Wild Scotland & the Hebrideans

Welcome on board Scenic Eclipse. Meet the captain, crew and your Discovery Team before setting sail towards the Scottish Isles.

A picturesque harbor town surrounded by spectacular nature and wildlife, you’ll learn about ancient Norse roots with its historic Viking sites, longship replicas and longhouses.

Today choose one of the Freechoice activities or join a more active Discovery excursion:
Freechoice: View the limestone community of Fladdabister and the world’s best-preserved 200-year-old Iron Age broch or explore Scalloway, the largest settlement on the North Atlantic coast, and learn the history of the castle.
Discovery: Hike around the cliffs of Sumburgh head or join a guided biking adventure.

Kirkwall is the Orkney Islands’ beating heart, where Viking roots continue to run through its ancient winding streets.

Freechoice: Discover the treasures of Orkney, including The Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, or visit Sheila Fleet for demonstration. Alternatively, taste the local Orkney beer, or head to the distillery for a whiskey tasting.

Stornoway is a sheltered harbor where you’ll find medieval castles, Gaelic culture and rugged coastlines that give way to dramatic island landscapes and majestic white-sand beaches.

Today choose one of the Freechoice activities or join a more active Discovery excursion:
Freechoice: Choose to learn the heritage of this quaint town and visit the Callanish Stones, or head to the green for a round of golf.
Discovery: If you’re feeling active, go for a hike with a naturalist.   

The Isle of Skye is a true gem of Scotland’s Islands, and Portree is Skye’s main town and cultural hub; a pretty harbor famous for its brightly painted waterfront houses.

Freechoice: Explore the colored houses on a walking tour, or journey further on a coach tour of the island. Alternatively, visit the Dunvegan Castle and gardens, located on a glistening inlet.

The picture-postcard harbors of Scotland will entice you on a visit to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

Freechoice: Join a photography tour and learn how to capture the beauty of one of the prettiest ports, or visit the ancient home of Clan Maclean at Duart Castle. Alternatively, taste the local delicacies on a foodie tour, or explore the town of Tobermory on a guided walking tour. Discovery: Listen to the birds sing while walking through lightly dappled woods on a guided hike.

On the shores of Loch Linnhe and in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, Fort William is a majestic setting. With a full day, explore some of Scottish Highland’s finest scenery.

Today choose one of the Freechoice activities or join a more active Discovery excursion:
Freechoice: Nestled between the mountains and the sea, play a round of golf at the base of Ben Nevis, or join a tour of the highlands.
Discovery: Explore this region on a guided hiking or biking tour.
Enrich: Experience a Scottish Ceilidh and be immersed in the Scottish dance traditions, learning from local Highland dancers.

This small island has played a big role in Christianity throughout the ages and you’ll be quickly won over by the slower pace of life on this enchanting isle, as you stroll Iona’s beautiful sandy beaches looking out for its varied wildlife.

Today choose one of the Freechoice activities or join a more active Discovery excursion:
Freechoice: Visit Iona Abbey and Nunnery, one of the oldest and most sacred religious places in all of western Europe.
Discovery: Join a naturalist for a guided nature walk, or discover Staffa Island on a boat tour.

Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, welcomes you to one of the most beautiful areas of Britain.

Freechoice: Enjoy a unique experience onboard a luxury trike, or ride a steam train to Castletown along the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain. Alternatively, delve into the history of the region at the House of Manannan and Peel Castle or Cregneash Village, one of the last strongholds of the Manx language.

With its rich cultural heritage, you’ll have the day to explore Belfast’s world-class museums and flourishing arts scene. Not to mention the city’s famous maritime history found in the Titanic Quarter, now one of the world’s largest urban-waterfront regeneration projects.

Freechoice: Delve into the history of Belfast, or explore the mystery of Giant’s Causeway. Alternatively, visit the Titanic Museum and HMS Caroline, or taste some of the local delicacies

Your cruise ends this morning in the Irish capital of Dublin. Say farewell to the crew and disembark Scenic Eclipse for your journey home.