Heritage & Traditions of Western Europe

Welcome to Lisbon, complete with cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals. Step on board Scenic Eclipse and toast the start of your exploration of western Europe with your Captain and new friends. Please book your flight to arrive into Lisbon prior to 02:00 PM.

Discover the unique historic treasures of Porto. Located on the Douro river estuary, this metropolis shares its name with one of Portugal’s best-known exports, Port wine. Known as the commercial centre of northern Portugal, it is a city of baroque splendour. Explore this colourful city boasting houses decorated in Portuguese tiles, Gothic cathedrals, fado restaurants and amazing food. Stroll through the winding alleys, see the public street art, greet the friendly locals, hear the rickety tram, and feel the breeze off the Atlantic. (B/L/D)

Sail to Vigo, located in the Galicia region near the north Portuguese border. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the city has Celtic ruins, beaches and a cathedral that is a sacred place of pilgrimage for millions of Christians around the world. This afternoon, arrive at Ceis Islands, a national marine-terrestrial park and some of the most beautiful islands in Europe, you will soon see why the Romans named them ‘islands of the gods’. Surrounded by crystalline waters, these islands have no cars or hotels, which makes Scenic Eclipse the perfect way to visit. Watch the waves crash upon the shore, explore one of the many hiking trails, or relax and bird watch. (B/L/D)

Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board your ultra-luxurious Discovery Yacht. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces or relax in one of the therapy lounges in the Spa Sanctuary. Tempt your palate from one of the exceptional dining venues or taste the exquisite wines. (B/L/D)

Belle-Île-en-Mer is the largest island in the French region of of Brittany. Small bays and beaches along the rocky coastline are sometimes only accessible from the sea. The capital, Le Palais, has an imposing citadel and plenty of cafés along the harbour and in the Place de la République. While living here, Monet produced 39 paintings of the wild Côte Sauvage. (B/L/D)

Located on the tip of the French region of Brittany, discover a city that is known for its breath-taking landscapes and scenic coastal villages. With a bustling quayside, this attractive town will captivate you with its craft workshops and fisherman cottages as you explore the narrow streets. This town of contrast and colour owes much to sardine fishing, which have been carried out here since the Roman times. (B/L/D)

The ancient port city of Fowey has been an important stop since medieval times, and is now known for its quaint narrow streets, picturesque quays and busy harbour. With centuries old well-preserved buildings, houses perched on rolling hills, and gurgling creeks, Fowey has inspired many authors and painters. The city is said to be the inspiration behind the famous children's book, The Wind in the Willows. (B/L/D)

St Mary’s is the gateway to the rest of the smaller isles of Scilly. Only 50 kilometres (30 miles) off the coast of England, the islands are covered in green pastures and white beaches. Wander around the winding paths of Hugh Town, a central hub with many charming shops. (B/L/D)

Spend a day of exploration in Fishguard, one of the twin towns in North Pembrokeshire, surrounded by the sea, towering cliffs, the Preseli Hills, valleys and ancient standing stones. Wander the town and find family-owned antique and gift shops, galleries, cafés, pubs and restaurants king a warm Welsh welcome. (B/L/D)

Beautiful scenery, lush valleys, and jagged coastlines. Isle of Man is a biosphere reserve. Take the time to reconnect with nature, maybe even taking advantages of one of the ‘phoneboxes’, designed for travellers to lock their phone away. (B/L/D)

Disembark in Dublin after breakfast and begin your land journey in the heart of Dublin with a two night stay. (B)

This morning your local guide will help you discover the history and charm of Ireland’s capital city. Set along the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin is awash with Georgian architecture, grand squares and historic monuments. Freechoice: Explore the interactive Guinness Storehouse where you will learn how to ‘pull the perfect pint’, or gain an understanding of what it means to be Irish at the EPIC Museum of Irish Emigration. Enjoy dinner tonight at a traditional Irish pub. (B/D)

Discover Blarney Castle where legend has it, if you kiss the famous stone you will receive the ‘gift of the gab’. Then continue to Killarney for a two night stay. (B/D)

Experience the beautiful scenery of the Ring of Kerry. See where the Iveragh Mountains dramatically drop into the Atlantic Ocean, and watch as tiny fishing villages and off-shore islands come in and out of view around each twisting bend. It is often said that the landscapes vary a hundred times in 100 kilometres. (B)

Explore Bunratty Folk Park Museum, before driving along spectacular coastline to the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway for your overnight stay. (B)

En route to Northern Ireland visit the Monastery of Clonmacnoise. Continue to Belfast for your two night stay. (B/D)

Belfast is a port city with a fascinating history. Learn about its troubled past during your guided tour. Freechoice: Discover the story of the Titanic, from its design and build to its fateful ending. Alternatively, take a ride in one of Belfast’s historic black cabs and learn about the city’s past and present. (B)

This morning, journey to Scotland via ferry, before continuing on to Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s best known lakes. This evening, check into your historic accommodation for a two night Special Stay. (B/D)

Today visit Stirling Castle, one of the regions most iconic castles. Today you will discover its vast history including as the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. (B)

Journey to mysterious Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the fabled monster. Continue to Inverness for a two night stay. (B/D)

Today discover Cawdor Castle. The castle dates back to the 14th century and is still inhabited by the Cawdor family. Then visit the Battle of Culloden Visitors Centre where you will learn about the 1745 Jacobite rising and hear tales of the battle that is often described as one of the most brutal in Scottish history. Our last stop for today is the Glenfiddich distillery to sample one of the most celebrated whiskies in Scotland. (B)

Enrich: Enjoy morning tea and a display of the ancient art of falconry, known as the ‘sport of kings’ which dates back almost 4,000 years. Then its on to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, where you will check into your hotel for a two night stay. (B/D)

The city of Edinburgh is one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world, with monuments, cathedrals and buildings all perfectly preserved. During a city tour, board the Royal Yacht Britannia then explore Edinburgh Castle, the iconic symbol of this beautiful 1,000 year old city. (B)

Bid a fond farewell to Edinburgh taking many wonderful memories with you. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. (B)