Escape to the British archipelago on this 8-day cruise aboard Le Lyrial from Dublin to Edinburgh. Explore the majestic lakes of the Highlands and the cliffs of the Scottish Isles. Visit Belfast and see the Giant's Causeway, then journey to Fort William and the beautiful scenery of Glencoe. Discover the prehistoric Standing Stones of Callanish in Stornoway and spot seabirds in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Reach Invergordon, the gateway to the legendary Loch Ness, and visit the coastal city of Aberdeen, with its Gothic charm and nearby majestic castles. Your cruise will end in Edinburgh, UNESCO's city of literature, rich in history.
Highlights
Discover the warm conviviality of Dublin's pedestrian district, Temple Bar
Visit Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, for its rich culture and historic sites like Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles' Cathedral
Witness the Orkney Islands' view of sea birds, gannets, and crested cormorants in their natural environment
Discover the Gaelic culture and prehistoric sites of Lewis Island
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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 arts centers. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th-century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street. Try a delicious scone and clotted cream in one of its famous tea shops, 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 northeast 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 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 will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK." Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is close to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.
Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, is considered the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather-covered valleys and lochs stretch to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence along the long, jagged coastlines. Not far from Stornoway, the island’s main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century, stands one of Scotland’s most prominent prehistoric sites: the Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars, and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.
The capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay,” is an ideal stopover before continuing to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes visitors with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.
Invergordon is a charming small town in the Cromarty Firth on the northeastern shores of Scotland. Like all the Highlands, it invites you to share a suspended and magical moment in a lush and preserved setting. This is nature in its wildest form, from deep forest to immaculate moors via majestic cliffs and wooded glens. A gateway to the mythical and legendary Loch Ness, the village is particularly renowned for its whisky distilleries and proximity to some of the region’s most famous castles: Cawdor Castle, Inverness Castle, and the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
In the Aberdeenshire region, Aberdeen is Scotland's third-most populous city and Britain's third-largest fishing port. It is known as the "Granite City" due to its gray-colored granite buildings. It becomes the "Silver City" when the sun shines upon the building façades. Love the charm of its many flowers, the source of yet another moniker, the Flower of Scotland. The city once prospered thanks to whale hunting, herring fishing, and shipbuilding. The Tolbooth, on the corner of Union Street and King Street, is a magnificent 17th-century building worth the detour. Today, it is a museum dedicated to the city's history.
Day 8: Edinburgh, Scotland
1 Breakfast
Since the 15th century, Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, has concentrated the soul of this exceptional nation. There are countless reasons to stop in the city. Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, can be visited via their historic sites. The Royal Mile, the main artery of the medieval old town made up of a jumble of picturesque streets, links Edinburgh Castle, perched on its hill, to Holyrood Palace via the Presbyterian St. Giles' Cathedral. The Georgian New Town, whose development began in the 18th century, is endowed with such harmony that it has profoundly influenced European town planning. Visiting Edinburgh also means immersing yourself in rich culture through museums, live shows, literature, and working-class and multicultural districts such as Leith. To round off your stay, don't hesitate to push open the doors of one of its famous pubs to try haggis and taste some whisky.
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.
$4,630
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
Superior Stateroom
Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Located on Deck 3. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
35 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
37 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
1 cabin, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite
3 cabins on Deck 6, 290 sq. ft. + 54 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, sofa, armchair and pedestal table, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
11 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Select a Date
Privilege Suite
8 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Select a Date
Grand Deluxe Suite
1 cabin, 484 sq. ft. + 96 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Select a Date
Grand Privilege Suite
7 cabins, 398 sq. ft. + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with bathtub and shower, desk, minibar, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Select a Date
Owner Suite
On Deck 6, 592 sq. ft. + 129 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, sofa, table with 4 chairs, armchair and table, 2 televisions, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
_OK/140x140.webp)
/140x140.webp)
