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Spirit of the Celts
V1424052411
Dates
05/24/24 - 06/04/24
Ship
SH Vega
Duration
11 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 8,100
Per Person
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Trip Details
Join us on a journey of discovery as we embark on a cultural exploration cruise through the heart of the British Isles. From Portsmouth's historic port to the Scottish Highlands' rugged beauty, we'll visit some of the most fascinating and enchanting destinations in the world. Along the way, we'll immerse ourselves in the local culture and explore this remarkable region's rich history and heritage.
Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Portsmouth, England Day 1

Your Anglo-French cruise begins in the UK’s only island city and the world’s oldest dry dock. With easy access by rail and road from airports in London and Southampton, Portsmouth has a long and proud naval heritage. Boarding your boutique ship, you’ll be following in the footsteps of the likes of Admiral Nelson and Henry VIII as you settle in for your voyage. If time permits, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is definitely worth a visit. The attraction is home to a wonderful collection of famous historical ships including Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory, Queen Victoria’s HMS Warrior and the only surviving ship from the First World War’s Gallipoli campaign, the HMS M.33. A very fitting way to begin your sea faring adventure.

Fowey, England Day 2

Returning back across the channel, you’ll arrive in the picturesque Cornish town of Fowey. With strong ties to its Celtic roots, this beautiful historical town has a wonderful selection of shops and eateries to explore. Nearby you’ll find the world-famous Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The port here is deep but small, so with your boutique cruise ship as the star attraction, you can be guaranteed a warm, friendly Cornish welcome.

Shore Excursion
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Cornish Scenic Drive
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the peaceful Cornish countryside and its granite farmhouses
  • Discover Polperro, a quaint old Cornish fishing village and its charming winding streets and pretty cottages
Lost Gardens of Heligan
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project
  • Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic
Lanhydrock House
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover Lanhydrock House, an impressive late Victorian country house
  • Step inside the house and learn about the story of the Agar-Robartes family through the 49 roomslike the servants' bedrooms, the kitchens, the majestic dining room, all boasting interesting artefacts
  • Visit its formal garden, full of colour all year round and famed for magnolias
Tresco, Isles of Scilly, England Day 3

Reach one of Britain’s most peaceful and beautiful places today. The Isles of Scilly are a low-lying archipelago that lies 45 kilometres off Cornwall. The Gulf Stream provides a mild climate in which flowers and other flora thrive and the Isles’ white-sand beaches and lapping translucent green sea could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean. From the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden with its 20,000 species from all over the globe and Elizabethan castles to fortresses to Bronze age sites and illuminating lighthouses, the Isles of Scilly boasts several outstanding attractions to be enjoyed.

Shore Excursion
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Tresco Abbey Gardens
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Walk through the ruins of the Benedictine priory that the garden is now built on
  • Discover their immaculate collection of Valhalla figureheads and decorative carvings from shipwrecks dating from the 19th century
  • Replenish with a traditional Cream Tea in the garden cafe before heading back to the pier
Bantry Day 4

Amid the headlands and islands of Ireland’s southwest, Bantry is a charming harbour town on Bantry Bay, The town is surrounded by ancient history. Kealkill megalithic stone circle and standing stones, 6th-century Kilnaruane Pillar Stone and 16th-century Carraiganass Castle, all in prime walking territory. More recent is grandiose early 18th-century Bantry House with its Italianate gardens pouring down to the water’s edge. The bay’s Garinish Island is a garden paradise while Seal Island is busy with the friendly mammals.

Shore Excursion
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Skibbereen Heritage Town & Traditional Irish Pub
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Included
  • Explore the beautiful coastal village of Skibbereen, considered the capital of West Cork region
  • Deepen your connection to Ireland by talking with a local historian about the Potato Famine and its unforgettable impac
  • In Ballydehob, enjoy a refreshing drink and live traditional Irish music in a unique and quirky pub located in the town centre
Natural beauties of Mizen Head
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy breathtaking views during the panoramic drive.
  • Stop at Mizen Head, Ireland's most Southwesterly Point.
The Whiddy Island Experience
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • See the stunning red and fuchsia colours that spread across the island’s vegetation during the summer months
  • Break for a local baking demonstration and wash it down with a refreshing beverage from Tim’s pub
  • It’s an incredible opportunity for bird-watchers and historians alike to learn about the local wildlife and heritage of this natural paradise
Dingle Day 5

One of Ireland’s westernmost ports, on Dingle Peninsula, Dingle is a place of craggy cliffs, crashing waves and hidden beaches. The historic fishing village sits on a lake-like estuary, its narrow mouth guarded by its Victorian lighthouse, reachable by a 6 km return coastal walk rich in viewpoints. Other hikes take in everything from mountain ridges to deserted beaches. Plenty of historic sites: medieval Garfinny Bridge over the Garfinny river, 15th-century Gallarus Castle and Reask monastic site, parts dating back to the 6th century.

Shore Excursion
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Wild Atlantic Way - Dingle Peninsula
  • Duration: 03 h 15 m
  • Included
  • Engage with all of the interactive displays, artefacts, audio-video presentations and exhibitions the museum has to offer
  • Take in breathtaking headlands hugged by the shimmering North Atlantic on your coastal drive
  • Learn from local experts about the authors behind literary classics like ‘The Islandman’, ‘Twenty Years A-Growing’ and ‘Peig’
Muckross House & Killarney National Park
  • Duration: 07 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park and its combination of mountains, lakes and woodlands under the ever changing skies which give the area a special scenic beauty
  • Glimpse at Muckross Lake, one of Killarney's three lakes, famed world wide for their splendour and beauty
  • Visit Muckross House, a beautiful manor house from the 19th century located in Killarney National Park
A Hike of Three Peaks
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Climb the rugged maintain and accomplish a great physical achievement
  • Chat with your guide about the native vegetation that covers the mountain
  • Reward yourself with views of lush greenery and panoramic beaches you won’t find anywhere else
Galway Day 6

A harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, Galway has the air of Dublin, centred on 18th-century Eyre Square, with its elegant university and other stylish architecture, whether the playful design of the 1960s cathedral or widespread medieval creations. Head out for a world of walks, many exploring pristine stretches of coast. Galway Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium of Ireland, sits on the waterfront and boasts more than 1,00 species from the Atlantic and its lakes and rivers.

Shore Excursion
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Galway City & Countryside
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Included
  • Visit Galway Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland with a 145-ft dome
  • From Salthill, enjoy views of the Aran Islands, Galway City and the mountains of Connemara
  • On your way back to the pier, make one last stop at the charming village of Moycullen
Galway Through the Ages
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Take a panoramic drive along the bay, spend some time to admire Dunguaire Castle -- a small 17th-century castle set on a rocky promontory
  • Visit Rathbaun Farm, the perfect spot for enjoying traditional homemade scones and a hot cup of tea while your hosts take you on a narrative journey through Irish farming history
  • Have the unique experience to hand-feed the newborn lambs (if in season) and watch the farmer maneuver his flock with the help of his trusty sheepdog
A Walk Through Galway City
  • Duration: 02 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Step out of the ordinary with this in-depth experience of Irish culture
  • See the farmer in action as he maneuvers his flock with the help of his loyal sheepdog and be invited to hand-feed newborn lambs (if in season)
  • Learn the history of the 14 tribes that earned Galway the nickname “The City of Tribes”
A Visit to Brigit's Garden
  • Duration: 03 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the Celtic Gardens which take you on a magical journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology, making it one of the truly outstanding family-friendly places to visit in the West of Ireland
  • Enjoy a panoramic drive on the way back to the pier
Killybegs Day 7

Killybegs is a small town located in County Donegal, Ireland. It is known for its beautiful scenery and friendly locals. The city is situated on the coast and has a bustling fishing industry. Visitors can take a tour of the harbor and learn about the history of the town’s fishing industry. The city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and beaches.

Shore Excursion
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Scenic Drive in Donegal & Irish Coffee
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Relax during your comfortable drive to "The Rosses" or "Na Rosa' (the headlands) in Gaelic where fishing villages are scattered along the rocky and barren coast
  • Stop at Crolly - home of internationally -acclaimed singer Enya and her siblings, who formed the traditional Irish group Clannad and enjoy an Irish coffee
Donegal city & castle
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover Donegal, a town located at the mouth of Donegal Bay and surrounded by the Blue Stack Mountains
  • Visit the ruins of an ancient Franciscan Priory dating back to 1474
  • Explore Donegal Castle, built beside the River Eske by a 15th century O'Donnell chieftain and enriched during the 17th century. It now boasts Persian rugs and French tapestries
Donegal traditions & Foklore
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Drive through some of the most spectacular, picturesque and ruggedly beautiful areas of Donegal, Ireland's most remote county
  • Visit Glencolmcille Folk Village, which is steeped in the culture, tradition, language and lifestyle of southwest Donegal: see the school house were the children learned Irish language, discover the old Irish cures or enjoy a demonstration of spinning and weaving in this area renowned for its tweed
  • Enjoy refreshments accompanied by a performance of traditional Irish Music
Iona Island, Scotland Day 8

No matter your belief system, spending time on Iona is good for the soul. This isle, located in the Inner Hebrides which hug close to the western coast of Scotland, has more than a millennium of spiritual connections. Barely 100 people reside in the spot where St Columba brought Christianity to Scotland, so it’s mostly untouched and untamed. Iona is famed for its abbey, which was found by Columba and his Irish followers in 563 CE. It was in these contemplative cloisters that the sacred treasure, the Book of Kells, was created. The illuminated manuscript was taken to Ireland in 807 CE in an attempt to keep it safe from marauding Vikings. Very little of the gorgeous granite sacred structure you see dates from these times, a Benedictine building was built on the original site in around 1200.

Shore Excursion
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Traditional Weaving on the Inner Hebrides
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the different stages of the production process of the hand woven fabrics
  • Enjoy the spectacularly scenic Ardalanish Bay
  • Free time to stroll to the nearby beach
Iona Short Circular Walk
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the history, wildflowers, wildlife, stunning views and geology of Iona
  • Approximately 3 to 4 kms of nature walk
Iona Abbey
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Explore Iona Abbey, one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites
  • Enjoy some free time to stroll around and for some shopping
Stornoway, Scotland Day 9

Sail to Stornoway, the capital of the most populous island in the Outer Hebrides. Lewis is a windswept, rugged place that’s famed for its weavers, who make world-famous Harris Tweed. Named after the neighbouring island – despite the majority of registered weavers living and working on Lewis – Harris Tweed is the only fabric guarded and protected by an Act of Parliament. Discover the spellbinding Callanish Stones (or Calanais Stones) on the island’s west coast, a collection of standing stones in a cruciform pattern with a central stone circle. Erected in 3,000 BCE, this ritualistic site is thought to have been built some 500 years before Stonehenge making this circle and the one on Orkney, the UK’s oldest. No one knows the purpose of these circles, but there’s new evidence that a massive lightning strike may have inspired the ancient island dwellers to build the stone circles.

Loch Ewe, Scotland Day 9

A sheltered deep water loch, Loch Ewe in the Scottish Highlands has a big Naval history. During World War II the Home Fleet stayed here, it was a base for Arctic convoys – and a post-war depot for captured German U-boats. NATO still has a base here for submarine servicing. The loch, with low-lying Ewe Island in the middle, is a beauty spot with Inverewe, a Victorian garden rich in exotic plants, sitting on the banks.

Shore Excursion
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Inverewe Gardens Exclusive Visit
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Marvel at this feast of human achievement where a father and daughter were able to turn barren wilderness into thriving landscapes in the 19th century
  • Take a ride around the shores of the peninsula before getting dropped by Zodiac to your destination
  • Become familiar with the rare plant species that thrive in the heritage gardens thanks to the effects of the Gulf Stream meeting the Highlands
Oban, Scotland Day 10

Oban is a beautiful seaside town located on the west coast of Scotland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. The city is surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside. Oban, also known as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, is home to the Oban Distillery, which produces some of Scotland’s finest whisky.

Portrush, Northern Ireland Day 11

Disembark in the small Northern Ireland town of Portrush (Port Rois), which is located in County Antrim. It’s one of the island of Ireland’s most popular staycation destinations – indeed, generations have happy memories of visiting this peninsula, with its family-friendly amusements, attractions and beaches. It is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast. Flanked by the Atlantic and towering cliffs, the Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s number-one attraction. Visit and decide for yourself if the basalt formations are the handiwork of prehistoric volcanic activity – or two legendary Celtic giants.

Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland Day 11

This mountainous, sparsely populated isle off the northern coast of Ireland is filled with interest. Attractions include the little harbour with its fishing boats, the lighthouse, a cave where Robert the Bruce hid after fleeing Scotland following his defeat by the English, a neolithic settlement site and a puffin-packed RSPB seabird centre.

Dublin Day 12

Your cruise comes to an end today in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland’s capital. It’s at times gritty and in places, gorgeous – Georgian squares, hidden parks and tree-lined canals. It’s lively, complex, cosmopolitan and eminently walkable. So bid farewell to Vega and start exploring, if time allows before your flight home. Come full circle and visit The Long Room in the Old Library in stately Trinity College to inspect the Book of Kells, which was produced on Iona. The Long Room itself is much lauded for its beauty – it’s a stunning, two-storey, barrel-vaulted space that houses 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books and manuscripts. Elsewhere the new Museum of Literature Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, Christ Church and St Patrick’s Cathedrals, the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, Glasnevin Cemetery entice visitors – just be sure to stop into a snug somewhere for a pint.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 4 at the centre of the ship. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the bow and aft, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 6, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
49 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 6 at the aft, our Premium Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are the most luxurious accommodation on board. A favorite for those who want nothing but the best.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK