Itinerary: Cruise from Dover – Rotterdam – Edinburgh (South Queensferry) – Invergordon – Lerwick (Shetland Islands) – Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) – Belfast – Greenock – Liverpool – Dun Laoghaire – Dunmore East (for Waterford) – Portland – Dover – Rotterdam – Ålesund – Trondheim – Honningsvåg (North Cape) – Tromsø (Norway) – Leknes (Lofoten Island) – Skjolden – Leirvik – Lerwick (Shetland Islands) – Return to Dover.
Ports of Call
Cruise from Dover
- Rotterdam: Striking modern skyline and riverside life. Visit the Cube Houses and Markthal, then take a water taxi along the Maas for an experience of art, architecture, and easy roaming.
- Edinburgh (South Queensferry): Rail bridges frame the Firth of Forth. Head into the capital for the castle and Royal Mile, or linger by the waterfront—history and views in equal measure.
- Invergordon: Gateway to Highlands scenery. Tour a distillery or visit Dunrobin Castle, then follow the mural trail in town—a simple base for incredible landscapes.
- Lerwick (Shetland Islands): Stone-built harbour and quick access to the wild coast. Drop into the museum and take a brisk walk along the shore path, where you’ll find sea, wind, and broad horizons.
- Stornoway (Isle of Lewis): Hebridean town with deep Gaelic roots. Explore Lews Castle and, time allowing, the Callanish Stones. Quiet streets, big skies.
- Belfast: Shipyard heritage and lively quarters. Visit Titanic Belfast, then head to a pub with live music. Old stories mix with a confident modern city.
- Greenock: Handy for Glasgow or a Clyde-side wander. Take the train to explore galleries and Victorian arcades, or stay local for stunning waterfront views. Flexible day ashore.
- Liverpool: Waterfront museums and a straight-talking welcome. Explore the Albert Dock and Three Graces, or chase music history. Culture close to the pier.
- Dun Laoghaire: Grand piers and sea air south of Dublin. Walk the East Pier, then hop the DART for city museums. Clean lines, easy access.
- Dunmore East (for Waterford): Clifftop paths and a neat fishing harbour. Venture to Waterford for crystal and Viking history. Compact, characterful, photogenic.
- Portland: Breakwater views and coastal forts. Visit Portland Bill lighthouse or head to Weymouth’s beachside promenade. Breezy and straightforward.
- Dover (mid-cruise call): White cliffs and a storied castle. Stroll the seafront or climb for a clifftop view—a pause with classic English scenery.
- Rotterdam (second call): Time for a museum or harbour tour you missed the first time. Consider the Maritime Museum or Delfshaven—two alternative perspectives on a dynamic city.
- Ålesund: Art Nouveau facades and island scenery. Climb the steps to Aksla for the panorama and wander Brosundet’s bridges. Neat, maritime, memorable.
- Trondheim: Nidaros Cathedral anchors a historic centre. Cross Gamle Bybro to the colourful wharves and riverside paths. Calm, collegiate, walkable.
- Honningsvåg (North Cape): Far-north harbour with tundra beyond. Join the drive to the North Cape plateau for edge-of-map views. Stark, simple, unforgettable.
- Tromsø (Norway): Arctic city with a lively core. Visit the Arctic Cathedral and take the cable car for island and mountain vistas. Bright nights if the season allows.
- Leknes (Lofoten Island): Peaks plunge into clear water. Follow a short hike to a beach or a fishing hamlet: crisp light and sharp silhouettes.
- Skjolden: At the head of Norway’s longest fjord. Walk the valley or visit Urnes Stave Church across the water. Remote, serene, and steep-sided.
- Leirvik: A low-key town on the Sunnhordland coast. Stroll the harbour and local galleries, or take a short coastal wander. Quiet every day in Norway.
- Lerwick (Shetland Islands) (second call): Another chance for coastal views and seabirds. Consider Clickimin Broch for a quick prehistory fix. Fresh air guaranteed.
Return to Dover