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Cruising the British Isles: Scotland, Ireland & England - Le Dumont d’Urville
Natural and human history will come alive as you explore windswept vistas and tiny villages with this award-winning luxury operator's high-energy expedition staff.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
148
PASSENGERS
14
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
British Isles: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Le Dumont d’Urville
Voyage beyond mainland Scotland, Ireland and England for a completely unique experience exploring ravishing coastlines, natural landscapes and historic treasures. Joined by this operator's famed Expedition Team, discover the velvet-green Orkney archipelago, wild Hebrides, UNESCO-designated St. Kilda and ravishing cliffs of Donegal and Moher. Visit Urquhart Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the thrilling Ring of Brogdar in the Orkney Islands, and dizzying Skellig Michael, and Sligo in Ireland, hometown of poet William Butler Yeats. Guests also enjoy luxury pre- and post-cruise stays with one night in Edinburgh and two nights in London.
- • Go behind the scenes via this operator's special insider access.
• Savor culinary excursions, like guided whisky tasting at the legendary Glenmorangie distillery in the Scottish Highlands and lunch with a former executive chef to the Royal family in London.
• Before and after your cruise, experience a night in Edinburgh with a dinner celebrating the Royal Military Tattoo as well as two days in London, each complete with luxury hotel stays and guided excursions.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Book early and save $2,000 per person on all categories! (Rates below reflect special)
Rates:
From$19,495 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Sept 10-23, 2024
Ask us for later dates
September
Hover here for exact dates
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Conservation
Supports habitat conservation efforts across the globe
Local Community
Funds healthcare projects in local communities
Education
Provides schooling opportunities for local children
Itinerary
Day 1 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to your luxury hotel. This evening, join fellow guests and your Expedition Team for a welcome briefing and themed dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: The Balmoral
Day 2 - Exciting Capital City
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. This afternoon, board Le Dumont d'Urville.
Day 3 - Invergordon | Majestic Scottish Highlands
The northern part of Scotland is legendary for its dramatic, windswept mountains, wooded hills and historic significance. Today, explore the magnificent Highlands, choosing from experiences that include an expertly guided visit of the Scottish Highlands capital of Inverness, a private cruise on mythic Loch Ness and exploration of Urquhart Castle, a moving experience at the site of the epic Battle of Culloden, or a visit and whisky tasting at Glenmorangie Distillery.
Day 4 - Orkney Islands | Kirkwall & the Ring of Brodgar
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.
Day 5 - Outer Hebrides | Prehistoric Western Isles
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.
Day 6 - Outer Hebrides | Sea Stacks of St. Kilda
For more than 2,000 years and until 1930, the St. Kilda islands were inhabited by an isolated community. Today, the preserved settlement reveals "cleits", beehive-shaped cells of rough stone that served as larders and storerooms. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated for both its natural and cultural significance. Admire the staggering cliffs and sea stacks that define the islands. Visit Hirta, the largest island with the highest cliffs in all of Britain. Among the most important seabird breeding colonies in Northwest Europe, the cliffs provide refuge for more than 200 species, including fulmars and shags.
Day 7 - Inner Hebrides | Green Jewels of Staffa & Iona
The approach to Staffa by sea is breathtaking, with great basalt columns flanking the deep caves of the island. Keep an eye out for dolphins, basking sharks and minke whales, which can been seen during the warmer months. Excursions ashore lead you to the wonders of Fingal, a sea cave formed by hexagonally jointed basalt. Continue cruising to the tranquil island of Iona, where you discover Iona Abbey, an ancient center of Gaelic monasticism.
Day 8 - Donegal, Ireland | Unspoiled Coast
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.”
Day 9 - Galway | Traditional City & Cliffs of Moher
Today, arrive in Galway, a lively cultural enclave renowned for its vibrant lanes, colorful 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.
Day 10 - At Sea | Across the Celtic Sea
Relish a day at sea, taking in the views from the outer decks or from your own private balcony. Enjoy relaxed time with new friends and your Expedition Team, including additional lectures and conversations to enrich your discoveries.
Day 11- Plymouth, England
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 savor tea and cake at Cornwall’s Mount Edgcumbe House, former seat of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe.
Day 12 - London | Storied Legacies Revealed
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.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel London
Day 13 - London | Iconic Landmarks
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.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel London
Day 14 - Depart London
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on a group extension to the Cotswolds.
Please Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond this operator's control at the sole discretion of the Captain.
Minimum age is 7 years.
Categories 4-8 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.
First group event: welcome briefing on Sept 10.
Last group event: excursions on Sep 22.
Offer Details: Special offer rates quoted subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.
Le Dumont d’Urville
Le Dumont d’Urville successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship. To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with all of her sister ships. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
• Capacity: 148 guests (Ship carries 184)
• Cabins: 92 cabins
• Specialists: Highly Credentialed Naturalists & Experts, 1.1.3 Guest to Staff Ratio
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travel Weekly's "Best Tour Operator - Luxury" (17 Years)
Afar Magazine's "Best Cultural Trips" 2020
Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury" 2020
"Le Dumont d’Urville is one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea, and when operated by this world-class company, her voyages come alive with expert guiding and off-the-beaten-path itineraries. If you're looking for a way to see the world in comfort and style with expert service, enthusiastic staff, and a fantastic education program, we heartily recommend this lovely ship."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
Questions?
The only way to fully experience these remote reaches of the UK is by ship. If you love breathtaking landscapes and the guidance of high-level experts, this trip is for you.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel/ship in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure (on Expedition Cruises, transfers may be shared and included on start and end dates only); services of Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners and with all lunches and dinners on Connections European River Cruise Journeys; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides.
Luxury Expedition Cruises Additional Inclusions:
Complimentary select bar drinks, beer, house wine, soft drinks, coffee drinks, juices and bottled water (excluding premium wines, spirits and
Champagnes) while on board; complimentary local beer and wine for included meals on shore; complimentary room service on board; all shore excursions and lecture program while on board; Traveler’s Valet laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during cruise only (dry cleaning excluded); services of an Expedition Staff and local guides; gratuities for the ship’s crew and Expedition Staff and Pre- and Post-Tour guides; a complimentary expedition parka and backpack and use of waterproof boots, pants and trekking poles provided on board for all polar cruises.
