12 days exploring remote islands, Ireland and Scotland

Some islands you sail past. These ones you step onto. Over 12 days aboard a small expedition ship, this voyage travels the full sweep of the British Isles, from the walled gardens of the Channel Islands to the sea stacks of St Kilda, with Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Scottish islands in between. It is a journey for experienced travellers who like to see a place properly, arriving on remote shores by Zodiac rather than by coach.

From the Channel Islands to St Kilda

The journey begins with a night in London, before you board the ship at Portsmouth. From there the days unfold island by island. We visit Guernsey and car-free Sark, wander through Tresco Abbey Garden in the Isles of Scilly, and step ashore in Waterford and Kilkenny, where Viking beginnings meet medieval castles. Holyhead brings the dramatic cliffs of South Stack and the Plas Cadnant gardens, followed by Peel Castle and the clifftop walks of the Calf of Man.

Northern Ireland adds the Giant's Causeway and the walled city of Derry~Londonderry. Then the Scottish islands take over, with Loch Scavaig and the Cuillins on Skye, an afternoon cruise to the Rùm National Nature Reserve, and the ancient abbey on Iona. Islay follows, with its celebrated distilleries including Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. The voyage ends in Glasgow, with a complimentary coach transfer into the city or to the airport.

Wildlife and wild places

For many travellers, St Kilda is the highlight. Britain's most remote destination and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to around one million breeding seabirds, including Britain's largest Atlantic puffin colony. On Boreray, around 60,000 pairs of gannets nest, in what is described as the world's largest colony. You will cruise past the sea stacks of Stac Lee and Stac an Armin, and may spot the St Kilda field mouse and wren, found nowhere else, along with the island's Soay sheep.

The wildlife continues along the way. The Calf of Man hosts about 33 species of nesting seabird, including Manx shearwaters and puffins, with grey and common seals nearby. South Stack Cliffs is home to guillemots, razorbills and puffins, harbour seals can be seen around Skye, and more than 450 bird species have been recorded in the Isles of Scilly. Iona is also home to corncrakes.

Life aboard Heritage Discoverer

Heritage Discoverer carries just 130 guests, with a 15-member expedition team and 14 Zodiacs to take you ashore. Back on board, there are two restaurants, an Observation Lounge, a wellness centre with a sauna and massage room, a gym and outdoor Jacuzzis. All meals, all expedition shore excursions, and house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included. Every cabin has an ocean view, from superior and single staterooms through to suites with balconies.

Landings are by Zodiac and walking is part of the experience, so we will talk through the activity level with you before you decide.

Planned around you

Flights, travel insurance and gratuities are not included in the voyage, which is where your YOU Travel & Cruise Consultant comes in. We can arrange your flights into London and home from Glasgow, add time before or after, and make sure every part of the journey fits together. Expedition itineraries can change with weather and port conditions, so having a Consultant who is only ever a call away, before, during and after your trip, means you can relax and simply enjoy it.

Ready to start planning? Let's talk. Contact YOU Travel & Cruise Bethlehem on 07 579 3431 or bethlehem@youtravelbop.co.nz, and let's design your next adventure together.