Monastic Islands and the Celts from Ireland to Scotland

St. Patrick's Tomb, the Giant's Causeway, and Edinburgh Castle on Castle Hill

In the Footsteps of Saints, Saviors, and Heroes Between Dublin and Edinburgh

Ship icon

Douglas Mawson

Person icon

Max. 154 passengers

Calendar icon

14 days (13 nights)

from Dublin to Edinburgh

14-day expedition cruise from Dublin to Edinburgh along the Irish coast | max. 154 passengers | English spoken on board

+++ Up to 50% off for new bookings made by September 30, 2026 +++ Does not apply to single cabins +++

This 14-day expedition cruise around Ireland, via the Isle of Man to Scotland, follows in the footsteps of saints, saviors, and unsung heroes who have shaped the history of the “Emerald Isle.” From the tomb of St. Patrick to Robert the Bruce, from the monastic ruins on the Skellig Islands to Edinburgh’s underground passages, each port tells its own story.

Continue reading

On board the Douglas Mawson, a modern expedition ship with a maximum capacity of 154 passengers, where a storyteller will accompany you, bringing each port to life with stories.

The trip begins in Dublin with two nights at a hotel in the city center. On the way to Belfast for embarkation, you’ll stop at St. Patrick’s grave in County Down before boarding the ship and cruising along the Wild Atlantic Way. Londonderry with its 17th-century walls, the Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal, Galway and the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle with the UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael monastic islands, tranquil Bantry, and Cork with the emigration port of Cobh, from which over three million Irish people set sail for the New World—among them Annie Moore, the first female immigrant to arrive at Ellis Island.

At each port of call, choose an experience from a curated shore excursion program: city walks with local guides, Daniel O’Connell’s mausoleum at Glasnevin Cemetery, the Guinness Story, Kylemore Abbey, Blarney Castle, Waterford Crystal, and much more. A ten-person expedition team, onboard lectures, and a private whiskey tasting at the end of the trip will give you a deeper understanding of culture, history, and craftsmanship.

The activity level is easy. Instead of hikes off the beaten path, you’ll explore curated themed trails centered on Irish legends of saints and monastery ruins, Cobh’s history of emigration, and the Scottish struggle for freedom led by William Wallace. On the final leg, the Douglas Mawson docks in Troon. From there, the route passes the William Wallace Monument and Dunfermline Abbey on the way to Edinburgh, where the trip concludes with two nights at a hotel, featuring the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Feel free to combine your cruise through Ireland and Scotland with pre- or post-cruise itineraries: two to three days in Edinburgh with a day trip to the Scottish Highlands, a long weekend in Dublin featuring Trinity College and the Book of Kells, or a trip via London with a direct flight to Dublin. We can also plan an extension along the Wild Atlantic Way coast around Galway upon request. Please feel free to contact us—we’ll tailor your travel package to your individual needs.

Stephanie Gräf

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Good to know

Arrival and Departure: We offer customized travel packages that include flights from Germany to Dublin and return flights from Edinburgh. The arrival transfer from Dublin Airport to the group hotel and the transfer from the disembarkation port in Troon to Edinburgh are included in the tour price. We’d be happy to help you plan extensions in Dublin, Edinburgh, or the Scottish Highlands.

Entry Requirements: A valid passport is required for the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland). As of January 2025, an electronic travel authorization (UK ETA) is also required for entry into Great Britain. You can find the latest travel and safety advisories from the German Federal Foreign Office for Ireland and Great Britain. Regulations may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.

Payment methods on board: U.S. dollars as the onboard currency, Visa, and MasterCard. Cash in euros is not accepted everywhere in ports outside the eurozone (Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland); it is helpful to have a small supply of British pounds.

Note for solo travelers: If you do not request a single cabin, you may be accommodated in a shared cabin on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharge will apply.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Skellig Michael – A drive past the UNESCO-listed monastic settlement on the Skellig Islands, where monks lived out their faith in stone beehive huts 1,400 years ago.
  • Pilgrimage to the Saints’ Sites – From St. Patrick’s Tomb in Downpatrick, through Kylemore Abbey and the Rock of Cashel, to Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce.
  • Slieve League Cliffs – These cliffs in Donegal plunge 600 meters vertically into the Atlantic Ocean and are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
  • Cliffs of Moher – A drive past Ireland's most famous Atlantic cliff edge, nestled within the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
  • Edinburgh's Underground World – An exclusive tour of the hidden passageways beneath the Royal Mile, followed by a visit to Edinburgh Castle at the highest point of the capital.
  • A History of Emigration in Cobh – The “Queenstown Story” tells of the more than 3 million Irish people who set sail from here for the New World, including Annie Moore, the first female immigrant to arrive at Ellis Island.
  • Political Freedom Fighters – From Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, home to the leaders of the 1916 uprising, to the William Wallace National Monument in Stirling.

route

Route map of the trip from Dublin along the Irish west coast via the Isle of Man to Edinburgh

itinerary

From Dublin to Saints, Saviors, and Mysteries

Day 1 | Arrival in Dublin

Welcome to Dublin. Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to the group hotel in the city center. At the lobby reception desk, you’ll meet the tour team, receive information about boarding, and get luggage tags for your stateroom.

You’re free to spend the evening as you wish; the hotel has its own restaurant, and in the nearby corner pubs, you can kick off your trip with your first pint or an Irish dinner. Overnight stay at the Dublin Hyatt Centric or similar.

Dublin Harcourt Street Georgian Tram
Trinity College Campanile, Dublin

Day 2 | A Day in Dublin

Dublin is brimming with energy, a spirit of resilience, and literary tradition. In the morning, you can choose from three tours focusing on the city’s saints, saviors, and heroes.

A guided walking tour takes you through Trinity College and Temple Bar, past the statues of Oscar Wilde and Molly Malone. A tour of Glasnevin Cemetery takes you to the final resting places of the leaders of the 1916 uprising, as well as those of Daniel O’Connell and Michael Collins. The Guinness Story combines a brewery tour with a tasting at the Gravity Bar.

The evening begins with an Irish dance performance and a welcome dinner. You'll stay at the Dublin Hyatt Centric; breakfast and the welcome dinner are included.

Day 3 | Embarkation in Belfast

The trip heads north to Belfast, with a significant stop in County Down at St . Patrick’s grave in Downpatrick. Belfast has experienced turbulent times: famines, diseases, uprisings, and the religious conflicts of “The Troubles” have shaped the city.

Today, the shipyards serve as a reminder of the men who worked 14 hours a day building the Titanic and the Lusitania, and the peace movement shapes the modern cityscape.

In the afternoon, you’ll board the Douglas Mawson, meet the crew and team, and raise a toast at the welcome dinner as the ship sets sail along the Antrim coast. You’ll spend the night on board; breakfast and dinner are included.

Belfast Lagan Weir Night Skyline
Giants Causeway Basalt Summer

Day 4 | Londonderry and the Giant's Causeway

Overnight, the ship arrives in Londonderry (also known as Derry), one of the few fully preserved walled cities in Europe, with city walls dating from the 17th century.

You can choose between two excursions: a combined bus and walking tour themed “Past, Present, Future,” featuring the Peace Walls and traces of the Troubles, or a full-day excursion to Dunluce Castle, which towers dramatically over the cliffs, and the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site with its hexagonal basalt columns.

You'll spend the night on board.

Day 5 | Killybegs and the Slieve League Cliffs

The fishing village of Killybegs serves as a gateway to the rugged Donegal coast and the northern Wild Atlantic Way.

You can choose from three excursions: the Slieve League Cliffs, which at 600 meters offer one of the most spectacular sea cliff experiences in Europe; the Adara Whiskey Distillery, featuring tastings of local spirits such as An Dúlamán Gin and Sliabh Liag Whiskey; or the Glencolmcille Folk Village, where the residents keep the language, music, and traditions alive.

You'll spend the night on board.

Slieve League Cliffs, Donegal
Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, Western Ireland

Day 6 | Galway and the Cliffs of Moher

The ship is anchored in Galway Bay, and you'll go ashore by tender. There are four options available.

On a guided walking tour of the city, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the Spanish Armada, Christopher Columbus, and the Latin Quarter pubs with a local expert. “Crafty Connemara” showcases the region’s craft traditions with Donegal Tweed and Triona Design. The full-day excursion “Souls of The Workhouse” explores the Great Famine and its victims, and Kylemore Abbey is considered a beacon of tranquility in the heart of Connemara.

In the afternoon, the ship departs from Galway and sails past the legendary Cliffs of Moher. You'll spend the night on board.

Day 7 | Dingle and the Skellig Islands

Once described by National Geographic Traveler as “the most beautiful place in the world,” Dingle is located on a peninsula with five headlands jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.

In the morning, you can choose from three excursions: the sacred sites of the Dingle Peninsula, including the Gallarus Oratory and ancient monastery ruins; “Life on the Land,” featuring Famine Cottages and a herding dog demonstration; or a scenic drive along the dramatic coastline.

In the late afternoon, the ship catches the last rays of the sun as you sail past the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. About 1,400 years ago, monks retreated here to practice their faith in solitude. It is not possible to go ashore because the Office of Public Works does not allow cruise passengers. You will spend the night on board.

Bird colony on the cliffs of Skellig Michael
Allihies, Beara Peninsula, County Cork

Day 8 | Bantry and the Beara Peninsula

You'll arrive at Bantry Bay and go ashore by tender. There are three excursions to choose from.

A 15-minute ferry ride takes you to Whiddy Island, where the mayor welcomes you personally and tells you about the history of the island’s thirty residents. The Ring of Beara on the neighboring peninsula is one of the three most scenic rings in Ireland and is significantly quieter than the better-known Ring of Kerry.

Alternatively, a full-day excursion takes you along the Iveragh Peninsula—the “Kingdom of Kerry”—through sandstone hills, wooded valleys, and clear lakes. You’ll spend the night on board.

Day 9 | Cork and the Emigrants of Cobh

Today, the Irish “gift of the gab”—the gift of eloquence—shines through in three ways.

The Queenstown Story in Cobh tells the story of the emigration of over three million Irish people who set sail from here for the New World; Annie Moore, the first immigrant to arrive at Ellis Island, was also from Cork. Those who prefer to combine history with a touch of magic should visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Third, there’s picturesque Kinsale, with its tales of naval battles, fishermen, and Ireland’s reputation as a culinary capital.

In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a private whiskey tasting on board with a local expert. You'll spend the night on board.

Cobh Skyline Cathedral Deck of Cards
Rock of Cashel Sunny Sheep

Day 10 | Waterford, between the Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny

Waterford is known as a city where culture and “craic” (Irish for “a good time”) come together. It’s the starting point for three excursions.

The Rock of Cashel sits atop a dramatic limestone cliff in the Golden Vale and is one of Ireland’s most important religious landmarks; St. Patrick’s Cross was erected in the 12th century to commemorate St. Patrick’s visit. Those who enjoy medieval charm should choose Kilkenny Castle, followed by a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. The third option takes you through the House of Waterford Crystal, where you can learn about the art of glassmaking.

You'll spend the night on board.

Day 11 | Isle of Man

After lunch on board, the ship enters the port of Douglas on the Isle of Man, a Crown dependency between Great Britain and Ireland with its own language and history.

In the afternoon, you can choose between the “Highlights of the Isle of Man,” featuring the main towns of Castletown and Douglas, or the Manx Museum in Douglas, which traces the island’s history from the Viking Age to the present day.

You'll spend the night on board.

Isle of Man: Douglas Bay (Aerial View)
Edinburgh Calton Hill Sunset Panorama

Day 12 | Disembarkation in Troon and onward travel to Edinburgh

After breakfast, you’ll disembark in Troon, a coastal suburb of Glasgow. You’ll then head east to the William Wallace National Monument. Wallace, the most famous Scot after Robert the Bruce, is considered a symbol of the Scottish struggle for independence against Edward I.

The theme of heroes continues at Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, who won the decisive victory over the English at Bannockburn in 1314.

You’re free to spend the evening as you wish in Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital is one of the cities with the most restaurants per capita. You’ll stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh or a similar hotel; breakfast will be served on board.

Day 13 | Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh is more than just a city of castles and royal residences; Scotland’s capital is synonymous with political intrigue, literary giants, and religious renewal. There are three options to choose from.

The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle stretch along Scotland’s most famous mile, from Holyrood Palace to the castle at the highest point of the city. The exclusive “Underground World of Edinburgh” tour explores the hidden passageways beneath the Royal Mile and ends at the castle. The Royal Yacht Britannia served as a royal residence on the world’s oceans for over 40 years.

The trip concludes in the evening with farewell canapés in Edinburgh. You'll spend the night at the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh.

Aerial View of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, White Horse Close

Day 14 | Departure from Edinburgh

After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to the team and take home the stories of the saints, saviors, and mysteries of Ireland and Scotland.

A shared airport transfer for your connecting flight is included in the tour price.

The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages. 

activities

Sacred Sites and Monastery Ruins (included)

Image to follow

From St. Patrick’s tomb in Downpatrick to the monastery ruins on the Dingle Peninsula, including the Gallarus Oratory, and on to a drive past the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Skellig Michael islands. The journey continues to Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, the Rock of Cashel with St. Patrick’s Cross, and Dunfermline Abbey, where Robert the Bruce was laid to rest.

You will be accompanied by a storyteller and local guides who will explain the religious and cultural significance of the sites within the broader context of Irish and Scottish history.

City walks with local guides (included)

Image to follow

Guided city walks reveal the hidden stories of these port cities: Dublin, with Trinity College, Temple Bar, and statues of Oscar Wilde and Molly Malone; Belfast, with its peace walls and the Titanic shipyards; Galway, with traces of the Spanish Armada and Christopher Columbus’s visit; Cork and Kinsale, with their culinary highlights; and Edinburgh, with the Royal Mile stretching between Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle.

Headsets are available during all guided tours so that you can listen to the commentary in comfort.

Castles and Fortified Towns (Included)

Image to follow

Perched on the cliffs of Northern Ireland, Dunluce Castle embodies the spirit and history of the Antrim Coast. To the south, the fairytale-like Blarney Castle, with its famous Blarney Stone, attracts visitors from all over the world. Kilkenny Castle, with its medieval old town, tells the story of the Butler Earls. The highlight is Edinburgh Castle, situated at the highest point of the Scottish capital, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels.

You can also choose to explore the underground passages beneath the Royal Mile on an exclusive "Underground World of Edinburgh" tour.

Whiskey tastings and brewery tours (included)

Image to follow

At the Adara Whiskey Distillery on the Donegal coast, you’ll sample local specialties such as An Dúlamán Gin and Sliabh Liag whiskeys. The Guinness Story in Dublin takes you on a tour of Ireland’s most famous brewery, culminating in a tasting at the Gravity Bar, which overlooks the city’s rooftops. A full-day excursion to the House of Waterford Crystal rounds out the crafts program with insights into the art of glassmaking.

On board the Douglas Mawson, you can also look forward to a private whiskey tasting with a local expert and a traditional Irish dance welcome event.

Famine and the Fates of Emigrants (included)

Image to follow

The Queenstown Story at the Port of Cobh tells the story of the more than three million Irish people who set out for the New World between 1848 and 1950. It also features Annie Moore, who was the first female immigrant to be registered at Ellis Island.

The full-day excursion “Souls of The Workhouse” focuses on the Great Famine and its victims, and includes visits to the Famine Cottages on the Dingle Peninsula and the Glencolmcille Folk Village, where language, music, and traditions are kept alive.

Struggles for Political Freedom (inclusive)

Image to follow

A tour of Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin takes visitors to the graves of the 1916 rebellion leaders, Daniel O’Connell and Michael Collins. In Belfast, a combined walking and bus tour explores the recent history of the “Troubles” and the peace walls.

In Scotland, you’ll continue exploring this theme at the William Wallace National Monument in Stirling. Wallace is considered the second-most famous Scot and a symbol of the struggle for independence against Edward I—a story that became known worldwide through Mel Gibson’s film adaptation.

 

DATES & PRICES

Request your trip here!

June 24, 2027 – July 7, 2027

Starting at €14,395 ; €7,198 per person

14 days/13 nights

MS Douglas Mawson (Maximum occupancy: 140)

Dublin, Ireland Edinburgh, Scotland

Includes transfer from Dublin to Belfast

Includes transfer from Troon to Edinburgh

Up to 50% off for new bookings made by September 30, 2026 (does not apply to single cabins)

About the cabins and prices

Selected date

June 24, 2027 – July 7, 2027 (14 days/13 nights)

MS Douglas Mawson | Monastic Islands and the Celts from Ireland to Scotland

Aurora Cabin Triple

Maximum occupancy: 3 persons
King bed/twin beds, private bathroom, porthole window, storage space, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42-inch flat-screen TV, minibar*, Deck 3 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
14,395 € 7,198 € per person
Inquire now

Aurora Cabin Twin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
King bed/twin beds, private bathroom, porthole window, desk, storage space, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42-inch flat-screen TV, minibar*, Deck 3 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
14,795 € 7,398 € per person
Inquire now

Aurora Cabin Superior

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
King bed/twin beds, private bathroom, balcony, desk, storage space, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42-inch flat-screen TV, minibar*, Deck 7 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
15,595 € 7,798 € per person
Inquire now

Balcony Cabin Cat. C

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
King bed/twin beds, private bathroom, private balcony, large window, desk, storage space, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42-inch flat-screen TV, minibar*, decks 4 & 6 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
16,095 € 8,048 € per person
Inquire now

Balcony cabin Cat. B

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
King bed/twin beds, private bathroom, private balcony, desk, closet, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42" flat-screen TV, minibar*, decks 4 & 6 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and Captain's Suite.
16,895 € 8,448 € per person
Inquire now

Aurora cabin single

Maximum occupancy: 1 person
Twin beds, private bathroom, porthole window, storage space, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42" flat-screen TV, minibar*, Deck 3 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
17,395 € per person
Inquire now

Balcony Cabin Cat. A

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
King bed/twin beds, private bathroom, private balcony, desk, closet, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42" flat-screen TV, minibar*, decks 4 & 6 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and Captain's Suite.
18,195 € 9,098 € per person
Inquire now

Balcony Cabin Cat. A Single

Maximum occupancy: 1 person
King-size bed / twin beds, private bathroom, private balcony, desk, storage closet, individually controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42" flat-screen TV, minibar*, Decks 4 & 6 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
$18,195 per person
Inquire now

Aurora Cabin Superior Single

Maximum occupancy: 1 person
Twin beds, private bathroom, porthole window, storage space, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42" flat-screen TV, minibar*, decks 3 & 7. *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
€18,995 per person
Inquire now

Superior Balcony Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
King bed/twin beds, decks 4 & 6, private bathroom (wheelchair accessible), private balcony, desk, large window, storage space, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42-inch flat-screen TV, minibar
19,895 € 9,948 € per person
Inquire now

Junior Suite

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
King bed/twin beds, private bathroom, private balcony, large window, storage room, separate lounge area, desk, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42-inch flat-screen TV, minibar, Deck 7 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
23,695 € €11,848 per person
Inquire now

Captain's Suite

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
King bed/twin beds, private bathroom, private balcony, large window, storage room, separate lounge area, desk, room-controlled thermostat, in-room safe, 42-inch flat-screen TV, minibar, Deck 7 *Please note that the minibar is subject to a charge in all cabins except the Junior Suite and the Captain's Suite.
26,995 € 13,498 € per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
X

Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

activities

Information

Included services:

  • Arrival transfer from Dublin Airport to the group hotel on the first day
  • Transfer from the port of disembarkation in Troon to the hotel in Edinburgh on the day of disembarkation
  • Two nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Dublin (Days 1 and 2)
  • Two nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh (Days 12 and 13)
  • Accommodations aboard the Douglas Mawson for the entire cruise, with daily cabin cleaning
  • All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and juices on board
  • Beer and house wine with dinner on board
  • Captain's farewell reception, including a four-course dinner with house cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • One shore excursion from the curated program per port of call
  • Enrichment Program with Welcome and Farewell Events
  • Presentations and guidance from an experienced storyteller, as well as the ten-member expedition team
  • Tips during shore excursions for local guides, drivers, venues, and attractions
  • Port fees, permits, tender fees, pilotage fees, and landing fees
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Headsets for guided shore excursions, if needed
  • Initial consultation with the ship's doctor and access to the onboard medical clinic
  • Comprehensive information provided before departure

Not included:

  • International flights to Dublin and from Edinburgh (upon request, we can handle all flight planning and booking for you)
  • Airport Taxes
  • Passport, visa, UK ETA, and vaccination fees
  • Travel Insurance and Emergency Evacuation Costs
  • Hotels and meals, unless specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages consumed outside of dinner, laundry service, personal purchases, and communication costs
  • Tips for the crew (suggested amount: $15 per person per day, automatically charged to your onboard account, adjustable)
Important:

  • We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
  • Travel health insurance for trips abroad, as well as trip cancellation and emergency evacuation insurance, are strongly recommended.
  • The trip includes shore excursions with walks on cobblestone streets, stairs, and uneven terrain. People with life-threatening medical conditions or who require daily medical treatment cannot participate.
  • Language of the expedition: English. No German-speaking guide is provided for this trip.
  • Shore excursion options must be selected via the passenger portal no later than 60 days before the start of the trip. If a selection is not made in a timely manner, an automatic assignment will be made; no changes can be made afterward.
  • Passport information is required at the time of booking for tickets to UNESCO sites and attractions.
  • This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
  • We will cancel the trip up to 30 days before departure and notify you by email if the minimum number of 50 participants has not been reached. Such cancellations are extremely rare.
  • A gratuity of 15 U.S. dollars per person per day for the crew is automatically charged to your onboard account. You can adjust or cancel this amount at the reception desk at any time.

Your ship during the voyage

Exterior view of the Douglas Mawson at sea

Her ship: Douglas Mawson

Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
> View here

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Dublin?

Direct flights to Dublin are available from Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Düsseldorf, with a flight time of about two to three hours. Aer Lingus and Lufthansa operate flights year-round, with additional flights added during the summer. At Dublin Airport, our representative will meet you in the arrivals hall and escort you to the group transfer to the hotel. Upon request, we can handle all flight arrangements, including your preferred seat and a pre-stay overnight stay.

Do I need a visa for Ireland and the United Kingdom?

For German, Austrian, and Swiss nationals, a valid passport is sufficient—both for Ireland and for the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland and Scotland). Since Brexit, an identity card is no longer sufficient for travel to the United Kingdom. In addition, as of January 8, 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required to enter the United Kingdom; this must be applied for online in advance (cost: 10 GBP; valid for 2 years). For the latest information on Ireland, please visit the Federal Foreign Office’s page on Ireland, and for the United Kingdom, visit the Federal Foreign Office’s page on the United Kingdom. Different regulations may apply to other nationalities.

When is the best time to take an Ireland-Scotland expedition cruise?

The best time to visit is between May and August. During these months, puffins and northern gannets nest on the cliffs, the days are long (it stays light until after 10 p.m. in Scotland), and temperatures range from a pleasant 12 to 18 degrees. June and July offer the longest days and the best conditions for hikes along the Slieve League Cliffs and the Cliffs of Moher.

What animals can I see along the route?

The coasts of Ireland and Scotland are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars breed on the cliffs. The Skellig Islands are among the most important ornithological sites in Europe. With a little luck, you may spot minke whales, dolphins, gray seals, and otters in the waters. On the Beara Peninsula and along the beaches of Sligo, you’ll also encounter flocks of sheep, Highland cattle, and, occasionally, white-tailed eagles.

What clothes and gear do I need?

The weather in the British Isles changes quickly. A waterproof jacket and waterproof pants are essential. Underneath, we recommend a fleece and lightweight thermal underwear, layered according to the "onion principle." Bring sturdy hiking boots for cliff trails and shorter hikes, along with a hat, thin gloves, and binoculars for birdwatching. For city walks in Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh, comfortable shoes are sufficient.

What physical requirements are necessary?

This trip is suitable for active travelers with normal mobility. You should be able to board and disembark without assistance, navigate stairs on board and ashore, and participate in city walks lasting one to two hours. Some excursions (Slieve League Cliffs, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Glasnevin Cemetery) involve walking on uneven terrain. If you have limited mobility or require a walking aid, please contact us before booking—we will work with the ship’s crew on a case-by-case basis to determine which parts of the itinerary are feasible.

Who is this trip particularly suited for?

This trip is ideal for anyone who wants to explore Ireland and Scotland off the beaten path—with depth rather than mass tourism. History and culture enthusiasts will appreciate the themed tours focusing on saints, emigration, and struggles for freedom. Literature lovers will find traces of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and W. B. Yeats in Dublin. Connoisseurs will be in their element at whiskey tastings at the Adara Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar. Solo travelers are also welcome.

Can solo travelers ride along, too?

Yes. Single cabins are also available for solo travelers. Please feel free to contact us—we’ll check current availability and assign you the appropriate cabin category. Upon request, we can arrange for you to share a cabin with other travelers as soon as we know who else is joining the trip.

More trips to the British Isles

Starting at
4.530 €
Starting at
8.450 €
Starting at
8.450 €
from
15.495 €
7.748 €

Great Britain: From Windsor to the Highlands

15-day expedition cruise from London to Edinburgh, visiting Windsor Castle, the Giant's Causeway, and the battlefield of Culloden
about the trip
from
13.495 €
10.796 €

Wild Scotland

12-day expedition cruise to puffin colonies, the St. Kilda World Heritage Site, the stone circles of the Orkney Islands, and the cliffs of the Shetland Islands
about the trip
from
15.495 €
13.171 €

An Old Maritime Route from Scotland to Norway

14-day expedition cruise to the Stone Age islands of Orkney, the Viking site of Nordfjordeid, and the Svartisen Glacier
about the trip
Starting at
11.380 €

Scotland's Classic Wonders (2026/2027)

5-Day Train Adventure Through Scotland
about the trip

Via the Orkney and Shetland Islands to the Faroe Islands

12-day expedition cruise through the Orkney and Shetland Islands to the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, the bird cliffs of Fair Isle, and the Faroe Islands
about the trip
from
7.995 €
6.796 €

Bird Cliffs and the Stone Age in the British Isles

Expedition cruise around the British Isles to the Giant's Causeway, the Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae, and St. Kilda
about the trip
Starting at
16.443 €

Mystical stone circles & majestic fjords

10-day superyacht expedition from the Scottish Hebrides to the Norwegian Arctic with basalt columns on Staffa, Ålesund, and Trollfjord
about the trip
Starting at
4.520 €

Great Britain – Motherland of the Railway (2026/2027)

10-day train adventure through Great Britain
about the trip