British Isles: Wildlife and History Cruise

British Isles: Wildlife and History Cruise
from £6,695 excluding flights
Customers rate Discover the World
Average score 4.8/5
Based on 959 reviews. Powered by

Highlights

Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Ring of Brodgar

Witness the world’s largest colony of northern gannets

Take a scenic journey through Snowdonia

Explore botanic gardens and historic sites on the Scilly Isles

Keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins and basking sharks

Visit an Iron Age broch and the Stone Age village of Skara Brae
Why this trip...

Small Ships
Immerse yourself in your surroundings and access remote places whilst enjoying a safe and friendly atmosphere onboard

Expertly guided
In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

Style of vessel
This holiday is based on a ship ideally suited to the areas visited and the conditions
Overview
From the Scilly Isles to the Outer Hebrides, via the Irish coast and the mountains of Snowdonia, you’ll encounter fascinating marine wildlife and prolific birdlife, delve into centuries of history, and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Giant’s Causeway, Conwy Castle, and the Orkney Islands’ Skara Brae. This unforgettable journey will reveal the most wild and ancient corners of the British Isles.
As you travel you’ll have the chance to pick up tips and skills from the on-board photography expert, and learn more about the islands’ natural and human history from the knowledgeable expedition team.
This expedition-style voyage sails from Plymouth to Edinburgh and offers the chance to visit some of the British Isles’ most historically significant and wildlife-rich destinations. Cruising this spellbinding yet familiar coastline by small ship is the perfect way to explore our remote islands and bays, and to uncover the intriguing stories behind our unique landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1 London, England
An overnight stay in a hotel near London's Heathrow Airport is included tonight, to enable all passengers to travel down to Portsmouth and board the ship together the next day.
An overnight stay in a hotel near London's Heathrow Airport is included tonight, to enable all passengers to travel down to Portsmouth and board the ship together the next day.
Day 2 Embarkation in Portsmouth, England
Today you will be transferred by coach to Portsmouth, the home of the Royal Navy. The city’s rich maritime heritage sets the tone as you board the expedition ship this afternoon. After a little time to settle into your suite, head up on deck as you sail out of the harbour.
Today you will be transferred by coach to Portsmouth, the home of the Royal Navy. The city’s rich maritime heritage sets the tone as you board the expedition ship this afternoon. After a little time to settle into your suite, head up on deck as you sail out of the harbour.
Day 3 Tresco & the Scilly Isles, England
The Isles of Scilly lie just off the coast of Cornwall and boast mild weather, secluded beaches, enchanting wildlife and a relaxed lifestyle. On the sand-fringed island of Tresco, Bronze Age burial sites and romantic 17th-century castle ruins reveal a long and dramatic history. On the hallowed grounds of a Benedictine abbey is the exquisite Tresco Abbey Garden, with its spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world. Here you’ll also find the Valhalla Museum, a collection of colourful figureheads salvaged from the islands’ shipwrecks.
The Isles of Scilly lie just off the coast of Cornwall and boast mild weather, secluded beaches, enchanting wildlife and a relaxed lifestyle. On the sand-fringed island of Tresco, Bronze Age burial sites and romantic 17th-century castle ruins reveal a long and dramatic history. On the hallowed grounds of a Benedictine abbey is the exquisite Tresco Abbey Garden, with its spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world. Here you’ll also find the Valhalla Museum, a collection of colourful figureheads salvaged from the islands’ shipwrecks.



Days 4-5 Saltee Islands & Waterford, Republic of Ireland
Visit the privately owned Saltee Islands, which make up one of the world's major bird sanctuaries. The islands provide a haven for seabirds including gannets, gulls, puffins and Manx shearwaters, as well as numerous migratory bird species. Further west, head ashore on the mainland, where you can take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. Nearby is Mount Congreve, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate with extensive botanical gardens.
Visit the privately owned Saltee Islands, which make up one of the world's major bird sanctuaries. The islands provide a haven for seabirds including gannets, gulls, puffins and Manx shearwaters, as well as numerous migratory bird species. Further west, head ashore on the mainland, where you can take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. Nearby is Mount Congreve, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate with extensive botanical gardens.
Day 6 Llandudno & Snowdonia, Wales
Travel north across the Irish Sea to the vibrant seaside town of Llandudno in North Wales, from where you will embark on a scenic tour of Snowdonia National Park. Drive through some of the wildest and most dramatic landscapes in Britain to discover craggy mountains, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, dense woodlands and flowering meadows. Snowdonia is also renowned for wildlife including otters, water voles, wild ponies and rare birds such as dotterel and peregrine falcon. There should also be time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Conwy Castle, dating back to the 13th century.
Travel north across the Irish Sea to the vibrant seaside town of Llandudno in North Wales, from where you will embark on a scenic tour of Snowdonia National Park. Drive through some of the wildest and most dramatic landscapes in Britain to discover craggy mountains, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, dense woodlands and flowering meadows. Snowdonia is also renowned for wildlife including otters, water voles, wild ponies and rare birds such as dotterel and peregrine falcon. There should also be time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Conwy Castle, dating back to the 13th century.



Complimentary Photography Programme

This expedition voyage offers a wealth of subjects for photographers of all levels and interests. The on-board photography programme gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside a professional photographer.
Zoom out to capture the dramatic landscapes and rugged coastlines of Wales and Northern Ireland, go macro to detail the beauty of wildflowers on the shores of the Shetlands, and practice the art of architectural photography as you visit medieval castles.
From colourful puffins to historic monuments, there’s plenty to see that will make a photographer out of anyone. The ship’s onboard photography expert will be on hand throughout the voyage to help you capture the highlights of your journey through your viewfinder.
Prices and Departures
Price from £6,695 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Tea & coffee available around the clock
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
- All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
- Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
- Complimentary photography programme
- Expedition jacket - yours to keep
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
- Complimentary wi-fi on board
- Voyage log (digital)
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
Departure | Duration | Vessel | Prices from (pp) |
---|---|---|---|
10 May 2021 | 13 days | Sea Spirit | £6,695 |
08 May 2022 | 13 days | Sea Spirit | £6,495 |
Offers
Meet our expert

One of our specialists
Meet DougYou may also like
Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Travelling sustainably
We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what