From the Cornish Coast to the Orkneys

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

Pendennis Castle is a coastal fortress offering a panoramic view over Falmouth. At its heart lies the original 16th-century Device Fort, encircled by a ring of outer defences based on Elizabethan ramparts and later adapted through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. This castle is considered one of the finest examples of a post-medieval defensive promontory fort in the country – showcasing a long history of different defensive approaches, and one of England’s best preserved coastal fortresses. A short unguided coach drive takes you here, where you can enjoy some time at leisure to explore this historic gem surrounded within acres of green space.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately 550 yards of essential walking required, and any additional walking is at your discretion. Walking will be over uneven, grassy, gravel ground and there may be some inclines. There is a spiral staircase in the castle to access the upper floor and keep.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

The National Maritime Museum provides a voyage of discovery as you explore the influence of the sea on Cornwall’s history and culture. After a short drive from your ship to the museum, a member of staff will welcome you inside and give you a taste of what to expect during your visit.

After your introduction, you are free to explore the museum independently. 15 galleries, located throughout five floors await – beginning in the Main Hall, where a flotilla of small boats will hang above your head. The exhibition also reveals the historical importance of Falmouth port, the world’s third-largest deep-water harbour. On the top floor, you can look forward to the Lookout Tower – providing you with a panoramic view over the harbour, docks and estuary.

There will also be time to enjoy a complimentary hot drink in a private area before you leave – either for some independent time in Falmouth town centre or to make your way to the shuttle bus service for your return to the awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be a walk of approximately 100 yards between your coach drop-off point and the museum entrance. Inside the museum, the amount of walking is at your discretion and a voucher will be given to you for your complimentary refreshment. The museum is fully accessible with all five levels serviced by a lift. Whilst your departure time from the ship is specified, your return time is at your discretion and a shuttle bus service will operate throughout the day.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

On this guided walking tour take the South West Coast Path to Pendennis Point, enjoying coastal views and the scenic Gyllyngvase beach. Departing from the quayside on foot, join the South West Coast Path as it winds through woodland around the headland towards Pendennis Point. This panoramic location of Pendennis Point offers sweeping views of the Carrick Roads and out to the open ocean and is also home to the historic Pendennis Castle.

Continuing around the headland, you will pass Castle Beach before venturing through the tranquil Gyllingdune Gardens. The upper section of the gardens is set out formally and is well cared for, being an exquisite vista during the spring and summer season.

After a few minutes stroll, you will head past the secret grotto and monolithic arch, through the rose garden and Princess Pavilion, before arriving at the seafront boasting views back to Pendennis Castle and across Gyllyngvase beach. Falmouth’s largest and most popular beach, ‘Gylly’ known to the locals, is a golden crescent of sand with vistas that stretch out along the South Cornwall coast.

Your walk comes to an end at Events Square where there’s time at leisure in the town, or head directly back to the ship via the port shuttle bus.

Additional Information

Please note: There is over three miles of walking required on this excursion. Some of the walking is over grassy, sandy and uneven terrain as well as 30 steps. Wear flat and comfortable shoes.

Enjoy a narrated drive through Cork, passing the city’s Georgian architecture along the way. It is a University City with a rich cultural scene that incorporates jazz, film, opera and theatre. Despite offering the many amenities of a large city, Cork has retained the traditional charm and friendliness of a country town.

During your tour you will see the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1870, the site of the cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since the seventh century. Continue past Cork City Hall which was destroyed in December 1920 by a fire started by the Black and Tans as retribution for republican attacks. It was replaced by the Jones and Kelly building of 1935, which was opened in 1936 by Eamon de Valera.

Journey past the Old Courthouse and 18th-century St Anne’s church, where the tower houses the renowned Bells of Shandon, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Sightseeing during this excursion is mainly from your tour vehicle. There will be no comfort stop made during this excursion.

Enjoy the Isle of Man’s coastal scenery and rolling inland landscapes on this guided panoramic drive. Leaving Douglas behind, drive through the south-east corner of the island, passing the Fairy Bridge; it is considered bad luck to pass over this bridge without acknowledging the fairies known to be there. 

You will then pass through the town of Castletown. With origins dating back to AD 1090, it is one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Castletown’s narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this lengthy past at every corner. Departing the town, head for the southern tip of the island and the pretty bay at Port Erin, before travelling inland to St Johns and the site of Tynwald Hill, where you will enjoy a short stop. 

The hill here is the location of the world’s oldest continuous parliamentary assembly, which has run continuously since AD 979. The conical mound is made up of soil from all 17 different parishes on Man. On your return to Douglas, travel through the centre of the island and enjoy the views known as the ‘Plains of Heaven’.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. Most of sightseeing on this excursion will be from you coach. Walking is at your discretion during your short stop.

Discover the seaside town and small fishing harbour of Peel at your own leisure. 

This is an unguided trip to the second largest town on the Isle of Man. After a 30-minute coach transfer, enjoy two hours to explore what Peel has to offer – including a wealth of history, art and culture. You can explore the imposing ruins of Peel Castle, take a stroll along the promenade, find the Island’s only cathedral or visit the House of Manannan, an interactive museum that takes you through the Island’s rich Celtic, Viking and maritime past.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. Walking during your free time in Peel is at your leisure. We have graded this tour based on good exploration. The drive to and from Peel is approximately 30 minutes each way. This tour is not guided and does not include any entrance fees.

Leaving the port, walk to Douglas Harbour - discovering how Douglas grew around this natural haven and the significant role of the sea in Island life, including transport, trade and fisheries. 

Throughout the tour, hear stories of wrecks and disasters and some prominent characters who have shaped the townscape from your local guide. Your walk continues to pass the market halls which replaced the bustling open-air markets in the 19th century. Climbing away from the waterside, admire the elegant Georgian facades of Athol Street and pause at Saint George’s Churchyard. 

At the Legislative buildings, you will learn of the Island’s political development and present government structure. Returning towards the port via Victoria Street, your guide will discuss the major improvements to the town during the Victorian era and the huge impact of mass tourism on both Douglas and the wider Island. Finally, stroll back to the ship or, if time permits, continue your exploration independently.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve walking approximately one-and-a-half miles with some gradients and uneven terrain. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. A good level of physical fitness is required. Please consider its suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Northern Ireland’s cultural capital, Belfast, is a haven for literature, art, music and theatre. 

The city also has a rich seafaring history and it was here that the RMS Titanic was built. This panoramic tour provides an introduction to the city with commentary on the main sights, such as the Grand Opera House, the Albert Memorial Clock and Queen’s University, where the Botanic Gardens are located. 

Pause to photograph Belfast City Hall on Donegall Square, at the heart of the city. Construction was completed in 1906 to celebrate Belfast’s city status granted by Queen Victoria in 1888. This landmark Renaissance-style building has a lengthy façade of Portland stone and houses a whispering gallery and numerous paintings and statues. 

Continue your tour past the city’s famous murals depicting Northern Ireland’s complicated political history and see the Crumlin Road Court House and Crumlin Jail, the only remaining Victorian era prison in Northern Ireland.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. This is a coach-based excursion with most of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Any walking at short photo stops will be at your discretion. There will be no comfort stops during this excursion.

Embark on a walking tour of Belfast, a city rich in history and culture. 

This guided walk will lead you through iconic landmarks, historic sites and lively districts. Spot sights such as the City Hall, an architectural gem located in Donegall Square. Marvel at the Baroque Revival style of the building, which dates to 1906. 

Take a stroll through the Titanic Memorial Garden and learn about Belfast’s ship building heritage. Stroll through the Cathedral Quarter to St Anne's Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral. Admire the mosaics and stained-glass windows while absorbing the atmosphere of this spiritual landmark. Also take in views of the Albert Clock, Belfast’s own "leaning tower", situated in Queen's Square. Built in memory of Prince Albert, this Gothic-style clock tower is a striking feature of the city’s skyline. 

Along the River Lagan, you will notice the Big Fish, a ceramic mosaic sculpture that celebrates the city's rebirth and rich history. Each tile tells a part of Belfast's story, making it a popular piece of public art. Conclude your walking tour at Victoria Square – a premier shopping and leisure complex. 

The highlight here is the Dome, offering 360-degree views of Belfast from its glass observatory. Take the elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city, including landmarks you have visited on the tour. It is an ideal spot to capture photographs and reflect on your journey through Belfast. After your tour, take some free time to explore the city or perhaps browse the many shops located in the area.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. This tour involves approximately two miles of walking over flat and cobbled ground. The order of visits to sites may vary. The Dome can close suddenly on warmer days due to health and safety reasons; this is judged on a day-to-day basis. You will take a bus to and from the port into the city centre.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

Visit the Museum and Archive at Museum nan Eilean Stornoway, located within the grounds of Lews Castle – the largest castle in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. From the pier make the short journey by shuttle bus to the castle, where you can enjoy one hour of free time to explore the museum and archive at your leisure.

The lavishly appointed Lews Castle is a Victorian era castle built on the back of opium money by the island’s one-time owner Sir James Matheson. In 2016, a modern, purpose-built extension opened alongside the restored Lews Castle, now home to the Museum nan Eilean Stornoway, a state-of-the-art museum and interpretation centre. This facility offers a gateway to the Gaelic-rich heritage of the Outer Hebrides, with displays and stories that capture the connections between the land, sea, people and culture. The museum is also home to six of the world-famous Lewis Chessmen, discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis, which are on permanent display in the museum galleries as part of a loan agreement with the British Museum.

After your visit, take the return shuttle bus to the pier.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour is unguided. You will have approximately one hour to explore the museum and archive at Lews Castle. There is 150 yards of walking, plus additional walking during your visit to the museum which is at your discretion. If your call to Stornoway is on a Monday, a day when the museum is usually closed, the museum will be open for Saga guests.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

This tour takes you around the wild and rugged Isle of Lewis, comprising open moorland surrounded by brilliant blue seas and ancient heritage. The island is the heartland of Gaelic culture with long-standing traditions and businesses, such as crofting, fishing and weaving, and a deep devotion to Christianity. Your excursion visits one of the most important legacies of the traditional crofters at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.

Depart from Stornoway, the capital of the Outer Hebridean Isles and home to the Western Isles Council, which strives to promote the Gaelic language and culture. Enjoy a scenic drive towards the west coast and along the Atlantic coastal road to the beautifully remote settlement of Gearrannan. Stepping into the restored village of blackhouses feels like a tranquil journey back in time. Built as a combined byre, barn and home with a traditional open peat fire, the black house was where local people lived together with their animals until as recently as the 1970s! In the museum, enjoy an introductory talk by a local guide about the history of the village and the island, followed by a weaving demonstration. You then have time to explore other parts of the village. From Gearrannan, return inland and cross open moorlands before reaching the ship at Stornoway.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 500 yards at the Blackhouse Village with up to 12 steps and some gradients. You will be on your feet for approximately one hour at the village.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

This tour takes you to the west side of the Isle of Lewis, a wild and windy part of Scotland with open moorland and ancient heritage. The island is the heartland of Gaelic culture with long-standing traditions, where people’s lives are still dominated by traditional pursuits such as crofting, fishing and weaving, and a deep devotion to Christianity. On this tour, you will visit one of the most important pre-historic sites in Scotland: Callanish Stones.

Departing from Stornoway, head towards the west coast and the village of Callanish – site of the island’s most dramatic prehistoric ruins. The towering Callanish Standing Stones date from 3000 BC and are laid out in the form of a cross with a circle in the centre. They were aligned with the moon and the stars to provide the seasonal cycle on which the early Neolithic farmers were so dependent. The site has undergone a major transformation with the creation of a new 10-million-pound visitor centre (opening in 2026). This includes a state-of-the-art exhibition that explores the history of the Callanish Standing Stones, researched and designed in partnership with a wide range of specialists and experts. It additionally provides the best opportunity to walk up to the stones and admire them closely.

From here the tour returns via the open moorlands before reaching the ship at Stornoway.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately 450 yards of walking over some inclines and grassy terrain, with periods of standing. This tour is graded moderate based on good exploration of the site and visitor centre. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes.

Discover Orkney’s ancient World Heritage sites and admire beautiful countryside panoramas on this scenic tour. Travel inland to the heart of Neolithic Orkney, home to four famous monuments with UNESCO World Heritage status. See the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of the earliest stone circles in Britain dating back more than 5,000 years.

Continue across a narrow isthmus before passing another UNESCO-listed site, the Ring of Brodgar, Scotland’s largest stone circle with a diameter of over 100 metres. Some believe this to be the blueprint for Stonehenge. Trace the shoreline of Scapa Flow on the return journey to Kirkwall. This natural harbour was used by the British navy in both world wars and its seabed is the final resting place of scores of shipwrecks, now explored by numerous scuba divers.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. Most of the sightseeing is from your tour vehicle. Photo stops are subject to change and time constraints.

Independently explore the town of Stromness, situated on the Atlantic Coast of Orkney. 

Built around the natural harbour of Hamnavoe during the 18th and 19th century, the town was often the final departure point for ships crossing the Atlantic to North America. Departing the port of Kirkwall, embark on a drive to the west of Orkney via the Heart of the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. 

Here, you will journey past the ancient tomb of Maeshowe and then, moments later, past the dual stone circles; the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, both built over four thousand years ago. Then continue through the rich farmlands of Orkney to the small town of Stromness. 

On arrival, disembark by the harbour for over two hours of free time to explore. Enjoy the small independent shops, visit the Pier Arts Centre or stop for a drink in one of the local pubs or cafes. The winding main street paved with fossil filled local stone offers plenty of things to do. After your free time travel back to Kirkwall via the most direct route.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

You will have two-and-a-quarter hours of free time in Stromness where walking is at your discretion. We have graded this tour based on good exploration. The drive to Stromness is approximately 45 minutes and the return drive is 30 minutes. This tour is unguided. The ground in Stromness is both paved and cobbled, wear flat walking shoes. The amount of free time on this excursion can range between two and two-and-a-half hours, depending on the weather.

Enjoy a guided walk through the historic old town of Kirkwall, the Viking capital of the Orkney Islands. 

After a short shuttle bus journey from the pier, you will arrive in Kirkwall to start your walking tour. Following your guide, your first stop is at the 12th century, red sandstone Cathedral of St Magnus, known locally as the Light of the North. 

After taking in fine views of this medieval building, your walking tour continues to the ruins of two residences in the heart of Kirkwall. First, you will see what remains of Bishop’s Palace, built around the same time as St Magnus Cathedral, it is essentially a simple two-storey hall house, and although little of the first floor remains, the ground level is largest intact. Across the road you will find the renaissance-style Earl’s Palace. 

The tour finishes at the Tankerness House Gardens, where you will have time at leisure to explore the museum or take a stroll around the town, before returning to the ship.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. Most of this tour is on foot, some over uneven ground and steps. There is up to one mile of walking during the tour, so flat, comfortable footwear is recommended. You will take a shuttle from the ship into Kirkwall and the same on return. There is the option to remain in Kirkwall at the end of the excursion and return to the ship independently.

Discover the rugged landscape and the scenic waters of the Helford River by boat, with tree covered inland creeks and a wide range of bird species flying overhead. Departing the ship, take a short coach transfer to the Princes of Wales Pier to board your river cruise boat. Leaving Falmouth Harbour, pass Falmouth Docks, Pendennis and St Mawes Castles and St Anthony’s Lighthouse.

Then enter the Helford River: a popular, large estuary renowned for its scenery and marine ecology. By boat, explore the river and discover the inland creeks. The steep sides of the tree-covered creeks rise sharply from the water whilst the mud banks provide habitats for a wide range of bird species, including little egrets, grey herons, cormorants and various divers, grebes and ducks. Other points of interest on the cruise include Trebah beach (embarkation point for American troops on D Day), Manderley House (famed by the author Daphne Du Maurier, in her novel ‘Rebecca’), Helford Passage and Village, and a view of Daphne Du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek.

Afterwards, return to Falmouth Harbour and take the short coach transfer back to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: The sightseeing boat has both inside and outside seating. Minimal walking is required but depending on the tide levels on the day, there may be up to 25 steps to board the boat. These steps can be slippery when wet and have no handrail. The Explore Ashore team on board can provide additional information regarding the expected boarding process on the day.

Cornwall is home to many world-famous gardens and this tour takes you to visit one of the most intriguing: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a restored Victorian garden.

Leave Falmouth behind and travel through the Cornish countryside, passing the cathedral city of Truro and the town of St Austell before arriving at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, where you will have free time to explore the different areas of the garden and enjoy the lush vegetation. The gardens at Heligan Manor were one of the glories of Victorian Cornwall, almost completely self-sufficient, they included a number of farms, quarries, woods, brickworks, a flour mill, sawmill, brewery, and productive orchards and kitchen gardens.

However, after World War One the gardens fell into disuse and gradually became lost in the overgrowth, where they would remain for over 70 years. The Lost Gardens of Heligan project, Europe's largest garden restoration, has returned the gardens to their former glory and has been documented both in books and on national television. Over 200 acres of working Victorian gardens and pleasure grounds, together with a complex of walled gardens are the result of ten years of restoration. Heligan is a unique time capsule, a testament to the Victorian vision and ingenuity which first created this subtropical paradise.

Enjoy a walk in the jungle with its dense vegetation and exotic plants, take a stroll in the pleasure grounds of The Northern gardens, go in search of the Mud Maid, Grey Lady and Giant’s Head sculptures hidden within the woodlands and admire the colourful displays within the Flower Gardens. After your visit you will return directly to the ship at Falmouth.

Additional Information

Please note: The gardens cover an area of approximately 200 acres, and you will have around two-and-a-half hours to explore at your own pace. The amount of walking is at your own discretion. The gradients of the pathways to some areas are steep and involve uneven ground, wooden boardwalks and steps.

Discover Cornwall off the beaten track, beginning with a ferry ride to the beautiful Roseland Peninsula, an area of unspoiled natural beauty that has inspired numerous authors and artists and historic St Mawes and its castle.

Departing from the quayside in Falmouth, walk to the ferry departure point for your foot passenger crossing of the River Fal. After the 20-minute crossing, arrive in St Mawes, a charming harbour town with a well-preserved coastal fortress. St Mawes has had a range of notable visitors in the past, including several members of the Royal Family. From the ferry, stroll up the hill to visit St Mawes Castle – among the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses and the most elaborately decorated of them all. Built between 1539 and 1545, the castle is part of a chain of forts to counter the threat of invasion, and guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads. After a short introduction from your guide, wander independently around its clover-leaf shape which was originally surrounded by octagonal defences and notice the embellishment of Latin inscriptions in praise of King Henry VIII and his son Edward VI.

Following your castle visit, stroll back into the town and enjoy some free time. This old fishing port is full of character, with narrow streets, old flower-bedecked cottages and small shops. You will be given a voucher to enjoy a delicious ‘99’ ice cream from the local fudge shop. Perhaps enjoy it whilst sitting beside the water, before returning to Falmouth on the ferry. On arrival back in Falmouth, return to the ship on foot.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour requires approximately three miles of essential walking. This includes a walk of a little over half a mile between Falmouth port and the ferry departure point and the same on the return. The walk to St Mawes Castle is on a gradient which becomes steeper as you approach the castle, please consider the tours suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate in this excursion.

The guide will provide an introduction to the castle and then you will have a free-flow visit, the guide will remain on site for any questions. You may wish to bring a packed lunch from the ship or purchase refreshments during your free time. The timings of this tour may change.

Head away from Falmouth on a scenic journey into an area of Cornwall which you may recognise from Rosamunde Pilcher’s romantic novels and film adaptations.

Drive past the wide sweep of Mounts Bay to the village of Marazion, from where you can see the granite tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, crowned by its historic castle. Journey back through the countryside, through the harbour town of Penzance, on to Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland Britain. Admire the dramatic scenery where cliffs plunge into the sea and the surf pounds the shore. The English Channel lies to the east and to the west is the Celtic Sea.

After taking in the view, continue your tour inland along the tin mining route, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relics of the mining industry, such as chimney stacks and derelict engine houses, can still be seen along the winding roads, which are fringed by heather and green fields and dotted with historic stone cottages. Then head back to Falmouth and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be walking of approximately half a mile to fully explore Lands End, but much of this is at your discretion.

Departing from Ringaskiddy, drive to Blarney, in the protective shadow of historic Blarney Castle. The castle was built in two sections and has a massive oblong Keep, with battlements that are typically Irish in form. Enjoy a visit to the castle, and, if you wish, kiss the famous Blarney Stone - to do this, you have to lean over backwards from the parapet walk of the battlements!

According to legend, the stone imparts the gift of eloquence (the gift of the gab) to all those who kiss it. From the top of the Castle you can take in the wonderful views of over 60 acres of sprawling parklands which include gardens, avenues, arboretums and waterways.

The estate boasts an impressive range of native wildlife. The woodlands, rivers and lake within the inner estate and also in the separate pockets of ground around the village area, provide support for many increasingly rare species including otters, red squirrels, barn owls, buzzards, kingfishers, trout and salmon. Blarney is also home to the old Blarney Woollen Mills, dating back to 1793 and now a craft and gift centre. Here, you can enjoy a cup of Irish coffee before returning to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves essential walking of just under one mile, over mixed terrain. Those wishing to kiss the stone must ascend a spiral staircase with 110 narrow and uneven steps. This is a very popular tourist attraction, and there may be a long queue to kiss the stone. Walking during the free time is at your own discretion. Flat, closed-toe shoes are required if you wish to climb the steps up to the stone.

West Cork is blessed with some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery: the coast is rugged, with creeks, bays and coves, but just inland are gentle green hills and tranquil pastures where cows graze. This area was once thickly forested and inhabited by wolves, the last of which was killed in the early 18th century.

Your destination today, Clonakilty, is a lively market town at the top of a winding inlet and has been designated as West Cork’s Heritage Town by the Irish Tourist Board: a visit to the town soon shows why. You will feel at home here among the traditional shop fronts and hand-painted signs. The post office is housed in an old Presbyterian church and the library and council offices occupy a converted watermill with the river flowing beneath. Narrow streets and lanes open into elegant squares. It is a town of tall spires, towers and historic buildings - the brewery, mills and quayside warehouses stand as testament to a busy trading and industrial past.

Stop for an included cup of tea or coffee and scones in a local hotel, and afterwards have a little free time to browse in the shops or wander through the narrow streets before your scenic drive back to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: This is a largely panoramic tour with most of the sightseeing taking place from your tour vehicle. There is approximately 100 yards of essential walking required, although you will need to walk further if you wish to explore Clonakilty in depth during your free time.

Depart the pier and travel to Cork City for a short panoramic drive. This introduction to Ireland’s second city highlights Cork’s unique origins which began as an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee, just upstream from Cork Harbour – one of the world’s largest natural harbours.

Today the River Lee flows through the city in two main channels, creating a network of bridges that give Cork its distinctive character. Along the way spot the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the old Courthouse, City Hall, and the renowned Bells of Shandon. Leaving the city, travel east to the village of Midleton, where the famous Irish whiskey gets its name.

A visit to the Old Jameson Distillery in Midleton will take you into the heart of the Ireland’s whiskey-making tradition. You’ll enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of this restored 18th-century industrial complex, which includes a fully-operational waterwheel and a copper still with a capacity of 32,000 gallons – the largest in the world. After an audio-visual presentation to summarise the experience, there’s time for a tasting. During this, you are invited to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and sample Ireland’s finest whiskey.

Afterwards, why not visit the gift shop stocking everything from Jameson merchandise to Jameson cocktail making kits and cold brews? Following your visit, re-board your motor coach for your return drive to Ringaskiddy.

Additional Information

Please note: There is up to one mile of walking over mixed terrain and up to 10 steps. You will be standing for most of the visit to the distillery. The order of the sites may vary. We recommend that you wear flat footwear.

Look forward to journeys aboard two of the Isle of Man’s distinctive railways: the Manx Electric Railway and the Snaefell Mountain Railway. 

Head to the Terminus Station in Douglas to board the Manx electric railway’s restored open and closed tramcars for the journey to Laxey, crossing the Glen Roy viaduct en route. The Manx Electric Railway, which opened in 1893, connects the island’s capital Douglas with Laxey in the east and Ramsey in the north. 

At Laxey Station you’ll transfer to the Snaefell Mountain Railway. This is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. The railway opened in 1895 and six of the original tramcars are still in use today. Enjoy the scenery during the four-and-a-half mile train ride to the summit of Snaefell. At 2,036 feet, this is the highest point on the Isle of Man, where (weather permitting) you will have views of Laxey Glens, the coast and the countryside. 

You’ll have some free time to take in the surrounding scenery before descending by mountain railway to the stop known as ‘The Bungalow’ where you rejoin your coach and return to Douglas.

Additional Information

Please Note: While there is not a great deal of walking involved on this tour, you will need to negotiate three steep steps to embark and disembark each train carriage. There is a steep incline of 1:12 on the Snaefell Mountain Railway; there is a centre rail to aid breaking. Some of the tramcars on the Manx Electric Railway have open sides and it can be windy and cold at the summit of Snaefell, even on sunny days, so we recommend bringing a windproof jacket on this excursion. This tour has limited capacity.

After a short drive from the port, board the vintage steam train at Douglas for a scenic journey along the 125-year-old Victorian railway. 

The railway still uses much of the original rolling stock and you will travel in carriages pulled by the original engines that first worked the line in the 1890’s. From the comfort of the train admire views over the inland countryside before arriving at Castletown Station, where you will disembark your train. 

A short transfer will bring you to the centre of Castletown, whose roots can be traced back to 1090, making it one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. After a short introduction you are free to explore at leisure, beginning at the market square, which is overlooked by a clock presented to the island by Queen Elizabeth I. Curiously, it has only ever had one hand, but is still going strong after 400 years. The Castletown of today has a quiet but distinctive charm. 

The fortress, from which the town takes its name, is visible from miles around. It’s a working castle, with its courthouse and precincts still in traditional use. Rejoin your coach in Castletown and enjoy a scenic drive back to Douglas.

Additional Information

Please Note: You will have approximately one-and-a-half hours of free time in Castletown, where walking is entirely at your discretion. This excursion has been graded a moderate activity because you should expect to cover at least 500 yards for a good exploration here. You will need to negotiate three steep steps with no handrail to embark and disembark the train carriage. This tour has limited capacity.

From Belfast’s port, drive through County Antrim and make a short photo-stop at the viewpoint overlooking Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which spans a chasm roughly 80 feet deep. Then continue to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 40,000 irregular basalt columns here are thought to have resulted from volcanic activity, but they have also been the subject of many intriguing legends. One of the most popular is that a giant, Finn MacCool, constructed the causeway as a path to his true love, Oonagh.

On arrival at the Causeway visitor centre, you will be given an audio guide system which provides a commentary during your independent exploration. The unique rock formations have stood for millions of years as a natural rampart against the ferocity of the Atlantic storms, and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. As you travel back to Belfast, admire unspoilt coastal scenery and make a short stop by Dunluce Castle. Perched on the edge of a steep crag and dating back to the 13th century, the castle ruins offer an opportunity for dramatic photographs.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking on the Giant’s Causeway itself is strenuous and can be slippery, but is at your discretion. Lunch or refreshments are not included during this excursion and it may operate over the usual lunch service times on board your ship, so we recommend bringing a drink and snack with you. There is a walk of just over half a mile in each direction between the coach parking area and the causeway with a steep gradient. A shuttle bus service is in operation but this is a public bus which cannot be booked in advance. This service will cost £1.00 or €1.20 each way, payable to the driver. Regrettably we cannot guarantee a place on the shuttle bus and there may be high demand during peak times.

This full-day excursion visits two of Northern Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions: the Titanic Museum and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giants Causeway. 

Begin with a visit to the purpose-built Titanic Belfast Museum which opened in April 2012, nearly one hundred years to the day since the disaster. It contains nine galleries offering a deep insight into the tragedy of this event through scale models, interpretative materials and an included immersive ride through the Titanic under construction. 

Stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day are told in a modern and unique way, and you will have approximately two hours here to browse the museum at your own pace. After, rejoin your tour vehicle and guide for your journey to the Giants Causeway, travelling along the inland route from the City of Belfast to the North Coast of Antrim. 

On arrival, browse the visitors centre which explains how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed. Stories about the area’s rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will paint the Causeway in your mind before you make your way to the stones themselves. 

You will be given an audio guide system which provides commentary during your independent exploration. For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its mystery and beauty. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms. After admiring the rugged symmetry of the columns, return to your tour vehicle for the journey back to Belfast Port.

Additional Information

Please Note: There will be approximately two miles of walking including approximately three-quarters of a mile at Titanic Belfast, with periods of standing. At the Giant’s Causeway, there is a walk of just over half a mile in each direction to access the causeway with a steep gradient. A shuttle bus service is in operation, but this is a public bus which cannot be booked in advance. This service will cost £1.00 or €1.20 each way, payable to the driver. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee a place on the shuttle bus and there may be high demand during peak times. Walking on the Giant’s Causeway itself is strenuous and can be slippery but is at your discretion. Lunch or refreshments are not included during this excursion.

Delve into the rich history of Britain and Ireland on this visit to the Royal Palace of Hillsborough, where many pivotal moments and diplomatic efforts have taken place.

Leaving Belfast, travel south to the village of Hillsborough, which has won many awards in the ‘Ulster in Bloom’ competition. Step inside Hillsborough Palace, the official Northern Ireland residence of the Royal family and visiting dignitaries. Hillsborough has played an important role in the Peace Process in Northern Ireland since the 1980s.

A guided tour of the palace will acquaint you with tales of the Hill family – who held the title of Marquess of Devonshire – and of the Governors of Northern Ireland. Learn more about Hillsborough’s role in recent Northern Irish history and see its furnishings and works of art.

Afterwards, you will have time to stroll in the gardens which stretch across 100 acres, before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk up to half a mile, partly over uneven ground, with approximately ten steps inside the palace. Walking in the gardens is at your discretion. Weatherproof clothing is recommended. Hillsborough may be closed at short notice owing to state visits or private events.

Explore the award-winning Titanic Museum during your visit to Belfast, the city where the ship was designed, built and launched. Your excursion starts with a panoramic tour that will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th-century industrial wealth, many fine Victorian buildings still grace the city as reminders of its prosperous past. Your guide will point out sights such as the Grand Opera House and Albert Clock as you wind your way through the city. You will also drive past Belfast City Hall - a building with a long façade of Portland stone - which dominates Donegall Square. In the grounds you can see a marble statue by Sir Thomas Brock that commemorates the sinking in 1912 of the RMS Titanic.

From here, continue to Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, this dramatic new building tells the story of the ill-fated Belfast-built liner. Its nine galleries incorporate a variety of interpretative materials and media including CGI, film, audio and scale models. Begin your visit in the building’s giant atrium surrounded by the four ‘hull’ shaped sections which house the exhibition. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day are told in a modern and unique way. The tour concludes with a ‘virtual visit’ to the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic, before returning to your Saga ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion involves walking a minimum of three-quarters of a mile, with periods of standing during the tour of Titanic Belfast: this building, however, is easily accessible with ramps, escalators and lifts to all levels. This excursion follows some of the same route covered on the Belfast City Highlights excursion and therefore we do not recommend that you book both. Titanic Belfast is a popular attraction which will likely be busy with visitors of all ages.

Belfast’s long and often turbulent history is well documented. This excursion delves into the past events before introducing you to a more light-hearted side to the city; showcasing the music, dance and famous ‘craic’.

Begin with a panoramic drive through Belfast, passing the landmarks that have played their part in the city‘s development. Enjoy commentary from your local guide on sights such as the Grand Opera House, the Albert Memorial, City Hall and Queen‘s University. Your drive will also take you past the alternative sights of Belfast including the political wall murals.

Following your introduction to the city, stop in a local establishment where you will be served a refreshing drink. Spend the next hour in the company of world champion Irish dancers and musicians. Try your hand at 'sean-nós' and céilí dancing as your entertainers sing and play some local melodies and street songs that would have been heard in the shipyards, mills and markets of old. With dancing, stories, songs and music played with harp, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, flute, fiddle, concertina and whistles, there is something special for everyone in this unique cultural experience.

Afterwards, rejoin your tour vehicle for the return journey to Belfast Port.

Additional Information

Please note: Depending on the venue visited on the day, there will be up to 400 yards of walking which may involve some uneven ground. Inside the venue there may be up to 20 steps to access the performance area. Seating is provided during the performance. One drink is provided per guest, but further drinks can be purchased.

Embark on a walking tour from the centre of Stornoway to the grounds of Lews Castle, the largest in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The tour begins with a short transfer via the port shuttle into the town centre. From here, stroll through the heart of Stornoway, before heading around the inner and outer harbour where you will hear stories about Stornoway’s rich history. See the historic architecture, including the imposing Town Hall, and admire the view across the river to Lews Castle and its 700-acre grounds. Crossing the bridge, enter the grounds of Lews Castle where you can wander through the gardens and woodland.

Reach the Tudor-Gothic styled castle itself, one of the finest castles on the Scottish island, built in the Victorian era. Your guide will introduce you to the building’s varied history and ownership including information from World War Two when the castle was used as a naval hospital and then as a college in the 1950s.

From the castle, head downhill, meeting the coast again and retracing your steps to town where you will board your shuttle and return to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This strenuous but gently paced walk will cover approximately two-and-a-half miles. This will involve walking on gradients and over some uneven terrain. A high level of physical fitness is required. Entrance to the castle is not included and there will be limited access to WC facilities. This walking tour has limited capacity.

This tour explores the beauty of the Hebreidean Isles. Leaving Stornoway, you head south to the Isle of Harris.

Passing the fjord-like sea lochs of Loch Erisort and Loch Seaforth, the road climbs steadily past Bowglass and Ardvourlie and then proceeds over a mountain passs. The rocks here are among the oldest in the world. Powerful forces of ice and sea in the distant past have created a dramatic landscape of stark sea-cliffs, sweeping beaches and rugged heather uplands. Just before reaching Tarbert, you pass the former whaling station of Banamhuinneader. The village of Tarbert is nestled in a valley where North and South Harris meet. Enjoy a stop here to explore independently.

You continue through a landscape of rocks, dotted with tiny ‘lochans’, and descend towards the vast expanse of Luskentyre Bay, heading for Horgabost Beach. On arrival, you can enjoy a stroll along the beach’s bleached white sands, neighboured by steep dunes. All this is set against the backdrop of the uninhabited island of Taransay. You return to Stornoway via the same scenic route.

Additional Information

Please note: Approximately 500 yards' walking is required, most of which is at your discretion. Access to the beach is awkward for those with walking difficulties, although you may remain on the coach.

Travel by coach through unspoilt countryside to the island’s northern coast, where the red brick Butt of Lewis Lighthouse marks the edge of the Western Islands.

The lighthouse was designed by David and Thomas Stevenson, and it stands on the site which is believed to be the windiest place in the UK. It is also a popular location for bird watching. Continue to the little church of St Moluag, which was built in the 13th century and has a basic T-shaped structure with two chapels either side of the main building.

After a short journey from the church, you will arrive at the Ness Heritage Centre, where a small museum and archive holds numerous historic artefacts which are continually added to by the local community, who are passionate about the preservation of local history. Enjoy refreshments here before returning to the ship in Stornoway.

Additional Information

Please note: Your coach will journey along several winding roads that may not be suitable for those who are prone to travel sickness. Expect to walk up to half a mile in total during this excursion. St Moluag's Church is accessed via a 100-yard grass-covered pathway which may be uneven and wet, therefore practical footwear is recommended.

For a unique small group experience during your visit to Stornoway, join local wildlife enthusiast Rob Howard to discover the region’s landscapes and wildlife hotspots. Rob has had a passion for the great outdoors since a young age and moved to the Isle of Lewis to be closer to the natural wonders that can be found here. As a keen photographer, he will assist you in capturing the scenery and wildlife on your own camera during the tour.

From Stornoway, head South through the villages of Laxay and Balallan, offering views over Loch Erisort. Visit the coastal village of Cromore, with its dramatic scenery and array of wildlife before continuing to Marvig and making a brief stop to scan the open bay for otters, seals and seabirds. On the way further south, the villages of Lemreway and Orinsay have more resident otters and golden and white-tailed sea eagles to spot during some time here.

A short stop at Ravenspoint visitor centre then provides the opportunity to purchase refreshments, before arriving at a nearby picnic site overlooking Loch Erisort. Enjoy your packed lunch here whilst keeping an eye out for golden eagles overhead. Afterwards, head into Eishken, an area of rolling moorland, hills, mountains and Lochs, dominated by Loch Seaforth, the founding place of the famous Seaforth Highlanders regiment. From here, you will return to your ship in Stornoway.

Additional Information

Please note: This small group experience will have a maximum of seven participants and your transport will be a small minibus or people carrier. This excursion will involve approximately 50 yards of essential walking, some over uneven terrain. A good level of mobility is required. You can bring your own binoculars and camera equipment if you choose. Lunch is not provided on this excursion, however, you can request a packed lunch from the ship. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

During this excursion you can see the West Mainland of Orkney, the location of one of the greatest concentrations of World Heritage and prehistoric sites in the British Isles. Leaving Kirkwall, head to the Bay of Skaill where you can explore Stone Age Skara Brae, the remains of a village that pre-dates the pyramids and Stonehenge. Here you can enjoy a guided tour and see tools, beads, pottery and whalebone artefacts that span a period of 600 years of occupation.

Afterwards, a scenic drive will take you via the Standing Stones of Stenness - which you will drive past slowly - to the Ring of Brodgar, where 27 of the 60 stones that once formed a perfect circle are still standing.

Finally, pass historic Scapa Flow, where you can hear stories of dramatic wartime experiences that make this one of the most famous stretches of water in the world, as well as a favourite place for scuba-diving. Your drive back to Kirkwall takes you through an agricultural landscape punctuated by glistening lochs.

Additional Information

Please note: There is a walk of approximately 1200 yards at Skara Brae: the path is quite even and well-surfaced but is rather exposed in harsh weather. You should also expect to walk about 1250 yards at the Ring of Brodgar. The order of visits may vary. This excursion follows much of the same route as the Discover Orkney excursion and therefore we do not recommend that you book both.

Leaving Kirkwall, you pass close to the First and Second World War Naval Base of Scapa Flow, where your guide will tell you about the scuttling of the German fleet. Your tour takes you along the chain of islands that are linked by a series of causeways called the ‘Churchill Barriers’, originally built from cement blocks to protect the naval base during World War Two. Now surfaced, the causeways provide road access to islands that could previously only be reached by ferry. Pause on Lamb Holm to visit the hand-painted Italian chapel. Known as the ‘Miracle of Camp 60’, this structure was built by Italian prisoners during World War Two and has been maintained since thanks to its historical connections with the soldiers.

From here, continue south to the island of South Ronaldsay and the village of St Margaret’s Hope. During your short visit, you may like to explore the craft workshop or take a gentle stroll. Leave the village and head north, pausing for a tea or coffee at a hotel overlooking Burray harbour, before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: A walk of about 25 yards is required to visit the chapel. Walking in St Margaret’s Hope is at your discretion and is over level ground.

The RSPB is the largest land owner in Orkney and its varied habitats are home to a diverse array of wildlife. From Kirkwall, make your way first to Lowrie’s Water, a small loch on Birsay Moors, RSPB’s largest nature reserve on the Orkney mainland. Step inside the hide from which you may see red-throated divers, greylag geese, mallards, tufted ducks and scaups. You should also look out for birds of prey as this is one of the best places in Britain to see hen harriers. Take time to appreciate the panoramic views of Mainland Orkney - and some of the smaller islands in the distance – from this hilltop vantage point.

From here, travel across the wild and windswept peat hills, keeping a lookout for short-eared owls. Continuing to the west coast, reach Marwick Head RSPB nature reserve, a real ‘seabird city’ where you can walk to a clifftop observation point to enjoy stunning Atlantic sea views as well as the wonderful cacophony of the guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, razorbills and puffins that make their homes on the cliffs.

Your return journey to Kirkwall takes you past the ceremonial Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone circle and World Heritage monument that stands inside another RSPB farmland nature reserve.

Additional Information

Please note: You will need to walk around three-quarters-of-a-mile from the coach park to Marwick Head, and the same distance back again: walking at Birsay Moors is likely to amount to several hundred yards. The ground may be steep and uneven in places, and possibly muddy and slippery if it has been raining. Binoculars are recommended. Views will depend on the weather and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Take in Orkney's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including an exclusive, private visit to the Ness of Brodgar, where you will see archaeologists at work – an experience only open to visitors for a few weeks in July 2026.

This tour will take you on a journey 5,000 years back in time to discover the ancient treasures of the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Departing the quayside, take a panoramic drive along the North Sea coastline to Orkney’s West Mainland. Your first stop is at the Standing Stones of Stenness, where you will pause for photos of one of the earliest stone circles in Britain.

Then, continue to the Ness of Brodgar, set on a narrow strip of land between the lochs of Harray and Stenness. Excavations of this 5,000-year-old complex ran for 20 years until 2024, making it one of the world’s greatest Neolithic discoveries in the modern era (the large trenches are now backfilled with none of the main structures visible). Now in 2026, a new, smaller dig area is being explored. Enjoy an exclusive guided tour by a team member from the UHI Archaeology Institute. During this special visit, you can observe a team of archaeologists as they dig at this unique site. The tour then continues to the great ceremonial standing stone circle known as Ring of Brodgar. Originally comprising more than 60 megaliths and spanning an area of 8,435 square metres, the Ring is the third largest stone circle in Britain.

Finally, head to Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. After a guided tour of this site, follow the path overlooking the village to view eight of the surviving Neolithic houses which have original furniture made 5,000 years ago including stone ‘dressers’ and box-beds. Enjoy free time to view artefacts which are on display in the visitor centre or to visit the replica house before returning to your ship back in Kirkwall.

Additional Information

Please note: There is up to three quarters of a mile of walking over various terrain including grass, tarmac and uneven paths. There will be periods of standing. This is a small group tour with very limited capacity.