British Isles Cruise – Heritage, Nature And Wildlife Expedition

Your adventure begins in the bustling, historic city of Hamburg

We’ll begin our sailing to the British Isles in the second-largest city in Germany. Hamburg was once part of the Hanseatic League, and has forever been linked to trade and adventure – it's the perfect place to set out from.

Your expedition ship MS Otto Sverdrup awaits in the port, where your friendly Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventure ahead. Check out your cabin and get to know your new home-from-home before sitting down to a departure dinner.

Enjoy an idyllic day at sea with plenty to do

Today you’ll have plenty of time to unwind. Admire the views from the ship’s Observation Deck, settle into a good book with a cup of tea or coffee, check out the onboard Science Center, or take full advantage of the gym and hot tubs.

The Expedition Team will happily share their extensive knowledge of the British Isles with you through in-depth lectures. These added insights will help turn your cruise into an adventure. Our professional onboard photographer will also be available to give top tips for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos.

Ruggedly beautiful and abundant in wildlife, Portland is ripe for exploration

As a central part of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, Portland boasts natural beauty and historical heritage in equal amounts. Just four miles long, the island is tied to the mainland of Dorset by Chesil Beach – an 18-mile-long pebbly strand.

A haven for wildlife, Portland is home to nearly 300 species of birds, and it’s a significant migrating point. On previous visits we’ve engaged with a local nature conservation charity and held beach and reserve clean-ups at three different locations – something we hope to repeat.

Crystal clear water, powdery-white sand, and natural beauty – welcome to Scilly

With its palm trees and white sandy beaches, this enchanting archipelago 30 miles off the tip of Cornwall looks like it could be in the tropics. If conditions allow, we’ll split our time between various islands. You can explore Tresco, with its subtropical Abbey Gardens or St Mary’s, with its wild landscapes, beautiful beaches and craft studios.

Alternatively, join a trip around the islands, visiting shipwreck sites, spying seals lying on the rocks, and cruising around the bird sanctuary of Annet where you’ll spot puffins and other seabirds.

Explore Fishguard and see its Iron Age settlements and the idyllic Dyffryn Fernant gardens

Nestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the charming Welsh coastal town of Fishguard. You’ll find the original hamlet and harbour in Lower Fishguard, and spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town’ on the clifftop.

Explore the ruins of Fishguard Fort at Castle Point, and spot marine life on a coastal walk along the Pencaer Peninsula. Get a feel for life in the neolithic inside the reconstructed roundhouses of Castell Henllys – while the Dyffryn Fernant gardens are a horticultural gem not to be missed.

Explore the capital of the Isle of Man, a hotbed of Celtic and Viking heritage

The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man; learn about the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage, trace its development as a Victorian tourist resort, and see its stunning rugged coastline. 

There’s so much to pack into your day in Douglas. Visit the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St Thomas’s Church and discover the impressively spooky Peel Castle, originally a Viking stronghold and now said to be haunted.

Rugged cliffs, tranquil lakes and wildlife on Rathlin Island

At just six miles long and one mile wide, Rathlin Island is ideal for exploring by bike or on foot. Choose from scenic clifftop walks or the many rambler trails where you can admire the natural beauty and take in the sights and sounds, including large colonies of breeding seabirds.

Visit the RSPB Seabird Centre and the working ‘upside-down’ lighthouse perched on the cliffs. Pay a visit to the Boathouse Visitor Centre to learn about island life, local history, and the many historical shipwrecks in nearby waters.

Visit Scotland’s outdoor adventure hub and take in the surrounding beauty

After sailing into Loch Linnhe we arrive at Fort William. The town is known as ‘Britain’s Outdoor Capital’ and is a magnet for hikers, bikers, climbers and skiers. As you’ll see, it’s set amidst some spectacular Highland scenery.

The town’s whisky distillery offers its take on the national tipple, and a scenic short walk awaits at Glen Nevis. You can also visit Glen Coe, a valley formed from volcanic activity, sculpted by glaciers and designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Idyllic Islay is an island paradise of wildlife, whisky and woollen garments

Islay (pronounced eye-la) isn’t called ‘Whisky Island’ for nothing. There are nine working distilleries here, and you’ll find their peaty single malts sold around the world. One of the larger isles, there’s 130 miles of coastline, and numerous quiet sandy beaches.

Islay is also an island of wildlife, with over 200 species of birds including Golden Eagles, oystercatchers, gannets and Hen Harriers. What’s more, the mystical past is present here, with ancient monoliths, Celtic crosses and a stone circle all visible.

There’s only one way to describe tiny, rocky St Kilda: wild

The most remote part of the British Isles, St Kilda is a UNESCO double World Heritage Site and the jewel in the crown of the National Trust for Scotland. Once home to Britain’s most remote island community, its cliffs and sea stacks are home to a myriad of seabirds, including the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffins.

Birdlife aside, you might also see Soay sheep roaming the island or minke whales in the seas. Explore the abandoned village and see the distinctive ‘cleits’ – circular stone buildings used to store peat, eggs and smoked puffins, before heading back to the ship and our more contemporary dining options. 

Picturesque harbour, ancient ruins and tweed workshops

Stornoway is the arrival port to the wild Outer Hebrides. Originally a Viking settlement, it has a beautiful waterfront with museums, art galleries and charming shops. Lews Castle is a must-see, while further afield are workshops where Harris tweed is woven, folk museums, and ancient monuments.

There are many routes to pick from if you fancy a walk, with Lewis being the less hilly part. As you explore the island, look out for red deer, eagles, otters, gannets and butterflies – the wild side of this peaceful island attracts nature lovers from around the world.

Explore an ancient Viking town in the enchanting Orkney Islands

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney archipelago and one of Scotland’s most attractive and well-preserved towns. Dominated by St. Magnus Cathedral, the old part of Kirkwall is one of the best examples of an ancient Viking town. The Bishops and Earls Palaces just across the road complete Kirkwall’s trio of must-visit landmarks.

The Viking theme continues at the Highland Park Distillery, founded by a direct descendant of the Vikings. This traditional distillery is a great visit if you like whisky, or just want to soak up some history.

Discover the many charms of the much-loved city of Edinburgh

After London, Edinburgh is the most visited city in the United Kingdom, and you’ll soon see why. With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, the Scottish capital offers the perfect balance between the traditional and contemporary.

Explore mysterious winding alleys and elegant terraced rows, and check out some of the many shops, bars and restaurants. Get a great view of the city from majestic Edinburgh Castle, where you can see Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the famed Stone of Destiny.

We’ll have departed Edinburgh the night before and be well on our way across the North Sea back towards Hamburg. As you leave Britain behind you, you might like to spend this day at sea reflecting and unwinding from the excitement of the past two weeks.

Relax into the panoramic views in the Explorer Lounge and make the most of the amenities of the ship, whether it’s a work-out in the gym or a session in the sauna. The onboard photographer will be on hand too with tips on how best to edit the array of scenic photos you’ve captured. You’ll likely have some stunning scenery and wildlife photos to play with to bring out the best in every shot.

The end of your adventure around the British Isles

After breakfast, it’ll be time to say a fond farewell to everyone on MS Otto Sverdrup who has made your expedition cruise so special.  

As you head ashore, you’ll take back some fantastic lifetime memories from your trip. Along the way you’ll have seen some unique nature, fascinating towns and cities, and of course, all the friendly people you’ve met along the way. We hope you’ll join us for new adventures soon!