Britian Ireland Cruise

   
 
 

Britain & Ireland in Bloom Cruise

13 Days / 11 locations in England, Channel Islands, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scotland

Gardens, island hopping, England, Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly, Ireland, Waterford, Antrim Coast, Scotland, Islay, Gigha, Colonsay, Iona, Mull, Siel

Discover some of the most beautiful gardens and historic houses in Great Britain and Ireland. From the historic city of Kilkenny to the enigma of the Giant's Causeway; from the mysterious Hebrides Islands to Iona, the mystical burial grounds of legendary Scottish Kings, join us on a truly unforgettable adventure on the MS Expedition.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Portsmouth
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Dinner

Embark this afternoon and sail in the early evening past the Isle of Wight bound for the Channel Islands.

 
Day 2     Alderney Island - Sark Island
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Walk the cliffs of Alderney and enjoy the spring flowers and bird watching. Sail across to Sark, then go ashore and discover the enchanting Seigneury Gardens.

 
Day 3     Guernsey Island
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Head out by zodiac to the tiny island of Herm. Enjoy this wonderfully relaxing place with stunning beaches, cliff walks, sand dunes. Spend the afternoon on the ‘Island of Flowers’.

 
Day 4     At Sea
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

St Michael Mount & the Helford River

St Michael’s Mount is truly unique; a tiny, rocky island filled with astonishing history and natural beauty, yet still a living, working community of people. We'll also take a trip down Helford River with its many side creeks, including ‘Frenchman’s Creek’ of Daphne du Maurier fame.

 
Day 5     At Sea
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

St Mary’s & Tresco

Begin your day in St Mary's and the quaint capital of Hugh Town. Spend the afternoon on Tresco. Stroll the traffic free lanes and enjoy a walk along one of the lovely white-sand beaches.

 
Day 6     Waterford
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Explore the ancient city of Waterford. Drive to Mount Congreve a spectacular woodland garden on the banks of the River Suir. Continue to Kilkenny one of the most historic and attractive cities in all of Ireland.

 
Day 7     At Sea
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Drop anchor in this beautiful bay where the heather covered mountains seem to meet the sea. Land at Glengariff and visit Bantry Bay House, the grand house of the area. Don't miss a chance to visit nearby Garinsh Island, one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland.

 
Day 8     At Sea
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

n the morning we call into one of Ireland’s most picturesque towns - Clifden. Perched high above the deep-sided, boulder strewn estuary of the River Owenglin, Clifden’s distinctive skyline of Gimlet spires, stands out against the dramatic grandeur of the Connemara Mountains. Explore the town and the Twelve Bens mountain range.

 
Day 9     At Sea
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The beauty of the North Antrim coast is legendary. This morning, visit the 'Eight Wonder of the World,' the Giants Causeway. Continue to the nearby Bushmills Distillery, one of the best known and oldest whiskey makers in Ireland.

 
Day 10     Islay - Gigha Island
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The most southerly of the Hebridean Islands, Islay is best known for its distinctive single malt whiskey. Spend the afternoon on the Isle of Gighas, exploring its heather covered hills and deserted beaches. Enjoy the quaint single lane roadway edged with wild flowers that meanders for some six miles between cottages and farms.

 
Day 11     Iona
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Land this morning on the island of Colonsay for a visit to the 30 acre informal gardens of Colonsay House. Afterwards, we head to Iona where no less than 62 Kings of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan, Macbeth’s victim.

 
Day 12     At Sea
On Board the M/S Expedition
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Siel & Craignure

On the island of Seil, visit An Cala. Enjoy its meandering streams, winding paths, formal terracing of local slate and wide green lawn. Sail in the late morning for the Isle of Mull. Explore the Torosay Castle. Enjoy the ‘niche’ gardens and find a peaceful spot to relax and absorb the perfect landscape.

 
Day 13     Oban - Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

Disembark after breakfast and drive to Glasgow Airport or rail station.

 
Price Includes
Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
Meals Daily Shipboard
Services of Expedition Guides
Shore Excursions
GAP-1269
1.28.15.WP26