Itinerary
- Day 1
Dover
Your expedition starts in Dover where you'll board MS Maud. If you arrive early, there's time to visit the White Cliffs at St. Margaret's Bay for some nice coastal views before you head to the ship. Once aboard, you'll pick up your expedition jacket, get settled into your cabin, and meet the Expedition Team. Dinner happens later that evening, so you can start getting to know other passengers and crew.
- Meals
- Dinner (First dinner aboard MS Maud)
Included Activities
- Meet Expedition Team
- First dinner aboard ship
- Receive complimentary expedition jacket
Optional Activities
- Walk along the White Cliffs at St. Margaret's Bay
Landmarks White Cliffs of Dover St. Margaret's Bay - Day 2
At Sea
Spend the day at sea on MS Maud with plenty of options for how you fill your time. The Observation Deck gives you good views throughout the day, and you can stop by the Science Center to learn what's coming up at your next stops. If you want to stay active, there's a gym and hot tubs available. The Explorer Lounge is perfect for relaxing, and the Expedition Team will be giving talks about the destinations ahead. The onboard photographer can also share some tips if you're interested in getting better shots during the cruise.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Access to Observation Deck
- Visit Science Center
- Use ship's gym and hot tubs
- Photography tips from onboard photographer
- Talks and briefings from Expedition Team
- Access to Explorer Lounge
- Use of panoramic sauna
- Day 3
St. David's
Today you'll explore Fishguard, a charming coastal town with two distinct areas to check out: Lower Fishguard harbor and the Main Town up above that has great sea views. As part of an included excursion, you'll also visit St. David's, the UK's smallest city, where you can walk through the conservation area and see the 12th-century cathedral. If you want to stretch your legs, the Pembrokeshire coastal path offers nice views from the westernmost point in Wales.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Excursion to St. David's and its 12th-century cathedral
- Explore Pembrokeshire coastal path
Optional Activities
- Visit Lower Fishguard harbor
- Explore Main Town of Fishguard
Landmarks St. David's Cathedral Pembrokeshire Coastal Path Preseli Hills - Day 4
Belfast
You'll sail into Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital and where the Titanic was built. The Cathedral Quarter has Victorian architecture worth walking through, including St. Anne's Cathedral with its interesting mosaics. Head to Donegall Square to see City Hall and the Grand Opera House. History buffs can visit the Ulster Museum or Belfast Castle, while if you prefer nature, the Botanic Gardens are a good option. There's also an optional trip available to the Giant's Causeway and the northern coastline, which has those distinctive hexagonal rock columns that are pretty interesting to see.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Cathedral Quarter
Optional Activities
- Visit Ulster Museum
- Visit Belfast Castle
- Explore Botanic Gardens
- Visit St. Anne's Cathedral
- See City Hall and Grand Opera House in Donegall Square
- Visit Giant's Causeway
- Explore northern coastline and cliffs
Landmarks St. Anne's Cathedral City Hall Belfast Grand Opera House Belfast Ulster Museum Belfast Castle Botanic Gardens Belfast Giant's Causeway - Day 4
Belfast
You'll sail into Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital and where the Titanic was built. The Cathedral Quarter has Victorian architecture worth walking through, including St. Anne's Cathedral with its interesting mosaics. Head to Donegall Square to see City Hall and the Grand Opera House. History buffs can visit the Ulster Museum or Belfast Castle, while if you prefer nature, the Botanic Gardens are a good option. There's also an optional trip available to the Giant's Causeway and the northern coastline, which has those distinctive hexagonal rock columns that are pretty interesting to see.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Cathedral Quarter
Optional Activities
- Visit Ulster Museum
- Visit Belfast Castle
- Explore Botanic Gardens
- Visit St. Anne's Cathedral
- See City Hall and Grand Opera House in Donegall Square
- Visit Giant's Causeway
- Explore northern coastline and cliffs
Landmarks St. Anne's Cathedral City Hall Belfast Grand Opera House Belfast Ulster Museum Belfast Castle Botanic Gardens Belfast Giant's Causeway - Day 5
Outer Hebrides (Barra or Vatersay)
The Captain and Expedition Team decide which of the two southernmost inhabited Outer Hebrides islands you'll explore today, either Barra or Vatersay (they're connected by causeway). You'll have chances to search for birds and sea life in small RIBs, and depending on weather and conditions, you might land in some of the coves and beaches near Castlebay. Flexibility is key since the day's activities depend on what conditions are like.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Wildlife viewing and exploration of coves and beaches
Landmarks Barra Vatersay Castlebay - Day 5
Outer Hebrides (Barra or Vatersay)
The Captain and Expedition Team decide which of the two southernmost inhabited Outer Hebrides islands you'll explore today, either Barra or Vatersay (they're connected by causeway). You'll have chances to search for birds and sea life in small RIBs, and depending on weather and conditions, you might land in some of the coves and beaches near Castlebay. Flexibility is key since the day's activities depend on what conditions are like.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Wildlife viewing and exploration of coves and beaches
Landmarks Barra Vatersay Castlebay - Day 6
Kirkwall
You'll sail to Kirkwall, the largest town in the Orkney Islands and a vibrant place with Viking influences. Walking around, you can see the distinctive red sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral and check out the Earl's Palace ruins right nearby. If you want to go a bit further, Scara Brae, a Neolithic settlement, is reachable by bus. Whisky fans have options too, including Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their single malts, or Orkney Distillery if you're interested in trying their gin.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Exploration of Kirkwall on foot
- Visit to St. Magnus Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Visit Earl's Palace ruins
- Bus trip to Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae
- Visit Highland Park distillery
- Visit Scapa distillery
- Visit Orkney Distillery
Landmarks St. Magnus Cathedral Earl's Palace Scara Brae Highland Park Distillery Scapa Distillery Orkney Distillery 
- Day 7
Stornoway
You'll arrive at Stornoway, the capital of the Isle of Lewis and Harris. Keep watch around the harbor for seals, eagles, and otters. The Gothic-style Lews Castle has nice grounds and great views that are worth spending time on. Head out to see the 5,000-year-old Callanish standing stones and Dun Carloway, which is Scotland's best-preserved Iron Age broch. If you want to walk, there are coastal trails along Dalmore, Dalbeg, or Garry beaches. Local shops sell Harris Tweed if you're looking for a souvenir made right here.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Visit to Lews Castle
- Exploration of surrounding area for wildlife viewing
Optional Activities
- Visit Callanish standing stones
- Visit Dun Carloway
- Coastal walks on Dalmore, Dalbeg, or Garry beaches
- Purchase Harris Tweed souvenirs
Landmarks Lews Castle Callanish Standing Stones Dun Carloway Dalmore Beach Dalbeg Beach Garry Beach - Day 8
Islay
Today you explore Islay, known for its peaty single malts. The island has ancient monoliths to see and an unusual settlement at Finlaggan. This place is great for wildlife, with over 200 bird species including oystercatchers, gannets, and golden eagles. From the sandy beaches, you might spot dolphins and basking sharks if you're lucky. Port Ellen gives you access to three of the island's nine distilleries, with Laphroaig and Ardbeg among the options.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Exploration of Islay's natural and archaeological sites
Optional Activities
- Visit ancient monoliths
- Explore Finlaggan settlement
- Wildlife viewing
- Beach exploration
- Visit Laphroaig distillery
- Visit Ardbeg distillery
- Visit other distilleries near Port Ellen
Landmarks Finlaggan Laphroaig Distillery Ardbeg Distillery Port Ellen - Day 9
Douglas
The approach to Douglas is really scenic. Once there, you'll explore the capital of the Isle of Man and learn about its Celtic and Viking heritage and how it became a Victorian tourist resort. The rugged coastline is worth seeing. Stop by the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St. Thomas' Church, and visit Peel Castle, which is quite impressive and reportedly haunted. It was originally built as a Viking stronghold.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Douglas
Optional Activities
- Visit Manx Museum
- View St. Thomas' Church murals
- Explore Peel Castle
Landmarks Manx Museum St. Thomas' Church Peel Castle - Day 10
Waterford
You'll arrive at Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, founded by Vikings back in the 10th century along the River Suir. This small walkable city is well-preserved and known for its beautiful crystal glass production. Colorful street art is painted on walls and houses throughout. Walk the Viking Triangle, named for the three-sided shape of the thousand-year-old walls, and take time to explore the charming Waterford Greenway. If you want a short trip out, historic Kilkenny Castle is reachable and worth seeing as a medieval relic.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Waterford
Optional Activities
- Walk the Viking Triangle
- Explore Waterford Greenway
- Visit Kilkenny Castle
- View crystal glass production
Landmarks Viking Triangle Waterford Waterford Greenway Kilkenny Castle - Day 11
Isles of Scilly
Weather permitting, you'll visit the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago sitting just 30 miles off Cornwall's tip. Check out Tresco's white-sand beaches and the 19th-century Abbey Gardens, or head to St. Mary's if it's the larger island you prefer. There's an optional trip around the archipelago where you can visit shipwreck sites and look for seals. You can also sail around Annet, which is a bird sanctuary where you'll see puffins and other breeding seabirds.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Visit to Isles of Scilly
Optional Activities
- Explore Tresco's white-sand beaches
- Visit Abbey Gardens on Tresco
- Visit St. Mary's
- Trip around archipelago to visit shipwreck sites
- Seal spotting
- Bird sanctuary tour of Annet
Landmarks Abbey Gardens St. Mary's Annet - Day 12
Dartmouth
You'll arrive at Dartmouth, a charming town sitting on the banks of the River Dart with lots of maritime history. The Royal Britannia Naval College and Dartmouth Castle are both here. Walk the coastal paths and trails that lead to secluded coves and remote beaches. If food interests you, there's local seafood available, and if you have a sweet tooth, you can try local fudge or the famous Devonshire cream tea.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Lunch (Lunch in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included), Dinner (Dinner in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Included Activities
- Exploration of Dartmouth and surrounding area
Optional Activities
- Visit Royal Britannia Naval College
- Visit Dartmouth Castle
- Coastal walks and trail exploration
- Enjoy local seafood
- Try local fudge
- Enjoy Devonshire cream tea
Landmarks Royal Britannia Naval College Dartmouth Castle River Dart - Day 13
Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover signal that your British Isles expedition cruise is wrapping up. You'll sail into Dover and dock at the harbor as those iconic cliffs come into view. It's time to say goodbye to MS Maud and thank everyone who made this expedition cruise special.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim with beverages included)
Landmarks White Cliffs of Dover
