12/05/2022 Dover

Dover

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.

13/05/2022 Great Yarmouth, England

Great Yarmouth, England

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

This traditional British seaside town’s character is reflected in its Victorian and Edwardian seafront. Mile upon mile of sandy beach edges the shoreline, along with two piers and kitsch amusement arcades. The 13th-century town walls reflect Great Yarmouth’s medieval past when it was one of England’s most prosperous maritime towns. Dickens was so impressed that the author based the setting for David Copperfield on it. The 200-year-old Britannia Monument, the country’s first statue dedicated to Lord Nelson, stands south of the town gates. Nearby attractions include the Norfolk Broads, a protected landscape of lock-free waterways dotted with windmills.

Optional excursions

A popular boating destination, take a trip around the Norfolk broads, and experience its scenery up close.

14/05/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

15/05/2022 Newhaven (for Edinburgh), ⚓ Scotland

Newhaven ⚓ (for Edinburgh), Scotland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Rising from the Firth of Forth to a rocky pinnacle crowned by its famous castle, Scotland’s capital Edinburgh has been drawing visitors for centuries. As well as exploring the historic 12th-century castle, you can stroll along the Royal Mile which runs through the heart of the Old Town with its labyrinthine lanes, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, and discover a host of museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Scotland.

Included sightseeing excursion

From Newhaven, join an included sightseeing tour, which will pass the key attractions of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

Optional excursions

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse and gardens, the royal family’s official residence in Scotland, or visit the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift which connects the Forth and Clyde Canals.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

16/05/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

17/05/2022 Ullapool ⚓, Scotland

Ullapool ⚓, Scotland

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.

Optional excursions

Discover the landscapes and geology of the north-west Highlands, with a visit to Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, or explore Lochinver village and Loch Assynt.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

18/05/2022 Portree ⚓, Isle of Skye

Portree ⚓, Isle of Skye

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, is famed for its wild and rugged landscapes. Of particular note are the photogenic Old Man of Storr rock pinnacles, craggy Quiraing and the waterfall-fed Fairy Pools. The capital of Portree is set on the east coast, and colourful fisherman cottages front the harbour. Exhibitions and film screenings at the Aros experience centre explore the local Gaelic culture and surrounding natural wonders.

Optional excursions

Set off on a scenic tour around the Trotternish Ridge to see such natural wonders as the Old Man of Stor and Quiraing landslip.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

19/05/2022 Cruise the St Kilda Archipelago

Cruise the St Kilda Archipelago

Enjoy this opportunity to cruise the remote islands of the volcanic St Kilda archipelago, located off the Hebridean coast. The four islands – Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray – were occupied by humans for more than 2,000 years until 1930 when its remaining 36 residents decided that their way of life was unsustainable and moved to the mainland. It may not be suitable for human life, however, at the height of the breeding season nearly a million seabirds – including puffins and gannets – flock to St Kilda. It is for both its human history and natural history that St Kilda has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

20/05/2022 Greenock, Scotland

Greenock, Scotland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Well-known as being the birthplace of James Watt, Greenock is a historic, industrial town that stands on the banks of the River Clyde. It is well-situated for exploring Glasgow, a cultural hub with a rich history and architecture created by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, or perhaps discover Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Included sightseeing excursion

Join an included sightseeing excursion showcasing the highlights of Greenock.

Optional excursions

From Greenock, head for Glasgow, a cultural hub with a rich legacy of trade and ship building. Admire the fine Victorian and art nouveau architecture or enjoy some free time to explore this city at your leisure.

21/05/2022 Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

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 sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing tour will reveal the highlights of Belfast.

Optional excursions

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.

22/05/2022 Holyhead, Wales

Holyhead, Wales

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Situated off the north-west coast of Wales, close to the Snowdonia Mountain range, lies the Isle of Anglesey which boasts a wealth of history including a long and ancient Celtic past. During the Middle Ages, the island was known as ‘Mam Cymru’ or ‘Mother of Wales’, thanks to its lush, fertile fields. Historic Beaumaris on the east side of the island is the site of the last royal stronghold built by Edward I.

Optional excursions

Visit Beaumaris Castle, built in 1295, or travel to mainland Wales and discover the scenic beauty of Snowdonia National Park, home to Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest mountain.

23/05/2022 Dún Laoghaire ⚓ (for Dublin), Ireland

Dún Laoghaire ⚓ (for Dublin), Ireland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

From Dún Laoghaire, discover the capital of Ireland, Dublin. Set at the mouth of the River Liffey and backed by the Wicklow Mountains, it is a compact city that is easy to explore on foot. A tapestry of architectural styles highlights its long history as best seen in Christ Church Cathedral, founded by Vikings in the 11th century, 13th-century Dublin Castle and Georgian Trinity College. Its well-designed green spaces include St Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park, home to Dublin Zoo. No wonder such literary figures as Wilde, Joyce, Yeats and Swift have found inspiration here. An included sightseeing excursion will point out the city’s varied sights.

Included sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing excursion will point out Dublin’s varied sights.

Optional excursions

Travel into the County Wicklow countryside to visit the sprawling Powerscourt Estate at the foot of Great Sugar Loaf mountain and the iconic Skerries Mills. The 18th-century mansion was built around a medieval castle at the command of the first Viscount of Powerscourt.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

24/05/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

25/05/2022 Portland, England

Portland, England

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The Isle of Portland is part of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. It is connected to the mainland by 18-mile-long Chesil Beach – a wild, windswept ridge backed by a saline lake. Featuring one of the world’s largest artificial harbours, Portland served as the HM Naval Base until the end of the 20th century and was a central embarkation point for Allied forces on D-Day in 1944. Henry XIIIs 16th-century castle marks one end of the island with the Bill promontory, Dorset’s southern tip, at the other end. Alternatively, visit nearby Weymouth or Dorchester.

Optional excursions

The fossil-rich Jurassic Coast comprises such natural wonders as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Kimmeridge Bay.

26/05/2022 Dover

Dover

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.

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