10 Day British Isles Quest – APT

Itinerary

10 Day Expedition Cruise from London to Edinburgh with APT

A seamless blend of famous, quirky cities and remote, rugged islands. A journey steeped in history with medieval villages, Scottish kings, old castles. Zodiac excursions to hidden caves and navigating around surprisingly tropical archipelagos. This adventure is full of surprises.

Day By Day

Day 1 Arrive London
Welcome to London! We meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Your first night is left open for you to explore this iconic city at your own pace. Stay: Mayfair London or similar

Day 2 London, Plymouth, Embark Ship
The morning is off to an exciting start. Fuel up on breakfast before we transfer you to your ship, the MS Hebridean Sky, in Plymouth. Take some time to settle in to your spacious suite, or head out on deck to watch the scenery drift by. Tonight, gather with your crew and fellow travellers to celebrate the journey ahead with a welcome dinner. Stay Eight Nights: MS Hebridean Sky

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Day 3 Isles of Scilly
Wake up to the aquamarine waters and white sand beaches of the Isles of Scilly, an unexpected tropical delight in the middle of the Celtic Sea. It’s within this archipelago off the coast of Cornwall that you discover Tresco Island. Here, you’ll have the chance to disembark and explore. There’s no shortage of picture-perfect landscapes; see rocky outcrops and pristine beaches while you’re here. It’s then time for your first Signature Experience of the trip.
Signature Experiences:
Visit Abbey Gardens for a guided tour. More than 20,000 species of exotic plants flourish in this historic garden, which was established in the 1830s.

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Day 4 Waterford, Kilkenny
Set your sights on the southeastern coast of Ireland this morning. We drop anchor in Waterford, a city famous for Waterford Crystal, world-renowned flint glass. Set your feet on solid ground and hop on a coach to Kilkenny. This is the heart and soul of medieval Ireland, and it’s yours to enjoy with free time. Walk along cobbled lanes and discover hidden passages, perhaps explore Kilkenny Castle, built over a millennia ago. Or, delve into the town’s famous craft scene and peruse ceramics, jewellery, candles, stone carvings and more, all lovingly made by hand. Return to your ship for lunch, before your exploration continues. It’s time to visit the House of Waterford Crystal, and learn about the process and history of glass making which began in 1783.

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Day 5 Dublin (Evening Departure/Overnight)
Discover cobbled streets, classic pubs, medieval castles and cathedrals. Dublin has it all, and we’re making a beeline for it. The morning is yours to shape with your choice of sightseeing.
Freedom of Choice:
You might like to visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse which has been brewing Guinness since 1759. Or, join a sightseeing tour across the city. Perhaps your interest lies in ancient castles, in which case you may like to visit Malahide Castle and Gardens. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 12th century. Alternatively, tour Trinity College and see the ninth-century Book of Kells in the Old Library.

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Day 6 Isle of Man
Arrive on the Isle of Man. Travel to Tynwald Hill in the little village of St John’s, and onwards to the west coast town of Peel. Discover castle ruins while exploring on your own. This afternoon, perhaps enjoy time to explore Douglas. Or, take the electric mountain railway to Snaefell, the highest point on the island. On a clear day, you might see the coastlines of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

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Day 7 Belfast
Northern Ireland calls. In Belfast, step back in time with a visit to the Titanic Museum, to learn the story of this famous ship’s creation in the early 1900s. The afternoon presents the freedom to spend it how you wish.
Freedom of Choice:
Perhaps discover Belfast’s history through a guided Black Cab tour of its many sites. Or, visit St George’s Market, which has been running since 1604. Sample fresh produce, talk to the friendly vendors, listen to live music and browse the unique souvenirs.

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Day 8 Londonderry (Evening Departure/Overnight)
Officially named Londonderry, coined by locals as Derry, we berth here this morning. See the famous walls which wrap around the city. These are the only ones in Ireland which still remain intact. Head out to the Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage-listed natural wonder. Over 40,000 basalt columns create rugged stepping stones into the Atlantic Sea. You are then free to craft your own afternoon with your choice of sightseeing.
Freedom of Choice:
You may like to learn the history and artistry behind concocting the perfect Irish coffee with a connoisseur. Or, simply take time to explore Derry independently.

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Day 9 Iona, Staffa & Lunga (Evening Departure/Overnight)
Our adventure brings us to the Isle of Iona, off the western coast of Scotland. More than 40 Scottish kings, as well as kings from around the world, are buried here amid the island’s tranquillity and natural beauty. With time to explore, you might like to visit Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centres in western Europe. Or take things slow and go for a wander along the beach. It’s back on board and onwards to the striking Isle of Staffa. Here, you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. Your final stop today is Lunga, home to grey seals, razorbills, kittiwakes and puffins.
Freedom of Choice:
Weather permitting, hop into a Zodiac for a closer inspection of the famous Fingal’s Cave. See the curious hexagonal rock formations of the cave which open up to a 70-metre tall cavern.

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Day 10 Oban, Disembark Ship, Depart Edinburgh
Your ship draws closer to the horseshoe bay of Oban, where you will disembark after breakfast. We transfer you to Edinburgh airport for your onward flight.

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