Your expedition cruise begins as you set sail from Dover and your ship makes its way along the south coast of England. Before joining your ship today, perhaps take time to explore the coastal town of Dover with the magnificent, medieval Castle. As you head out to sea, passing the famous white cliffs of Dover, stretch your sea legs and get to know MS Maud. Find the amenities you like best – the Science Centre, the Explorer lounge, or maybe your favourite spot out on deck.

Enjoy an idyllic day at sea with plenty to do. Meet your Expedition Team, who prepare you for exciting adventures ahead. Listen in on talks by these experienced explorers who share their extensive knowledge, or maybe you just want to kick back and relax. Admire the views, try some of the ship’s cuisine that caught your eye on the menu, or settle into a good book while enjoying this day at sea. 

This small, typical fishing village, seems to have stood still in time.  With its charming main street and lush green surroundings, Fishguard lies between the Preseli Hills and the coast of Pembrokeshire.  Split in two by a steep, winding hill, the “new” town sits on a clifftop commanding spectacular views. Steeped in history dating back as far as the 10th Century, Fishguards past includes Viking raids and Norse settlements, and has the dubious accolade as the site of “the last invasion of Britain”, by the French in 1797.  The local library houses ‘The Last Invasion Tapestry’, a 100-foot long masterpiece that took 4 years to complete, and records the scenes of the invasion.  The town offers insight into this fascinating history as well as being charming with local shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Explore the surrounding areas with walks through the ancient woodlands and the nearby Gwaun Valley which flows between Fishguard and the Preseli Mountains.  With its unique atmosphere, there is plenty of wildlife and prehistoric sites to explore, the valley is listed as one of the most important meltwater channels in Britain and dates from the last Ice Age.  At a more sedate pace, wander the gardens of Dyffryn Fernant or Penlan Uchaf, with lovely views across the valley.

We sail into Belfast, a city with a proud seafaring history and the birthplace of the Titanic. History buffs will enjoy Ulster Museum and Belfast Castle, while nature lovers can visit the Botanic Gardens. 

Stroll the cobbled streets of the chic Cathedral Quarter, with its elegant Victorian architecture, and pop inside St Anne’s Cathedral to see its beautiful mosaics. In Donegall Square, you'll find the historical landmarks of City Hall and the Grand Opera House, with its beautiful façade. Belfast also allows access to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, and the rugged northern coastline. Explore the towering cliffs and distinctive hexagonal columns of this natural wonder.

One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling that anything can happen on any given day. That’s why we’ve carved out one day to take full advantage of exploring the region.  

Today, the Captain and the Expedition Team will decide whether we explore Barra or Vatersay, the two most southerly inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides, linked to each other by a causeway. Go in search of birds and sea life in our expedition boats or attempt to land in the innumerable coves and beaches that dot the islands close to Castlebay.

Today we sail to the Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall. Explore this vibrant and compact Viking-influenced capital on foot. Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae is also only a bus ride away.  

Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their distinctive single malts. If you fancy something different, Orkney Distillery produces Kirkjuvagr gin from Orcadian botanicals.

Our expedition cruise arrives at Stornoway, the Isle of Lewis and Harris capital. As you explore the area around the harbour, keep an eye out for seals, eagles and otters. Enjoy a visit to the Gothic-style Lews Castle with its spacious grounds full of trails and offering fantastic views. 

Further afield, take in the 5,000-year-old Callanish standing stones and Dun Carloway, the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland. Enjoy coastal walks along the stunning Dalmore, Dalbeg or Garry beaches, and maybe pick up a memento of Harris Tweed, which is woven here.

Islay is the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts – but that's far from the only reason to visit. Discover fascinating ancient monoliths and the enigmatic settlement of Finlaggan as you explore the island. 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. 

Port Ellen is the gateway to three of the island’s nine distilleries. Of course, no trip to Islay is complete without a 'wee dram' from one of these famous and historic whisky producers, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg.

With a rural landscape and rugged coastline, the Isle of Man became a designated Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its marine and coastal ecosystems. With more than 100 miles of stunning coastline and rugged cliffs, the island has a spectacular landscape of rolling hills, moorland and heath, waterfalls, pebble-dash beaches and coastal paths – an ideal destination for exploring.  

The location where your ship will dock in Douglas enables you to explore the island which has a strong Celtic and Viking heritage. There are Viking museums to visit, or board a historic steam train, or discover the castles of the island, or just enjoy strolling through the town and local surrounds at your leisure.

The oldest city in Ireland, founded by the Vikings at the start of the 10th century, Waterford and its surrounding areas is a short drive away and make this the ideal destination to visit. With its strong Norse roots, explore the Viking Triangle, so named for the 1,000-year-old Viking walls once surrounding the area and is an integral part of the cultural and heritage of Waterford City. Steeped in history and set amongst beautiful Irish countryside, the region is renowned for its excellent archaeological treasures, parts of the ancient walled core still remaining as well as Norman forts and majestic, medieval abbey ruins and ancient monasteries. 

Visit the nearby 12th century Kilkenny Castle, one of the earliest Norman stone castles, stroll through quaint villages and charming hamlet towns nearby or take in the beautiful scenery with a cycle along the Waterford Greenway.  A visit to the Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark offers spectacular scenery and sights of the Copper Coast.

This enchanting archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is home to outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoilt islands and around 140 islets.  Covered in heathland, with magnificent sandy beaches, these islands are surrounded by rocks and reefs and offer picturesque coastal walks.

Ideal for exploring on foot, the small town of Tresco is home to the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden with its 20,000 plants from 80 different countries. You can also explore the castle ruins, the Valhalla Museum or stroll along the tropical-like white beaches.  Should conditions allow, we aim to do a beach clean-up on this charming island.

The picturesque banks of the River Dart mark our arrival into beautiful Dartmouth. Steeped in maritime history and culture, this charming town is home to the Royal Britannia Naval College and Dartmouth Castle. 

Tread the coastal paths and trails that extend along this stretch of coastline, exploring secluded coves and remote beaches. Food lovers may wish to try Dartmouth’s seafood, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the local fudge or the famous Devonshire cream tea.

Your ship will pass the white cliffs of Dover during the early morning hours and dock at the city’s harbour. After breakfast, it’s time to leave your home for the past couple of weeks.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here