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11 Night Ancient Isles England Ireland and Scotland Cruise from Portsmouth

Ship: National Geographic Explorer

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Sunday, Jun 9, 2024 from Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Ended: Thursday, Jun 20, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, Jun 9, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Explorer. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Sunday - Jun 9, 2024

Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Arrive in London and transfer to Portsmouth to embark on a journey around the British and Irish Isles.

Day 2 - Monday - Jun 10, 2024

Fowey, United Kingdom

Arrive in the Cornish port of Fowey (pronounced "Foy") in the afternoon. Hike a coastal trail or enjoy a guided walk through the village of Fowey with a local. Alternatively, learn about the history of a few beautiful Cornish estates on a visit to Lanhydrock House and Restormel Castle, or get to know local producers and growers from the Duchy of Cornwall.

Day 3 - Tuesday - Jun 11, 2024

Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom

The Isles of Scilly can trace their roots back to prehistoric times. More than 140 different islands make up this designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Take the time to explore one of England's most pristine beaches and watch for migrating birds that frequent the islands. Weather permitting, enjoy a Zodiac ride among some of the most popular residents of the islands: the local seal colony.

Day 4 - Wednesday - Jun 12, 2024

Cork (Cobh), Ireland

Arrive in this colorful port city on one of the world's largest natural harbors, intimately tied to maritime history and the great Irish Emigration. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and learn about the momentous events that took place here-from the 1912 departure of the Titanic to the successful rescue of passengers from the torpedoed Lusitania and the millions of Irish who departed these shores in search of a better life. Enjoy an afternoon of Irish traditions, from music to sport, with locals.

Day 5 - Thursday - Jun 13, 2024

The Skelligs, Ireland

Blasket Islands, Ireland

Day 6 - Friday - Jun 14, 2024

Coastal Navigation, United States

Over the next two days, enjoy the windswept landscapes of western Ireland. Be on deck as we sail past Skellig Michael, the protected Celtic Christian hermitage where beehive huts and remains of a seventh-century monastery still stand. Then, get photo tips from the National Geographic photography expert as we sail past the uninhabited Blasket Islands, on which you'll observe a wide array of birds including storm petrels, shearwaters, terns, gulls, and auks. Our exploration continues on land through the southern corner of Ireland with its cozy local pubs, cultural centers, and country walks.

Day 7 - Saturday - Jun 15, 2024

Iona, United Kingdom

Staffa, Scotland

Visit the sacred island of Iona and its 13th-century abbey, long revered as a Christian pilgrimage site and believed to be where the Book of Kells originated. Several Scottish kings, including the actual Macbeth, are buried in the royal graveyard here. Later, weather permitting, we explore uninhabited Staffa Island, famed for its perfect six-sided volcanic basalt columns and dramatic Fingal's Cave. On Staffa, join one of the naturalist guides to learn about and observe a large puffin colony.

Day 8 - Sunday - Jun 16, 2024

St Kilda, Scotland

Explore the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, boasting incredible seabird colonies. Conditions permitting, we make a landing at St. Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nature preserve. Uninhabited since 1930, the traditional stone village left behind by the island's final residents now lies in ruins. But active occupants do remain: a huge population of gannets, domesticated sheep now gone wild, puffins, and wrens.

Day 9 - Monday - Jun 17, 2024

Shetland Islands, United Kingdom

The Shetlands are characterized by deep-seated cultural traditions and dramatic landscapes. Far north and near enough to Norway to speak Scottish with a Scandinavian accent, this 100-island archipelago has never been fully tamed by those who live here. Explore these rural islands with their mix of ponies, ruins, and windswept pastures.

Day 10 - Tuesday - Jun 18, 2024

Kirkwall, Scotland

Options this morning include a birdwatching trek in quest of Orkney's remarkably varied birdlife or a walking tour of Kirkwall, Orkney's capital and a showplace of ancient Viking history thanks to its proximity to Norway. Later, discover the Stone Age megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone slab village of Skara Brae. And step inside majestic St. Magnus Cathedral, a sandstone landmark that took three centuries to build.

Day 11 - Wednesday - Jun 19, 2024

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Start off the day with a panoramic drive through "the Granite City" before exploring Aberdeenshire's countryside. Choose to visit a local Highland cattle farm where you will learn about its award-winning products and practices. Or, dive into Highland traditions with a visit to the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Transfer back to the ship later this afternoon and enjoy your last evening at sea.

Day 12 - Thursday - Jun 20, 2024

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disembark in Edinburgh after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or choose to explore the Scottish Highlands on a post-voyage extension.