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Spring in the UK & Eire is a delightful
display of colour amidst the din of seabirds,
nesting and in flight – Puffins, Kittiwakes,
Gannets, Razorbills, Guillemots and perhaps
even the rare Corn Crake. Join us as we
explore the outer reaches of this famous land
witnessing nature in full force and haunting
ancient sites. Places we go to are difficult
or impossible to reach by land and their
remoteness is compelling. Historic monuments
reflect a past of pre-Christian times, Nordic
and Celtic influences, feudal and more recent
times. Day 1:
Dartmouth
In scenic Dartmouth, we board M/V Polar Star
to begin our voyage.
Day 2: Isles of
Sciliy
We visit the subtropical Abbey Gardens of
Tresco bordered by white sandy beaches and
aquamarine water and in the afternoon, local
tenders transfer us over to St. Mary’s for a
walk to Bant’s Cairn, a Neolithic burial
ground.
Day 3: The Skelligs &
Dingle Peninsula
A cruise around the rugged Skelligs will give
us rare views of abandoned monasteries, a
World Heritage Site and nesting gannets that
paint the cliffs white. The afternoon will be
spent exploring the Dingle Peninsula.
Day 4: Aaran Islands
We cruise along the Cliffs of Mohar before we
go ashore at Inishmore Island for a trip
through stone walled fields to Dun Aengus, a
Bronze Age fort set on top of 90 metre high
cliffs.
Day 5: Donegal Bay
This is perhaps the most spectacular area of
Ireland, known for its jagged peninsulas and
the highest sea cliffs in Europe. We visit
Glencolumkille, home to St Columbus, to tour
the village including the Folk Village museum.
Day 6: Rathlin Island
This rocky island of Northern Ireland is ideal
for bird watching from its lofty cliffs, and
is rich in Viking and early Christian history.
According to legend, Robert the Bruce hid here
before his victorious return to Scotland.
Day 7: St Kilda
A walk through the remains of the abandoned
settlement of Hirta will tell St Kilda’s story
of hardship and survival. The archipelago is
also home to the largest gannet colony in the
world as well as fulmars, puffins, guillemots
and kittiwakes.
Day 8: Iona & Staffa
We visit peaceful Iona, from where
Christianity spread to northern Europe. It is
home to a grand abbey and burial ground for 62
Scottish Kings. In the afternoon, we explore
Staffa with its magnificent columned cliff
faces. Be on the look out for close viewings
of puffins and walk or zodiac cruise into the
haunting Fingal’s Cave. Time permitting, after
dinner we will plan a visit to Tobermory on
Mull to stroll the seafront of this lovely
town and perhaps visit one of its famous pubs.
Day 9: Canna & Rum
A landing on tiny Canna provides us with
spectacular views across to Rum and Skye and
chances to see breeding shearwater and
puffins. In the afternoon we land at the
nature reserve of Rum to visit the eccentric
Kinloch Castle. Throughout the day we will
look out for golden and white tailed eagles.
In the evening we expect to see thousands of
Manx shearwaters coming in to roost.
Day 10: Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is known for its stunning
mountain scenery. In the morning we plan to
land at the beach of Loch Scavig where a seal
colony is located and walk to the loch. After
lunch we go Zodiac cruising along the shores
of the pretty island of Soay.
Day 11: Isle of Lewis
From Stornoway, we embark on an archaeological
tour of Lewis, visiting the remarkable
Callanish Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch
and traditional “black houses”.
Day 12: Loch Torridon
& Poolewe
On the shores of Loch Ewe we visit the
tranquil Interewe Gardens, home to exotic
species which flourish due to the nearby Gulf
Stream. In the afternoon we will sail the
wildlife rich waters of the Minch and round
Cape Wrath, the UK mainland’s most
north-westerly point with its Stevenson
Lighthouse.
Day 13: Shetland
Islands
A drive through stunning coastal scenery will
take us to Jarlshof and the recently
discovered Scatness, archaeological sites
offering a fascinating insight into the lives
of ancient people. Spend time wandering along
the lanes of Lerwick or take time for bird
watching. Time permitting, we also visit Mousa
Broch.
Day 14: The Orkneys
Today is a journey through archaeological
treasures that dot the landscape – the
chambered tomb of Maes Howe, the Ring of
Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stennes and
the 5000 year old village of Skara Brae. In
Kirkwall see the magnificent 13th Century St.
Magnus Cathedral.
Day 15: Leith
We disembark in Leith for independent travel
in Edinburgh or to begin our journeys home.
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