The British Isles in Summer

Dover

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Fringed by unspoilt beaches, with a unique array of wildlife and a dramatic Viking past, the Shetland archipelago is made up of over 100 islands scattered in the North Sea. Lerwick, from the Norse word ‘Leirvik’ meaning ‘muddy bay’, is the main town and port, offering a quaint array of arts and crafts shops and a museum which charts the history of the islands.

Included excursion

Uncover the island’s highlights on an included panoramic excursion.

Optional excursions

Delve into the islands’ history further with a visit to Jarlshof, a settlement that spans 4000 years dating back to the Neolithic period.

Stornoway ⚓, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

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, well-known for its Harris Tweed, a cloth hand woven by the islanders for centuries.

Optional excursions

Visit the famous Calanais standing stones which pre-date Stonehenge and were a focus for ritual activity during the Bronze Age.

Oban ⚓, Scotland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Arrive in the unofficial capital of the West Highlands and the gateway to the Hebridean Isles. The coastal town and the surrounding area offer bird-watching opportunities, as well as dramatic scenery, castles, museums and shops. Although evidence suggests that Oban Bay has been settled since Mesolithic times, the town owes its development to the distillery that was established here in 1794, at which time Oban began shipping alcohol, wool, slate and kelp to larger ports, such as Glasgow and Liverpool.

Enjoy the scenery as Spirit of Adventure cruises along the Sound of Mull, passing Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

Douglas ⚓, Isle of Man

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

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 – each year throughout May and June the island transforms into a motorbike racetrack for the Isle of Man TT.

Included excursion

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

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

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 panoramic 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.

St Peter Port ⚓, Guernsey

Arrive 0800. Depart 1630.

Set on low hills, St Peter Port has a quaint collection of wooden-fronted shops and boutiques which are great for a spot of window shopping. Highlights include the town church, which was completed in 1466, and hilltop Candie Gardens which offer excellent coastal views. Listen out for the Noon Day Gun fired daily from 13th-century Castle Cornet, set on an island in the harbour.

Optional excursion

Imagine life during German occupation on a tour exploring Guernsey’s World War Two underground fortifications or visit the nearby island of Sark.

Dover

Arrive 0730.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.