Embark on a 14-day journey of the British Isles aboard Le Dumont D'Urville. Begin in Edinburgh, where you'll stay at the luxurious Balmoral Hotel and explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Sail on the Firth of Forth and witness the world's largest gannet colony on Bass Rock. Discover the breathtaking Highlands with options to visit Inverness, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden's battlefield. Explore the Viking heritage of the Orkney Islands and the stunning landscapes of the Western Isles. Immerse yourself in the history of St. Kilda and marvel at the basalt columns of Staffa. Visit Galway and enjoy the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Connemara. Conclude your journey in London with excursions to Canterbury, Leeds Castle, and Buckingham Palace, or delve into the city's rich history and culinary delights.
Highlights
Embark on a luxurious voyage with all-balcony cabin accommodations
Explore Edinburgh Castle and inspiring city views
Enjoy the Highlands, and a visit to Inverness and Loch Ness
Discover historic Kirkwall, Skara Brae, or Ring of Brodgar in the Orkney
Drive through Western Isles, visiting the Calanais Stones, and a distillery
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Discover the heart of Scotland in Edinburgh, a city rich in national heritage. Start your day with a leisurely exploration of the bustling capital, including must-see attractions such as Edinburgh Castle with its panoramic city vistas. Later, board an expedition vessel and cruise along the Firth of Forth. If the weather is favorable, catch a glimpse of Bass Rock, home to the largest gannet colony on the planet.
Northern Scotland is legendary for its dramatic, windswept mountains, wooded hills and rich history. Today, explore the magnificent Highlands, choosing from excursions that may include a visit to Inverness, a private cruise on mythic Loch Ness and stop at Urquhart Castle, an exploration of Culloden’s battlefield, or a whisky tasting at Glenmorangie Distillery.
Day 4: Orkney Islands | Kirkwall & the Ring of Brodgar
Rich in Viking heritage, the landscapes of the Orkneys span rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and wave-swept sea caves. Today, you might explore historic Kirkwall; Skara Brae, one of the best-preserved Stone Age settlements in Western Europe; or the spine-tingling Ring of Brodgar, a circle of standing stones dating to 2700 BC.
Framed by wild, windswept beaches, Scotland’s Western Isles span the rolling moorlands of Lewis and the towering mountains of Harris. Today, you might opt for a drive through the moorlands, stopping to explore the Calanais Standing Stones and the island’s crofting traditions, or drive the Golden Road, pausing to visit a Harris tweed weaver and a local distillery.
Inhabited for over 2,000 years, Hirta, the largest of the St. Kilda islands, harbored an isolated, hardscrabble agricultural community until 1930. Conditions permitting, pass the island’s staggering sea stacks and come ashore to explore the deserted stonework settlement, the highest cliffs in all of Britain, and a vital seabird habitat.
Day 7: Inner Hebrides | Green Jewels of Staffa & Iona
The approach to Staffa by sea is breathtaking, with great basalt columns flanking the deep caves of the island. Conditions allowing, enjoy a Zodiac experience near Fingal, a sea cave formed by hexagonally jointed basalt. Continue cruising to the tranquil island of Iona, where you might discover Iona Abbey, an ancient center of Gaelic monasticism.
Today, your Captain charts a course past Ireland’s Killybegs to County Donegal, a rugged enclave of deep-sea inlets, sandy beaches and spectacular mountains. Once ashore, you may opt for a scenic tour of Donegal Town; drive through the countryside to the Slieve League Mountains; visit Sligo, the mecca of “Yeats Country”; or cross into Northern Ireland’s walled city of Londonderry to reflect on the legacy of “Bloody Sunday” and “The Troubles.”
Day 9: Galway | Cultural Enclave & The Ciffs of Moher
Today, arrive in Galway, a lively cultural enclave renowned for its vibrant lanes, colorful houses and thriving arts scene. You might enjoy a culinary walking tour and Irish whiskey tasting, explore the Burren’s vast karst landscape with a botanist and visit a local sheep farm, or spend the day amid Connemara’s jagged, filigreed shoreline. Later, take in iconic vistas from the atmospheric Cliffs of Moher.
Come ashore in Plymouth, a Devon port city renowned for its rich maritime heritage. Here, you might choose to tour the city’s Mayflower Museum, Barbican architecture, Plymouth Hoe and Royal William Yard. Alternatively, head out to Dartmoor National Park, pausing in Princetown for a Devonshire cream tea, or savor tea and cake at Cornwall’s Mount Edgcumbe House, former seat of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe.
Bid farewell to your Captain and crew as you approach the White Cliffs of Dover and disembark. Once ashore, you might visit Canterbury’s prestigious cathedral; tour Leeds Castle, home to six English queens; or opt for a stop at Chartwell, the former residence of Winston Churchill. Your excursion ends at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, where you dine this evening.
Day 13: London | Iconic Landmarks
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Today, explore a city that defies all introductions — a global hub of commerce, culture and empire dating back to Roman times. Your excursions might include a tour featuring the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye; a visit to Buckingham Palace; a culinary experience with a former executive chef to the Royal Family; or a visit to the Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museums.
Day 14: London | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on a group extension to the Cotswolds.
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.
$21,4952-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Category 1 - Classic Stateroom
Cabin: 205 sq. ft. (19 sq. m.)
Balcony: 43 sq. ft. (4 sq. m.)
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Category 2 - Deluxe Stateroom
Cabin: 205 sq. ft. (19 sq. m.)
Balcony: 43 sq. ft. (4 sq. m.)
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Category 3 - Prestige Stateroom
Cabin: 205 sq. ft. (19 sq. m.)
Balcony: 43 sq. ft. (4 sq. m.)
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Category 4 - Deluxe Suite
Cabin: 296 sq. ft. (27 sq. m.)
Balcony: 65 sq. ft. (6 sq. m.)
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Category 5 - Privilege Suite
Cabin: 344 sq. ft. (32 sq. m.)
Balcony: 86 sq. ft. (8 sq. m.)
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Category 6 - Prestige Two-Room Suite
Cabin: 410 sq. ft. (38 sq. m.)
Balcony: 86 sq. ft. (8 sq. m.)
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Category 7 - Grand Deluxe Suite
Cabin: 485 sq. ft. (45 sq. m.)
Balcony: 322 sq. ft. (30 sq. m.)
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Category 8 - Owner’s Suite
Cabin: 485 sq. ft. (45 sq. m.)
Balcony: 430 sq. ft. (40 sq. m.)
Initial deposit is $2500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
