HIGHLIGHTS
This voyage from Edinburg to Dublin explores renowned cities like Belfast and Liverpool along with less-visited ports like Invergordon and Dundee, you’ll experience a comprehensive journey through Scotland and Ireland. An overnight stay and late departure from Edinburgh and late night in Belfast give you more time to properly immerse yourself in these cities and their rich heritage, such as taking in the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway from Belfast.
Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions and they will try their best to folloew this itinerary. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is dynamic, but small enough to walk almost anywhere. The streets are busy, narrow, and lined with towering buildings once described as, “a dream in masonry” by Edinburgh-born novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. It’s really two cities: Old Town and New Town, where Old Town is the network of medieval streets south of the castle and New Town is everything on the other side. What unites both and all of Scotland is its whisky, part of the true Scottish experience, as is a toast with scotch, of which you can partake in at Leith’s Kaleidoscope Bar and Dining Room on Queen Street.
Situated on the Tay estuary, Dundee is Scotland’s sunniest city. It has also earned the accolade of being a UNESCO City of Design-the first in the UK to be awarded the honor. Dundee certainly made its mark on the world as an innovation hub. Yet, the star of Dundee’s Discovery Point show is the RRS Discovery, a three-masted beauty of a 1901 vessel that, with Captain Scott at the helm, expanded the frontiers of exploration in Antarctica. Spend some time exploring Mains Castle and Dundee’s particular Mercat Cross. Before leaving Dundee, be sure to ascend the 572-foot peak known as The Law.
Welcome to a land where fairy tales spring to life among castles, lakes and heathered fields. Invergordon is your entrée to the Scottish Highlands and the capital of Inverness, a mere 30 minutes south. Not far from here you can enjoy an outing to Loch Ness, the famed Scottish lake hiding a legendary beast beneath its depths. On your explorations, you can take in the rugged mountains and deep blue lochs, perhaps spotting deer in the hills and eagles overhead. The brisk air, foggy mist and verdant peaks add a dash of mysticism unlike anywhere else – this is the land of Shakespeare’s Macbeth after all.
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
Anticipate a vibrant restaurant scene, award-winning architecture, and friendly locals as you make your way through the historic city of Belfast. Traipsing the city center calls for a stroll through Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, 28 acres of green lawns and trees near Queens University. Emerge from the gardens at the Ulster Museum, a well-designed space with exhibits on Northern Irish history, art, and natural history. It’s also the gateway to the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Causeway was formed between 50 and 60 million years ago by an ancient volcanic eruption attracting visitors from far and wide to this corner of north Antrim to come marvel at its majesty and mystery.
The historic west end of Greenock boasts impressive Victorian buildings, in particular the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete. From there, journey to Glasgow to view the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for a glimpse of its world-class art collection. Toast to the world’s friendliest city with a Tennent’s lager at the historic Wellpark Brewery, where you can learn about the brand’s 450-year history and its passion for Scottish football. From Glasgow, discover the beauty of the Scottish countryside on a journey toward magnificent Stirling Castle, the home of the Stuart kings and birthplace of James II.
Between Ireland and Great Britain in the Irish Sea, there’s a small dot of land called the Isle of Man. Douglas is the capital and your gateway to the incredible treasures that this lesser-known Crown Dependency holds. Not only is Isle of Man culturally and historically different from its surrounding islands, but also linguistically diverse, among the many languages Manx, a Gaelic language similar to some types of Irish Gaelic, but unique to the island. Douglas’ lovely seafront can be traversed by horse-drawn trams, but if you prefer speed, this town also delivers with winding roads made for a thrilling motorcycle adventure. After all, this is the home of the International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race.
Liverpool lies on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary and has a long maritime heritage since its founding in 1207. Putting a fine point on the city’s romance with the harbor is the preservation work at Albert Dock, famous as a buzzing district in itself. Further along toward the Pier Head are the Three Grace buildings, part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, when in Liverpool you must walk in the footsteps of The Beatles. See where the Fab Four worked before becoming famous, drive down the famed Penny Lane and pass Strawberry Fields, where John Lennon attended garden parties as a child.
Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.
Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.
Included in this voyage:
Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost
