Best of British Isles

Welcome to the start of your British Isles cruise in England! Relax and settle in with a pre-cruise hotel night. The next morning, we'll transfer you to Portsmouth, the home of the Royal Navy, setting the mood for our exciting voyage.

Today, we welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition ship Sea Spirit. Look for the Poseidon representative in the hotel's lobby, who will direct you to our chartered motorcoach for the transfer.

Discover the Isles of Scilly, a group of small islands off the coast of Cornwall. Visit the sand-fringed island of Tresco, home to Bronze Age burial sites, 17th-century castle ruins, and the exquisite Tresco Abbey Garden. Enjoy delightful cafes and local shops to enrich your experience.

Explore Dunmore East, a popular tourist and fishing village in County Waterford. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal and witness the master craftsmen at work. Discover Mount Congreve, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate and botanical gardens. We also plan to visit the Saltee Islands, a major bird sanctuary and a haven for sea birds.

Today, we visit the vibrant seaside town of Llandudno in the north of Wales. Embark on a scenic overland tour of Snowdonia National Park, home to craggy mountains, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a delightful stop at the charming Welsh town of Betws-y-Coed. We also plan to visit Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Disembark at the small seaside resort town of Portrush in Northern Ireland. Travel overland to the world-famous Giant's Causeway, a geological masterpiece with 40,000 closely packed hexagonal basalt columns descending into the sea. Spot various seabirds and enjoy the stunning landscapes.

Spend the day exploring the beauty and history of Scotland. From picturesque coasts to hidden tales etched into its landscapes, our journey promises a glimpse into the heart of this captivating region.

Disembark in Stromness for an overland tour of Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands. Visit attractions like the 5000-year-old village site at Skara Brae and the ancient Ring of Brodgar. Finish the tour in the charming village of Kirkwall, where you'll find the landmark Saint Magnus Cathedral and have free time to explore.

Visit Fair Isle, an isolated island of rolling moorlands and rugged coastlines. The island is famous among birders for its abundance of British birds and eastern rarities. It's also one of Europe's best places to watch seabirds, especially puffins. Enjoy the abundance and diversity of its wildflowers, spot seals in its bays, and see articles hand-knitted in the intricate Fair Isle style.

Visit the Isle of May and Bass Rock, both uninhabited islands in the outer part of the Firth of Forth. The Isle of May is a national nature reserve with significant colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, cormorants, and terns. Bass Rock hosts over 150,000 northern gannets in the breeding season, making it the world's largest colony of these birds.

After breakfast on board Sea Spirit, we say farewell in Leith, Edinburgh's vibrant port district. We provide transfers to the airport or to Edinburgh city center if you wish to spend more time in the wonderful capital of Scotland.