Your Seabourn Venture anchors near Greenwich Naval Observatory, on the River Thames' generous bend, southeast of London's heart. Enjoy effortless access to both London and Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in maritime history and royal connections. Explore the birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I at the Palace of Placentia, now part of the Old Royal Naval College. The Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum are nearby. Along the riverfront, discover museum ships like the 19th-century Cutty Sark and the modern O2 entertainment complex, which contrasts the surrounding historical structures with its contemporary design.

Spend your day at sea, enjoying the many facilities available.

Tucked off Cornwall's coast, Scilly basks in the warmth of the Atlantic, creating a climate milder than most of the UK. Scilly flourishes with a wonderful array of wildlife, including puffins, seals, Scilly bees, rare dragonflies, and seabirds such as shags and guillemots. Wildlife outpopulates humans; the island boasts a year-round population of only about 150 souls. Tresco is the second-largest of the islands and is still owned by one family. Remains of the original 13th-century priory can still be found in parts of the Tresco Abbey Gardens.

As you explore Lundy Island, uncover a landscape shaped by time and nature, from sweeping grasslands to dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea. The island is home to a wealth of birdlife, including puffins and Manx shearwaters, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. The Marisco Tavern, the island's sole pub, offers a warm welcome and a chance to sample local fare in a setting that exudes old-world charm.

Crisscrossed by the Liffey and Tolka rivers and adorned with charming bridges, waterways, and narrow alleys, Dublin's distinct Georgian architecture lends itself to its quaint, picturesque allure. Established as a Viking settlement in 841, Dublin has a storied past, evolving through the centuries from Viking rule to the Norman invasion in the 12th century.

Dublin's vibrant pub culture, with its 751 pubs, offers an unparalleled traditional folk music scene. The city's history is etched in the stone walls of Dublin Castle, an imposing architectural landmark and symbol of Ireland. This Norman edifice, erected in the 13th century, narrates the tale of power and change. Dublin's rich literary past, its pulsating contemporary literature scene, and its status as the birthplace of numerous literary greats have earned it the honor of being a UNESCO-designated City of Literature.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Option 1: Literary Dublin on Foot
Embark on a walking tour of Dublin's literary landmarks, including the statue of Oscar Wilde, Sweny’s Pharmacy, frequented by James Joyce and featured in Ulysses, the WB Yeats Memorial, and the Museum of Literature, or MoLi, a tribute to Ireland’s illustrious literary culture.

Option 2: Panoramic Literary Dublin
For those preferring a more leisurely pace, this vehicle-based excursion offers a panoramic tour of Dublin's key literary sites, providing the same enriching experience from the comfort of your seat.

Calf of Man, a quaint islet nestled in the Irish Sea, was once privately owned but has since been gifted to the National Trust, recognizing its significance as a haven for nesting sea birds. The island plays host to 33 different species of seabirds during breeding season, each bringing their unique charm.

While the island remains free from permanent human settlement, it welcomes researchers and ornithologists who stay briefly to study its avian inhabitants.

INCLUDED EXPEDITION:
Zodiac Cruise:
Explore the rugged coastline of the Calf of Man, located off the southwestern corner of the Isle of Man. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds such as kittiwakes, razorbills, Atlantic puffins, shags, and shearwaters. Enjoy breathtaking views of the stunning cliffs and the iconic lighthouse perched on the island's western headland.

The town of Douglas is the center of the Isle of Man’s business, shipping, transport, shopping, and entertainment. Its name derives from the early Celtic word Duboglassio, meaning ‘black river.’  Located in the Irish Sea, equidistant from England, Scotland, and Ireland, the Isle of Man is a self-governing possession of the British Crown and is not part of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, or an Overseas Territory, but instead holds semiautonomous status. It is home to the world's oldest continuous parliament, the Tynwald Court.

The Isle of Man is a melting pot of character and taste, blessed with an extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes, and unspoiled beaches. It is home to numerous nature reserves, parks, historic stone churches, castles, and an abundance of diverse museums, including ones dedicated to aviation, military, motorcycle, railway, folk, and nautical exhibits. At the House of Manannan Museum, visitors are guided through interactive displays focusing on the island’s Celtic and Viking past.

Tranquil Rathlin Island is an unspoiled sanctuary of natural grandeur, rich in history, and teeming with an array of flora and fauna. Its rugged cliffs serve as a haven for seabirds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. As you approach Rathlin by sea, the iconic lighthouses stand sentinel, guiding sailors through the often tumultuous waters. The island's charm extends beyond its natural beauty; it's steeped in a rich tapestry of history. The stories of the island’s past are woven into the fabric of its present, from the ancient legends of marauding Vikings to the tales of Robert the Bruce, who sought refuge here in 1306. The island's only inhabited settlement, Church Bay, is home to a welcoming community that embraces the slower pace of island life. Explore the island's walking trails that wind across the landscape, leading you to hidden gems such as the 'upside-down' lighthouse at the West Light Seabird Centre.

Port Ellen is a photographer's paradise, nestled along the southern coast of Islay. With its charming whitewashed cottages encircling a sheltered bay, it is a sight to behold. The town's prosperity is entwined with the whisky industry. Established in 1825, Port Ellen was home to the island's first distillery. Just to the east, you can find three of Islay’s iconic distilleries—Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig—each contributing to the town's rich heritage. Nearby, the 8th-century Kildalton High Cross stands as one of Scotland's finest Celtic crosses, flanked by the ruins of an old parish church and intricately carved medieval grave slabs. The MacDonald Lairds once ruled the Hebrides from Dunyvaig Castle. Although now in ruins, this fortress, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, still maintains a majestic presence over Lagavulin Bay. The surrounding area is peppered with intriguing prehistoric sites, including a Bronze Age standing stone at Kilbride. Overlooking the cliff edge of the Oa Peninsula, you can find the towering 65-foot American Monument, a tribute to two U.S. troop ships lost in 1918.'

Despite its size, spanning only three miles long and one mile wide, the Isle of Iona's influence on Christianity in Scotland, England, and mainland Europe is monumental. Its historical significance was cemented in 563 AD with the arrival of St. Columba and his 12 followers. On the island's pristine sandy beaches, they built the first Celtic church and established a monastic community, initiating the conversion of much of pagan Scotland and northern England to Christianity. Iona's reputation as a missionary hub and esteemed learning center spread throughout Europe, transforming it into a pilgrimage site for centuries. It's a sacred island where the kings of Scotland, Ireland, and Norway were laid to rest. Over the years, the monks of Iona crafted countless intricate carvings, manuscripts, and Celtic crosses, including their masterpiece, the Book of Kells, on display at Trinity College, Dublin.

INCLUDED EXCURSION:
Visit to Iona Abbey:
Over a century ago, the Abbey and monastic buildings were restored, and in 1938, the Iona Community was founded to continue the tradition of worship and teaching. Explore the Abbey at your own pace, taking in the cloisters, the graveyard (the final resting place of numerous early Scottish, Irish, and French kings), and an impressive collection of over 180 medieval-carved stones and crosses.

The petite island of Staffa, found among the Inner Hebrides, is lauded for its remarkable geology. The Vikings named it Stafyi-øy or 'stave island', as its rock formations evoked images of their vertically placed log houses. Staffa is an intriguing spectacle of hexagonal columnar basalt, formed sixty-five million years ago when erupting lava cooled rapidly. Over time, the relentless Atlantic waves eroded a weakness in the rock, resulting in the legendary Fingal’s Cave. Known previously as ‘The Musical Cave,’ it's famed for the mesmerizing sounds produced by sea water echoing against the cavern walls. This is a unique chance to explore the same island that Sir Joseph Banks, Captain James Cook’s naturalist, promoted in 1772. Numerous illustrious figures, including Jules Verne, William Wordsworth, John Keats, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, the artist JMW Turner, and young Felix Mendelssohn, have also graced Staffa with their presence.

INCLUDED EXPEDITION:
Zodiac Cruise
Join the expert expedition team for a Zodiac cruise around this extraordinary Scottish island, echoing the journeys of the illustrious 19th-century visitors. Keep your eyes peeled for the charming Atlantic puffin, marvel at the view into Fingal's Cave, and learn about the columnar basalt that shapes this steep-sided island.

Established in 1788 as a fishing port, Tobermory gracefully wraps around the harbor and ascends into the hillside beyond. Its name, derived from Gaelic, alludes to ''Mary's well,'' a feature you can still find at the bay's end.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Option 1: Panoramic Mull Experience
A panoramic tour of Mull's ruggedly beautiful coastline. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sound of Mull, the mountains of Morvern, and Ben More, Mull’s highest mountain. Pause for a short while in Craignure, an important ferry port, as you make your way to the spectacular Glen More.
Option 2: Tobermory Town and Lighthouse Experience
Discover the vibrancy of Tobermory's Harbour, a bustling hub for fishing vessels and yachts. The multi-colored seafront houses have earned Tobermory a starring role in the award-winning children’s TV program, Balamory. Your guide will share intriguing historical insights as you stroll along the seafront.
Option 3: Aros Park Coastal Walk Experience
Embark on a coastal walk from Tobermory Harbour through the enchanting Aros Park. Enjoy splendid views out to Calve Island and learn about the Allans, a shipping family who gifted the park to the people of Tobermory. Marvel at the Celtic rainforest's diverse flora and fauna, and if time permits, visit the Bronze Age Standing Stones at Baliscate, a significant pre-historic location on the Isle of Mull.

The largest of the Treshnish Isles, Lunga is quite literally for the birds. The archipelago, part of the Inner Hebrides, is a protected sanctuary for nearly 50 species of breeding seabirds, including razorbills, European shags, fulmars, and kittiwakes. A large population of guillemots nests on Harp Rock, while the beaches offer refuge for tiny storm petrels. Yet Lunga’s real stars are the puffins, some 2,000 pairs of which breed here. These comical birds, known as “sea parrots,” are a delight to watch, and locals are known to head over for some stress-relieving “puffin therapy.” The island’s abundant flora features rare and endangered plants such as wild orchids, primroses, birdfoot trefoils, and sea campions. Lunga was populated until the 19th century, as evinced by a scattering of abandoned houses. Today’s avian inhabitants are joined by Atlantic grey seals, which give birth here during the autumn months.

The St. Kilda volcanic archipelago has the highest sea cliffs in Britain and the most important seabird breeding colonies in northwestern Europe. The entire archipelago is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites chosen for both its natural and cultural qualities. Despite its extreme isolation, some 40 miles (64 km) off the remote Hebrides, there has been permanent habitation here for 2,000 years. The one-time population of hardy Kildians was finally forced to leave because of starvation. Their abandoned stone huts stand as silent witnesses to past settlements, but two of their ancient sheep species, dating from the Neolithic and Iron Ages, continue to thrive here. Some one million nesting seabirds breed in St. Kilda, including the largest colony of guillemots on earth and the largest colony of gannets, fulmars, Leach's petrels, and Atlantic puffins in Britain. The St Kilda wren and the St Kilda field mouse are species found only here.

Stornoway, perched on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, was etched into history by Vikings in the 9th century. Yet, its Hebridean roots stretch back even further, as evidenced by standing stone circles and pottery shards dating back at least 5,000 years. The island is a living museum of times past, with traditional blackhouses, some remarkably used until the 1970s, and Lews Castle, a modern homage to Tudor architecture. Latta’s Mill, a rejuvenated 19th-century water mill, operates as an attraction, while fishing, farming, and Harris Tweed production remain central to life on Lewis.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSION:
Ancient Lewis and Blackhouse Village:
Embark from Stornoway to Callanish, often likened to Scotland's Stonehenge, dating back to 3000 BC. The 32 stones form a captivating circular avenue design, believed to have been erected for astronomical observations. Stop at Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, a defensive residence from the last century BC. Venture north to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a reconstructed settlement of traditional blackhouses with their thatched roofs, where people and animals once cohabited. Soak in the wild Atlantic coast's dramatic vistas as you conclude your circular tour.

The Shiant Islands, a small cluster off Scotland's northwest coast, are an extension of the Outer Hebrides. Once inhabited, these islands stand deserted today until the summer breeding season when they transform into a haven for nesting seabirds. The dramatic geology provides an ideal setting for Atlantic puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars, and razorbills, along with a population of nesting white-tailed eagles.

INCLUDED EXPEDITION:
Zodiac Cruise: Birdwatching on Garbh Eilean's Cliffs
Embark on a Zodiac cruise around the islands, navigating alongside the breathtaking cliffs of Garbh Eilean, renowned for its awe-inspiring cliffs and striking basalt columns. This area provides the perfect nesting sites for the large bird populations that come here to nest in the spring and summer months.

The Orkney Archipelago, a collection of stark, treeless islands off Scotland's northern coast, is steeped in history dating back over 5,000 years. Here you can find Europe’s densest concentration of ancient Neolithic sites and rugged coastlines framed by towering cliffs of Old Red Sandstone from the Devonian period.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Option 1: Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Journey through a landscape of rich farmland, rolling hills, and moorland to explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Marvel at the ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and visit the eerily beautiful Ring of Brodgar on a windswept plain. Discover Skara Brae, Orkney's most exciting Neolithic village and the best-preserved of its kind in Northern Europe. This 5,000-year-old settlement was buried under sand until a storm in 1850 revealed its secrets.

Option 2: Highlights of Orkney with a Guided Tour of Stromness
Head into the Mainland, Orkney’s largest island, passing through the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney. Stop at the Ring of Brodgar, a massive ceremonial circle of stones dating back nearly 5,000 years. Continue to Stromness, a charming fishing village, for a guided tour along the picturesque harbor and flag-stoned high street. Your circular tour follows Scapa Flow's coastline, a famous British Naval Base in both World Wars.

Copinsay Island is one of the Scottish Orkney Islands, situated off the east coast of the Orkney Mainland. After the last residents left Copinsay Island in 1958, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds purchased the island in 1972 as a reserve in memory of the renowned naturalist James Fisher. The island reserve consists of the main island of Copinsay and the four smaller islets of Corn Holm, Ward Holm, Black Holm, and the Horse of Copinsay. The historic Copinsay Lighthouse sits atop 250’ (76 m) high cliffs that extend for a mile along the coast. The islands’ vast seabird colonies include guillemots, kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, and razorbills. More than 1,000 pairs of fulmars nest on Copinsay, while every autumn, a colony of 2,000 grey seals comes ashore to pup. Grey seals are found on both sides of the Atlantic. Their Latin name, Halichoerus grypus, means ‘hooked-nosed sea pig’.

Positioned as a major port with a rich maritime past, Invergordon serves as a gateway to the majestic Scottish Highlands. The capital of the Highlands, Inverness, has been a pivotal player in Scotland's history, witnessing numerous clan battles since its medieval days as the Pictish capital. The Battle of Culloden fought near Inverness in 1746, marked the end of the Jacobite Rising and is a significant historical event.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Culloden, Cawdor, and Clava Cairns Experience
Embark on a journey towards Cawdor, a small conservation village south of the Moray Firth. Discover the imposing Cawdor Castle and visit the Bronze Age cemetery at Balnuaran of Clava, where you can witness well-preserved cairns dating back around 4,000 years. Conclude your excursion at the site of the famous Battle of Culloden, effectively ending the Stuart cause forever.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Experience:
Journey towards the Highland city of Inverness before tracing the River Ness upstream into the Great Glen, home to Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for ''Nessie,'' the mythical creature said to inhabit the loch's depths. Stop at the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which overlooks Loch Ness, offering stunning views.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city that effortlessly combines ancient history with vibrant modern energy. Its streets are steeped in stories, from the cobblestones of the Old Town to the elegant Georgian avenues of the New Town, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Edinburgh Castle, majestically poised atop an ancient volcanic rock, and stroll the Royal Mile leading to the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse. Discover world-class art at the Scottish National Gallery and find serenity in the Princes Street Gardens. Marvel at the contemporary Scottish Parliament building, tour the decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia, and, when night falls, immerse yourself in Edinburgh's thriving cultural scene.