Itinerary: Cruise from London (Tower Bridge) – St. Peter Port (Guernsey) – Tresco – St. Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) – Cobh (Cork) – Belfast – Iona – Lunga (Treshnish Isles) – St. Kilda – Tobermory (Isle of Mull) – Shiant Isles – Loch Ewe – Kirkwall (Orkney Islands) – Farne Islands – Lindisfarne – Edinburgh (Leith) – Return to London (Tower Bridge).
Ports of Call
Cruise from London (Tower Bridge)
- St. Peter Port (Guernsey): Steep lanes above a sheltered harbour. Climb to Castle Cornet, browse indie shops, or walk the cliff path. It’s island life with a French accent.
- Tresco: Private, garden-rich Scilly isle. Wander the Abbey Garden, stroll white-sand beaches, or kayak the clear shallows. Calm, car-free paths invite a slow pace.
- St. Mary’s (Isles of Scilly): Hub of the archipelago. Explore Hugh Town, follow the Garrison walls, or take a boat to a quieter beach. Blue water and big skies rule the day.
- Cobh (Cork): Painted terraces and Titanic links. Visit heritage exhibits, then hop to Cork for markets and galleries. The harbour frames every view.
- Belfast: Industrial bones with creative energy. Tour Titanic Belfast, sample St George’s Market, or visit the Botanic Gardens: old shipyards, new spirit.
- Iona: Small isle with a big spiritual story. See Iona Abbey, walk white-shell beaches, or scan for seals from the rocks. Peace comes easily here.
- Lunga (Treshnish Isles): Low, green cliffs packed with birdlife. Land by tender to see puffins in season, watch razorbills, or photograph dramatic stacks. It’s a wildlife highlight.
- St. Kilda: Remote UNESCO outpost. Take a guided walk on Hirta, learn about the evacuated community, or watch seabird cliffs that dwarf the boats. Isolation feels immense.
- Tobermory (Isle of Mull): Bright harbourfront and easy hills. Visit the small distillery, follow woodland trails, or hunt for otters on the shoreline. Colourful, cosy, and scenic.
- Shiant Isles: Little-visited basalt outcrops. Zodiac cruises eye puffins and guillemots, with towering columns overhead. Wild and elemental.
- Loch Ewe: Deep-water loch with WWII heritage. Walk Inverewe Garden’s exotic paths, spot seals in quiet coves, or trace the Arctic convoys’ story. Mountains ring the water.
- Kirkwall (Orkney Islands): Norse heritage and calm streets. Step into St Magnus Cathedral, sample local whiskies, or wander to the Italian Chapel. History spans millennia.
- Farne Islands: Low islands famed for seabirds and seals. Watch for terns and puffins, scan for grey seals, or photograph the lighthouses. It’s a natural spectacle.
- Lindisfarne: Tidal island with monastic roots. Visit the priory and castle, walk windswept dunes, or browse mead shops in the village. Tides set the rhythm.
- Edinburgh (Leith): Port for Scotland’s capital. Tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, ride into the Old Town, or climb Calton Hill for views. Culture and skyline drama combine.
Return to London (Tower Bridge)