Great Britain, Wild Scottish Isles & Iceland

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

Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, offers visitors a charming blend of history and natural beauty. Overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. The city's historic center features attractions like the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases Highland heritage and art.

A short drive from Inverness, you can explore the legendary Loch Ness and its famous monster lore. Visit the impressive Urquhart Castle on the loch’s shores, and enjoy scenic boat tours. The city is also a gateway to the stunning Highlands, offering numerous hiking and outdoor opportunities. Inverness’s warm hospitality and unique cultural experiences make it a must-visit destination.

Invergordon, located in the Scottish Highlands, serves as a gateway to the region's stunning landscapes and historical sites. Ships dock at Invergordon Cruise Port, which is conveniently situated within walking distance of the town center. The port is approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) from Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, which can be reached in about 45 minutes by car or train.

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

Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago, offers stone age ruins, heather-covered moors and rugged Scottish highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick allows for hours of entertainment. Smaller ships will dock at the Port of Lerwick, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Lerwick:

• explore the ruins of Scalloway Castle
• hike on Mousa Island
• visit the Shetland Museum
• admire Fort Charlotte

Surrounded to the north and southwest by towering mountains with dramatic landscapes, Tórshavn is a picturesque port steeped in Viking history. Enjoy the colourfully painted wooden houses of the old town, some with turfed roofs, alongside modern counterparts such as the Norse House, built with gleaming glass.

Top Things to Do in Tórshavn:

• enjoy a boat tour of the Tórshavn fjords
• join a tour to see the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs
• hike up Streymoy mountain
• visit the nearby town of Saksun
• explore the island of Vagar

Klaksvik is located on Borðoy, one of the Faroe Islands, and this scenic fishing capital is set amongst a dramatic valley, overlooking the magnificent pyramid mountain of Kunoy Island. In every direction, behold massive mountains carpeted in vividly hued grass speckled with wildflowers.

Top Things to Do in Klaksvik:

• visit the Christianskirkjan Church
• enjoy the views from Klaksvík viewpoint
• drive through the subsea tunnel to Eysturoy Island
• visit Kunoy Village and viewpoint

Make yourself at home with delightful daily diversions that add to our fleet’s private yacht-like atmosphere. Embrace this moment and indulge – spending the day pampering yourself in the spa or soaking in a Pure Pampering ℠ bath drawn by your attentive suite host. Meditate upon the vast views that surround you from a yoga mat, the ship’s bow, or your private veranda.

Seydisfjodur, located in eastern Iceland, is a picturesque town renowned for its stunning fjord views and vibrant arts scene. The town's charming wooden houses and rainbow-painted street create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Visitors can explore the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, showcasing contemporary Icelandic art, or hike to the nearby Skálanes Nature Reserve, home to diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The nearby Gufufoss waterfall is another natural wonder worth visiting. Seydisfjodur's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and artistic flair makes it a captivating destination for travellers seeking a serene yet stimulating experience.

The tiny town of Siglufjordur is located in the scenic north of Iceland, tucked away by a jagged wall of mountain peaks. Only a single-lane road tunnel, bored through the snow-capped mountains, provides a land link with the rest of the country.

Siglufjordur is an area of spectacular natural beauty. The mountains and the fjords are awe-inspiring and there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. The closeness to nature is always within reach, whether you wish to go on a hike, play golf or take a boat out around the scenic fjord.

Sitting in the finger-like scenery of the Westfjords, Patreksfjordur is built on time-tested fishing traditions. This small Icelandic village is surrounded by flat-topped mountains, cutting inlets, evocative beaches and dramatic cliffs with crowds of birdlife clinging to them. Ships will dock or anchor offshore at this port.

Top Things to Do in Patreksfjordur:

• view the largest sea bird cliff in Europe, Látrabjarg
• hike up to Dynjandi waterfall
• stroll along the red beach, Rauðasandur
• soak in a geothermal pool

Iceland is well known for its spectacular waterfalls. The iconic Dynjandi waterfall, located in the Westfjords region, is regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and majestic waterfalls.

At the top, the cascading water is roughly 100 feet wide and tumbles down about 330 feet into the fjord.

Its name Dynjandi means, 'the thundering one' and its vast size, enormous sound, and sheer force is overwhelming. It has also been nicknamed, ‘The Bridal Veil’ because of the way the water sprays and spreads over the rocks.

Grundarfjordur is a picturesque town situated on the fjord of Beidafjordur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This charming fishing village is located right next to Kirkjufell mountain, the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Ships will dock at the Port of Grundarfjordur.

Top Things to Do in Grundarfjordur:

• take a scenic drive along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• enjoy a cruise in Breidafjordur Bay
• visit the Bjarnarhofn Shark Farm
• explore the town of Stykkisholmur
• visit Helgafell, the holy mountain

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.