Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Cruise Day 1

London (Southampton), United Kingdom

Boarding time 1pm; Departure 6pm.

Day 2

Cruise Day 2

At sea.

Day 3

Cruise Day 3

Edinburgh (Newhaven), United Kingdom

7am – 6pm

Savor the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached.

Day 4

Cruise Day 4

Invergordon, United Kingdom

(8am – 9pm)

Known as “Inverbreakie” until the early 18th century, Invergordon has long been recognized for its rich naval history and jewel of a harbor in the northern Highlands. Invergordon perches on the northern bank of the Cromarty Firth, a lengthy estuary that provides welcome sanctuary for a multitude of water birds and one of only two species of resident bottlenose dolphin in the British Isles. Venture into the Highlands, where the local clan castles perch on craggy hills and on the shores of lochs and firths. And there’s always the chance to see the mysterious Loch Ness Monster.

Day 5

Cruise Day 5

Lerwick (Shetland Islands), United Kingdom

(9am – 6pm)

Enjoy a taste of the Highlands here in the rugged landscape and heathered moors, the ruined castles, steep cliffs and sea air. Drive through beautiful valleys and flower-filled meadows with romping Shetland ponies to quaint villages like Scalloway with its ruined castle, or explore the fascinating Jarlshof prehistoric site, occupied for more than 4,000 years.

Day 6

Cruise Day 6

Stornoway (Hebrides), United Kingdom

(8am – 4pm)

The unspoiled Outer Hebrides is a world of its own, separated from mainland Scotland by more than water. The language is Gaelic, the attitude heavily self-sufficient and the wildlife uncommon. The capital of the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is tucked into a beautiful natural harbor on Lewis Island, which the Vikings repeatedly invaded. While renowned as a center for Harris Tweed, Stornoway is also home to the Neo-Gothic Lews Castle, the An Lanntair arts center and a multitude of northern birds such as the Arctic skua, golden eagle and corncrake.

Day 7

Cruise Day 7

Glasgow (Greenock), United Kingdom

(10am – 8pm)

Offering some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK, Glasgow is a major center of commerce and culture. Glasgow Cathedral is one of the only cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the Reformation in tact and houses a celebrated collection of stained glass windows. The Burrell Collection showcases a range of work by major artists such as Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as examples of late medieval, Chinese and Islamic art. When exploring Scotland’s culinary culture, be sure to taste some of the famed single malt whiskies.

Day 8

Cruise Day 8

Dublin (Dún Laoghaire), Ireland

(8am – 8pm)

Considering it’s the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest literary figures – Beckett, Joyce, Shaw, Wilde, Yeats – you can’t help but wonder what it is about Dublin that so inspires. Exploring the city, you find answers. It’s the strong sense of community embodied in its pub culture, in the stunning churches seemingly on every corner, and in the sprawling parks where residents gather to commune with nature. It’s also the history preserved in the ancient books of Trinity College’s Old Library and in the story of Guinness and his iconic beer. Meanwhile, the charming seaside town of Dún Laoghaire possesses its own sense of timeless appeal, from the James Joyce Tower and Museum to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland.

Day 9

Cruise Day 9

Belfast, Ireland

(7am – 6pm)

Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants’ Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.

Day 10

Cruise Day 10

Waterford, Ireland

(8am – 6pm)

Stroll through this 1,100-year-old Viking town and admire Rodney’s Tower, still in use, and see the exquisite treasures in the museum. Visit the Waterford Crystal Visitors’ Centre, where you can see how the artisans cut their famous designs. Or enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside as you pass majestic abbey ruins, stroll through quaint villages and see remnants of Viking heritage.

Day 11

Cruise Day 11

Fowey, United Kingdom

(8am – 5pm)

With a rich seafaring history dating back to the 14th Century, Fowey (pronounced Foy) in Cornwall is still one of England’s busiest ports. The circular Hall Walk is quite popular and follows the banks of the estuary. In town stroll the Esplanade, visit St. Fimbarrus Church, and admire the view from St. Catherine’s Castle, which was built during the reign of Henry VIII to protect the harbor. Blockhouses from the late 1300s stand on either side of the harbor, from which a chain was once hung to prevent undesirable ships from entering.

Day 12

Cruise Day 12

London (Southampton), United Kingdom

(Disembark 8am)

Hotel Information

Oceania Vista

Ship website