Heritage of the British Isles

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Arrive in Aberdeen, also known as the ‘Granite City’ on account of its grey-stone buildings, many of which can be seen on Union Street. The city has numerous museums and art galleries, including the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Art Gallery. Aberdeenshire has been home to over 260 castles throughout history, some of which are still inhabited. From Aberdeen you can take the X7 bus to Dunnottar Castle, set on a cliff-top just south of the city. The ruins, once home to one of Scotland’s most powerful families the Earls Marischal, are steeped in history and open to visitors for a charge.

Included excursion

Explore the city’s attractions on a choice of included excursions.

Optional excursions

Admire spectacular scenery in Cairngorms National Park.

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’re 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.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2100.

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.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.

Set in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a self-governing kingdom designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Horse-drawn trams run along the seafront promenade and nearby is the Manx Museum, home to an extensive collection of artefacts documenting the history of the island. The ruined 11th-century Peel Castle is located on the island’s west coast and to the north is the Isle of Man Motor Museum.

Included excursion

A panoramic excursion will introduce you to the island’s highlights.

Optional excursion

Take a trip on a vintage railway.

⚓ Land by launch or tender.

Arrive 0730. Depart 1630.

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.

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 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.