ROYAL SCOTSMAN & REMOTE BRITISH ISLES

We wake this morning to the spectacular sight of the St Kilda archipelago. While endemic animal species are plentiful here, St Kilda has not been peopled since 1930, when the last residents departed. Their dwellings are now being restored, with St Kilda the holder of the UK’s only dual World Heritage status, in recognition of its Natural Heritage and Cultural Significance – one of only 39 such sites in the world. Take the opportunity to join one of the following three experiences. These options will be presented to you while aboard the ship.

Join your Expedition Team aboard a Zodiac for a cruise of St Kilda’s rugged coastlines. Admire the two distinctive sea stacks, which also accompany the remote archipelago.  

Step ashore and set out on a hike, during which you will absorb further striking panoramic views across St Kilda. 

Our ship’s onboard kayaks are also available for alternative perspectives. Guided by your Expedition Team, enjoy close-up views of St Kilda’s soaring cliffs and grey seal population. 

This afternoon, we cruise around Boreray island, one of the smaller islands of the archipelago. The island is home to Britain’s rarest sheep breed, which remained as a wild flock following the withdrawal of St Kilda’s last residents. We keep watch for these sheep grazing on the hilly slopes, while also viewing countless birds which thrive on the islands and their attendant sea stacks. Northern gannets, northern fulmars and Atlantic puffins can be seen here in abundance.

Reaching the remote Shiant Islands, we are captivated by the tall, hexagonal columns which populate the landscape. These ancient rock formations are the result of volcanic magma that has cooled and eroded over millions of years. The islands are also home to a range of seabirds, among them black-legged kittiwakes. Take the opportunity to join one of the following experiences.

Join the Expedition Team and discover the rugged geology and seabird colonies from aboard a Zodiac. 

Perhaps you’d prefer the more relaxed pace of a kayak to take in more of the spectacular coastline and wildlife, including white-tailed eagles, Atlantic puffins and grey seals. 

Perhaps the best known of Scotland’s islands, Isle of Skye possesses some of the country’s most rugged and dramatic scenery. We anchor in Dunvegan, situated within a sheltered loch on the north-western coast. We board Zodiacs and land on the shores occupied by the Castle of Dunvegan. The castle has been owned by the same family for eight centuries. Inside the castle, we see priceless heirlooms, which have been passed down to the Chiefs of MacLeod, some from as back as medieval times.

Arriving once more on the Scottish mainland, we acquaint ourselves with the tiny village of Inverie. A choice of experience awaits you here. 

Set out from Inverie for a trek along peaceful paths that wind their way along charming hillsides.

Otherwise, the secluded shorelines of the Knoydart Peninsula make for a perfect setting in which to paddle aboard a kayak.

Our vessel anchors off the tiny island of Iona early this morning. Explore Iona Abbey, one of Scotland’s most treasured historical sites, during a short, guided tour. Afterwards, visit the museum, which houses the country’s finest collection of early medieval carved stones and crosses. 

Boarding our ship once more, we cruise north to Lunga, the largest island in the Treshnish archipelago, enjoying lunch on board. The great attraction of this uninhabited island is the delightful puffin, which breeds in profusion on the island’s plateau. Explore further, joining your preferred activity.

Cruise the shoreline aboard a Zodiac, watching for puffins and shags. 

You may otherwise choose to step ashore and join a challenging hike, crossing the island’s hills to get a closer look at the resident puffins. Please note: This is an adventurous hike and not for those who are not sure-footed or able to walk over rocks unassisted. Hiking poles are recommended to assist with negotiating uneven surfaces. 

You may prefer to set out in a kayak to see the puffins and shags from the water. 

Later, we set sail for the Calf of Man.

The Calf of Man’s name is the result of a mispronunciation of the Old Norse word kalfr, meaning a small island near a larger one. Indeed, the Isle of Man is less than a kilometre away. Once a private sheep run, the Calf of Man was donated as a bird sanctuary and is now owned by the Manx National Heritage. It is open to the public, except during the nesting season. During the summer months, its only occupants are the nature wardens. A choice of optional experiences are available during your time here.

Board a Zodiac for a cruise of the Calf of Man, keeping watch for its many species of seabird that nest along the island’s rocky cliffs. 

Alternatively, enjoy the slower pace of a kayak to absorb the scenery of this beautiful nature reserve. 

Afterwards, we return to our ship for dinner, before cruising southward to the Isles of Scilly.

We dock at Tresco this morning. Scattered offshore from England’s most south-westerly point, known as Land’s End, the Isles of Scilly are home to rich wildlife, and green land sloping to powdery white beaches. Isolated and serene, life here hums along at its own pace in this archipelago's bubble, which enjoys the UK’s mildest climate, and some of its most spectacular beaches. 

We explore the famous Tresco Abbey Garden, home to thousands of exotic plant species from 80 countries. Plant collector Augustus Smith began cultivating the gardens in the 1830s, upon the site of an old Benedictine Abbey. Three terraces were carved from the rocky south slope, maximising the benefits of Tresco’s mild Gulf Stream climate. Hundreds of species are in flower here year-round. We have the option of discovering the garden accompanied by our Expedition Team or exploring independently. We then return to our ship by Zodiac.

We dock this morning in St Peter Port, the picturesque capital of Guernsey. Formerly French – its original name is St Pierre Port – the town is at least 800 years old. Choose from the following four optional experiences, which offer various perspectives of the region.

Head off on a coastal walk along a part of the island where Renoir painted during the summer of 1883. Enjoy the same views that inspired him, and pass bird-watching hides, World War II bunkers and a monument erected in honour of a former Governor of the island. The walk ends at Jerbourg Hotel with a Guernsey cream tea. 

At La Valette Underground Museum, explore Guernsey's military past and discover the hardships of life under the German occupation. The island’s concrete towers, gun emplacements and bunkers were ordered to be built by Hitler as a precursor to an invasion of Britain. 

Visit locations of the novel The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society. Walk to a viewing point from where the other Channel Islands and France can be seen on a clear day.  We also visit the Little Chapel, the world’s smallest consecrated church, and a memorial dedicated to locals killed in a German bombing raid in 1940. 

Cycle the Shingle Bank Nature Reserve, across Lihou Island and the Colin Best Nature Reserve, to the beaches of L’Eree Bay. Discover bunkers left from World War II and look across the water to Les Hanois Lighthouse. Continue along the idyllic laneways of the Ruette Tranquilles, where bicycles have right of way over motor vehicles. Your route then takes you past wildflower meadows and country cottages until you arrive at Perelle Bay. 

After an eventful day, we return to the ship for our final evening on board. Silver Endeavour’s restaurants ensure tonight’s dining experience will be a memorable one.

Disembark Silver Endeavour today in Portsmouth. From here, we make our way to Stonehenge. Set within Salisbury Plain, the famous archaeological site comprises the finest Bronze Age sanctuary in Europe. Continuing to Salisbury Cathedral, we admire its graceful spire, which rises like a beacon, high above the surrounding and idyllic meadow. Our luxury lodge awaits our arrival, and soon we check into Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax and discover the luxurious facilities available to us here. This evening, we sample the dining options of Bath’s many restaurants.

Today, we separate into two groups. Our first group becomes more familiar with the history of the area during a guided tour. One of the oldest cities in Britain, the one-time Roman settlement also enjoys its reputation as a hot spring town. Visit the Pump Room, where socialites of the Georgian era gathered to enjoy the waters. From here, take a drive along the city’s expansive squares, absorbing the sight of countless terraced houses. Afterwards, meet back up with your fellow guests in the village of Castle Combe. Enjoy lunch and some free time to take in the idyllic scenes of the Cotswolds. 

This afternoon, swap with our other group, as you drive to the royal residence, Highgrove House and Gardens. Join a guide for a tour of the grounds, including the Carpet Garden, which won the prized silver-gilt medal at Chelsea Flower Show. Learn about King Charles’ passion for gardening, which becomes evident as you explore the property further. 

This evening, we gather together once more for a Farewell Dinner within our hotel’s delightful grounds.

Our grand journey concludes this morning as you join your transfer to either London or Heathrow.