9 day Celtic Voyage
Description:
Itinerary:
London, England
The main residence of the British monarch, financial hub, and seat of British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden, and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of London’s many beautiful parks and gardens.
Dover, England
Located in Kent County on the edge of the English Channel, Dover is famous for its impressive white cliffs, which have inspired many a poet and playwright. Majestically facing mainland Europe, they offer the possibility of a spectacular clifftop walk.
Available Included Options:
- Dover Castle
- The White Cliffs & The Battle of Britain
- Canterbury and its Cathedral
Cowes, England
Located on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, across from the shores of the port cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, Cowes will win you over with its easy lifestyle, heritage, verdant landscapes, craggy cliffs, and the crystal-clear waters of the Solent. During this day, you will also tour the Royal Osborne House, an architectural gem that Queen Victoria had built as a summer residence for the royal family in the mid-19th century.
Isles of Scilly
Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story.
Available Included Options:
- Wildlife Cruise
- SC Dogs Distillery Tour & Tasting
- St. Martin’s Vineyard
-
St. Mary’s Garrison -
Tresco Abbey Gardens
Kinsale, Ireland
Considered Ireland’s most beautiful village, Kinsale will captivate you with its sublime natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Located at the mouth of the Bandon River in County Cork, this charming little port is home to picturesque streets lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and theaters, as well as to a 17th-century fort. Not far away, perched on a rocky promontory, stands the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse, still in operation today, it has magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Available Included Options:
- Cork City and the Jameson Distillery
- Charles Fort & Old Head Kinsale
- The Center of Cork City
Holyhead, Wales
In the north of Wales and in the west of the captivating Isle of Anglesey, succumb to the charms of the enchanting small port town of Holyhead. Often called “the mother of Wales” due to its importance in history, Holyhead is a paradise for anyone with a passion for natural landscapes and heritage. They will love exploring the town’s many historical landmarks, among other sites.
Available Included Options:
- Bodnant Garden
- Highlights of Welsh Culture and History
Belfast, Northern Ireland
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
Available Included Options:
- The Hospitality of Belfast
- The Giants Causeway
- City Tour and Titanic Belfast
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Located at the northernmost tip of the lovely Isle of Mull, Tobermory has to be one of the most beautiful natural seaports on Scotland’s West Coast. Founded in 1788, this ancient fishing village has been converted to a leisure port highly appreciated today for its surroundings and the quiet charm it exudes. You will definitely be won over by the row of many-storied houses on the hillside, illuminating the harbor with their vibrant colors.
Included: Castle & Abbey: A Hebridean Legacy
Disembark in Tobermory and enjoy a brief stroll along the waterfront of this bustling fishing village before boarding your coach for a scenic drive along the Sound of Mull to Duart Castle.
Your next stop will be Iona, Hebrides.
Of all the islands in the Inner Hebrides, Iona is by far the most conducive to contemplation and meditation. Now an abbey, the islands true spiritual center stands where the ancient monastery founded by the Irish missionary was built. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery. In sunny weather, arriving on the Isle of Iona is a stunningly beautiful experience.
Fairlie (Glasgow), Scotland
The village of Fairlie can be found less than an hour away from lively Glasgow. In the north of Ayrshire county, on the western Scottish coast, this charming little town faces the Isle of Arran. The originality of Kelburn Castle, built in the 12th century, stems from its façade covered in graffiti by four famous Brazilian graffiti artists. This artistic statement as well as the castle’s estate and gardens, which can be discovered during a pleasant walk, are well worth a visit.
Inclusions:
- Comprehensive 9-night, 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bellot, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- A program onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including archaeologist Tom Dawson and Darragh Gannon, an expert in Irish studies
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in London to the ship on the day of embarkation
- One included shore excursion in each port of call
- Gratuities for ship crew, guides, and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Glasgow at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world’s most remote and isolated regions.
State-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Details:
- Up to 184 Guests
- 92 staterooms & suites
- 118 crew members
- Luxury Spa & Fitness
- Pool, Theater, Art Gallery, etc.
- 2 restaurants
Exclusions:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Airfares to/from your homeport
- Any travel insurances
- Items such as souvenirs, laundry and similar personal expenses