British Isles Of Legend

Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Reborn as a cool, modern city, it has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Ships will dock in Belfast Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Belfast:

• visit the Titanic Belfast Museum
• see the basalt columns of Giant's Causeway
• explore the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
• take a famous Black Taxi Tour
• travel along Ards Peninsula to Grey Abbey

The Calf of Man, a small island off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man, is a nature lover's paradise. This uninhabited islet is a bird sanctuary home to puffins, Manx shearwaters, and other seabirds, making it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. The rugged landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and secluded coves, invites exploration and photography. Visitors can also witness the iconic Calf Sound, a narrow waterway with strong tidal currents and playful seals. The island's rich maritime history is visible in its lighthouses and remnants of ancient buildings.

The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and folklore. This island captivates with its rugged coastline, medieval castles, and quaint villages. Although famed for the TT motorcycle race, there’s much more to explore here, from the ancient Celtic and Viking heritage at sites like Peel Castle to the tranquil beauty of the Manx countryside.

The island's extensive network of heritage railways provides a unique perspective on its scenic landscapes, while the Manx Museum in Douglas offers insights into the island's 10,000-year history. With its commitment to preserving its natural and historical sites, the Isle of Man offers a blend of adventure and tranquility that will charm and delight.

Cruise ships dock at the Victoria Pier in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man. The terminal is located right in the heart of the town, making it convenient to explore on foot. The picturesque promenade and various shops, restaurants, and cafes are just a short walk away. For a unique experience, take the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas to the historic village of Laxey, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) away, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, visit the Manx Museum, a 10-minute walk from the port, to learn about the island's rich heritage.

Known as the 'cradle of Christianity', Iona has an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, enhanced by green fields and sandy beaches fringed with intense blue-green seas that look more Mediterranean than Scottish.

The island's main attraction is its medieval abbey, established by Saint Columba when he arrived from Ireland in 563. The abbey is a fine example of ecclesiastical architecture dating from the Middle Ages and it also serves as an important site of spiritual pilgrimage. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery.

Staffa, an uninhabited island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, is famous for its dramatic basalt columns and remarkable sea caves. The most notable of these is Fingal's Cave, renowned for its stunning acoustics and hexagonal rock formations. Visitors often take boat tours to explore the cave and marvel at the island's unique geology.

The island is also a haven for wildlife, with puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds nesting on its cliffs. The surrounding waters are rich with marine life, including seals and dolphins. Staffa's natural wonders and serene atmosphere offer a captivating experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The Isle of Mull, situated off Scotland's west coast, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and charming villages. Nature lovers will be captivated by the island's diverse wildlife, including eagles, otters, and whales. Explore the island’s rich history by viewing Duart Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Maclean, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Sound of Mull.

Located at the northernmost tip of the lovely Isle of Mull, Tobermory has to be one of the most beautiful natural seaports on Scotland’s West Coast. Founded in 1788, this ancient fishing village has been converted to a leisure port highly appreciated today for its surroundings and the quiet charm it exudes.

Visitors will be won over by the row of many-storied houses on the hillside, illuminating the harbour with their vibrant colours. The town offers a museum dedicated to the local history, an art gallery, a 9-hole golf course and a whiskey distillery.

St Kilda, Scotland, is an archipelago renowned for its dramatic landscapes and as a testament to human resilience in one of the UK's most isolated locations. The islands, now uninhabited and protected as a World Heritage Site, once supported a small but hardy community, which managed to thrive despite the harsh living conditions. The remnants of this community, including stone houses and unique storage structures called cleitean, are open for exploration.

Cruise ships anchor offshore, with visitors transported by tender to explore this hauntingly beautiful landscape. The rugged cliffs and seabird colonies make Am Baile not only a site of historical interest but also a place of spectacular natural beauty, offering a truly unique and reflective experience for visitors.

St Kilda, Scotland, is an archipelago renowned for its dramatic landscapes and as a testament to human resilience in one of the UK's most isolated locations. The islands, now uninhabited and protected as a World Heritage Site, once supported a small but hardy community, which managed to thrive despite the harsh living conditions. The remnants of this community, including stone houses and unique storage structures called cleitean, are open for exploration.

Colourful row houses and red-hulled fishing vessels line the shores of this picturesque port set on the edge of the Outer Hebrides. The gateway to Lewis and Harris Island, Stornoway is a short journey to a natural wonderland of mountains, craggy rocks, moorlands, meadows, and rugged coastlines. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Stornoway:

• explore Lews Castle
• visit the Callanish Stones
• tour the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• cruise the Uig coastline in a RIB (boat)

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, it is considered one of the most charming and well preserved small towns in Scotland. The islands offer dramatic landscapes with cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Small ships will dock at this port, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Kirkwall:

• explore Skara Brae, a Neolithic village
• admire the St. Magnus Cathedral
• visit the Ring of Brodgar
• ponder the Standing Stones of Stenness
• stroll the Viking Capital Walking Trail

Copinsay Island is one of the Scottish Orkney Islands, situated off the east coast of the Orkney Mainland. After the last residents left Copinsay Island in 1958, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds purchased the island in 1972, as a reserve in memory of the renowned naturalist James Fisher. The island reserve consists of the main island of Copinsay and the four smaller islets of Corn Holm, Ward Holm, Black Holm and the Horse of Copinsay. The historic Copinsay Lighthouse sits atop 250’ (76 m) high cliffs that extend for a mile along the coast.

Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. Here you'll find the best of central eastern Scotland: spectacular views, rolling hills and castles. Ships will dock at the Port of Leith Cruise Liner Terminal.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh:

• explore the Edinburgh Castle
• visit the Holyroodhouse
• wander down the Royal Mile
• play a round at the worlds oldest golf course

Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. Here you'll find the best of central eastern Scotland: spectacular views, rolling hills and castles. Ships will dock at the Port of Leith Cruise Liner Terminal.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh:

• explore the Edinburgh Castle
• visit the Holyroodhouse
• wander down the Royal Mile
• play a round at the worlds oldest golf course