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Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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Walk through Stone Age village ruins 5,000-years-old, Zodiac cruise around the stunning island of Staffa, and hoist a pint or two with spirited natives in cozy pubs throughout the land. You’ll explore ancient sites in moody landscapes to learn about culture and history in lands that have been continuously inhabited since Stone Age times. You'll discover the British & Irish Isles in the most engaging ways possible. Every day you can join naturalist or historian-guided hikes—choosing the individual whose interest and personality matches yours. Meet the lively characters who make up the contemporary scene in towns along the way. Or simply enjoy the open decks and glorious views from National Geographic Explorer.
Rocky shores of the AtlanticBig Ben on a sunny day in LondonSkellig Michael boasts some of the most beautiful views in all of IrelandRing Of Brodgar, OrkneyColorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
Highlights
  • Explore the beautiful places where Celtic and Viking influences still thrive
  • Sail around magical Skellig Michael
  • Zodiac cruise into Fingal’s Cave in Scotland
  • Discover the seabird colonies of Scotland's Outer Hebrides
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
0

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: London, U.K. | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Embark on your ship from the city center in time for lunch as you set sail down the Thames. 

Day 2: Portsmouth

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and climb inside the HMS Victory, and visit the partially restored Tudor warship Mary Rose, deployed by King Henry VIII. Alternatively, join our naturalists for a drive to the lively estuary at Titchfield Haven to walk the trails and look for visiting birds. 

Day 3: Fowey

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Stroll the medieval streets of Fowey before visiting the Eden Project, a botanical garden with vast biomes. In the afternoon, visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan, left derelict after WWI and recently restored, or choose to explore the quaint town center.

Day 4: Isles of Scilly

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
According to Arthurian legend, the Isles of Scilly are all that remain of Lyonnesse, a land off Cornwall that vanished beneath the Atlantic. Meander through Tresco Abbey Gardens, where an astounding variety of subtropical plants flourish. 

Day 5: Cobh, Ireland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in colorful Cobh, a place steeped in Maritime history.  Visit the fascinating Heritage Centre and walk in the footsteps of the many Irish who fled the hardships of the 19th century Ireland and immigrated to America.  

Day 6: The Skelligs | Dingle

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail by Skellig Michael, a Celtic Christian hermitage where beehive huts and remains of a 7th-century monastery still stand. Spend the afternoon discovering the picturesque seaside town of Dingle.

Day 7: Inishmore | Exploring Aran Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Known for its religious and cultural heritage, we make a visit to Dun Aengus, a Celtic stone fort perched on a cliff’s edge. 

Day 8: Exploring Northwestern Ireland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today you discover northwestern Ireland: a wild and windswept region where Gaelic is still spoken. Steeped in history and folklore, the dramatic landscape of counties Sligo and Donegal inspired the works of W.B. Yeats. 

Day 9: Iona and Staffa, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit the sacred island of Iona and its 12th Century abbey, believed to be the origin of the Book of Kells. Explore Staffa Island, famed for its geometric basalt columns, and Zodiac into dramatic Fingal’s Cave. 

Day 10: St. Kilda & Callanish

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, boasting incredible seabird colonies. Conditions permitting; we hope to make a landing at uninhabited St. Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, see the Neolithic Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis. 

Day 11: Orkney

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discover the Stone Age megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stoneslab village of Skara Brae. Step into medieval St. Magnus Cathedral, crafted from local red and yellow sandstone. 

Day 12-13: Exploring the Shetland Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The Shetland Islands archipelago is characterized by incredible cultural traditions and dramatic landscapes. Experience this for yourself as you step ashore at one of the many remote islands in the region. 

Day 14: Shetland | At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Drive through a rolling landscape with Shetland ponies. Explore the ruins at Jarlshof, which reveal 4,000 years of near-continuous settlement.

Day 15: Bergen, Norway | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.
National Geographic Explorer's chart room.
National Geographic Explorer's dining room.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$17,770
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
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Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
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Cat 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.

Notes

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • The Guidance and Company of the Expedition Staff
  • Hotels Ashore as Indicated in the Itinerary
  • Sightseeing & Entrance Fees
  • Special Access Permits, Park Fees, Port Taxes
  • Zodiac & Kayak Explorations
  • Snorkeling, Including Wetsuits, Masks, Fins & Snorkel Where Relevant
  • Presentations and Guest Speakers in the Lounge
  • Gratuities to the Ship Crew
  • Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
  • Alcohol (except premium brands) 
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Scuba Diving
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers
     
  • Expedition Extensions 
  • Laundry 
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Regional charter flight fees not included, pricing varies by departure

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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