Ireland, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland & The Hebrides

Arrive in Dublin and settle into your comfortable and centrally located hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the oldest pub in Ireland, the Brazen Head, dating back to the year 1198.

Begin your day in Glendalough, where you can take a guided tour of the historic monastic ruins. Here, you have the opportunity to see one of Europe's finest examples of Round Tower architecture, as well as many stone churches, a cathedral, and decorated crosses. While admiring the ruins, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glens and lakes. Head back to Dublin for lunch, then take a guided panoramic tour, including highlights such as Dublin Castle, Trinity College, the Old Parliament House, and the Guinness Storehouse. After the tour, board the ship and sail for the Isle of Man.

Begin your day with a Zodiac cruise to the historic, beautiful Isle of Man. Step ashore and visit Peel Castle, an impressive ancient fortress that later became the fort of Magnus Barefoot, an 11th century Viking king. If you are feeling adventurous, climb to the top of Gatehouse Tower and admire panoramic views of Peel. Afterwards, visit House of Manannan to explore a life sized reconstruction of a Celtic roundhouse, learn about life in a Viking longhouse, and explore 19th century Peel.

With the North Atlantic coast on one side and a landscape of dramatic cliffs on the other, the Giant's Causeway has been an artists' haven and a center of scientific debate for centuries. This amazing coastline formation, consisting of about 40,000 basalt columns, is the result of a ancient volcanic eruption. In 1986, the Giant's Causeway was declared Ireland's first World Heritage Site.

Spend today marveling at this natural wonder while spotting a number of seabirds, including petrels, fulmars, redshanks, shags, cormorants, razorbills, and guillemots. From the Giant's Causeway, head to Dunluce Castle, the castle that was the inspiration for Cair Paravel in the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. The castle is dramatically located on a headland right on the sea and is only accessible by a bridge. In the evening, begin the journey towards the isolated outposts of the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

The exact itinerary during these days will depend on weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The following are examples of exciting places that may be visited in the Hebrides.

Iona, Staffa, and Lunga
Iona is a small island that has deep spiritual and historical significance. It is the final resting place for no less than 60 kings of Scotland, including King Duncan I who was murdered by Macbeth. If the weather is good, the ship will then stop at Staffa and the magnificent Fingal's Cave, the inspiration for Mendelsohn's "The Hebrides Overture". The crew also hopes to land on Lunga, to walk amongst puffin communities and explore remnants of the Viking era.

St.Kilda
Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St.Kilda through the Sound of Harris. St.Kilda is an incredible uninhabited archipelago that lies about 40 miles from nearest land. The ship plans to drop anchor in Village Bay on the main island of Hirta to explore a historical village that once supported a population of 200. Afterwards, the ship will pass the amazing island of Boreray, the impressive Stac an Amin and Stac Lee, where you have the opportunity to see the nesting grounds of tens of thousands of gannets.

Dunvegan
Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, and is located on the magnificent rocky shores of Loch Dunvegan. The castle grounds are surrounded by an eclectic mix of plants, woodland glades, and shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams flowing down to the sea.

Canna
Beautifully situated with stunning views over the neighboring island of Rum, Canna is a tiny agricultural and cattle rearing community that is home to many magnificent birds such as white-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles.

Islay
Often called the "Queen of the Hebrides," this beautiful, southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides is renowned worldwide for its many distilleries producing a variety of single malts that are distinguished by full, rich and very peaty characters. Take the chance to visit a distillery and learn about how the malts are produced.

Arrive in Oban in the morning and begin your journey home. Transfers to Glasgow's airport or Central Station are included.