From the Cornish Coast to the Scottish Isles

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The Cornish town of Fowey is located at the mouth of the River Fowey. Established well before the Norman invasion, it has been a major centre for trade throughout its history due to its natural harbour, which is flanked by 14th-century blockhouses and overlooked by St Catherine’s Castle. As the birthplace of novelist Dame Daphne du Maurier, the town has strong literary connections and holds an annual Du Maurier festival.

Included excursion

See more of Fowey from the river or enjoy traditional Sea Shanty songs performed live in a local church on a choice of included excursions.

Optional excursion

Enjoy a visit to the Eden Project.

⚓ Land by launch or tender.

Arrive 0930. Depart 1900.

Set beside one of the world’s largest natural harbours, Cobh is a seaside town renowned for its brightly coloured waterfront buildings. The Gothic Revival St Colman’s Cathedral perches on a steep hillside overlooking the town. The busy port was the embarkation point for 2.5 million people who emigrated to America between 1848 and 1950. The Titanic Experience, which is in the town’s former White Star Line ticket office, retells the plight of the ill-fated ship which made her last stop here. From Cobh you can visit the riverside city of Cork on an included excursion. Alternatively, head to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and explore the grounds.

Included excursion

Enjoy a visit to the historic city of Cork, whose attractions include the Victorian Gothic St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and the 18th-century English Market, a covered food market.

Optional excursion

Visit Blarney Castle and its famous stone. The 600-year-old castle sits amid 60 acres of gardens and parklands, including the poison garden, home to some of the world’s most dangerous and toxic plants. The Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle tower, is said to give the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Having enjoyed a 21st-century rejuvenation, Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, is fast becoming a celebrated haven for literature, art, music and theatre – the Cathedral Quarter is at the city’s cultural heart and well worth a visit. The city also boasts a rich seafaring history and it was here that the ill-fated RMS Titanic was built. Today visitors can explore Titanic Belfast, which narrates the story of the White Star ocean liner.

Included excursion

An included excursion will reveal some of the highlights of Belfast.

Optional excursion

Belfast is the gateway to some of Northern Ireland’s most picturesque coastal and countryside scenery. From here, you could travel to see the geometric columns of Giant’s Causeway, created as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.

Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is the bustling capital of the Outer Hebrides, set in a natural harbour overlooked by the Victorian gothic-style Lews Castle. The town is set on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, known for its Harris Tweed, a cloth hand woven by the islanders for centuries.

Included excursion

See more of your surroundings on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Step back in time with a visit to the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village where generations of crofting families once lived or visit the Isle of Harris.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Enjoying a picturesque position, nestled on the shores of Loch Broom and surrounded by rugged mountains, Ullapool is a small village, originally founded as a herring port in 1788. It is a perfect base from which to explore the scenic north-west Highlands.

Included excursion

An included excursion offers an introduction to Ullapool.

Optional excursion

Discover the landscapes and geology of the north-west Highlands, with a visit to Knockan Crag or Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserves.

⚓ Land by launch or tender.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

An archipelago of mostly flat, green-topped islands ringed with red sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches, the Orkneys lie due north of John O’ Groats. Although remote, these rugged and unspoilt islands offer a rich history and are home to the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic site in Europe, Skara Brae. Kirkwall is the largest town and capital, where you can visit the medieval St Magnus Cathedral or delve into the islands’ fascinating Viking heritage.

Included excursion

See the sights of Kirkwall on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Step back 5000 years and discover Skara Brae, the Neolithic settlement unearthed by a storm in 1850 that pre-dates Stonehenge and the Pyramids.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The remote Shetland Islands sit around 200 miles from Aberdeen and, of nearly 100 islands, only 20 are inhabited. The capital, Lerwick, derives its name from the Old Norse for ‘mud bay’ and reflects the area’s Viking heritage, as do the archaeological sites to be found here. The geology of these 100-plus islands is so diverse that they are a designated global Geopark and, unsurprisingly, they are also teeming with seabirds and other wildlife.

Included excursion

See more of the surroundings on an included excursion.

Optional excursions

Explore the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement or take a boat trip to Mousa Island.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.