Ireland & Scotland: Saints, Saviours and Secrets

Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative,followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team whowill provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Dublin. Youwill also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number onthe ship.This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our ‘day out in Dublin’ tomorrow. Our group hotel has a popularrestaurant and is close to plenty of corner pubs and cosy restaurants should you wish to ‘share a jar’ or try somelocal cuisine.Accommodation: Dublin Hotel

Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long "Celtic Tiger" boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe's most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you're out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you'll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a "center of paralysis" where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city's provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his "Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills"?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city's erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland's capital, it's packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of "Dublin: The Sequel," and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It's expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar.

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city brimming with energy and resilience. Once under British rule, Dublinhas emerged with a distinct sense of identity, leading Ireland as a proud member of the European Union andreflecting its evolving role in modern Europe. The city has been home to some of the world’s most influential literaryfigures, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. Iconic landmarks such as TrinityCollege, home to the esteemed Book of Kells, highlight its storied past, while the city also serves as a hub of artisticand cultural expression, with global musicians like U2, whose impact resonates from their Dublin roots, havinginvigorated its creative scene. Dublin’s vibrant pub culture offers a lively social fabric, where traditional andcontemporary influences merge to create a city to explore both day and night.Choose your favourite ‘Your Choice’ experience this morning to meet Dublin’s saints, spirits and saviours. Thisafternoon you will be able to explore Dublin independently, before joining us for a celebration of all things Irish aswe kick up our heels at an authentic Irish dancing evening.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: Dublin Walking TourThe size of Dublin makes it an ideal one for a leisurely walking tour. This morning, our local guides entertain us withtales of the city’s character-filled history. We will hear stories of Ireland’s emotional past through the eyes of itsmany artists, manic lord mayors and rebellious citizens whilst following the park-side alleys of Dublin’s ‘backyard’, StStephen’s Green, to the grand Georgian buildings of Ireland’s first university, Trinity College. Founded by QueenElizabeth I, the grounds of the college offer 40 acres of academic seclusion from the hustle and bustle of downtownDublin. Our path slows to hear quotes from Dublin’s most flamboyant son, Oscar Wilde, passing the historicHuguenot cemetery enroute to our hotel.Option 2 – Morning experience: The Dead Centre of DublinJoin a locally guided tour of Glasnevin Cemetery, where the stories of 1.6 million souls are meticulously preserved.This historical Victorian cemetery, adorned with statues of shamrocks, high crosses, and harps, offers a window intoIreland’s rich past and psyche. Discover the final resting places of notable figures such as Michael Collins, a leader inthe struggle for Irish independence, and Éamon de Valera, a key political figure and former president of Ireland. Youmay also visit the graves of Brendan Behan, the influential playwright, and Thomas Kinsella, a celebrated poet. Lookout for final resting places of Countess Markievicz, a revolutionary and the first woman elected to the BritishParliament, and Daniel O’Connell, the great emancipator. Glasnevin is a testament to Ireland’s deep-rooted belief inspirits and saints, reflecting the nation’s spiritual heritage. Each monument and grave not only tells the story of itsoccupant, but also offers insights into the Irish psyche, where reverence for historical figures and a connection to thespiritual world are intertwined.Option 3 – Morning experience: The Lock Up – Kilmainham GaolYour morning begins with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol, a historical prison in Dublin now serving as a museum. One ofthe largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, Kilmainham opened in 1796 and closed as a prison in 1924. It played a crucialrole in Ireland’s struggle for independence, housing leaders from numerous rebellions, as well as prominent figuresfrom the Irish War of Independence.The gaol’s history is marked by harsh conditions and notable executions. Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, includingJames Connolly and Patrick Pearse, were executed here, symbolising the dire costs of Ireland’s fight for freedom. Theprison also housed many political prisoners under severe conditions, highlighting the brutal treatment they endured.The guided tour provides a detailed look into the prison’s dark past, including its role in shaping Ireland’s path toindependence. You’ll see the stark cells and hear poignant stories of sacrifice and struggle, offering a profoundinsight into the nation’s history and the personal stories of those who fought for its freedom.Accommodation: Dublin HotelMeals: Breakfast, Welcome Event dinner

Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long "Celtic Tiger" boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe's most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you're out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you'll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a "center of paralysis" where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city's provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his "Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills"?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city's erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland's capital, it's packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of "Dublin: The Sequel," and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It's expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar.

Today, we journey north to Belfast, with a significant stop in County Down to pay homage to Ireland’s most iconicpatron, St Patrick. Originally hailing from Wales, St Patrick was a teenager when he was captured and brought toIreland as a slave. Known as the ‘Apostle of Ireland’, he is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is acentral figure in Irish heritage. Our journey includes a brief stop at the site reputed to be St Patrick’s final restingplace. Here, alongside the remains of two other revered saints, St Brigid and St Columba, we pause to reflect on theirenduring legacies. This sacred site not only honours the memory of St Patrick, but also celebrates the profoundspiritual heritage that he, along with St Brigid and St Columba, bestowed upon Ireland.It is fair to say Belfast has had its share of turbulent times. Famines, disease, invasions and recessions paint a pictureof a tough town, but it is in the city’s more recent times, known aptly as ‘The Troubles’, which tarred it with thebrush of division. Images of barbed wire, armed soldiers and constant searches for bombs kept tourists away. Today,thanks to open political dialogue and foreign investment, Belfast has a new air about it. It appears lighter somehow,as if a heavy burden has been lifted from its shoulders.Our day in Belfast is filled with stories of the workers who toiled for 14 hours a day to build the world’s mostglamorous ship, the Titanic, the employment it created, and the race to finish her. Had they taken their time, wouldthings have been different for the Titanic? Located on the site where the ship was built, the dockyard’s TitanicExperience may answer a few of our questions. From the dockyards, our tour skips ahead to the days of ‘TheTroubles’ as we are guided through Unionist and Nationalist neighbourhoods. The occasional security gate is areminder that the island is still contested, but nowadays the city is split into seven virtual quarters, or cultural zones;Cathedral Quarter, Titanic Quarter, the Gaeltacht Quarter, Smithfield Market and Library Quarter, Linen Quarter,Market Quarter and Queen's Quarter. rather than walled ones. We take a peek at Belfast’s ‘quarters’ before weboard the Douglas Mawson.Once on board, we meet our team and crew and enjoy a Welcome Dinner as we set sail west along NorthernIreland’s rugged coastline.Meal: Breakfast, Dinner on board

Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste ("sandbank ford") belonging to Ulster's ancient O'Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast's growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname "Titanic Town." Having laid the foundation stone of the city's university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen's College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about "the Troubles." Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland's capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast's city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it's about an hour's leisurely walk.

Our overnight sailing takes us to Northern Ireland, and the fascinating city of Londonderry. Simply known as Derry tothe Nationalist (Catholic) population but still referred to as Londonderry by the Unionist (Protestant) population, this‘border’ town has seen it all. The sectarian ‘Troubles’ of this predominantly Nationalist city may have blemished itsreputation, but in recent years these tensions have eased, and although some suburbs retain their sense of division,strolling the streets is safe and the general population are happy to share stories of their stormy past and ambitiousfuture. We come alongside on the river Foyle, the now open, natural border between the United Kingdom and theRepublic of Ireland.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Half-day experience: Derry – Past, Present, FutureOur local guides interpret the story of Londonderry in this excursion, which is a combination of a walking and coachtour. Having lived through the tumultuous times of ‘The Troubles’ as the locals refer to it, their first-handexperiences immerse us in the era when a word to the wrong person, a stroll on the wrong side of the street, or amisplaced glance, could cost you your life. In recent years, the artists and youth of Londonderry have paintedemotive murals on walls around the city. We pass several of these as our guides explain the city’s tumultuous past.Several monuments in the Bogside neighbourhood shed even more light on key events, such as the hunger strikesthat marred the city.Option 2 – Full-day experience: Dunluce Castle, Giant’s CausewayNorthern Ireland is blessed with impressive natural scenery: vast valleys, glittering lakes and cliffs hoisted up fromthe Atlantic. We visit its most famous natural attraction, the Giant’s Causeway. Listed as a UNESCO World HeritageSite, the Giant’s Causeway consists of some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns lifted from the ocean by volcanicactivity over 60 million years ago. Of course, according to legend, giants strode across columns over the sea fromScotland, creating what looks like a giant pathway of stepping-stones that start on land and disappear into theocean. After lunch at a local restaurant, we follow the Scenic Causeway Road to Dunluce Castle. Once theheadquarters of the MacDonnell clan, the castle fell victim to a violent storm and was abandoned. Its ruins andspectacular backdrop have been popular recently, after it was used as the Castle of Pyke in the famous series Gameof Thrones. Returning to Londonderry, we enjoy a short driving tour before returning to the ship.

Nestled behind lofty city walls, Londonderry is a destination of culture, which boasts an increasingly envied reputation. This Northern Irish city is still riding on the momentum of a fantastic 2013, when it was named as UK City of Culture, and singled out as one of Lonely Planet's top 5 destinations to visit. The wonderfully preserved city walls are perhaps Londonderry's most treasured charm, and they encircle 1,450 years of history, and are over 400 years old. The walls came to the fore of the city's history during the Siege of Derry, back in 1688 - when King James's forces attacked, causing mass starvation and suffering over 105 days of stalemate. It takes approximately an hour to wander the entire circuit of the walls, and see their seven gates, and you’ll absorb a feast of information along the way. View the mighty cannons that boomed during the siege, or stop into one of the plentiful cafes, should you need a little refreshment before continuing your journey. St. Columb’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1633, towers over the walled city, and is one of the city's most significant historic sites. Its dreamy spire contains a set of bells that have peeled out melodies here since 1638, making them Ireland's oldest.

The fishing village of Killybegs is the gateway to the rugged beauty of Slieve League Cliffs and the dramatic backdropof Ireland’s own Table Mountain, Ben Bulben. Jutting out of Sligo’s northern edge, the peninsula of Mullaghmorepokes into the North Atlantic. Land and sea meet in confluence along the coast of County Sligo, a landscape ofjagged mountain peaks that inspired the work of Nobel-winning poet William Butler Yeats.We’ll start the morning in Killybegs, where you can either explore the dramatic cliffs and enjoy the scenic cliffsidewalk or delve into sustainable whiskey production at the family-owned Adara Distillery. After returning to the shipfor lunch, we’ll set sail south along the rugged coastline, heading towards the picturesque natural bay of Galway.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Afternoon experience: Slieve League CliffsSlieve League is Ireland’s ultimate sea cliff experience and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Believed to beEurope’s highest accessible sea cliffs, they rise 600 metres from the ocean below. The lookouts here offer unspoiledviews of the Atlantic as it slams the coastline of Donegal. Slieve League boasts a raw landscape and challenginglifestyle for those who call County Sligo home. We meet some of these stoic characters at the Tí Linn café and craftshop for a hot drink and scones. The Slieve League Cliffs Centre supports local artisans by selling their handmadespecialties including items from the Donegal Tweed company and Triona, a company located only a few kilometresaway at Adara.Option 2 – Afternoon experience: Adara and the Adara Whiskey DistilleryFor those who would prefer to hear about the most popular ‘spirits’ of the region, we visit the friendly folk of Adara.One of the five designated heritage towns in County Donegal, Adara has built itself a reputation as a village ofcraftsmen and women. The movement towards uniquely Irish goods is a growth market for the villages scatteredthroughout Ireland’s isolated peninsulas. It provides work for young people and whole families are typically involvedin the production. As home to the popular Triona Design, visitors enjoy weaving demonstrations based on traditionalmethods. Steeped in tradition the Adara Distillery operations produce An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin and Sliabh LiagWhiskeys. Established by two ‘scatterlings’, James and Moira Doherty, who returned to the Sliabh Liag peninsula tobuild a legacy, the distillery employs 30 people in the village of 700. We tour the distillery to appreciate asustainable, boutique side of Irish whiskey making. One inspired by the almost lost tradition for a smoky style ofspirit, brought up to date with the best distillation know-how. We will learn about the history of Donegal’s distillingheritage and see skilled workers breathing new life into it. All tied together by a tasting of this unique brew.

Killybegs The days start early in Killybegs, as this quiet fishing town rumbles to life, and ships with red and blue paint peeling from their hulls quietly depart, ready for a morning's hard work at sea. Located in a scenic part of County Donegal, Killybegs is Ireland's fishing capital, and the salty breeze and pretty streets serve as a revitalising medicine for visitors. The town is also your gateway to some of the country's most majestic coastal scenery, which is dotted with flashing white lighthouses, keeping watch over invigorating seascapes. Killybegs enjoys a privileged position on the coast of north west of Ireland, close to the spectacular Slieve League - a titanic mountain, which explodes upwards from frothing ocean. Walk as close as you dare to the coastline’s sheer drops, or admire the folding cliffs from the best vantage point, down on the water.

Arriving at Galway, we anchor in its natural bay and tender ashore. This popular west coast seaside town of Galwayattracts a steady flow of local visitors. The Irish come here to walk its mile-long promenade and as tradition dictates,kick the walls end for good luck, enjoy fish and chips straight from the newspaper and, of course, ‘go on the gargle’in its cosy pubs.Join one of our morning, or full day experiences, to hear stories varying from poverty to excess, fame and fortune tofamine and despair, before we set sail for a sunset over the Cliffs of Moher.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: Dunguaire CastleLaundered as Ireland’s ‘most photographed castle’ Dunguaire Castle sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of GalwayBay. Built by the dubious O’Hynes clan in the 16th century, this tower-households many secrets. Famed in song andstory even to this day, Dunguaire flaunted its heyday in the 1920’s when it was bought and renovated by Oliver StJohn Gogarty, the famous surgeon and literary figure. Under his patronage a great Celtic revival in Irish literatureencouraged literary revivalists such as W.B. Yeats, his patron Lady Gregory, George Bernard Shaw, Edward Martin,and J.M. Synge. Yeats believed strongly in the Celtic tradition and set about reviving the ancient oral customsincorporating them into his plays and poetry. Thirty years later Dunguaire found a new owner. Originally a Londonfashion house socialite Christobel Lady Ampthill escaped her scandalous past when she fled to Dunguaire – a storyunto itself. A visit to Dunguaire Castle offers a morning full of tales of eccentricity. On return to Galway, we enjoy ashort orientation tour. Explorers wishing to stay on in Galway can experience this popular town independently, withtender shuttles to the ship available at Galway pier.Option 2 – Full-day experience: Galway and the Poor Souls of ‘The Workhouse’We join a guided exploration of Galway upon our arrival mid-morning. Galway City is rich in culture, art, and history,and has many boutique shops offering the best of Irish crafts, literary works, and artwork. Home to two of theleading colleges in Ireland, Galway has a vibrant culture and is a town for walking. We view The Spanish Arch, that,being Irish, has no connection to Spain whatsoever, before boarding our coach for an hour or so drive through theopen countryside of County Galway, where we find a testament to Ireland’s dark days.Wracked with poverty and famines, Ireland struggled throughout the 17th – 19th centuries. Many Irish emigrated,but those who could not were often forced to enter institutions simply known as ‘The Workhouse’. As the namesuggests, inmates were made to work long hours for meagre food and lodgings in terrible conditions. One of thecruellest aspects of the workhouse was that it split families, segregating them into separate living areas of women,men, girls and boys. Often family members would never see each other again. We visit a new museum, located in aformer workhouse, which aims to show the plight of those who made the ultimate decision in hopes they, and theirfamilies, would survive. The museum displays artefacts that are relevant to workhouse life, some of which are theonly remaining link to the people who once lived there. After our visit we return to Galway and tender to the ship.Option 3 – Full-day experience: Kylemore AbbeyIn the heart of Connemara, within the Archdiocese of Tuam, stands a beacon of spiritual devotion and monastic life:Kylemore Abbey. Since arriving on 4 December 1920, the Benedictine nuns at Kylemore have been committed to theGospel of Jesus, following the Rule of St Benedict. Their lives are dedicated to prayer, work and community,anchoring them in the spiritual, social, educational and cultural fabric of Connemara and Ireland.Our drive to the abbey takes us via Oughterard and Maam Cross, through the rugged and breathtaking landscape ofConnemara. Nestled at the base of Doughruagh Mountain on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, this iconicstructure is regarded as one of Ireland’s most romantic buildings. The Visitor Experience at Kylemore Abbey bringsits rich history to life through historical photographs, audio-visual presentations, displays of artefacts from theKylemore archive, historical costumes, and beautifully restored period rooms. Visitors can also explore the Victorianwalled garden, a testament to the nuns’ meticulous dedication to maintaining the abbey’s original gardens. A visit tothe abbey is a mainstay of travel in Connemara and one that will remain with you long after you return home.Departing Galway, we sail past the fabled Cliffs of Moher. Towering over the West Clare coast, the Cliffs of Moherare best seen in the early morning from the sea. Visually spectacular, they sit astride the striking landscape of theBurren on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. At a height of over 200 metres at O’Brien’s Tower, andfollowing the coast for almost 13 kilometres, these ancient cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago, and todayform part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Dusk captures us as we sail south towards theDingle Peninsula.

Galway is a city in the West of Ireland in the province of Connacht. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay and is surrounded by County Galway. It is the fourth most populous urban area in the Republic of Ireland and the sixth most populous city in the island of Ireland. It is both a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture and a fascinating mixture of locally owned speciality shops, often featuring locally made crafts. Indeed local handcrafts are a feature of the entire region including hand knits, pottery, glass, jewellery and woodwork. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops, and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music. Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retains portions of the medieval city walls. The city bears the nickname "The City of the Tribes" because "fourteen tribes" of merchant families led the city in its Hiberno-Norman period. The merchants would have seen themselves as Irish gentry and loyal to the King. They later adopted the term as a badge of honour and pride in defiance of the town's Cromwellian occupier.

Once described by National Geographic Traveller as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’, Dingle is away from thegeneral ‘tourist route’, affording us exclusive access to the wild west coast. Traditionally a fishing port, DingleHarbour is where we anchor and tender into town. Known for its rugged scenery, dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches,the surrounding promontory is the coastal heart of County Kerry, while Dingle itself has a bohemian flair and isfamous for its hardware pubs where you can enjoy a brew and buy wares. We enjoy lunch onboard before tenderingashore to experience a slice of Ireland’s rural lifestyle, while viewing the wild side of the country and the Irish whocall County Kerry home.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: The Saintly Sites of the Dingle PeninsulaJourney today to the Dingle Peninsula, the northernmost of the five fingers projecting into the Atlantic Ocean. Thisarea is steeped in Christian heritage, with numerous sites dedicated to Saint Brendan the Navigator, who was bornnearby in Tralee in c. 484. Saint Brendan is celebrated for his legendary sea voyages and is a significant figure in Irishspirituality.Our journey takes us along the scenic coast road, past Inch to Slea Head, the most westerly point in Europe. Wefollow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims and visit the 12th-century church at Kilmalkedar, a traditional assemblysite for those who journeyed along Saint Brendan’s Road northeast to Mount Brandon.We also visit the renowned Gallarus Oratory, the most impressive early Christian monument on the Dingle Peninsula.This oratory, built in the shape of an upturned boat, has withstood the test of time for over 1200 years. It was part ofa larger monastic site and served as a place of prayer and reflection. The Irish cherish visiting these saintly sites,finding solace and inspiration in their deep spiritual and historical significance.Option 2 – Morning experience: Life on the Land – Past and PresentWe hear tales of ‘life on the land’ this afternoon as we visit ‘famine cottages’ and meet the shepherds and the sheepdogs of the Dingle Peninsula. Our scenic drive follows a route along the dramatic cliffs of the promontory, beforeheading inland to the farmlands of Dingle.This land is sheep country. Generations of farmers have survived here through wild weather, outbreaks of diseaseand, of course, famine. The Kavanagh family is one of them. In the 19th century, the densely populated, westerncounties of Ireland were poverty stricken. The people in these areas were hugely dependent on the potato crop, andwhen the potato blight arrived in the 1840s, West Kerry experienced severe hardship. Neglected by the rulingclasses, people endured horrific conditions, forcing many to emigrate, while those who remained, starved. We heartales of extreme poverty and struggles for survival as we visit the family’s 19th-century cottages, which remain asthey were during the great famine.The story of this land continues in a lighter vein as we enjoy a sheepdog demonstration. The shepherds’ ‘bestfriends’ take instructions in native Irish as they show off their skills and win our hearts with their cunning ability toherd even the most determined of sheep. Off the coast we see the deserted Blasket Islands: an unenviable place tolive. The islands were evacuated in 1953 due to a dwindling, ageing population, but the islanders’ stories live on,thanks to the Blasket Centre. This interactive museum tells tales of the islanders who survived in often unliveableconditions. We hear their stories, learn some ‘real Irish’ and marvel at their tenacity, before returning to the ship.Option 3 – Full-day experience: Dingle Peninsula and TraleeAs the Atlantic carves the coast, we watch its waves from our clifftop drive to Slea Head. Our route weaves andtwists as we follow the peninsula, with stops to take in its dramatic scenery as the road narrows, and we literallydrive to the edge of the ocean. An unforgiving land, this peninsula attracted medieval monks, who lived in beehive-shaped, stone clocháns, which we visit at the Fahan Beehive. On the horizon we see the deserted Blasket Islands; anunenviable place to live. The islands were evacuated in 1953 due to a dwindling, ageing population, but theislanders’ stories live on, thanks to the Blasket Centre. This interactive museum tells tales of the islanders whosurvived in often unliveable conditions. We hear their stories, learn some ‘real Irish’ and marvel at their tenacity,before heading onto the famed town of Tralee for a stroll of its quaint streets.We sail late afternoon, to bask in the last rays of sunlight as we slow to pass the Skellig Islands. Off the coast ofCounty Kerry, two rocky pinnacles rise from the Atlantic Ocean. The Skellig Islands are world-renowned for theirornithological and archaeological significance. Skellig Michael is the site of a well-preserved monastic outpost of theEarly Christian period and is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Little Skellig is equally renowned inmatters of ornithology. As the home of 27,000 pairs of gannets, it is the second largest colony of such seabirds in theworld.Some 1,400 years ago a congregation of monks were searching for a place to practice their religion in completesolitude and isolation. Determined to build a monastery on these remote islands, generation after generation ofmonks hand-carved 600 stone steps with the simplest tools to build a hilltop monastery 180 metres above thepounding waves. The survival of the terraces, oratories and six corbel stone beehive huts are to this day a testamentto their skill and dedication. The archaeological remains show the dramatically spartan conditions in which themonks lived; however, after enduring several Viking raids, the monks eventually left the island in the 13th century.The site has subsequently become a place of Christian pilgrimage.Note: The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages the Skelligs, and they no longer allow cruise ship passengers to landon Skellig Michael. Visitor numbers to Skellig Michael in recent years have reached the maximum permitted byUNESCO and any violation of UNESCO criteria will affect the future UNESCO status of the island. From the elevatedheight of our vessel, we will enjoy a cruise of the islands.

We arrive at Bantry Bay and tender to shore. The harbourside town of Bantry is the gateway to the touring routeknown as the Wild Atlantic Way. It is easy to see why Ireland’s colour of choice for everything is green, from itsnational sporting uniforms to its flag, as we drive the famed Ring of Kerry, tread the trails of Whiddy Island orexplore Bantry, surrounded by the lush grass-covered hills and dales of the Emerald Isle. For those choosing amorning excursion, Bantry itself is small enough for a comfortable stroll in the afternoon, with shops, cafes and, ofcourse, plenty of pubs.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: Meet the Mayor of Whiddy IslandA 15-minute ferry crossing takes us to one of Ireland’s 80 islands – Whiddy Island, with a population of 30. A formerWorld War I US Navy seaplane base known as Bantry Bay Station, Whiddy Island offers an insight into ‘island life inIreland’. At just 5.5 x 1.6 kilometres in size, it is an island that is ideal for walking. It is famous for its red and purplehue provided in summer by an extensive planting of fuchsias and birdlife, as Whiddy is also home to kingfishers, littleegrets and shags. But it is the story of its people that we have come to hear about, and we could not ask for a morelocal guide to show us around. He is the local publican, local postal worker, and he is locally known as the King ofWhiddy Island. We learn about traditional baking and mussel farming and, of course, we wash it down at his pubwith a local brew.Option 2 – Morning experience: The Beara PeninsulaThe Ring of Beara, located on Bantry’s neighbour, the Beara Peninsula, is one of the region’s top three scenic drives,known for its rugged and less touristy charm. This 128-kilometre route, including the renowned Beara Way, offers ajourney through some of Ireland’s most striking landscapes. We encounter a dramatic coastline where the AtlanticOcean crashes against steep cliffs, creating breathtaking views. The route is flanked by sharp-featured mountainsand intricate rock formations, with exposed and contorted strata presenting a geologist’s dream. Scenic detours leadto hidden gems such as ancient stone circles, secluded beaches, and picturesque villages like Eyeries, known for itsbrightly painted houses. Time permitting, we visit the quaint village of Allihies, famous for its copper-mining history,offering stunning vistas of Beara’s lakes and valleys. With its wild beauty and diverse scenery, the Ring of Bearapromises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a turly authentic and rugged Irish experience.Option 3: Full-day experience: Ring of KerryNo, this is not a real ring, although its presence is gold for the local economy, as a day spent driving the Ring of Kerryis the touchstone against which all other beauty spots in Ireland are measured. The Iveragh Peninsula is a magicalplace full of myths and legends. This landscape of sandstone hills, wooded valleys and pristine lakes has inspiredpoets and authors to pen many a lament. A photographer’s dream, the region is dotted with quaint towns andvillages. Its lands have been carved into a series of mountain passes that whisper their story as we follow the trail ofthe Ring of Kerry.

Our shore excursions offer you the opportunity to ‘get the gift of the gab’ or follow those Irish who left theirhomeland for foreign shores. On return to the Douglas Mawson enjoy lunch, while this afternoon we are in for a trueIrish treat, when we discover the heart and soul of Irish whiskey with a private onboard tasting. A local expertexpounds their passion behind every drop as we immerse ourselves in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, andunforgettable stories all pertaining to this amber treasure.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: The Queenstown storyA half-hour drive brings us to Cork’s second port at Cobh. We join a tailormade guided walking tour tracing the storyof Irish emigration, with a self-guided audio tour of ‘The Queenstown Story’ at the Cobh Heritage Centre. Seeking abetter life, or simply hoping to survive starvation, hundreds of thousands boarded vessels bound for foreign lands atCobh including Annie Moore, a teenager who was the first immigrant to be processed at the newly opened EllisIsland in New York City. Sadly, in 1912, Cobh, known as Queenstown at that time, also boarded passengers on the ill-fated Titanic.This port town, a crucial departure point for over 3 million Irish people, tells the poignant story of their quest for abetter life. The ‘Queenstown Story’ traces Irish emigration since the 1600s, including the transportation of convictsto Australia and the impact of disasters like the Titanic and the Lusitania. The exhibition, housed in Cobh’s restoredVictorian railway station, features personal tales, such as Jeremiah Burke’s message in a bottle from the Titanic andMargaret Drury’s convict voyage to Australia. Discover these moving stories and more, reflecting the hardships andhopes of Irish emigrants across the globe.Option 2 – Morning experience: Blarney Castle and the Blarney StoneIf every myth, legend and limerick associated with Blarney Castle’s indomitable ‘stone’ were true, the world wouldbe asking it to solve all our problems. Where the stone came from and how its modern-day reputation wasconceived is a matter of contention, but there is no doubt that the thousands of travellers who kiss it every weekreceive ‘the gift of the gab’. Thought to endow all those who kiss it with eloquence and the skill of flattery, theBlarney stone is shrouded in stories. Was it a witch who was saved from drowning that revealed its power? Was itthe Lord of Blarneys eloquent reply to the land title demands of Queen Elizabeth I? Was it the Goddess Cliodhna’shinted reply to a love-lost Cormac McCarthy? Today we will find out the truth.Option 3 – Morning experience: The Colourful Coastal Enclave of KinsaleWe drive to the coast and the picture-perfect town of Kinsale, where we hear stories of naval battles, foreigninvasions and shipwrecks. Once a garrison town embroiled with invading navies, Kinsale became the natural landfallfor ships sailing from the continent and the Americas. It is in these waters where two of the world’s greatest oceanliners were last seen. In the early hours of 7 May 1915, the Cunard liner Lusitania was struck, only a mere 11 nauticalmiles off the coast of Kinsale, by a single torpedo shot from a German U-Boat. The people of Kinsale rallied to assist,but within 18 minutes she sank, with only 764 of the 1959 souls on board surviving. There is time to enjoy a strollaround this colourful coastal enclave before returning to Cork for lunch onboard.

Cork City received its first charter in 1185 from Prince John of Norman England, and it takes its name from the Irish word corcaigh, meaning "marshy place." The original 6th-century settlement was spread over 13 small islands in the River Lee. Major development occurred during the 17th and 18th centuries with the expansion of the butter trade, and many attractive Georgian-design buildings with wide bowfront windows were constructed during this time. As late as 1770 Cork's present-day main streets—Grand Parade, Patrick Street, and the South Mall—were submerged under the Lee. Around 1800, when the Lee was partially dammed, the river divided into two streams that now flow through the city, leaving the main business and commercial center on an island, not unlike Paris's Île de la Cité. As a result, the city has a number of bridges and quays, which, although initially confusing, add greatly to the port's unique character. Cork can be very "Irish" (hurling, Gaelic football, televised plowing contests, music pubs, and peat smoke). But depending on what part of town you're in, Cork can also be distinctly un-Irish—the sort of place where hippies, gays, and farmers drink at the same pub.

Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (that is Irish for a good time), Waterford is a modern city with alayered history. Invaded by the Norsemen in 914 CE, Waterford became a Viking settlement, which is reflected in itspeople even today. It emerged from the Middle Ages as a trading port with the wealth from goods that came from asfar away as Newfoundland, the profits of which funded the construction of the many Georgian mansions that linethe city’s streets. A town for those who enjoy a good stroll, Waterford is easy on the eye, offers plenty to see and asits reputation suggests, is full of fun.Enjoy one of our morning experiences before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon a shuttle coach providedby Aurora Expeditions will transfer you into / out of town should you wish to explore Waterford independently.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: Rock of CashelPerched on a dramatic limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel, often referred to as ‘the Devil’s Bit’,is one of Ireland’s most ‘saintly’ sites. According to Irish legend, the devil, flying home in anger, bit off a piece of theSlieve Bloom Mountains and hurled it into the Tipperary Plain, creating the Rock of Cashel. Legend also has it that StPatrick preached here in the 5th century, converting King Aengus around 450 CE. St Patrick later established Cashelas a bishopric, claiming it as a seat of power long before it became the seat of the high kings of Ireland.In the 12th century, St Patrick’s Cross was erected to commemorate 800 years since his visit. Although weathered,the cross still displays the crucified Christ and possibly St Patrick. The Rock of Cashel also featured in Brian Boru’scoronation in 978 CE and became a major ecclesiastical centre in 1101 CE. Cormac’s Chapel, featuring uniqueRomanesque frescoes, reflects Ireland’s rich religious and artistic heritage. For many Irish, the Rock of Cashelsymbolises a sacred heritage and national identity, embodying the enduring legacy of Ireland’s spiritual beliefs.Option 2 – Morning experience: Kilkenny CastleConsidered Ireland’s best preserved medieval city, Kilkenny mixes small town intimacy with a big city buzz. Theformer home to the seat of the medieval Irish parliaments, it rivalled Dublin in importance which is evident in itsimposing Norman buildings and marble-clad facades, even today. Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer historyof continuous occupation than Kilkenny’s monolithic castle and few have a more fascinating family story. KilkennyCastle’s 800 years of history is associated with the rise and fall of the Marshal and Butler families who rose in nobilityfrom Earls to Dukes. In more recent years they were known for their marriages to famous personalities like WinstonChurchill’s cousin, and Ellen Stager, an American heiress who brought quite a fortune into the Butler family.However, by 1922 Kilkenny Castle was embroiled in political problems when it was occupied by Republicans andbesieged by troops of the Free State. In 1967, the family sold the castle to the Kilkenny Castle RestorationCommittee for a mere £50. If you love a good riches-to-rags story, you will enjoy the story of Kilkenny and itspowerful peerage on a self-guided tour of the castle and its grounds.Option 3 – Morning experience: Guided visit to the House of WaterfordExplore Waterford’s famed glassworks with a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory – the House of Waterford. TheHouse of Waterford is the factory of the famous glass creations named after their hometown. Opened in 1783, thisfine-cut glass is exported worldwide and is beloved in every Irish home. We will watch the master blowers, crystalcutters and engravers in action as we follow the story of the crystal masterpieces, from the initial design right up tothe final engraving.

The largest town in the Southeast and Ireland's oldest city, Waterford was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century and was taken over by Strongbow, the Norman invader, with much bloodshed in 1170. The city resisted Cromwell's 1649 attacks, but fell the following year. It did not prosper again until 1783, when George and William Penrose set out to create "plain and cut flint glass, useful and ornamental," and thereby set in motion a glass-manufacturing industry long without equal. The famed glassworks closed after the 2008 financial crisis, but Waterford Crystal has triumphantly risen again from the flames in a smaller, leaner version, opened in 2010 and now relocated to the Mall.

We sail into Douglas harbour having enjoyed lunch on the ship, ready to explore the unique island of the Isle of Man.In the heart of the Irish Sea sits the tax-free haven of the Isle of Man, an island steeped in ancient mythology. Itsname,‘Man’, is believed to be derived from ‘Manannán mac Lir’, a figure from Celtic mythology who was the god ofthe sea and the island’s legendary first ruler. In the 21st century, the island’s captivating blend of rugged coastline,medieval castles, and rolling hills is a self-governing British Crown dependency, offering an insight into island lifeunder British rule. With its own parliament, Tynwald, claimed to be the oldest continuous parliamentary body in theworld, the Isle of Man has a rich history, having been passed from the Celts to the Romans, to the Vikings, and finallyto the British ‘Lords of Mann’. Self-governing since 1866, when it was granted limited home rule due to its uniquecultural identity and historical ties, the Isle of Man is particularly famous for the annual TT (Tourist Trophy)motorcycle races. This exhilarating event attracts enthusiasts from around the globe and transforms the island into ahub of high-speed excitement. Although only 570 square kilometres in size, and with a population of 85,000, the Isleof Man’s eclectic history makes it a fascinating destination.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Afternoon experience: Highlights of the Isle of ManOur morning features two of the Isle of Man's top attractions. We visit the Castle Rushen in the island’s formercapital, Castletown. Developed by successive rulers between the 13th and 16th centuries, its towering limestonewalls once dominated the southern landscape, symbolising the power of the island’s Kings and Lords. The castle’slong and eventful history reflects the Isle of Man’s strategic importance during the medieval period as a keypossession on Britain’s western seaboard.Following your exploration of the castle, head to the Manx Museum in Douglas. This popular museum brings theisland’s history to life with interactive exhibits and films. Discover the Viking Gallery, showcasing impressive artifactsfrom the Viking and Celtic eras, and the Natural History Gallery, offering insights into the island’s naturalenvironment. The National Art Gallery features notable works by Archibald Knox, William Hoggatt, and John MillerNicholson, alongside evocative wartime pieces. Together, Castle Rushen and the Manx Museum provide an engagingjourney through the Isle of Man’s fascinating past.Option 2 – Afternoon experience: More Than a Bike Race – the Isle of Man TT storyFor many motorcycle racing fans, legends like Conor Cummins and John McGuinness are revered as saints, theirdedication earning them a place in the bike racing hall of fame. Dive into their world with our exhilarating Isle ofMan TT course tour, paired with a visit to the Isle of Man Motor Museum.Begin with a drive along a section of the world-famous TT Course, where your guide will immerse you in the race’sstoried history, from its origins in 1907 to its current record-breaking feats. Discover the iconic spots where racersachieve speeds exceeding 200mph and average lap speeds over 136mph.On a section of the course, you'll visit the Isle of Man Motor Museum, home to over 500 unique vehicles. Admireeverything from the groundbreaking Ford Model T to TT heroes’ bikes like Cummins’ Kawasaki ZX-10R andMcGuinness’ Honda RLR 400. This tour promises a thrilling journey through the Isle of Man's motoring legacy. Getready to rumble!

The Isle of Man, situated in the Irish Sea off the west coast of England, is a mountainous, cliff-fringed island and one of Britain’s most beautiful spots. Measuring just 30 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Man remains semi-autonomous. With its own postage stamps, laws, currency, and the Court of Tynwald (the world’s oldest democratic parliament), the Isle of Man is rich with history and lore.Inhabited from Neolithic times, the island became a refuge for Irish missionaries after the 5th Century. Norsemen took the island during the 9th Century and sold it to Scotland in 1266. However, since the 14th Century, it has been held by England. Manx, the indigenous Celtic language, is still spoken by a small minority. The Isle of Man has no income tax, which has encouraged many Britains to regard the island as a refuge. Otherwise, it is populated by Gaelic farmers, fishermen, and the famous tailless manx cats. The varied landscape features austere moorlands and wooded glens, interspersed by fine castles, narrow-gauge railways, and scores of standing stones with Celtic crosses. The hilly terrain rises to a height of 2,036 feet at Mount Snaefell, which dominates the center of the island.

After breakfast, we disembark the Douglas Mawson in Glasgow's seaside suburb of Troon and start our journey fromcoast to coast, ending our drive in Edinburgh.We head east to the William Wallace National Monument. Possibly the second most famous man to be ‘hung,drawn, and quartered’ after Guy Fawkes, Sir William Wallace was a knight who led the Scottish rebellion againstEdward I of England. In 1297, he killed the English sheriff at Lanark, igniting a full-blown revolt. Wallace’s notablevictory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge severely weakened English control but on returning to Scotland from France in1303, he found that Robert the Bruce and John Comyn had made truces with Edward I. Excluded from these terms,Wallace was captured near Glasgow. Despite denying charges of treason, claiming he never swore allegiance to theEnglish king, Wallace was executed, becoming a lasting symbol of Scottish patriotism and resistance.Continuing our ‘saviour theme’, we visit Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. This reveredsite honours the king who secured Scotland’s independence from England. Known for his pivotal role in the Battle ofBannockburn in 1314, Bruce’s leadership restored Scottish sovereignty and re-established its monarchy. After hisdeath, ‘the Bruce’ was buried here, with his grave symbolising his enduring legacy and the profound respect he stillcommands throughout Scotland.Your evening is free to enjoy Edinburgh. This vibrant city boasts more pubs, restaurants and whisky-tasting venuesthan anywhere else in the United Kingdom, guaranteeing an eventful night out.Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (or similar)Meals: Breakfast onboard

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is more than just a city of castles and royal connections; it is a place where the storiesof saints and heroes who saved Scotland echo through its ancient streets. Perched dramatically on volcanic hills anddominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city has been a strategic stronghold for centuries. Renowned for itsconnections to Scottish heroes like Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, who took up residence at HolyroodPalace as a widow at 18 years of age; and St Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh; the city holds secrets includinghidden underground tunnels beneath the Royal Mile, and tales of ghostly apparitions that haunt the ancient vaults.Beyond its imposing fortifications, Edinburgh was a centre of political intrigue, and a gathering place where clanleaders negotiated, celebrated, and sometimes clashed, leading to dangerous liaisons and hidden nooks andcrannies scattered throughout the city. Today, visitors are encouraged to explore Edinburgh’s royal residences,museums and galleries to uncover these stories and witness firsthand the secrets that have shaped its uniqueidentity. Edinburgh stands as a living testament to Scotland’s resilience and spirit, where the legacies of saints andnational heroes merge with the city’s enduring royal heritage in a puzzle of history and legend.Our experiences this morning showcase a myriad of classic sites, gifting you an afternoon to enjoy the cityindependently, before we gather this evening for a Farewell Event of Scottish proportions.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: The Royal Mile and Edinburgh CastleScotland’s most famous mile awaits us this morning, promising a fascinating journey as our guide shares quirky talesand local gems. Immerse yourself in the rich Scottish history woven into the medieval labyrinth of cobblestonealleyways and tenements. Along the Royal Mile, discover the captivating St Giles’ Cathedral, the historical ParliamentSquare, and the storied John Knox House. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with secrets andunforgettable stories, offering an experience you won’t want to miss.At the pinnacle of the Royal Mile, follow in the footsteps of kings, queens, soldiers and prisoners as you explore thehistorical Edinburgh Castle. This former royal residence is brimming with fascinating stories from its past. Perchedhigh on a volcanic rock, the castle had a strategic advantage over invaders and has witnessed many sieges, oftenswitching hands between Britain and Scotland. An iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle holds manyhistorical treasures, including the Honours of Scotland – the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Created during the reignsof James IV and James V, these jewels were first used together for the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543.During World War II, the Crown of Scotland was cleverly hidden in a medieval latrine closet in David’s Tower! Ouraudio tour of the castle is stacked with fascinating facts about this stoic fortress, making it both factual andenjoyable.Option 2 – Morning experience: The Underground World of Edinburgh and Edinburgh CastleExplore Edinburgh’s hidden underground world on our exclusive tour, delving into the fascinating history of the city’ssubterranean spaces. Beneath the bustling streets of the Old Town lies a labyrinth of vaults and passages, built in the18th century primarily for storage and commercial purposes. These underground areas, originally constructed toaccommodate the city’s growing needs, were used for storing goods, housing taverns, and even as living quarters forthe city’s poorest residents.As you journey through these shadowy chambers, your guide will reveal how the vaults became home toEdinburgh’s destitute, offering a glimpse into the city’s past struggles. Discover why these vaults were built, theirvaried uses over the centuries, and the hidden stories of those who lived and worked in Edinburgh’s dark corners.At the pinnacle of the Royal Mile, follow in the footsteps of kings, queens, soldiers and prisoners as you explore thehistorical Edinburgh Castle. This former royal residence is brimming with fascinating stories from its past. Perchedhigh on a volcanic rock, the castle had a strategic advantage over invaders and has witnessed many sieges, oftenswitching hands between Britain and Scotland. An iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle holds manyhistorical treasures, including the Honours of Scotland – the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Created during the reignsof James IV and James V, these jewels were first used together for the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543.During World War II, the Crown of Scotland was cleverly hidden in a medieval latrine closet in David’s Tower! Ouraudio tour of the castle is stacked with fascinating facts about this stoic fortress.Option 3 – Morning experience: The Royal Yacht BritanniaA Royal residence for over 40 years, the Britannia enchants us with an audio tour of her decks, apartments, bridgeand engine room. Launched on 16 April 1953 from the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, theRoyal Yacht Britannia served the royal family for over 44 years. It sailed more than a million nautical miles, becomingone of the world’s most famous ships. To Queen Elizabeth II, Britannia was the ideal royal residence for state visits,official receptions, royal honeymoons, and family holidays. For Great Britain, it was a symbol of the Commonwealthand a proud ambassador, generating billions in trade deals. For the royal family and its 220 dedicated crewmembers, Britannia was a cherished home. When she was decommissioned in 1997, it marked the end of a longtradition of British royal yachts dating back to 1660 and the reign of Charles II.Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (or similar)Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Event canapés

Edinburgh is to London as poetry is to prose, as Charlotte Brontë once wrote. One of the world's stateliest cities and proudest capitals, it's built—like Rome—on seven hills, making it a striking backdrop for the ancient pageant of history. In a skyline of sheer drama, Edinburgh Castle watches over the capital city, frowning down on Princes Street’s glamour and glitz. But despite its rich past, the city’s famous festivals, excellent museums and galleries, as well as the modern Scottish Parliament, are reminders that Edinburgh has its feet firmly in the 21st century.Nearly everywhere in Edinburgh (the burgh is always pronounced burra in Scotland) there are spectacular buildings, whose Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian pillars add touches of neoclassical grandeur to the largely Presbyterian backdrop. Large gardens are a strong feature of central Edinburgh, where the city council is one of the most stridently conservationist in Europe. Arthur's Seat, a mountain of bright green and yellow furze, rears up behind the spires of the Old Town. This child-size mountain jutting 822 feet above its surroundings has steep slopes and little crags, like a miniature Highlands set down in the middle of the busy city. Appropriately, these theatrical elements match Edinburgh's character—after all, the city has been a stage that has seen its fair share of romance, violence, tragedy, and triumph.Modern Edinburgh has become a cultural capital, staging the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival in every possible venue each August. The stunning Museum of Scotland complements the city’s wealth of galleries and artsy hangouts. Add Edinburgh’s growing reputation for food and nightlife and you have one of the world’s most beguiling cities.Today the city is the second most important financial center in the United Kingdom, and the fifth most important in Europe. The city regularly is ranked near the top in quality-of-life surveys. Accordingly, New Town apartments on fashionable streets sell for considerable sums. In some senses the city is showy and materialistic, but Edinburgh still supports learned societies, some of which have their roots in the Scottish Enlightenment. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, for example, established in 1783 "for the advancement of learning and useful knowledge," remains an important forum for interdisciplinary activities.Even as Edinburgh moves through the 21st century, its tall guardian castle remains the focal point of the city and its venerable history. Take time to explore the streets—peopled by the spirits of Mary, Queen of Scots; Sir Walter Scott; and Robert Louis Stevenson—and pay your respects to the world's best-loved terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. In the evenings you can enjoy candlelit restaurants or a folk ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, a traditional Scottish dance with music), though you should remember that you haven't earned your porridge until you've climbed Arthur's Seat. Should you wander around a corner, say, on George Street, you might see not an endless cityscape, but blue sea and a patchwork of fields. This is the county of Fife, beyond the inlet of the North Sea called the Firth of Forth—a reminder, like the mountains to the northwest that can be glimpsed from Edinburgh's highest points, that the rest of Scotland lies within easy reach.

After breakfast, we take our leave, carrying with us the vibrant tales of Ireland’s and Scotland’s saint’s, saviours anduncovered secrets. An airport transfer shared with your fellow explorers is included for your onward flight.Meals: Breakfast

Edinburgh is to London as poetry is to prose, as Charlotte Brontë once wrote. One of the world's stateliest cities and proudest capitals, it's built—like Rome—on seven hills, making it a striking backdrop for the ancient pageant of history. In a skyline of sheer drama, Edinburgh Castle watches over the capital city, frowning down on Princes Street’s glamour and glitz. But despite its rich past, the city’s famous festivals, excellent museums and galleries, as well as the modern Scottish Parliament, are reminders that Edinburgh has its feet firmly in the 21st century.Nearly everywhere in Edinburgh (the burgh is always pronounced burra in Scotland) there are spectacular buildings, whose Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian pillars add touches of neoclassical grandeur to the largely Presbyterian backdrop. Large gardens are a strong feature of central Edinburgh, where the city council is one of the most stridently conservationist in Europe. Arthur's Seat, a mountain of bright green and yellow furze, rears up behind the spires of the Old Town. This child-size mountain jutting 822 feet above its surroundings has steep slopes and little crags, like a miniature Highlands set down in the middle of the busy city. Appropriately, these theatrical elements match Edinburgh's character—after all, the city has been a stage that has seen its fair share of romance, violence, tragedy, and triumph.Modern Edinburgh has become a cultural capital, staging the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival in every possible venue each August. The stunning Museum of Scotland complements the city’s wealth of galleries and artsy hangouts. Add Edinburgh’s growing reputation for food and nightlife and you have one of the world’s most beguiling cities.Today the city is the second most important financial center in the United Kingdom, and the fifth most important in Europe. The city regularly is ranked near the top in quality-of-life surveys. Accordingly, New Town apartments on fashionable streets sell for considerable sums. In some senses the city is showy and materialistic, but Edinburgh still supports learned societies, some of which have their roots in the Scottish Enlightenment. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, for example, established in 1783 "for the advancement of learning and useful knowledge," remains an important forum for interdisciplinary activities.Even as Edinburgh moves through the 21st century, its tall guardian castle remains the focal point of the city and its venerable history. Take time to explore the streets—peopled by the spirits of Mary, Queen of Scots; Sir Walter Scott; and Robert Louis Stevenson—and pay your respects to the world's best-loved terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. In the evenings you can enjoy candlelit restaurants or a folk ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, a traditional Scottish dance with music), though you should remember that you haven't earned your porridge until you've climbed Arthur's Seat. Should you wander around a corner, say, on George Street, you might see not an endless cityscape, but blue sea and a patchwork of fields. This is the county of Fife, beyond the inlet of the North Sea called the Firth of Forth—a reminder, like the mountains to the northwest that can be glimpsed from Edinburgh's highest points, that the rest of Scotland lies within easy reach.