British Isles Quest
A voyage from Plymouth to Oban aboard the MS Hebridean Sky in association with APT
- 5 May 2020
This journey provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the splendours of England, Ireland and Scotland and offers a unique portrait of life in the islands. It is timed for the month of May when the western shores become alive with colour, the flowers are in bloom and the birdlife prolific; the most perfect time to explore the coastal paths, see the resident wildlife and enjoy the wonderful views on offer. From the Isles of Scilly to the West Coast of Scotland by way of beautiful cities, historic towns and remote islands, this diverse coastline makes for a most appealing sea journey whether you be an avid gardener, birdwatcher, or simply enjoy sailing past and visiting some of the most enchanting places in the world.
We are delighted that our Australian associates at APT who have chartered the MS Hebridean Sky for this voyage have made some suites available for our passengers. APT have devised the itinerary to ensure there is an enjoyable mix of history, culture and wildlife viewing with time to relax or explore at leisure. The voyage will be made all the more enjoyable by the use of the Zodiacs which enable landings in remote places such as Tresco and Lunga, providing for an unusual perspective and making the otherwise inaccessible readily available. Whilst you could always drive, travel by train and coach and reach most of the itinerary with the help of a ferry, it is much more enjoyable to join the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky and travel in comfort accompanied by an expert onboard team without any of the hassle that independent exploration of these fascinating places would entail.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Itinerary
Day 1 Plymouth, UK.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon in Plymouth. Transfers will be provided from Plymouth Railway Station at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome dinner and drinks as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Isles of Scilly.
Wake up to the aquamarine waters and white sand beaches of the Isles of Scilly, an unexpected tropical delight in the middle of the Celtic Sea. It is within this archipelago off the coast of Cornwall that we discover Tresco Island and there is no shortage of picture-perfect landscapes with pristine beaches and rocky outcrops along the coast. We will visit the flourishing Abbey Garden, established in the 1830s, for a guided tour, home to more than 20,000 species of exotic plants from around the world.
Day 3 Waterford, Ireland.
Arrive this morning in Waterford on the south-eastern coast of Ireland. This morning travel by coach to Kilkenny, the heart and soul of Medieval Ireland, to enjoy some free time. Walk along cobbled lanes and discover hidden passages and perhaps explore Kilkenny Castle, built over a millennia ago. Alternatively, delve into the town's famous craft scene and peruse ceramics, jewellery, candles, stone carvings and more, all lovingly made by hand. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon visit the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about the process and history of glass making which began in 1783.
Day 4 Dublin.
This morning there will be a choice of excursions. Perhaps visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse which has been brewing Guinness since 1759 or join a sightseeing tour of the city. If your interest lies in ancient castles, you may like to visit Malahide Castle and Gardens, the oldest parts of which date back to the 12th century or you can choose to tour Trinity College and see the ninth-century Book of Kells in the Old Library. This afternoon will be free to explore at leisure.
Day 5 Douglas, Isle of Man.
This morning we will arrive on the Isle of Man and travel to Tynwald Hill in the little village of St John’s and onwards to the west coast town of Peel where you will have the opportunity to explore the castle ruins independently. This afternoon perhaps enjoy time to explore Douglas or take the electric mountain railway to Snaefell, the highest point on the island. On a clear day, you might be able to see the coastlines of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Day 6 Belfast, Northern Ireland.
This morning there will be a choice of excursions. Discover Belfast's history through a guided Black Cab tour of its many sites or choose to visit St George's Market, which has been running since 1604. Sample fresh produce, talk to the friendly vendors, listen to live music and browse the unique souvenirs. Alternatively step back in time with a visit to the Titanic Museum, to learn the story of this famous ship's creation in the early 1900s. The afternoon is free for you to relax on board or explore the city at leisure.
Day 7 Londonderry.
This morning we will call into Londonderry where we will view the famous walls which wrap around the city are the only ones in Ireland which still remain intact. Afterwards we will visit the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage-listed natural wonder of over 40,000 basalt columns creating rugged steppingstones into the Atlantic Ocean. This afternoon learn of the history and artistry behind concocting the perfect Irish coffee with a connoisseur or enjoy exploring Londonderry independently.
Day 8 Staffa, Iona & Lunga, Scotland.
Our final day brings us to the Isle of Iona, off the western coast of Scotland. More than 40 Scottish kings, as well as kings from around the world, are buried here amid the island's tranquillity and natural beauty. With time to explore, you might like to visit Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centres in western Europe or simply go for a wander along the beach. We will then visit the striking Isle of Staffa where we hope to use the zodiacs for a closer inspection of the famous Fingal's Cave. Observe the curious hexagonal rock formations of the cave which open up to a 70-metre tall cavern. Our final stop of the day is Lunga, home to grey seals, razorbills, kittiwakes and puffins.
Day 9 Oban.
Disembark this morning after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Glasgow International Airport and Central Railway Station at a fixed time.
SHIP TO SHORE
This cruise is not classified as an expedition cruise. However, please note that Zodiac landing craft or local tenders will be used in small ports we will be visiting where the ship is at anchor such as Tresco, Staffa, Iona and Lunga.
Dates and Prices
5 to 13 May 2020 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £3795 | |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £3995 | |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £4295 | |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £4595 | |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £5095 | |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £5395 | |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £6295 | |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £5295 | |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £5495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHSK050520
Price Includes: Eight nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Also of Interest
Island Hopping in the Hebrides
Explore the majestic beauty of the Hebrides aboard the Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
Itinerary at a glance
- Oban / Barra / Mingulay / St Kilda / Stonroway / Shiant / Loch Scavaig / Muck / Iona / Lunga / Colonsay / Islay/ Oban
Spring in the Hebrides
An expedition exploring the majestic beauty of the remote Hebrides aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Oban, Scotland
- Colonsay & Jura
- Iona, Staffa & Lunga
- Mingulay & Vatersay
- St Kilda & Stac Lee
- Isle of Lewis & Shiant Islands
- Canna & Loch Scavaig
Wild Scotland
An in-depth exploration of the remote islands of Scotland aboard Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
Itinerary at a glance
- Oban / Mingulay / St Kilda /North Rona /Sula Sgeir /Shetland Islands / Mousa / Fair Isle / Orkney Islands / Aberdeen
Britain & Ireland in Bloom
A springtime voyage visiting the gardens of England, Scotland, Ireland & Wales aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Rosemary Legrand
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Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Portsmouth,England,UK
- Dartmouth
- Isles of Scilly
- Waterford, Ireland
- Portmeirion & Bodnant Gardens, Wales
- Peel, Isle of Man
- Belfast
- Holy Loch & Isle of Bute, Scotland
- Arduaine & Jura, Scotland
- Gigha / Colonsay
Hebrides to the Faroes
Explore the majestic beauty of the Hebrides & the enchanting Faroe Islands aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Oban, Scotland
- Canna / Loch Scavaig
- Stornoway / Shiant Islands
- St Kilda
- Suduroy, Faroe Islands
- Vestmanna.
- Torshavn Faroe
- Unst & Fetlar, Shetland Islands
- Lerwick
- Mousa / Fair Isle
- Aberdeen
Scotland & the Faroes
An island hopping expedition including the Shetland Islands, Faroe Islands & Hebrides aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Aberdeen / Orkney Islands / Fair Isle / Lerwick / Faroe Islands / Stornoway / Outer Hebrides / Staffa / Iona / Lunga / Oban
Circumnavigation of the United Kingdom
A summer Voyage of England, Scotland, Ireland & Wales aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Portsmouth / Guernsey / Herm / Isles of Scilly / St Davids / Fishguard / Llandudno / Isle of Man / Belfast / Staffa / Iona / St Kilda / Scrabster / Unst / Lerwick / Montrose / Berwick-upon-Tweed / whitby / southwold / Portsmouth
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000