Set sail on your British Isles adventure Your expedition cruise starts in Dover. Take a walk along the famous white cliffs at St Margaret's Bay for incredible views of the coastline and sparkling English Channel below. Then it's time to board MS Maud, a ship designed for exploring up close and in comfort. Once you've picked up your expedition jacket and settled into your cabin, you'll have a chance to meet your Expedition Team, who'll be your friendly hosts and knowledgeable guides. Then enjoy your first delicious dinner aboard the ship. Your adventure has begun.

Relax, unwind and settle in to your cruise Enjoy an idyllic day at sea with plenty to do. Admire the views from MS Maud’s expansive Observation Deck, settle into a good book or take advantage of the gym and hot tubs. Our professional onboard photographer will be around to share tips for capturing landscapes and wildlife. You can also enjoy a talk by the Expedition Team, experienced explorers who will share their extensive knowledge of the British Isles with you. Today you might be learning about Welsh history or the Pembrokeshire coast before we cruise to Wales tomorrow.

Explore scenic coastlines and the UK's smallest city Nestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the Welsh town of Fishguard. You’ll find the original hamlet and harbour in Lower Fishguard, and spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town’ above. Explore the ruins of Fishguard Fort at Castle Point, and spot marine life on a coastal walk along the Pencaer Peninsula. A short drive away is the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. More a village than a city, it owes its city status to its 12th century cathedral. You can explore this conservation area as part of an included excursion. The dramatic headland nearby is the most westerly point in Wales. **Note: Anchored at sea.**

Rugged nature, rich birdlife and UNESCO heritage Welcome to Rathlin Island and Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony. Get close to puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, Razorbills and fulmars at the RSPB seabird centre. You may even spot a pair of breeding Choughs and hear the secretive Corncrake. Admire the island's rugged cliffs and vast grasslands, and seals basking on the rocks at Mill Bay. Then learn about the island's connection to Robert the Bruce and historic shipwrecks at The Boathouse Visitor Centre. From here, you can also join optional excursions to visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of The Giant’s Causeway. **Note: Anchored at sea.**

Iona's sacred abbey and Fingal's Cave on Staffa Your British Isles adventure continues to Iona, off the coast of Mull. You can visit the restored 6th century Iona Abbey, one of Scotland's oldest and most sacred Christian pilgrimage sites. Or enjoy a hike with the Expedition Team up Dun I for breathtaking views of St Columba's Bay and sip from the 'Well of Eternal Youth'. Next, we sail to the Treshnish Isles – home to Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills; Black-legged Kittiwakes and Atlantic grey seals. At nearby Fingal's Cave, you'll marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns, natural acoustics and coloured waters. You may recognise it from 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'. **Note: Anchored at sea.**

Discover the untamed beauty of St Kilda A visit to this UNESCO double World Heritage Site is an unforgettable experience. If conditions allow, we'll spend the day here. One of Europe's most important seabird colonies, St Kilda's volcanic outcrops are home to thousands of nesting seabirds, including Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and over 60,000 pairs of Northern Gannets. In 1930, St Kilda’s last residents asked to be evacuated due to the island's challenging conditions. Explore the abandoned village and see the distinctive ‘cleits’ – circular stone buildings used to store peat, eggs and smoked puffin – before returning to the comfort of your ship. **Note: Anchored at sea.**

Gaelic culture, Harris Tweed and breeding birds We travel next to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, home of the famous Harris Tweed cloth. We'll visit Gothic-style Lews Castle, full of trails and fantastic views. You can also see 'Scotland's Stonehenge' at Callanish and a crofting village or hike the Great Bernara Trail. We'll also explore the wild and beautiful Shiant Isles, a tiny archipelago set in the Minch strait. One of the most important breeding colonies for seabirds in Europe, see European Shags, Common Eiders, Northern Fulmars, and Great Skuas in the surrounding waters or on volcanic ledges. **Note: Docked in port**

Fire up your spirit of discovery on 'whisky island' Islay has nine distilleries and is the proud home of world-famous single malts, Laphroaig and Ardbeg. You can enjoy a distillery tour and tasting but that's far from the only reason to visit. You can see fascinating ancient monoliths and the enigmatic settlement of Finlaggan, visit Islay Woollen Mill and meet artisan crafters in Bowmore. Islay is also a wildlife paradise, home to over 200 species of birds – including oystercatchers, gannets and Golden Eagles. From its sandy beaches, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks. **Note: Anchored at sea.**

Discover Viking and motorsport heritage Your British Isles cruise continues to fascinating Douglas, part of the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its diverse marine and coastal ecosystems. You can help protect it by joining a local beach clean up as your included activity, or join optional nature walks and hikes. Learn about the island's Celtic and Viking history at the Manx Museum before popping in to St Thomas’ Church with its unique and colourful Nicholson Murals. Hosts of the annual TT races, the island is a treat for railway and motorsport enthusiasts. Visit its motor museums and hop aboard an historic steam train. **Note: Docked in port**

A beautiful Irish city by the sea The Emerald Isle is the next stop on your expedition cruise. We'll visit Ireland’s oldest city – Waterford, famous for its fine crystal. On today's included activity, you'll explore Waterford's Viking Triangle district, and its fascinating museums, including the Bishop's Palace and the Medieval Museum. Make the most of the verdant Irish countryside with our optional excursions. You can cycle along the Waterford Greenway, or enjoy a nature and birdwatching walk with the local Eco Group as your guides. They'll introduce you to the rich wildlife and heritage in Dunhill Park, part of the Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark. **Note: Docked in port**

Discover the pretty, nature-filled Scilly archipelago Just 30 miles off the tip of Cornwall are the Isles of Scilly. This enchanting archipelago is home to unspoilt islands and islets. On Tresco, take in the stunning Abbey Gardens and famed plant collection, explore the Valhalla museum's quirky collection of ships’ figureheads or take a walk on the white sand beaches where we'll hope to do a clean up later. You can choose to visit St Mary’s charming Hugh Town with its delicious seafood and artist/makers cooperative. Alternatively, get up close to the islands’ wildlife including seals and puffins on an optional island cruise, with a stop at St Martin's vineyard. **Note: Anchored at sea.**

Fascinating history and coastal charm We'll anchor a short tender ride from Dartmouth, a picturesque port in rural Devon. The area is blessed with stately homes, lush countryside and incredible nature. You can explore the town on an included Heritage Walk, or join an optional excursions to Dartmoor National Park or the former home of Agatha Christie. Visit quaint shops along cobbled streets and discover the town's naval history at Britannia Royal Naval College and Dartmouth Castle, a Grade I listed artillery fort. Follow the Mayflower Heritage Trail or enjoy stunning scenery along the South West Coast Path. Then relax with a famous Devonshire cream tea. PLEASE NOTE: Due to sea conditions or the secluded location, we will be using our small expedition Zodiac / Rib boats to get ashore.

Take home unforgettable British Isles memories Your expedition cruise discovering the wonderfully diverse nations of the British Isles and Ireland, ends in Dover. After breakfast, it's time to head ashore. Before you head home, you can join an included self-guided tour of Dover Castle and the secret WWII tunnels beneath it, used in Operation Dynamo and the evacuation of Dunkirk. A perfect way to end your adventure.

Itineraries are subject to change.