Ship: National Geographic Explorer
Itinerary: Exploring the British Isles and Irish Isles
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Stones of Callanish
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | London / Portsmouth / Embark |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Dartmouth |
| Day 3 : | Isles of Scilly |
| Day 4 : | The Skelligs and Dingle Peninsula, Ireland |
| Day 5 : | Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher |
| Day 6 : | County Donegal, Ireland |
| Day 7 : | Iona and Staffa, Inner Hebrides, Scotland |
| Day 8 : | Isles of Rum and Skye |
| Day 9 : | Outer Hebrides: St. Kilda and Callanish |
| Day 10 : | Orkney Islands |
| Day 11 : | Fair Isle & Mousa |
| Day 12 : | Shetland Islands |
| Day 13 : | Bergen, Norway / Disembark / Return Home |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 2S | Cat 3 | Cat 3S | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | ||
| 13 | Apr 30, 2010 | $9,440 | $9,990 | $12,480 | $10,380 | $12,980 | $10,790 | $12,880 | $14,870 | $17,240 |
| Destinations : Europe, Ireland, Scotland, United Kingdom Activities : Cultural Activities, History, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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| Savings | Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| $3000 | Apr 30, 10 |
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
History. Culture & Unexpected Wildness. Unlike the majority of our expeditions which are wildness-oriented, this adventure—while taking us to wild and beautiful islands like Staffa and Orkney—adds culture and history to our appreciation of the spectacular landscapes we’ll see. Everywhere there are surprises: the immense tropical gardens in the otherwise “English-y” isles of Scilly. The stunning geological architecture of Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. The cloistered quiet of Iona, the capital of ancient Celtic Christianity. The way the 6,000-year-old dwellings at Skara Brae in Orkney banish forever any lingering notions of early man as “primitive.” And the spectacular scenery along our route. Each day we see and learn more.
Day 1 : London / Portsmouth / Embark
Arrive this morning in London and proceed to the coastal town of Portsmouth. Before embarking National Geographic Endeavour, we visit the Royal Naval Museum, home to the HMS Victory, the splendid three-masted flagship in which Admiral Horatio Nelson led the victorious attack at Trafalgar. (D)
Day 2 : Dartmouth
Be on deck this morning as we make a dramatic entry into the River Dart. Dartmouth has a great seafaring history. We stroll along the quaint waterfront, observing many fine old buildings that recall its nautical past. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : Isles of Scilly
On the island of Tresco we visit the fabulous Tresco Abbey Gardens. The Gulf Stream allows an astounding variety of subtropical plants to flourish at these northern latitudes, and numerous birds, including shearwaters and sandpipers, are often seen here. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : The Skelligs and Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Today we explore the roots of Celtic Christianity. We cruise slowly by Skellig Michael to view the beehive huts of a Celtic Christian monastery, built five hundred feet high atop the island in the sixth century. A half-mile distant is rocky Little Skellig, whose white spires reveal is as a favorite roost for seabirds. Go ashore at the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. Walk through the charming village of Dingle, sample an Irish coffee and browse the shops for woolens. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher
These stark islands contain many pre- and early Christian sites. Most dramatic is Dun Aengus, a stone fort dating to 4000 BC. Perched on a 200-foot cliff overlooking the sea, the view is staggering. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : County Donegal, Ireland
Donegal, in Gaelic Dun na nGall or ‘fort of the foreigners’ (i.e. the Vikings), is an ancient and dramatically beautiful area. We board Zodiacs to explore lovely Donegal Bay and drive to Glencolumbkille, one of the most traditional areas in Ireland, where Gaelic is still the primary language. In the evening, we cruise past the 2,000-foot-high cliffs of Slieve League, the highest in Europe. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : Iona and Staffa, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
St. Columba called Iona “love of my heart” and chose it as the site for his monastery. Walk through the ancient nunnery to 12th-century Iona Abbey, where sixty kings lie buried, including Duncan and MacBeth. Afternoon finds us on Staffa, an island famed for its great basalt columns and deep sea caves. It was here in Fingal’s Cave that Felix Mendelssohn was inspired to write his haunting Hebrides Overture. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : Isles of Rum and Skye
Explore the nature reserve on the Isle of Rum and see eccentric Kinloch Castle. Continue to rugged Skye, legendary for its towering Cuillin Mountains and a perfect spot for Zodiac cruises and wilderness walks. (B,L,D)
Day 9 : Outer Hebrides: St. Kilda and Callanish
Along the wild, western coast of Scotland are the Outer Hebrides, islands steeped in history and legend, where Gaelic is still widely spoken. The day is open for exploration. Weather permitting, we explore remote St. Kilda. A World Heritage Site, it was occupied from the New Stone Age through 1930. We then venture to the Isle of Lewis to see the massive neolithic Standing Stones of Callanish. (B,L,D)
Day 10 : Orkney Islands
Few places in the world have the impact of the Stone Age sites of Orkney. The standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the 6,000-year-old stone-slab village excavated at Skara Brae are stunning manifestations of a culture older than the Pyramids of Egypt. Later, we see the massive Cathedral of St. Magnus, built by the Vikings, and stately Balfour Castle on Shapinsay Island, where we recharge with a hearty Scottish tea. (B,L,D)
Day 11 : Fair Isle & Mousa
Fair Isle claims to be the most isolated settlement in the British Isles. The seventy or so inhabitants are a rugged yet amiable people, proud of their island and, of course, their world-renowned woolen crafts. After a pleasant walk around the island, we join our island friends for tea. Later, Zodiac in to the uninhabited island of Mousa, where we find one of the best examples of an Iron Age broch (fortified farm). (B,L,D)
Day 12 : Shetland Islands
Drive through scenic countryside, stopping to photograph resident Shetland ponies on our way to the Jarlshof archaeological site. Here we enter the Bronze Age with the ruins of 3,000 years of continuous settlement. (B,L,D)
Day 13 : Bergen, Norway / Disembark / Return Home
Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer
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Sail the high seas on luxury expedition ship National Geographic Explorer
The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.
Cat 1Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308 |
Cat 2Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336. |
Cat 2SC Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window. |
Cat 3Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350. |
Cat 3SUpper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208. |
Cat 4Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-180, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. |
Cat 5Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. |
Cat 6Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213. |
Cat 7Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230. |
