, the vibrant capital of England and the United Kingdom, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. From here, transfer to the historic maritime city of Portsmouth, home to a legendary naval heritage. Step aboard your ship and prepare for an unforgettable journey around the breathtaking British and Irish Isles.

Arrive in the charming Cornish port of Fowey (pronounced “Foy”) in the afternoon, where coastal beauty meets rich heritage. Choose to hike a scenic Cornish coastal trail, take a guided walk through the historic village with a local, or venture into the countryside to visit a family farm. There, discover how traditional farming methods blend with modern agricultural innovations and enjoy a tasting of their latest harvest.

The Isles of Scilly can trace its roots back to prehistoric times. More than 140 different islands make up this designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Take the time to explore one of England's most pristine beaches and watch for migrating birds that frequent the islands. Weather permitting, enjoy a Zodiac ride among some of the most popular residents of the islands: the local seal colony.

Arrive in this colorful port city on one of the world’s largest natural harbors, intimately tied to maritime history and the great Irish Emigration. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and learn about the momentous events that took place here—from the 1912 departure of the Titanic to the successful rescue of passengers from the torpedoed Lusitania and the millions of Irish who departed these shores in search of a better life. Immerse yourself in an afternoon of Irish traditions at a local hurling club: learn about and try your hand at hurling—an ancient Gaelic Irish team sport played with a wooden stick and a small ball—enjoy time at the clubhouse that doubles as a bar, listen to live Gaelic music and chat with locals.

Over the next two days, enjoy the windswept landscapes of the Dingle peninsula and surrounding islands. Get photo tips from a National Geographic Photography Expert as you sail past the uninhabited Blasket Islands, on which you observe a wide array of birds, including storm petrels, shearwaters, terns, and gulls. Keep an eye out for recently fledged jumping auks—still downy and unable to fly—as they make their way out to sea accompanied by their dads. You may also be able to spot pods of dolphins that call these waters home.

The exploration continues on land through the southern corner of Ireland with its cozy local pubs, cultural centers, and country walks. Choose from a few options: delve into the heart of Irish culture, language and history at the Blasket visitor center, where you can learn about the islands’ 1953 evacuation; hit the road on one most scenic drives on Ireland’s west coast—part of the Atlantic Way; or set out on a hike boasting incredible views over Dingle’s bay and peninsula.

Visit the sacred island of Iona and its 13th-century abbey, long revered as a Christian pilgrimage site and believed to be where the Book of Kells originated. Several Scottish kings, including the actual Macbeth, are buried in the royal graveyard here. Later, weather permitting, explore uninhabited Staffa Island, famed for its perfect six-sided volcanic basalt columns and dramatic Fingal’s Cave. On Staffa, join one of the naturalists to learn about and observe a large puffin colony.

As you sail south along the northern coast of Scotland, admire the Outer Hebrides rising out of the North Atlantic. Conditions permitting, embark Zodiacs to land on the Isle of Lewis. There, visit the striking Callanish Standing Stones, a 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site that predates Stonehenge. Explore by foot across multiple sites that served as locations for rituals for 2,000 years.

The Shetlands are characterized by deep-seated cultural traditions and dramatic landscapes. Far north and near enough to Norway for some locals to speak Scottish with a Scandinavian accent, this 100-island archipelago has never been fully tamed by those who live here. Explore these rural islands with their mix of cliffside lighthouses, ancient ruins throughout the ages, windswept pastures, and harbors that have been gathering the bounties of the sea for ages. Take in the cliffs of Noss’ large bird colony from the ship as you sail by.

Morning options in the rugged Orkney Islands include a visit to renowned Scapa Flow, one of the world’s great natural harbors and a key historical World War I and II site. Alternatively, discover the Stone Age megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone slab village of Skara Brae. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Kirkwall—Orkney’s capital and a showplace of ancient Viking history, thanks to its proximity to Norway—and step inside the majestic St. Magnus Cathedral, a sandstone landmark that took three centuries to build.

Start the day with a panoramic drive through “the Granite City” before exploring Aberdeenshire’s countryside. Choose to visit a local Highland cattle farm, where you’ll learn about its award-winning products and practices. Or, dive into the complicated history of the Gordon Highlanders by visiting the local museum. Transfer back to the ship later this afternoon, and enjoy your last evening at sea. Keep an eye out for the resident group of bottlenose dolphins.

Disembark in Edinburgh and transfer to the airport for flights home, or choose to explore the Scottish Highlands.