Ullapool’s rugged coastline
This hidden gem is tucked away on the edge of Loch Broom.
Journey through the Isle of Man
What better way to see the scenery than aboard a vintage steam train?
Scottish bagpipes
Perhaps try your hand at this typically Scottish instrument.
Views across Edinburgh
Scotland’s hilly capital has an elegant New Town and medieval Old Town.

Saga Cruises

A Taste of the British Isles

Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton

2 passengers 2nd August 2021

Please call 0800 096 0079 for latest availability

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Overview Itinerary Ship What's Included At sea Reviews Explore Ashore

Overview

All Inclusive

Circumnavigate the British Isles

This is a voyage of contrasts that offers a taste of the British Isles.

Take in the whole of the British Isles from north to south and discover new places close to home on this 13-night summer cruise.

This scenic cruise around the British Isles is a fantastic way to uncover hidden coastal gems, explore thriving seaside resorts and step ashore in tiny remote ports – and what better time to sail than at the height of summer? A highlight is sure to be when Spirit of Discovery sails into the Firth of Forth estuary and anchors within sight of the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge, so that you can hop off and discover Edinburgh. From the ancient sights of the Orkney Islands, to the industrial heritage of Newcastle and Belfast, this is a voyage of contrasts that showcases the best of the British Isles.

Look forward to strolling through the welcoming streets of Dublin where you’ll experience true Irish craic and a taste of the city’s staple food, hearty soda bread. Do a spot of window shopping in Grafton Street or head to the arts and entertainment district of Temple Bar, where you could sup on a pint of Ireland’s beloved dry stout, Guinness. One of the lesser visited gems on your itinerary, Ullapool, is tucked away on the edge of Loch Broom, amid the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands. While here, perhaps seek out some of the most spectacular, untouched scenery the British Isles has to offer in Scotland’s first geopark or at Corrieshalloch Gorge.

Included sightseeing tours

Newcastle, England
Edinburgh, Scotland
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Dublin, Ireland

Itinerary

View Full Itinerary

2nd August

Southampton

1

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.
3rd August

At Sea

2

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
4th August

Newcastle, England

3

Newcastle, England

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Your first port of call sits on the north bank of the River Tyne and is sure to delight you with its variety of sights and experiences, and an included tour is the perfect introduction.

Within the city centre, you'll find the Grade I-listed Theatre Royal, regional home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, and one of the world's oldest working Victorian theatres, the Tyne Theatre. Its Victorian city centre is home to the Castle Keep, one of Britain's finest examples of surviving Norman keeps, and in the Grainger Town district, you'll find many quirky boutiques and galleries. The city's Quayside houses several landmark buildings and is where you'll see the impressive seven bridges, including Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
5th August

Edinburgh (Newhaven) ⚓, Scotland

4

Edinburgh (Newhaven) ⚓, Scotland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Once a bustling fishing village, Newhaven is a quiet suburb of Edinburgh whose past is recorded in its street names, and the narrow wynds and closes of its historic core. Look forward to an included panoramic tour, revealing some of the key sights of the area.

After, perhaps walk the length of the Royal Mile, pay a visit to Holyrood Palace – the Queen's official Scottish residence – and explore the halls of Edinburgh Castle, famously situated on top of an extinct volcano.

⚓ Land by launch or tender
6th August

At Sea

5

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
7th August

Kirkwall ⚓, Orkney Islands

6

Kirkwall ⚓, Orkney Islands

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Kirkwall is set on the largest of the Orkney Islands, Mainland. Despite the remote location, prehistoric man made a home here and there are several Stone Age sites scattered across the island.

Perhaps go in search of the highlights of this UNESCO-listed ensemble which includes the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, a stone village which lay hidden beneath the sand until its foundations were revealed by a fierce storm in 1850.

⚓ Land by launch or tender
8th August

Ullapool ⚓, Scotland

7

Ullapool ⚓, Scotland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The charming fishing town of Ullapool is situated on the shores of Loch Broom and is the gateway to the Western Isles.

Explore the town with its harbour, quaint whitewashed cottages, museum with displays on crofting, fishing and more, and famous town clock. Perhaps head out of the town to Rhue, home to a four-acre Bronze-Age settlement, with the remains of ancient roundhouses.

⚓ Land by launch or tender
9th August

At Sea

8

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
10th August

Belfast, Northern Ireland

9

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. As you cruise into port, you’ll notice the bright-yellow gantry cranes, Samson and Goliath, which remind visitors of the city’s shipbuilding industry. Begin your exploration with an included panoramic tour which reveals more of Belfast’s rich and varied past.

Explore the revived city centre which is packed with a superb selection of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as outstanding landmarks such as the grand City Hall in the centre of Donegall Square, the 19th-century Opera House and Queen’s University. Belfast is also perfectly placed to discover the stunning Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. This incredible coastal rock formation of interlocking basalt pillars is steeped in myths and legends.
8th August

Douglas ⚓, Isle of Man

7

Douglas ⚓, Isle of Man

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Located in the middle of the Irish Sea is the Isle of Man, a self-governing kingdom designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Along its seafront promenade, the clip-clopping sound of horse-drawn trams can be heard and nearby is the ‘Manx Museum’, telling the island’ story using an extensive collection of curious artefacts.

Perhaps take a trip to the ruined 11th-century Peel Castle on the island’s west coast or travel north to the Isle of Man Motor Museum: after all, each year throughout May and June, the island transforms into a motorbike racetrack for the Isle of Man TT.

⚓ Land by launch or tender
12th August

Dublin, Ireland

11

Dublin, Ireland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Ireland's compact capital is famed for its spirited nature. After an included tour, perhaps discover the renowned Temple Bar district or enjoy a peaceful cruise along the River Liffey which intersects the city. The city’s highlights include the handsome Georgian terraces of Merrion Square, walled Phoenix Park, busy O’Connell Street and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
13th August

At Sea

12

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
14th August

Portland, England

13

Portland, England

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Today you'll arrive at the ‘Isle of Portland’, which is connected to Dorset's mainland by Chesil Beach. It’s an ideal base from which to discover the attractions of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast and beyond, from prehistoric sites and medieval towns to delightful country houses and beautiful gardens.

Perhaps unearth the secrets of Old Sarum, an Iron Age hill fort, and its newer counterpart, Salisbury, as well as ponder the enduring mysteries surrounding Stonehenge. Alternatively, seek out Benedictine ruins in Abbotsbury or visit 15th-century Athelhampton, a private home since Tudor times.
15th August

Southampton

14

Southampton

Arrive 0800.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.