British Isles: Remote Islands, Natural Wonders & a Diverse Coastline

Arrive in Dover where you’ll board your expedition ship to begin your voyage. Perhaps allow time to take in the town itself, visiting the magnificent, medieval castle before sailing west, past those famous white cliffs.

Stay: MS Maud

Relax into your journey with a day at sea. Meet your Expedition Team, who’ll prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead, then take the chance to take things easy, taking in the views and trying some of the ship’s superb cuisine. Remember, all your meals are included, so tuck in!

Stay: MS Maud

Feeling relaxed and refreshed, spend today taking in the 10th-century history of Fishguard, with its Norse settlements and magnificent ‘Last Invasion Tapestry’. Alternatively, you might choose an optional guided walk along part of the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path.

Stay: MS Maud

Located just off the north coast of Northern Ireland, Rathlin Island serves up rugged cliffs, pretty lakes and vast grasslands, as well as the country’s largest seabird colony, home to puffin, guillemot, kittiwake, razorbill and fulmar. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of a rare chough or secretive corncrake. Spend a memorable day taking it all in on scenic cliff-top walks and rambling cross-island trails, visit the Seabird centre and unique ‘upside down’ lighthouse or stroll to Mill Bay where you can watch seals playing in the surf.

Stay: MS Maud

Enjoy a morning on the island of Iona, taking in its much-restored Abbey, a place of pilgrimage and peace where some 48 of Scotland’s kings are buried. Or, take a short walk to the highest point on Iona for spectacular views across the island and, on a clear day, to the Outer Hebrides. Then in the early afternoon, if conditions allow, you’ll spend time doing a ‘scenic sail by’ of the cave-riddled island of Staffa. The uninhabited island is home to the cathedral-like Fingal’s Cave, immortalised by Mendelssohn’s glorious ‘Hebrides Overture’.

Stay: MS Maud

Spend today exploring the distant and wild archipelago of St Kilda – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Depending on the weather, you’ll have the chance to take in its spectacular sea cliffs as well as the outlying stacs and islands, which are the remains of a volcanic crater, and provide ledges for thousands of nesting seabirds. You might even spot a minke whale playing on the swell. In the afternoon, explore remote Hirta Island – the largest island in the archipelago – with its abandoned villages and stunning, windswept coast.

Stay: MS Maud

Visit the former Viking settlement of Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles and the capital of the Isle of Lewis – the largest and most northerly of the Outer Hebrides. Explore its bustling harbour and head to the waterfront where you’ll find museums and art galleries overlooked by the handsome Lewis Castle, which you’ll have the chance to explore. In the afternoon, perhaps visit the mills and cottages where hard-wearing Harris Tweed is woven or take in the towns tiny folk museum before heading to the world-famous Callanish Standing Stones, which date back to 3000BC. There’s even time to explore the 2,000-year-old Carloway Broch - the best-preserved fort in Scotland.

Stay: MS Maud

Pronounced ‘eye-la”, this pretty island was once the seat of the MacDonalds, the Lords of the Isles. Today, it’s famous for its peaty single-malt whiskies as well as the ancient Celtic ruins and huge colonies of migrating birds, best seen from rugged cliff-top paths. In the afternoon, take the chance to explore the charming little town of Bowmore, home to a handful of small shops, a round church housing no corners and, some say, Britain’s friendliest locals.

Stay: MS Maud

A designated Biosphere Reserve, the Isle of Man’s marine and coastal ecosystems are among the UK’s most diverse. Drop anchor in Douglas to explore the island’s rolling hills and dramatic coastlines, as well as its strong Celtic and Viking heritage. Perhaps take the chance to visit the Viking museum, step aboard a historic steam train, discover the island’s castles or simply enjoy a stroll through the town, taking in all in at your own pace. For spectacular views, make your way to Douglas Head – a rocky outcrop overlooking the harbour – or visit the unique Grand Union Camera Obscura before continuing on to the Douglas Head Lighthouse, built in 1857. Based on previous sailings, there might also be the chance to join the local community for a beach clean-up and tree-planting ceremony.

Stay: MS Maud

As Ireland’s oldest city, founded by the Vikings in the 10th century, Waterford is packed full of history, with everything from Norman forts to 12th-century castles dotting the surrounding countryside. The UNESCO-listed Copper Coast is a delight for ramblers and birdwatchers alike, and let’s not forget the House of Waterford Crystal, which has been producing some of the world’s finest glassware since the late 18th century. You’ll have the chance to take it all in with a range of optional tours, ranging from nature walks and cycle rides to expert-led excursions to Kilkenny Castle and the Waterford Crystal factory.

Stay: MS Maud

Your next stop Is the beautiful Isles of Scilly, all white-sand beaches, quaint villages, castle ruins and rocky headlands offering wonderful walks. The small town of Tresco, with its famous Abbey Garden, is a particular delight. Should conditions permit, the crew will aim to do a beach clean-up on the island, which guests are welcome to join, and there’s the chance to head over to St Mary’s ¬– the largest of the islands – to sample some of the acclaimed local seafood.

Stay: MS Maud

Your final port of call is the delightful waterfront town of Dartmouth, set on the banks of the River Dart. Explore its rich, maritime history with a visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College or soak in the history at Buckfast Abbey. There’s also the chance to take in the pretty surroundings on everything from steam train rides to magnificent walking trails. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the town with its winding lanes and quaint shops, or join a guided tour for expert insight into Dartmouth’s history and its gorgeous Devonshire surrounds.

Stay: MS Maud

Arrive back in Dover where you’ll disembark for your journey home.