Welcome to Vantage Explorations' Saints, Saviours and Secrets
Guinness estimates that on Ireland’s national day, St Patrick’s Day, a staggering 13 million pints of their renowned brew are savoured worldwide. Intriguingly, St Patrick himself is not canonised, nor did he hail from the Emerald Isle. Therein lies the essence of Irish storytelling – an art form that elevates every narrative into legend.
Our quintessentially Irish journey pursues many an Irish tale, from the pious to the irreverent, tracing the footsteps of saints, strugglers, saviours, and the unsung heroes and heroines who have shaped Ireland’s history. From the harrowing trails of famine-stricken families to the poignant exodus of the two million Irish who sought solace in the New World. From political prisoners who waged a battle for independence, to literary luminaries who captured the spirit of their homeland in timeless prose. Join us as we revel in the vibrant narratives of the Irish who crafted the story of Ireland, with a book-end journey to the streets of Edinburgh for a taste of Scotland’s own saints, saviours and secrets.
Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport make your way to the arrivals hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Dublin. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship.
This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our ‘day out in Dublin’ tomorrow. Our group hotel has a popular restaurant and is close to plenty of corner pubs and cosy restaurants should you wish to ‘share a jar’ or try some local cuisine.
Accommodation: Camden Court Hotel (or similar)
Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city brimming with energy and resilience. Once under British rule, Dublin has emerged with a distinct sense of identity, leading Ireland as a proud member of the European Union and reflecting its evolving role in modern Europe. The city has been home to some of the world’s most influential literary figures, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. Iconic landmarks such as Trinity College, home to the esteemed Book of Kells, highlight its storied past, while the city also serves as a hub of artistic and cultural expression, with global musicians like U2, whose impact resonates from their Dublin roots, having invigorated its creative scene. Dublin’s vibrant pub culture offers a lively social fabric, where traditional and contemporary influences merge to create a city to explore both day and night.
Choose your favourite ‘Your Choice’ experience this morning to meet Dublin’s saints, spirits and saviours. This afternoon there's time to explore Dublin independently, before joining us for a celebration of all things Irish as we kick up our heels at an authentic Irish dancing evening.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Morning experience: Dublin Walking Tour
Dublin’s compact character makes it an ideal one for a leisurely walking tour. This morning, our local guide entertains us with tales of the city’s character-filled history. We will hear stories of Ireland’s past and present through the eyes of its many artists, manic Lord Mayors and rebellious citizens whilst following the park-side alleys of Dublin’s ‘backyard’, St Stephens Green, to the grand Georgian buildings of Irelands’ first university, Trinity College, which offers 40 acres of academic seclusion from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dublin, and the numerous statues, sculptures and open spaces which tell the tale of this fascinating city. Return to the hotel with your guide or branch out and explore the city further independently.
Option 2 – Morning experience: The Dead Centre of Dublin
Join a locally guided tour of Glasnevin Cemetery, where the stories of 1.6 million souls are meticulously preserved. This historical Victorian cemetery, adorned with statues of shamrocks, high crosses, and harps, offers a window into Ireland’s rich past and psyche. Discover the final resting places of notable figures such as Michael Collins, a leader in the struggle for Irish independence, and Éamon de Valera, a key political figure and former president of Ireland. You may also visit the graves of Brendan Behan, the influential playwright, and Thomas Kinsella, a celebrated poet. Look out for final resting places of Countess Markievicz, a revolutionary and the first woman elected to the British Parliament, and Daniel O’Connell, the great emancipator.
Glasnevin is a testament to Ireland’s deep-rooted belief in spirits and saints, reflecting the nation’s spiritual heritage. Each monument and grave not only tells the story of its occupant, but also offers insights into the Irish psyche, where reverence for historical figures and a connection to the spiritual world are intertwined.
Accommodation: Camden Court Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Event - dinner show
Spend your morning soaking up the charm of Dublin at your own pace, with free time to explore independently.
In the afternoon, dive into the story behind Ireland’s most iconic brew with a self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse, culminating in a tasting at the stunning 360-degree glass-fronted Gravity Bar, or discover your Irish heritage at Dublin’s EPIC Museum.
Whichever ‘Your Choice’ experience you select, we’ll reunite in the late afternoon aboard our home for the next 10 days, the Douglas Mawson and set sail along the Irish coast toward Waterford. This evening, we enjoy a ‘Welcome Aboard Dinner’, where we meet our crew and Vantage Explorations team.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Afternoon experience: The Guinness Story
The Guinness brewery opened on this spot over 250 years ago, when Arthur Guinness signed a 900-year lease – there’s only 650 years to go. We will see, hear and smell the secret ingredients as we travel through a series of vast machines, before our self-guided tour ends in the circular panoramic Gravity Bar, with its sweeping views across the city of Dublin. Here, we will enjoy a complimentary pint of ‘the black stuff’ while viewing Dublin from above.
Option 2 – Afternoon experience: EPIC Emigration Museum
Adjacent to the Customs House Quay (CHQ) building’s restaurants, cafes and shops, the award-winning EPIC Emigration Museum is a highlight of any visit to Dublin, and a convenient place to grab a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping or trace your own Irish roots at EPIC's Irish Family History Centre. The museum’s self-guided tour allows us to meet one of Ireland’s greatest exports; its people. Discover what it means to hold Irish heritage, as you meet poets and presidents, singers and suffragettes. You will meet famous folk and families, from Ned Kelly to the Kennedys, as you follow your souvenir-passport to find out where they came from, why they left, and the differences they have made to our everyday lives.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner onboard
Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (that is Irish for a good time), Waterford is a modern city with a layered history. Invaded by the Norsemen in 914, Waterford became a Viking settlement, which is reflected in its people even today. It emerged from the Middle Ages as a trading port with the wealth from goods that came from as far away as Newfoundland, the profits of which funded the construction of the many Georgian Mansions that line the city’s streets.
Join us this morning to follow in the footsteps of one of Ireland's most revered saints or discover one of the country's finest medieval castles. This afternoon is yours to enjoy, with a convenient ship-to-town shuttle making it easy to explore Waterford at your own pace. A town for those who like a good stroll, Waterford is easy on the eye, offers plenty to see and as its reputation suggests, is full of fun.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Option 1- Morning experience: Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny, often hailed as Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city, blends small-town charm with a lively urban energy. Once the seat of the medieval Irish parliament, it rivalled Dublin in influence—a legacy still visible in its grand Norman architecture and marble façades. At its heart stands Kilkenny Castle, continuously occupied for over 800 years and deeply entwined with the rise and fall of the Marshal and Butler families. The Butlers, who rose from Earls to Dukes, were known for high-profile marriages, including Winston Churchill’s cousin and American heiress Ellen Stager. By 1922, the castle was caught in political turmoil, occupied by Republicans and besieged by Free State forces. In 1967, the family sold it to the Kilkenny Castle Restoration Committee for just £50. Today, the castle stands as a symbol of shifting fortunes—a riches-to-rags tale that mirrors the city’s own dramatic history.
Option 2- Morning experience: St Declan and the Ardmore Cliff Walk
Long before shamrocks, parades, and St Patrick became Ireland's most famous religious export, a humble 5th-century missionary was bringing Christianity to the southeast corner of Ireland. That missionary was St Declan, whose influence was so profound that, more than 1,500 years later, pilgrims still follow St Declan's Way, a 115-kilometre route often described as Ireland's answer to the Camino de Santiago, culminating at the site of his ancient monastery in Ardmore. We journey an hour to the coastal village of Ardmore to explore the remains of St Declan's monastic settlement, including its round tower, cathedral ruins and ancient oratory, before following the spectacular Ardmore Cliff Walk. With Atlantic waves crashing below and sweeping coastal views all around, you'll walk around 4km (2.5 miles) in the footsteps of generations of pilgrims who have been drawn to this sacred landscape on well-maintained coastal path past St Declan's Holy Well, dramatic sea cliffs, rolling headlands and secluded coves. Along the way, enjoy uninterrupted views of the Celtic Sea, spot seabirds nesting on the cliffs, and gain a deeper appreciation for the landscape that shaped one of Ireland's oldest and most enduring pilgrimage traditions.
Once a port town, always a port town, Cork sits proudly on an island in the middle of the Lee River. Surrounded by water, the city’s salty air tells the story of Irish emigration, with its historical harbour of Cobh and shores of Kinsale, famed as the port of boarding for the Irish who left for foreign lands. If your ancestors are Irish, there is a high chance they came through Cork. Today, the city has a flair for great gigs and modernised traditional dishes and is considered an Irish food mecca that is centred around its restored 18th-century English Market.
Our 'Your Choice’ experiences today offer you the opportunity to follow those Irish who left their homeland for foreign shores. Return to the Douglas Mawson for lunch onboard, with your afternoon free to explore Cork independently at your own pace before we set sail to Bantry, in the early evening.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Half day experience: The Seaside Gem of Kinsale
We drive to the coast and the picture-perfect town of Kinsale, where we hear stories of naval battles, foreign invasions and shipwrecks. Once a garrison town embroiled with invading navies, Kinsale became the natural landfall for ships sailing from the continent and the Americas. These legendary waters witnessed the final sightings of two of history's most iconic ocean liners; the Titanic and the Lusitania. In the early hours of 7 May 1915, the Cunard liner Lusitania was hit, only a mere 11 nautical miles off the coast of Kinsale, by a single torpedo shot from a German U-Boat. The people of Kinsale rallied to help but within 18 minutes she sank, with only 761 of the 1960 souls on board surviving.
Choose to have more time in town or join us to to visit the memorial overlooking the site of the tragedy on Old Head of Kinsale, before taking time to stroll the streets of this colourful coastal enclave returning to Cork mid-afternoon. Note: Lunch is left at your leisure providing free time to immerse yourself in the character and charm of the town at your own pace.
Option 2 – Morning experience: The Queenstown story
A half-hour drive brings us to Cork’s second port at Cobh. We join a tailormade guided walking tour tracing the story of Irish emigration, with a self-guided audio tour of ‘The Queenstown Story’ at the Cobh Heritage Centre. Seeking a better life, or simply hoping to survive starvation, hundreds of thousands boarded vessels bound for foreign lands at Cobh including Annie Moore, a teenager who was the first immigrant to be processed at the newly opened Ellis Island in New York City. Sadly, in 1912, Cobh, known as Queenstown at that time, also boarded passengers on the ill-fated Titanic.
This port town, a crucial departure point for over 3 million Irish people, tells the poignant story of their quest for a better life. The ‘Queenstown Story’ traces Irish emigration since the 1600s, including the transportation of convicts to Australia and the impact of disasters like the Titanic and the Lusitania. The exhibition, housed in Cobh’s restored Victorian railway station, features personal tales, such as Jeremiah Burke’s message in a bottle from the Titanic and Margaret Drury’s convict voyage to Australia. Discover these moving stories and more, reflecting the hardships and hopes of Irish emigrants across the globe.
We arrive at Bantry Bay and tender to shore. The harbourside town of Bantry is the gateway to the touring route known as the Wild Atlantic Way. It is easy to see why Ireland’s colour of choice for everything is green, from its national sporting uniforms to its flag when we tread the trails of Gougane Barra National Park or explore the Beara Peninsula, surrounded by the lush grass-covered hills and dales of the Emerald Isle. For those choosing a morning excursion, Bantry itself is small enough for a comfortable stroll in the afternoon, with artisan shops, friendly cafes and, of course, plenty of pubs to try a local brew.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Morning experience: Driving The Beara Peninsula
The Ring of Beara, located on Bantry’s neighbour, the Beara Peninsula, is one of the region’s top three scenic drives, known for its rugged and less touristy charm. This 85-mile route, including the renowned Beara Way, offers a journey through some of Ireland’s most striking landscapes. We encounter a dramatic coastline where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against steep cliffs, creating breathtaking views. The route is flanked by sharp-featured mountains and intricate rock formations, with exposed and contorted strata presenting a geologist’s dream. Time permitting, we visit the quaint village of Allihies, famous for its copper-mining history, offering stunning vistas of Beara’s lakes and valleys. With its wild beauty and diverse scenery, the Ring of Beara promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking a truly authentic and rugged Irish experience.
Option 2 – Morning experience: Trail walking Gougane Barra Forest Park
A 45-minute drive inland brings us to one of Ireland’s inland treasures; the stunning natural beauty of Gougane Barra Forest Park. Here, we'll set out on a trail walk along forest and lakeside paths, immersing ourselves in the rich local flora and the peaceful atmosphere that defines this remarkable landscape. At the heart of the valley lies the picturesque lake and the iconic island oratory of St Finbarr, whose monastic settlement established Gougane Barra as one of Ireland's most important early pilgrimage sites. As we walk, we'll discover a landscape shaped by nature, history, and spirituality, with sweeping views across the lake, native woodland, and surrounding mountain slopes. It is the privilege of walking through landscapes such as these, where forests, mountains, and water meet in countless shades of green, that helps you truly understand why the Irish affectionately call their homeland the Emerald Isle.
Once described by National Geographic Traveller as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’, Dingle is away from the general ‘tourist route’, affording us exclusive access to the wild west coast. Traditionally a fishing port, Dingle Harbour is where we anchor and tender into town. Known for its rugged scenery, dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, the surrounding promontory is the coastal heart of County Kerry, while Dingle itself has a bohemian flair and is famous for its hardware pubs where you can enjoy a brew and buy wares.
Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences today showcase the relationship between the people and this rugged stretch of coast. Their triumphs and tragedies. Theirs time to browse Dingle before we sail north towards Galway.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Morning experience: Driving the Saintly Sites of the Dingle Peninsula
Journey today to the Dingle Peninsula, the northernmost of the five fingers projecting into the Atlantic Ocean. This area is steeped in Christian heritage, with numerous sites dedicated to Saint Brendan the Navigator, who was born nearby in Tralee in c. 484. Saint Brendan is celebrated for his legendary sea voyages and is a significant figure in Irish spirituality.
Our drive takes us along the scenic coast road, past Inch to Slea Head, the most westerly point in Europe.
We also visit the renowned Gallarus Oratory, the most impressive early Christian monument on the Dingle Peninsula. This oratory, built in the shape of an upturned boat, has withstood the test of time for over 1,200 years. It was part of a larger monastic site and served as a place of prayer and reflection. The Irish cherish visiting these saintly sites, finding solace and inspiration in their deep spiritual and historical significance.
Option 2 – Morning experience: Walking the Slea Head Route with the Blasket Centre
We walk the 5km (3.1 mile) Lúb na Cille (Slea Head) trail near Dún Chaoin, where quiet lanes and coastal paths lead us through a varied landscape of rolling farmland and cliff tops shaped by generations of farming and fishing on Ireland's western edge. As we make our way along the route, wide views open across the Atlantic to the Blasket Islands, while stone-walled fields, rugged cliffs and an ever-changing coastline provide a constant backdrop. This trail offers an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this remote and distinctive corner of the Dingle Peninsula. We end our walk with a visit to the Blasket Centre, while the islands that dominate the horizon offer a constant reminder of the communities that once called them home. Although the islands were evacuated in 1953 as the population declined, their stories endure through personal accounts, photographs and oral histories.
We sail north past the famed Cliffs of Moher to Ireland’s favourite seaside town; Galway. Arriving at Galway, we anchor in its natural bay and tender ashore. This popular holiday resort Galway attracts a steady flow of local visitors. The Irish come here to walk its mile-long promenade and as tradition dictates, kick the walls end for good luck, enjoy fish and chips straight from the newspaper and, of course, ‘go on the gargle’ in its cosy pubs.
Join our morning experience to spend the afternoon in Galway independently and hear stories varying from poverty to excess, fame and fortune to famine and despair, before we sail for Killybegs in the late afternoon.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 - Morning experience: Getting to Know Galway
Trace Galway’s transformation from a fortified medieval outpost to a vibrant cultural centre on this engaging 2-hour walk. You’ll witness Eyre Square, once backed by the city’s defensive walls, where you’ll uncover a town shaped as much by conflict as by trade. Shop Street and Lynch’s Castle who stand as a reminder of the powerful merchant families who governed Galway, and the stark justice they upheld, captured in the story of a mayor said to have executed his own son, while nearby, the hidden Hall of the Red Earl reveals a rougher early Galway, marked by rivalry and clan power. And of course, you’ll view the medieval wonders of St. Nicholas’ Church still in use today, where the past upheavals remain etched in stone. After your walk, choose to return to the ship, or linger in Galway where you may wish to experience another side of the city’s character, by trying a whisky tasting at one of the local bars or distilleries where centuries of craft and tradition are distilled into every glass, or simply follow the sound of music. In Galway, it often needs no stage or set time, step into the right pub, even in the afternoon, and you may find a ‘trad session’ already in full flow.
Option 2 - Morning experience: Voices from the Workhouse
An hour or so inland, in the countryside of County Galway, we encounter a stark testament to some of Ireland’s darkest years. From the 17th through to the 19th centuries, Ireland was repeatedly wracked by poverty, displacement, and famine. For those who could not afford passage to the so-called “New World,” there was often only one option left: to enter an institution known simply as the workhouse. Across Ireland, a network of 163 workhouses was established in the 19th century under the Poor Law system. At their height during the Great Famine of the 1840s, these institutions held over 100,000 inmates at any one time, and across their decades of operation, hundreds of thousands—indeed millions—of people passed through their gates in desperation.
As the name suggests, life inside was harsh. Inmates were required to work long hours in exchange for the barest provision of food and shelter, often in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The system was deliberately severe, designed to deter all but the most destitute, with one of the cruellest aspects of the workhouse being the systematic separation of families who frequently never saw one another again.
Today, we visit a museum housed within one of Ireland’s best-preserved workhouses, a place that allows us to step inside this history. Its rooms and corridors offer a powerful insight into the choices people faced, when entering the workhouse, harsh as it was, could mean the difference between life and death. The artefacts on display, simple possessions, fragments of daily life, are more than objects. In many cases, they are the only surviving traces of the individuals who lived and died here, a quiet reminder of the human stories behind a system built on survival at its most desperate.
The fishing village of Killybegs is the gateway to the rugged beauty of Slieve League Cliffs and the dramatic backdrop of Ireland’s own Table Mountain, Ben Bulben. Jutting out of Sligo’s northern edge, the peninsula of Mullaghmore pokes into the North Atlantic. Land and sea meet in confluence along the coast of County Sligo, a landscape of jagged mountain peaks that inspired the work of Nobel-winning poet William Butler Yeats.
We arrive in Killybegs around noon and enjoy lunch on board before setting out to discover more of Donegal, whether on a scenic cliffside walk amid some of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal landscapes or at the community-led Glencolmcille Folk Village, where local people share the traditions, crafts, and stories of this Gaeltacht region
Farewelling Killybegs in the early evening, we sail for the shores of Northern Ireland.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Afternoon experience: Slieve League Cliffs
Slieve League is Ireland’s ultimate sea cliff experience and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Believed to be Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs, they rise 2,000 feet from the ocean below. The lookouts here offer unspoiled views of the Atlantic as it slams the coastline of Donegal. Slieve League boasts a raw landscape and challenging lifestyle for those who call County Sligo home. We meet some of these stoic characters at the Tí Linn café and craft shop for a hot drink and scones. The Slieve League Cliffs Centre supports local artisans by selling their handmade specialties including items from the Donegal Tweed company and Triona, a company located only a few miles away at Adara.
Option 2 – Afternoon experience: Glencolmcille Folk Village
Enjoy a scenic drive through Donegal’s wild and picturesque landscapes to Glencolmcille: a Gaeltacht region rich in folklore, music, and archaeological heritage. Here we visit the Glencolmcille Folk Village, founded in 1967 to honour Fr. James McDyer, a visionary priest who arrived in 1951 and inspired the community to embrace self-reliance and pride in their cultural roots. Part of his wider vision for the region, projects such as the Folk Village were created not only to provide employment in this remote community, but also to ensure that traditional skills, crafts, language, and customs would be passed on to younger generations rather than being lost through emigration and social change. Explore replica thatched cottages from the 18th to 20th centuries, along with a schoolhouse, shebeen, and craft shop, enjoy tea and scones while traditional musicians perform, join in Irish language lessons and watch Donegal tweed spinning and weaving. Rich in local character, the museum captures the spirit of a community whose lives were shaped by the rhythms of the coast and centuries-old traditions.
Arriving in Northern Ireland, we find the fascinating city of Londonderry. Simply known as Derry to the Nationalist (Catholic) population but still referred to as Londonderry by the Unionist (Protestant) population, this ‘border’ town has seen it all. The sectarian ‘Troubles’ of this predominantly Nationalist city may have blemished its reputation, but in recent years these tensions have eased, and although some suburbs retain their sense of division, strolling the streets is safe and the general population are happy to share stories of their stormy past and ambitious future. We come alongside on the river Foyle, the now open, natural border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Full-day experience: Giant’s Causeway and Londonderry~Derry
Northern Ireland is blessed with impressive natural scenery: vast valleys, glittering lakes and cliffs hoisted up from the Atlantic. We visit its most famous natural attraction, the Giant’s Causeway. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway consists of some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns lifted from the ocean by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Of course, according to legend, giants strode across columns over the sea from Scotland, creating what looks like a giant pathway of stepping-stones that start on land and disappear into the ocean. After lunch at a local restaurant, we follow the Scenic Causeway Road to Dunluce Castle. Once the headquarters of the MacDonnell clan, the castle fell victim to a violent storm and was abandoned. Its ruins and spectacular backdrop have been popular recently, after it was used as the Castle of Pyke in the famous series Game of Thrones. Returning to Londonderry~Derry, we enjoy a short driving tour before returning to the ship.
Option 2: Full day experience: Giant’s Causeway and the Causeway Coast to Portballintrae
A 1.5-hour drive north brings us to the Giant’s Causeway, where we’ll spend time exploring its over 40,000 basalt columns before setting out on our walk toward the coastal village of Portballintrae. Our moderately-paced walk follows an unpaved trail along the Causeway Coast eastwards for approximately 5 km (3.2 miles), tracing a spectacular stretch of shoreline between the Giant's Causeway and the harbour village of Portballintrae. The path traverses the clifftops above the Atlantic, offering views back across the famous basalt columns and the rugged Causeway headlands. As the route continues, the dramatic coastal scenery gradually softens, descending towards quieter coves and sandy beaches before reaching the lower ground around the Bush River.
Arriving in Portballintrae, we find a peaceful coastal village centred on its small harbour and broad sandy bay. Long connected to the sea through fishing and maritime trade, it offers a gentler perspective on the Causeway Coast, providing a fitting conclusion to a walk that combines some of Northern Ireland's most celebrated coastal scenery with the charm of one of its most picturesque seaside communities. Following lunch, we return by coach to Londonderry~Derry and our awaiting ship.
It is fair to say Belfast has endured its share of turbulent times. Famines, disease, invasions and recessions have painted a picture of a resilient city, but it was the more recent period known as ‘The Troubles’ that defined its image of division. Barbed wire, armed soldiers, and constant bomb searches kept tourists away. Today, however, Belfast has transformed, thanks to open political dialogue and foreign investment. The city feels lighter, as if a heavy burden has been lifted from its shoulders.
We spend the morning at Belfast’s iconic docklands, discovering the story behind the city’s most famous creation, RMS Titanic, at the award-winning Titanic Experience. It was here at the city’s famous Harland & Wolff dockyards where over 10,000 workers laboured to build the world’s most glamorous ships in the world's biggest ship building yard. The Titanic Experience, located on the site where the ship was built, not only brings this story to life, but it also explores the pride, pressure, and struggle tied to the legacy of one of the world's more enduring tragedies and its effect on Belfast. Having heard stories of Belfast’s industrial revolution, we continue with an introductory driving tour that showcases Belfast’s distinctive quarters before arriving in the city centre. Thanks to our small ship size, we enjoy a convenient berth close to the heart of the city, giving you the freedom to explore independently this afternoon. Use our complimentary shuttle service to visit Belfast’s attractions at your leisure or return to the ship for lunch. We sail onward to Scotland in the early evening with a farewell dinner planned especially by our crew.
After breakfast, we disembark the Douglas Mawson in the port town of Troon and start our journey from coast to coast, ending in Edinburgh. En route we enjoy an introductory tour of Glasgow, before taking time to explore the city at your own pace.
Scotland’s largest city is bold, gritty, and unpredictable. Once a sleepy medieval settlement, it exploded into life during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a global heavyweight in shipbuilding, engineering, and trade. The River Clyde was its lifeblood, carrying tobacco, textiles, and dreams of empire. Victorian Glasgow was a city of grand architecture, smoky skies, and a booming population with big ambitions, but Glasgow's post-industrial decline hit hard giving it a reputation as a ‘troubled’ town. In recent years, regeneration projects, cultural revolutions, and a fierce embrace of creativity has made Glasgow, a haven for artists, tech innovators, and foodies alike. From shipyards to street art, Glasgow has reinvented itself without losing its soul. Grit meets wit here, and the result is pure Glasgow magic.
Few walks capture Glasgow's character quite like the route from the Necropolis to George Square. Begin among the ornate monuments of the Necropolis, where the city's merchants, industrialists and dreamers rest beneath striking Victorian memorials. With thousands of monuments climbing the hillside and some 50,000 stories commemorated here, it is both a place of remembrance and one of the finest viewpoints in Glasgow, offering sweeping panoramas across rooftops, church spires and beyond.
Descending the hill, you'll arrive at Glasgow Cathedral, one of Scotland's few medieval churches to survive the Reformation largely intact. From there, continue into the city centre and on to George Square, where grand civic buildings and statues tell the story of Glasgow's rise from medieval settlement to global powerhouse. Keep an eye out for Sir Walter Scott, perched high above the square, quietly watching over the city's bustling heart.
This afternoon, we depart Glasgow and drive to Edinburgh, with your evening free to enjoy this vibrant city. Edinburgh boasts more pubs, restaurants and whisky-tasting venues than anywhere else in the United Kingdom, guaranteeing an eventful night out.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast onboard
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is more than just a city of castles and royal connections; it is a place where the stories of saints and heroes who saved Scotland echo through its ancient streets. Perched dramatically on volcanic hills and dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city has been a strategic stronghold for centuries. Renowned for its connections to Scottish heroes like Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, who took up residence at Holyrood Palace as a widow at 18 years of age; and St Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh; the city holds secrets including hidden underground tunnels beneath the Royal Mile, and tales of ghostly apparitions that haunt the ancient vaults.
Beyond its imposing fortifications, Edinburgh was a centre of political intrigue, and a gathering place where clan leaders negotiated, celebrated, and sometimes clashed, leading to dangerous liaisons and hidden nooks and crannies scattered throughout the city. Today, visitors are encouraged to explore Edinburgh’s royal residences, museums and galleries to uncover these stories and witness firsthand the secrets that have shaped its unique identity. Edinburgh stands as a living testament to Scotland’s resilience and spirit, where the legacies of saints and national heroes merge with the city’s enduring royal heritage in a puzzle of history and legend.
Our experiences this morning showcase a duo of classic sites. This afternoon, enjoy the city independently, before we gather this evening for a Farewell reception.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Morning experience: The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
Scotland’s most famous mile awaits us this morning, promising a fascinating journey as our guide shares quirky tales and local gems. Immerse yourself in the rich Scottish history woven into the medieval labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways and tenements. Along the Royal Mile, discover the captivating St. Giles’ Cathedral, the historical Parliament Square, and the storied John Knox House. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with secrets and unforgettable stories, offering an experience you won’t want to miss.
At the pinnacle of the Royal Mile, follow in the footsteps of kings, queens, soldiers and prisoners as you explore the historical Edinburgh Castle. This former royal residence is brimming with fascinating stories from its past. Perched high on a volcanic rock, the castle had a strategic advantage over invaders and has witnessed many sieges, often switching hands between Britain and Scotland. An iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle holds many historical treasures, including the Honours of Scotland – the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Created during the reigns of James IV and James V, these jewels were first used together for the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543. During World War II, the Crown of Scotland was cleverly hidden in a medieval latrine closet in David’s Tower! Our audio tour of the castle is stacked with fascinating facts about this stoic fortress, making it both factual and enjoyable.
Option 2 – Morning experience: The Underground World of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle
Uncover a hidden side of Edinburgh on our exclusive tour of the city’s underground world. Beneath the cobbled streets of the Old Town lies a maze of 18th-century vaults and passages, originally built for storage and trade. Over time, these spaces took on darker roles—housing taverns and, for a time, sheltering some of the city’s poorest residents.
As you navigate these shadowy chambers, your guide will share the stories of those who lived and worked here, revealing how these underground spaces reflected Edinburgh’s social struggles and growth. Learn why the vaults were built and how they evolved over the centuries.
Back above ground, your visit continues at the top of the Royal Mile with a tour of Edinburgh Castle. This former royal residence, perched atop volcanic rock, has seen centuries of conflict, switching hands between Scotland and England. Today, it houses priceless artefacts, including the Honours of Scotland—the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Once hidden in a medieval latrine during WWII, these treasures are just one part of the castle’s rich story, explored in our engaging audio tour.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Reception (drinks and canapés)
After breakfast, we take our leave, carrying with us tales of Ireland’s and Scotland’s saints, saviours and uncovered secrets. A transfer to Edinburgh airport shared with your fellow travellers is included for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
