British Isles Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – Southampton, UK
The Southampton cruise port offers a city centre full of charm and a mix of old city walls plus a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored when in a cruise from Southampton. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.
Day 2 – At Sea
Day 3 – Belfast, United Kingdom
Founded in the 17th century, the city was one of the world’s leading industrial names, home to Harland and Wolff – the shipbuilders who built the ill-fated Titanic. Despite its more recent political troubles, Belfast is today an alluring destination. Amidst its majestic Victorian buildings, shop in stylish boutiques, sip a Guinness, or take a scenic stroll in Barnett Demesne park. The city’s centrepiece is the City Hall, completed in 1906, with its domed roof and grand Italian marble staircase. Must-sees include the Crown Bar. Owned by the National Trust, it’s still a vibrant drinking venue, with an amazingly rich and ornate interior of brightly coloured tiles, carvings, stained and etched glass, period gas lighting and cosy snugs.
Day 4 – Killybegs, Ireland
The charming working town of Killybegs, in Donegal, has a long tradition of fishing and is Ireland’s largest fishing port. You’ll get a good overview of the town’s history at the Killybegs International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre. Set in the factory of Donegal Carpets, whose rugs adorn the White House and Buckingham Palace, you can sometimes see its hand-knotting loom (the world’s longest of its kind) at work.
Day 5 & 6 – At Sea
Day 7 – Stornoway, United Kingdom
Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides – an area renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and stunning scenery of mountains, moorland and golden beaches. The history of Lewis dates back thousands of years and around the island lie myriad ancient stone circles and standing stones, including the famous Carloway broch – a round Iron Age fortification. Located on the east coast, Stornoway is a phonetic translation of ‘Steering Bay’ – a name given by Vikings first visiting this natural sheltered harbour. This attractive, bustling town was built on traditional trades including fishing, Harris Tweed and farming, and today you can enjoy fascinating insights into these industries in the local museum and the Lewis Loom Centre.
Day 8 – Lerwick, United Kingdom
Today most of its historical architecture can be seen along the waterfront, including sandstone buildings, which date from the 18th century. Perched on the hillside, over the harbour, the town’s lanes retain their charm. As you stroll the narrow streets, you will discover a mix of shops and restaurants, whilst up on the hillhead stand more recent additions including villas, public parks and the Town Hall. The Shetland’s have an internationally celebrated musical heritage, in particular, their fiddle playing, which you might get the chance to sample whilst here. They also have a fascinating story to tell through the many, rich archaeological sites that can be found here, with remains dating back some 5,000 years.
Day 9 – At Sea
Day 10 – Invergordon
From the port of Invergordon, the beautiful Scottish Highlands are yours to explore. Perhaps you’ll visit the nearby city of Inverness or try to catch a glimpse of the elusive monster in Loch Ness?
Day 11 – At Sea
Day 12 – Greenock (tours to Glasgow) , UK
In 1990 it was voted European City of Culture and today it’s known for its fabulous designer shops and unique culture. Art lovers will certainly enjoy this city. Visit the Glasgow School of Art, a building that’s reputed to be the greatest architectural work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It’s here that Mackintosh met his future wife and much of the work on display here is borne of their artistic collaboration. As well as his iconic furniture designs, you’ll see work from other artists and designers who collectively created “The Glasgow Style”. Nearby the 18th century Hunterian Art Gallery houses Scotland’s largest print collection, while the Burrell Collection contains a number of important artistic artefacts donated by Sir William Burrell, a wealthy shipowner and collector. Other attractions include the Museum of Transport and the 13th century cathedral and necropolis.
Day 13 – Holyhead, United Kingdom
Found on Holy Island, just off Anglesey, the Welsh town Holyhead is home to spellbinding scenery. Soak up the views on a coastal walk or visit the Roman walls and 13th-century church for an insight into the area’s eventful past.
Day 14 – At Sea
Day 15 – Southampton, UK
Unfortunately, this is where your Morocco and Cape Verde cruise will come to an end and you begin your journey home
