Wonders of the Celtic shores

The Irish capital is located along the River Liffey, near Dublin Bay on Ireland’s east coast. The pedestrian area of Temple Bar has cobbled streets with shops, pubs, and arts centers. Near Trinity College, known for its 18th-century library, Grafton Street offers tea shops where scones with clotted cream and jam are served. O’Connell Bridge connects to O’Connell Street, which features the Spire, a tall contemporary sculpture.

Rothesay is a seaside town and the main settlement on the Isle of Bute, a Scottish island located in the Firth of Clyde, a coastal area protected from the Atlantic Ocean by the Kintyre Peninsula. The town features several notable buildings, including a castle from the 13th century that has been altered multiple times through its history of Norwegian attacks and English invasions. Victorian-style houses overlook Rothesay Bay. The Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, built in the 1920s from cast iron and glass, is a distinctive circular building. Mount Stuart House, a 19th-century manor in Georgian style with an interior considered modern at the time, is also nearby, along with its surrounding gardens.

Included Excursion:
Rothesay town walk
Enjoy a guided walk around the historic Royal Burgh of Rothesay, a designated Conservation Area, home to many examples of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Your 1 hour walking tour commences at the mid pier, taking in the organic street pattern of the medieval burgh and the 19th century commercial center. The walk takes you past notable buildings including the Bute Museum, the Mansion House- a rare example of 17th century Scottish vernacular architecture, and many elaborately embellished Victorian buildings, constructed in the heyday of Rothesay’s development as a thriving seaside resort. You enjoy a stroll along the promenade, past the historic Winter Gardens, putting greens and fountain, finishing your tour at the magnificent Rothesay Castle, built by the Stewart kings of Scotland and unique in its circular form which provided a bulwark against invading Viking forces. At the end of the walking tour, you have time to visit the castle and museum which are situated centrally, only three minutes walk from the pier, or why not have a game of putting on the esplanade, or enjoy a wander around the many small independent shops situated close by.

This tour involves walking for 1 hour on mostly flat ground. Comfortable walking shoes, a jacket, and water are recommended.

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 gruelling annual TT motorbike race but Douglas itself is a charming traditional seaside resort. The stroll along the busy promenade is very popular, as well as the visit of the Manx Museum, which retraces the island's fascinating Celtic and Viking heritage. It is possible to take a steam train into the mountainous interior, where medieval castles and pretty villages and farms can be observed.

Included Excursions:
Volcanoes & Vikings walking tour
Enjoy a hike taking in the Viking History of the Isle of Man in combination with stunning views along the Isle of Man coastal path. Begin your walk at Balladoole Farm and make you way to Chapel Hill, one of the Isle of Man’s most impressive ancient monuments. A Viking boat burial which dates back to between 850AD and 950AD was discovered here when archaeologists were searching for an Iron Age Hill fort. Enjoy this impressive site before continuing along the Raad ny Foillan Coastal Path which presents an opportunity to see coastal birds, local plants, and volcanic rocks on your way to the ancient settlement of Castletown.

This excursion involves approximately 2h of moderate to strenuous walking on uneven paths, inclines and a steep descent. Comfortable hiking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing are recommended. Walking poles may also be helpful.

Victorian Railways
Travel on a pair of historic trains across some of the most scenic landscape on the Isle of Man, including a trip to its highest point. First, board the Manx Electric Railway for a breathtaking trip through green glens and hollows, as well as atop steep cliffs with excellent views of the coastline. This railway, the longest of Britain's historic narrow-gauge lines, is almost 120 years old and still incorporates genuine Victorian and Edwardian equipment. After crossing the Glen Roy viaduct, you are transferred to the Snaefell Mountain Railway, which is nearly as ancient and revered as the Manx. The train climbs slowly from Laxey to the magnificent 2,036-foot top of Snaefell, the Norse name for "Snow Mountain." Stop to relax, surrounded by beautiful views of the ocean and, in the distance, Laxey's legendary giant water wheel. Return back down the mountain and enjoy a scenic coach trip back to Douglas.

This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground. Passengers need to be able to hop on and hop off the train carriage (few high steps). The trains are not privatized for PONANT passengers.

Manx Museum & town walk
Explore Douglas on foot, the capital city and largests settlement on the Isle of Man. Begin with a walking tour around the town taking in highlights such as the Promenade, Tower of Refuge, and several famous statues. You end your walk at the Manx Museum. Situated in the heart of Douglas the Manx Museum is bursting with artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man. Highlights include some of the finest Viking treasures in the British Isles, and the new TT Gallery. From here you can either walk back to the ship with your guide or enjoy more time in Douglas at your own pace.

This tour involves walking approximately 2h, on uneven and paved grounds, with some inclines. Comfortable hiking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing are recommended. Bring water from the ship.

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' 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ﾒll also love the quality of ﾠmuseums such as the Walker Art Gallery and the wealth of architecture in the city. But what can really impress you is the playful and open-minded spirit of its inhabitants, which John Lennon referred to as "positive energy".

In the north of Wales and in the west of the captivating Isle of Anglesey, succumb to the charms of the enchanting small port town of Holyhead. Often called “the mother of Wales” due to its importance in history, Holyhead is a paradise for anyone with a passion for natural landscapes and heritage. They love exploring the town’s many historical landmarks, among other sites. Among these is Holyhead’s 13th-century church, St Cybi’s Church, nestling right in the middle of the Roman citadel.  Finally, you are able to admire one of the symbols of the town: South Stack Lighthouse, built in 1809. As you pass near the lighthouse, you might have the chance to marvel at numerous species of seabirds, including guillemots and razorbills.

In the hollow of a majestic harbour north of the Durrus Peninsular, in southwestern Ireland, in County Cork, the village of Bantry appears between spectacular cliffs, a fascinating bay and huge expanses of amber-colored moors. Like a postcard of a wild, preserved and authentic Ireland, this charming small town can be explored via its coastline shredded by the winds and currents, and its small paved streets edged with Georgian- and Victorian-style residences. Fall under the spell of one of the village’s emblematic sites, Bantry House. A majestic 17th-century manor house dominating the bay, it charms you with its architecture, its enchanting French-style gardens and its captivating panoramas.

From the very endearing small town of Cobh, you set out to discover Cork, rich with a history that goes back to Viking times. During your visit here, you are inviteed to take an exceptional trip to Blarney Castle, dating from 1446 and renowned for its legends and its ancient stones. At the end of your visit, do not miss the chance of kissing the “Stone of Eloquence”, located at the top of the monument, which legend tells confers its powers upon you.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.