Celtic Island Escapade

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The cityﾒs chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

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 grueling 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.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Historic Manx.

Located some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of the Irish capital, County Wicklow is a favorite holiday spot for Dubliners. Known colloquially as “the Garden of Ireland”, its green and undulating landscapes attract those fond of walking through the moors and the romantic scenery of the wild coast. From Wicklow Port, you will be able to access the coastal path leading to the Black Castle. The ruins of a wall perched atop the cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea indicate the location of an Anglo-Norman castle attacked for centuries by the Irish clans. Inland, the famous Wicklow Way runs through a magnificent national park with mountains, lakes, stunning mansions and archaeological sites.

Newport is a port city nestling on the north shore of the Severn Estuary, the longest river in Great Britain. The estuary flows into the Bristol Channel, which separates Wales in the north from the Cornwall peninsula in the south. After passing the East Usk Lighthouse, which stands guard in the Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve, set off to discover this region’s natural and cultural heritage. Most notably, you will be able to admire the splendor of Tredegar House, a 17th-century mansion with magnificent gardens, walk along with the ruins of the Roman fortress, baths and amphitheater in Caerleon, or visit the museum to learn more about the city’s social and industrial history.

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 art centers. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th-century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream 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 following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Christchurch Cathedral & Dublin Castle, St Patrick's Cathedral & Book Of Kells.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at lovely Dublin.