Best of British Isles

A 13-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit exploring the cultural heritage and abundant wildlife of the British Isles, from the Scilly Isles to Scotland. The itinerary includes UNESCO sites, bird sanctuaries, stunning coastal hikes, and a photography program with expert guidance.


North Atlantic Isles
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Duration: 13 days / 11 nights on board
Starts: London, England
Ends: Edinburgh, Scotland
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included


This 13-day expedition is a blend of cultural exploration and encounters with natural beauty across the British Isles, sailing aboard the expedition ship Sea Spirit. The voyage begins with a pre-cruise hotel stay in London and transport to Portsmouth, the home of the Royal Navy. The itinerary features diverse destinations, from the mild climate and exquisite flora of Tresco's Abbey Garden in the Scilly Isles, to the dramatic coastline of Northern Ireland's world-famous Giant’s Causeway. A key focus is the rich history and unique wildlife of the region.

The journey includes exploring the Republic of Ireland, visiting sites like the House of Waterford Crystal and the bird sanctuary of the Great Saltee Islands, and a scenic overland tour of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Conwy Castle. In Scotland, the ship visits the Neolithic heritage of the Orkneys (Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar) and experiences one of the world's great wildlife wonders at Bass Rock, host to over 150,000 northern gannets. An included photography program with expert guidance ensures all guests can capture the spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Highlights:
Explore the world-famous Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
Visit the exquisite Tresco Abbey Garden in the Scilly Isles
Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites like Conwy Castle and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Witness the world’s largest colony of northern gannets at Bass Rock
Included photography program and expert-led birdwatching activities

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Heathrow Airport, London
Pre-cruise Hotel Night
Welcome to England and the start of your British Isles cruise! The included pre-cruise hotel night is designed for relaxation before the motorcoach transfer to Portsmouth the next morning. You will receive information about the time and place to meet the motorcoach at the hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation in Portsmouth, England
Transfer to Portsmouth and Boarding the Sea Spirit
Meet the Poseidon representative in the hotel lobby for the chartered motorcoach transfer to Portsmouth, the historic home of the Royal Navy. In the afternoon, you will be welcomed aboard the expedition ship Sea Spirit.

Day 3: Tresco, Scilly Isles, England
Tresco Abbey Garden and Castle Ruins
Explore the lovely, sand-fringed island of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly. Discover the exquisite Tresco Abbey Garden, boasting a spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants. Bronze Age burial sites and romantic 17th-century castle ruins reveal the island's long and dramatic history.

Days 4-5: Republic of Ireland
Waterford Crystal, Mount Congreve, and Saltee Islands Bird Sanctuary
From Dunmore East, a short journey leads to the House of Waterford Crystal for a guided tour of the factory. Nearby is Mount Congreve, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate and botanical gardens. An attempt is planned to visit Great Saltee, the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland, a haven for Gannets, Gulls, Puffins, and Manx Shearwaters.

Day 6: Llandudno, Wales
Snowdonia National Park and Conwy Castle UNESCO Site
From the seaside town of Llandudno, embark on a scenic overland tour of Snowdonia National Park, driving through dramatic landscapes of craggy mountains and crystal clear lakes. Enjoy a stop at the charming town of Betws-y-Coed. Visit Conwy Castle, considered by UNESCO as one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe."

Day 7: Portrush, Northern Ireland
Giant's Causeway Geological Masterpiece
Travel overland from Portrush to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, a geological masterpiece composed of 40,000 closely packed hexagonal basalt columns descending into the sea. This area also offers opportunities to spot various seabirds such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant, shag, and razorbill.

Days 8-9: Hebrides, Scotland
Uncovering Scottish Coastlines and History
These days are dedicated to exploring Scotland, uncovering the beauty of the Hebrides, and discovering the secrets and hidden tales etched into its picturesque coasts and landscapes, promising a glimpse into the heart of this captivating region.

Day 10: Kirkwall, Orkneys
Neolithic Heritage and Saint Magnus Cathedral
Disembark for an overland tour of Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands. Attractions include the well-preserved 5000-year-old village site at Skara Brae and the ancient Ring of Brodgar within the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Heart of Neolithic Orkney.” Finish the tour in Kirkwall, visiting the landmark Romanesque Saint Magnus Cathedral and enjoying free time in the old streets.

Day 11: Fair Isle
Seabirds, Rarities, and Hand-Knitted Articles
Explore Fair Isle, an isolated island famous among birders for its abundance of British birds, eastern rarities, and migrants. It is one of Europe’s best places to watch seabirds, especially puffins, at close range. Seals are commonly seen in its bays. Guests can also purchase articles hand-knitted in the island's distinctive style.

Day 12: Isle of May, Scotland, Bass Rock
Gannet Colony Spectacle and Nature Reserve
Visit the uninhabited islands in the Firth of Forth. Isle of May is a national nature reserve with significant colonies of puffins, guillemots, and seals, as well as historic sites. Bass Rock plays host to over 150,000 northern gannets in the breeding season, a truly unforgettable wildlife wonder perfectly timed to coincide with the voyage.

Day 13: Disembarkation in Edinburgh, Scotland
Farewell in Leith and Airport Transfer
After breakfast on board Sea Spirit, say farewell in Leith, Edinburgh’s vibrant port district. Transfers are provided to the airport or to Edinburgh city center for guests wishing to spend more time in the capital of Scotland.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Heathrow Airport, London
Pre-cruise Hotel Night
Welcome to England and the start of your British Isles cruise! The included pre-cruise hotel night is designed for relaxation before the motorcoach transfer to Portsmouth the next morning. You will receive information about the time and place to meet the motorcoach at the hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation in Portsmouth, England
Transfer to Portsmouth and Boarding the Sea Spirit
Meet the Poseidon representative in the hotel lobby for the chartered motorcoach transfer to Portsmouth, the historic home of the Royal Navy. In the afternoon, you will be welcomed aboard the expedition ship Sea Spirit.

Day 3: Tresco, Scilly Isles, England
Tresco Abbey Garden and Castle Ruins
Explore the lovely, sand-fringed island of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly. Discover the exquisite Tresco Abbey Garden, boasting a spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants. Bronze Age burial sites and romantic 17th-century castle ruins reveal the island's long and dramatic history.

Days 4-5: Republic of Ireland
Waterford Crystal, Mount Congreve, and Saltee Islands Bird Sanctuary
From Dunmore East, a short journey leads to the House of Waterford Crystal for a guided tour of the factory. Nearby is Mount Congreve, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate and botanical gardens. An attempt is planned to visit Great Saltee, the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland, a haven for Gannets, Gulls, Puffins, and Manx Shearwaters.

Day 6: Llandudno, Wales
Snowdonia National Park and Conwy Castle UNESCO Site
From the seaside town of Llandudno, embark on a scenic overland tour of Snowdonia National Park, driving through dramatic landscapes of craggy mountains and crystal clear lakes. Enjoy a stop at the charming town of Betws-y-Coed. Visit Conwy Castle, considered by UNESCO as one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe."

Day 7: Portrush, Northern Ireland
Giant's Causeway Geological Masterpiece
Travel overland from Portrush to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, a geological masterpiece composed of 40,000 closely packed hexagonal basalt columns descending into the sea. This area also offers opportunities to spot various seabirds such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant, shag, and razorbill.

Days 8-9: Hebrides, Scotland
Uncovering Scottish Coastlines and History
These days are dedicated to exploring Scotland, uncovering the beauty of the Hebrides, and discovering the secrets and hidden tales etched into its picturesque coasts and landscapes, promising a glimpse into the heart of this captivating region.

Day 10: Kirkwall, Orkneys
Neolithic Heritage and Saint Magnus Cathedral
Disembark for an overland tour of Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands. Attractions include the well-preserved 5000-year-old village site at Skara Brae and the ancient Ring of Brodgar within the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Heart of Neolithic Orkney.” Finish the tour in Kirkwall, visiting the landmark Romanesque Saint Magnus Cathedral and enjoying free time in the old streets.

Day 11: Fair Isle
Seabirds, Rarities, and Hand-Knitted Articles
Explore Fair Isle, an isolated island famous among birders for its abundance of British birds, eastern rarities, and migrants. It is one of Europe’s best places to watch seabirds, especially puffins, at close range. Seals are commonly seen in its bays. Guests can also purchase articles hand-knitted in the island's distinctive style.

Day 12: Isle of May, Scotland, Bass Rock
Gannet Colony Spectacle and Nature Reserve
Visit the uninhabited islands in the Firth of Forth. Isle of May is a national nature reserve with significant colonies of puffins, guillemots, and seals, as well as historic sites. Bass Rock plays host to over 150,000 northern gannets in the breeding season, a truly unforgettable wildlife wonder perfectly timed to coincide with the voyage.

Day 13: Disembarkation in Edinburgh, Scotland
Farewell in Leith and Airport Transfer
After breakfast on board Sea Spirit, say farewell in Leith, Edinburgh’s vibrant port district. Transfers are provided to the airport or to Edinburgh city center for guests wishing to spend more time in the capital of Scotland.


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INCLUSIONS

1 pre-voyage hotel night;
Seamless group transfer to Portsmouth on the day of embarkation;
Cozy accommodation aboard the elegant Sea Spirit, your home away from home;
Delicious gourmet meals crafted by our chef throughout your voyage;
24-hour tea and coffee station, complete with cookies for a quick energy boost;
All-inclusive beverage package that includes soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits
Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes;
Expert leadership from our experienced Expedition Leader and top-notch Expedition Team;
A stylish branded Poseidon Expeditions windbreaker jacket to take home as a cherished memento;
Comfortable rubber boots for shore landings during your cruise;
All port fees;
Group transfer to airport or central location right after disembarkation;
Comprehensive pre-departure materials to prepare you for your adventure;
A Digital Voyage Log with photos and a memorable video from our expedition photographer;
Wi-Fi on board to stay connected during your journey.

EXCLUSIONS

Visa fees (if applicable)
Airfare;
Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance to a minimum coverage of US$ 100,000 per person;
Staff gratuities.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Sea Spirit | Date: 09 May 2027 - 21 May 2027 (4790)
Triple Suite
$8,795
$7,476
Main Deck Suite
$10,295
$7,721
Single Suite
$15,295
$11,471
Classic Suite
$10,895
$8,171
Superior Suite
$10,995
$8,246
Deluxe Suite
$12,395
$9,296
Premium Suite
$13,195
$9,896
Owner´s Suite
$16,395
$12,296

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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