Cruising the British Isles: Scotland, Ireland & England (2024)

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to your landmark luxury hotel, The Balmoral. This evening, gather for a welcome briefing and themed dinner at your hotel.

The Balmoral | Meals: D

Edinburgh embodies the Scottish national heritage like few other places. After a morning at leisure, tour Scotland’s vibrant capital, taking in Edinburgh Castle and inspiring city views. Later, board your expedition vessel and set sail on the Firth of Forth. Conditions permitting, view Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest gannet colony.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Northern Scotland is legendary for its dramatic, windswept mountains, wooded hills and rich history. Today, explore the magnificent Highlands, choosing from excursions that may include a visit to Inverness, a private cruise on mythic Loch Ness and stop at Urquhart Castle, an exploration of Culloden’s battlefield, or a whisky tasting at Glenmorangie Distillery.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Rich in Viking heritage, the landscapes of the Orkneys span rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and wave-swept sea caves. Today, you might explore historic Kirkwall; Skara Brae, one of the best-preserved Stone Age settlements in Western Europe; or the spine-tingling Ring of Brodgar, a circle of standing stones dating to 2700 BC.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Framed by wild, windswept beaches, Scotland’s Western Isles span the rolling moorlands of Lewis and the towering mountains of Harris. Today, you might opt for a drive through the moorlands, stopping to explore the Calanais Standing Stones and the island’s crofting traditions, or drive the Golden Road, pausing to visit a Harris tweed weaver and a local distillery.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Inhabited for over 2,000 years, Hirta, the largest of the St. Kilda islands, harboured an isolated, hardscrabble agricultural community until 1930. Conditions permitting, pass the island’s staggering sea stacks and come ashore to explore the deserted stonework settlement, the highest cliffs in all of Britain, and a vital seabird habitat.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

The approach to Staffa by sea is breathtaking, with great basalt columns flanking the deep caves of the island. Conditions allowing, enjoy a Zodiac experience near Fingal, a sea cave formed by hexagonally jointed basalt. Continue cruising to the tranquil island of Iona, where you might discover Iona Abbey, an ancient centre of Gaelic monasticism.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Today, your Captain charts a course past Ireland’s Killybegs to County Donegal, a rugged enclave of deep-sea inlets, sandy beaches and spectacular mountains. Once ashore, you may opt for a scenic tour of Donegal Town; drive through the countryside to the Slieve League Mountains; visit Sligo, the mecca of “Yeats Country”; or cross into Northern Ireland’s walled city of Londonderry to reflect on the legacy of “Bloody Sunday” and “The Troubles.”

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Today, arrive in Galway, a lively cultural enclave renowned for its vibrant lanes, colourful houses and thriving arts scene. You might enjoy a culinary walking tour and Irish whiskey tasting, explore the Burren’s vast karst landscape with a botanist and visit a local sheep farm, or spend the day amid Connemara’s jagged, filigreed shoreline. Later, take in iconic vistas from the atmospheric Cliffs of Moher.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Relish a day at sea, relaxing with new friends and attending lectures to enrich your discoveries.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Come ashore in Plymouth, a Devon port city renowned for its rich maritime heritage. Here, you might choose to tour the city’s Mayflower Museum, Barbican architecture, Plymouth Hoe and Royal William Yard. Alternatively, head out to Dartmoor National Park, pausing in Princetown for a Devonshire cream tea, or savour tea and cake at Cornwall’s Mount Edgcumbe House, former seat of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Bid farewell to your Captain and crew as you approach the White Cliffs of Dover and disembark. Once ashore, you might visit Canterbury’s prestigious cathedral; tour Leeds Castle, home to six English queens; or opt for a stop at Chartwell, the former residence of Winston Churchill. Your excursion ends at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, where you dine this evening.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square | Meals: BLD

Today, explore a city that defies all introductions — a global hub of commerce, culture and empire dating back to Roman times. Your excursions might include a tour featuring the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye; a visit to Buckingham Palace; a culinary experience with a former executive chef to the Royal Family; or a visit to the Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museums.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square | Meals: BLD

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on a group extension to the Cotswolds.

Meals: B

Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.

This journey contains some active elements, including walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.

Minimum age is 7 years.

Categories 4–8 include room upgrade at the hotels and butler service aboard the ship.

First group event: welcome briefing on Sep 10.

Last group event: excursions on Sep 22.

Included with this Luxury Expedition Cruise

• An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A&K’s Expedition Team and Local Guides
• Pre- and/or Post-Cruise Stays at Stylish, Ideally Located Hotels and A&K-Led Excursions
• Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
• Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
• Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.3 and ship occupancy limited to 80 percent
• Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
• 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board
• Choice of Curated, All-Inclusive Shore Excursions
• Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service on board
• All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
• Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support