Itinerary

A Dublin Pre-Cruise Program is available. Details follow.

Day 1: US Departure (July 12)

Day 2: Cruise Departs for Dublin, Ireland (July 13)

Tour majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift is buried, and stroll through lovely St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful city park immortalized by James Joyce in Ulysses. The magnificently decorated Book of Kells is on display at the venerable Trinity College. 

Day 3: Holyhead, United Kingdom (July 14)

Enjoy the beautiful Welsh countryside with its charming towns and farms and visit the imposing Caernarfon Castle begun by Edward I in 1283. This mighty fortress was a residence and seat of government as well as a military stronghold. The current Prince of Wales received his title here in 1969.

Day 4: Cork (Cobh), Ireland (July 15)

Cheerful Cork sprawls about the River Lee in one of Ireland's most stunning settings. Bridges crisscross the city leading to landmarks like St. Anne's Church and the Old City Gaol, where you'll see the 19th century prisoners' graffiti. Make time to kiss the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle.

Day 5: Bantry, Ireland (July 16)

Bantry is situated at the head of ancient Bantry Bay, which is renowned for being one of the most breathtaking vistas along Ireland’s coast. The picturesque town’s narrow lanes are filled with old-fashioned shops and restaurants that offer a taste of the region’s history and culture. In fact, Bantry has a history extending into Neolithic times when humans left their mark in locations such as Killnaruane. You can also discover the region’s past in Wolfe Tone Square and the famed Bantry House & Gardens, one of Ireland’s most renowned manors and the ancestral seat of the Earls of Bantry.

Day 6: Killybegs, Ireland (July 17)

Donegal’s scenic fishing village, Killybegs is situated in a region marked by natural beauty and rich in Celtic heritage. Discover thatched Irish cottages and picturesque Gaeltacht villages, not to mention super fresh seafood and beautiful stretches of coastline with Blue Flag beaches. Get a sense of the town’s history and see the world’s largest hand-knotted loom at the former factory of Donegal Carpets, now known as Killybegs International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre. Nature lovers will want to head to hiking trails of dramatic Slieve League Mountains just west of Killybegs – those up for the adventure will be rewarded with stunning views of Donegal Bay, local wildlife and some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Day 7: Belfast, Northern Ireland (July 18)

Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants' Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.

Day 8: Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland (July 19)

Offering some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK, Glasgow is a major center of commerce and culture. Glasgow Cathedral is one of the only cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the Reformation in tact and houses a celebrated collection of stained glass windows. The Burrell Collection showcases a range of work by major artists such as Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as examples of late medieval, Chinese and Islamic art. 

Day 9: Cruising the North Sea

Day 10: Kirkwall, (Orkney Islands) Scotland (July 21)

This starkly beautiful island holds many ancient treasures like the enigmatic Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, amazingly discovered with furniture and indoor drains preserved. Visit the imposing trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl's Palace, and the earlier Bishop's Palace.

Day 11-12: Edinburgh, Scotland (July 22-23)

Savor the old town's marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary's chambers. Visit St. Giles' Cathedral where John Knox once preached.

Dublin Pre-Cruise Program (July 11-13)

Bask in the rich history and lively spirit of Dublin while staying in the heart of this welcoming city. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Trinity College while taking in its exquisite, diverse architecture. Be inspired by the breathtaking Old Library that is home to the Book of Kells–an elaborately illuminated Gospel manuscript. Visit the tomb of Jonathan Swift while taking in the medieval architecture of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Plus, visits to the Teeling Distillery and Guinness Storehouse.

$1,149 per person, double occupancy

$1,549 per single and subject to availability

Includes 2 full days touring Dublin and 2 nights at 4-star Trinity City Hotel or similar accommodations, with breakfast