From England's royal castles to the clans of the Scottish Highlands
Douglas Mawson
Max. 154 passengers
15 days (14 nights)
from London to Edinburgh
15-day expedition cruise from London to Edinburgh through the United Kingdom | 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 +++
Few rivalries have shaped Great Britain as much as those between the English crown and the Scottish clans. From Windsor Castle to the Channel Island of Guernsey and the coast of Cornwall, all the way to Loch Ness and the battlefield of Culloden, every port tells its own chapter of royal history and the Scottish quest for freedom.
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The trip begins in London with two nights at a hotel and a royal-themed day visiting Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. On the way to embarkation in Portsmouth, you’ll visit Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world. From there, the cruise heads to the Crown Dependency of Guernsey, then on to Plymouth —home to the Mayflower and Sir Francis Drake—along the coast of Cornwall to Falmouth, via Holyhead in Wales (home to Caernarfon Castle), to the self-governing Isle of Man, to Belfast (site of the Titanic shipyard), and finally to Londonderry (home to the Giant’s Causeway).
At each port of call, choose an experience from a curated shore excursion program: royal residences and castles, guided city walks exploring Northern Ireland’s “Troubles,” Dartmoor National Park and Snowdonia, Belfast’s Titanic heritage, or Britain’s oldest Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle. An expedition team, onboard lectures, and a performance by a Welsh male choir will provide deeper insight into the monarchy, clan culture, and British history.
The activity level is easy. Instead of hikes off the beaten path, you’ll enjoy curated themed tours focusing on the British monarchy, Scottish clan history, and maritime heritage—from the Mayflower to the Titanic. On the final leg, you’ll disembark in Troon. From there, the journey takes you across Loch Ness to Inverness and on through the battlefield of Culloden to Edinburgh, where two nights at a hotel—featuring the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Yacht Britannia—round out the trip.
Feel free to combine your cruise around Great Britain with pre- or post-cruise itineraries: two to three additional days in London, including Hampton Court and Greenwich; an extended stay in Edinburgh with a day trip to the Scottish Highlands; or an in-depth exploration of clan history around Inverness and the Culloden battlefield. Please feel free to contact us—we’ll tailor your travel package to your individual needs.
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 London and return flights from Edinburgh. The arrival transfer from the London airport to the group hotel, the transfer from the disembarkation port in Troon to the Highlands, and the departure transfer to the Edinburgh airport are included in the tour price. We’re happy to help you plan extensions in London, Edinburgh, or the Scottish Highlands.
Entry Requirements: A valid passport is required for the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) as well as the Crown Dependencies of Guernsey and the Isle of Man. As of 2025, an electronic travel authorization (UK ETA) is also required for entry into the United Kingdom. You can find the latest travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office for the United Kingdom. Regulations may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.
Payment methods on board: U.S. dollars are accepted as the onboard currency, as well as Visa and MasterCard. On land in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands, you’ll pay in British pounds; it’s helpful to have a small amount of cash on hand.
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
- Windsor Castle – The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and still the weekend residence of the British monarch today.
- Edinburgh Castle – The Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Great Britain, are housed in the rock-hewn castle overlooking the Royal Mile; they were first used in 1543 at the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Loch Ness —Scotland’s most famous freshwater lake, 37 kilometers long and up to 229 meters deep, whose legend of Nessie dates back to the 6th century.
- Culloden – The last Jacobite uprising came to an end in 1746 on the battlefield near Inverness, and with it, the power of the Scottish clans.
- Giant’s Causeway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago.
- Caernarfon Castle – The UNESCO-listed fortress in Wales built by Edward I, where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969.
- Royal Yacht Britannia – A royal residence on the world’s oceans for over 40 years, now anchored in Edinburgh as a hands-on museum.
- The Mayflower and Sir Francis Drake – In 1620, the Mayflower set sail for America from Plymouth, and it was here that Sir Francis Drake began his voyage around the world.
route
itinerary
From London to Royal Palaces and Scottish Clans
Day 1 | Arrival in London
Welcome to London. Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to the group hotel. At the reception in the lobby, you’ll meet the tour team, receive information about boarding, and get luggage tags for your stateroom.
You are free to spend the evening as you wish. The hotel has its own restaurant and is located near numerous pubs, where you can start your trip with a drink. Overnight stay at the London Hotel or similar.
Day 2 | A Royal Day in London
With six royal palaces, the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, and countless pubs with royal names, London embodies the essence of the Crown. Today, activate your hop-on-hop-off bus pass and discover the city’s royal history with stops at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In the evening, you'll meet your fellow travelers and your host for a royal welcome reception. Overnight stay at the London Hotel; breakfast included.
Day 3 | Windsor Castle and Embarkation in Portsmouth
Take the Royal Route to the naval city of Portsmouth, including a visit to Windsor Castle, the British monarch’s weekend retreat. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. A self-guided tour takes you through the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel.
In the late afternoon, you’ll board the Douglas Mawson in Portsmouth, settle into your cabin, and get to know the ship during the safety briefing. At the welcome reception, you’ll raise a toast with the crew to mark the start of the cruise. You’ll spend the night on board.
Day 4 | Guernsey
Just about 30 miles off the coast of Normandy lies the Crown Dependency of Guernsey. Although closer to France, the Channel Island has retained its British character ever since William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066.
In the morning, you can choose between a scenic drive through the southern part of the island, including the sculpture gardens at Sausmarez Manor, and a tour of sites related to the German occupation during World War II. The afternoon is free to explore St. Peter Port, including Castle Cornet and Victor Hugo’s house. The ship sets sail in the early evening.
Day 5 | Plymouth
Plymouth is a port steeped in maritime and royal history. It was from here that the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620, and it was here that Sir Francis Drake began his circumnavigation of the globe before defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588.
In the morning, you can choose between a cruise through Dartmoor National Park, complete with a traditional Devonshire cream tea, and a guided tour of the historic Barbican area around the Mayflower Steps. In the early afternoon, the Douglas Mawson will sail along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall.
Day 6 | Falmouth
Early in the morning, you'll arrive in Falmouth, Cornwall—founded in the 17th century, once a base for mail ships, and today a lively harbor town.
In the morning, you can choose between the Cornish coastal village of St. Mawes with its Henry VIII-era fortress, a scenic drive through the River Fal estuary to Truro and Marazion with views of St. Michael’s Mount, or the subtropical Trebah Gardens, from whose cove more than 7,500 U.S. soldiers set sail in 1944 to land in Normandy. You’ll spend the afternoon in Falmouth at your own pace before the ship continues on to Wales.
Day 7 | At Sea Along the Coast of Cornwall
As you cruise along the Cornish coast, you’ll spend a relaxing day aboard the Douglas Mawson. A regal lecture by your storyteller, royal gossip in the library with its floor-to-ceiling windows, or a glass of Dubonnet—the royal family’s favorite aperitif—will make this day at sea truly regal.
From the observation decks, you can watch the coastline pass by as the ship, with its X-BOW® bow, cuts smoothly through the sea. You'll spend the night on board.
Day 8 | Holyhead and Wales
Holyhead, on the island of Anglesey, is the gateway to the Snowdonia countryside, with its castles and Welsh villages.
In the morning, you can choose between visiting Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Edward I, where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969, and a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, home to the 1,085-meter-high Snowdon. In the afternoon, a performance by a Welsh male choir—a powerful symbol of Welsh cultural heritage—awaits you on board.
Day 9 | Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown dependency steeped in mythology, whose name is derived from the Celtic sea god Manannán mac Lir. Its parliament, Tynwald, is considered the oldest continuously existing parliament in the world.
In the morning, you can choose between a ride on the historic Isle of Man Steam Railway to medieval Castletown and a visit to the Cregneash Open-Air Museum, featuring traditional Manx cottages and rare four-horned sheep. You’ll also have time to explore Douglas, known for one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic motorsports events.
Day 10 | Belfast
Belfast has gone through turbulent times, most recently the period of division known as “The Troubles.” Today, the city has been transformed through political dialogue and investment.
In the morning, you can choose between a sightseeing tour of Belfast’s cultural districts and a visit to the Titanic Experience at the site where the famous ship was built. Thanks to the ship’s berth right in the heart of the city, you’ll have free access to Belfast in the afternoon via a complimentary shuttle.
Day 11 | Londonderry and the Giant's Causeway
The border city on the River Foyle is called Derry by some and Londonderry by others. The river forms the natural border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
In the morning, you can choose between a guided tour of Londonderry~Derry, during which local guides will share the history of the “Troubles” and explain the murals in the Bogside neighborhood, and a trip to the Giant’s Causeway, the UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some 40,000 basalt columns. In the afternoon, the shuttle will take you into the city, where you can explore on your own.
Day 12 | Disembarkation in Troon and Loch Ness
In Troon, you’ll say goodbye to the crew and disembark. A scenic bus ride will take you north into the Highlands.
Along the way, you’ll reach Loch Ness, Scotland’s most famous freshwater lake, 37 kilometers long and up to 229 meters deep. The legend of Nessie dates back to the 6th century. After a stop at the lakeshore, you’ll continue on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, deeply connected to the heritage of the MacDonald, MacLeod, and Fraser clans. Dinner together in the evening. Overnight stay in Inverness; breakfast and dinner included.
Day 13 | Culloden and Edinburgh
In the morning, you’ll stand on the battlefield of Culloden, where the conflict between the clans and the British Crown reached its bloody climax in 1746. That decisive defeat brought an end to the clans’ power; British measures subsequently banned tartan, Gaelic, and the bagpipes. A guided tour traces the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue south and arrive in Edinburgh, where you’ll check into your hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Overnight stay in Edinburgh; breakfast included.
Day 14 | Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is dramatically situated on volcanic hills and dominated by Edinburgh Castle. The stories of Robert the Bruce and Mary Stuart echo here, and hidden tunnels wind beneath the Royal Mile.
In the morning, you can choose between a sightseeing tour through the historic center and along the Georgian avenues, a walk along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to see the Honours of Scotland, or a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. The afternoon is free, and in the evening, a festive farewell reception will round out the day. Overnight stay in Edinburgh; breakfast included.
Day 15 | Departure from Edinburgh
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye. 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
Royal Castles and Palaces (included)
From Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world, to Caernarfon Castle in Wales, and on to Edinburgh Castle with the Honours of Scotland—the oldest crown jewels in Great Britain—this journey takes you to the great royal residences of the United Kingdom. A stroll through Windsor’s State Apartments—the site of the investiture of the Princes of Wales—and the rock-hewn castle overlooking Edinburgh’s Royal Mile brings the history of the Crown to life.
City walks with local guides (included)
Guided walking tours reveal the cities and their hidden stories: London with Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey; Belfast with its cultural neighborhoods; Londonderry with the murals of the Bogside; and Edinburgh with the Royal Mile between the castle and Holyrood Palace. Local guides share the stories behind the facades.
Maritime Heritage (included)
The United Kingdom is a seafaring nation. In Plymouth, the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620, and it was here that Sir Francis Drake began his circumnavigation of the globe. In Belfast, the Titanic Experience tells the story of the world’s most famous ship, and in Edinburgh lies the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served as a royal residence on the world’s oceans for over 40 years.
Scottish Clans and the Highlands (included)
The power of the Scottish clans came to an end on the battlefield of Culloden in 1746. A guided tour traces the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Rising. At Loch Ness and in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, you’ll encounter the clan heritage of the MacDonalds, MacLeods, and Frasers, as well as the Highland culture that remains vibrant to this day.
The Troubles in Northern Ireland (inclusive)
In Belfast and Londonderry~Derry, Northern Ireland’s recent history comes to life. Local guides lead tours through the neighborhoods affected by “The Troubles,” recounting the history of division and the peace process and explaining the emotional murals in the Bogside. The peace walls and Belfast’s neighborhoods show how both cities have changed.
Natural Landscapes and Coasts (Inclusive)
Dotted among the royal sites are Britain’s natural wonders: Dartmoor National Park, with its granite cliffs and cream tea; Snowdonia National Park in Wales, home to the 1,085-meter-high Snowdon; the subtropical gardens of Trebah on the Cornish coast; and the Giant’s Causeway, with its 40,000 basalt columns on the coast of Northern Ireland.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
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June 6, 2027 – June 20, 2027
Starting at €15,495 ; €7,748 per person
15 days/14 nights
MS Douglas Mawson (Maximum occupancy: 140)
London, England Edinburgh, Scotland
Includes transportation from London to Portsmouth
Includes transportation from Troon via Inverness to Edinburgh
Up to 50% off for new bookings made by September 30, 2026 (does not apply to single cabins)
Selected date
June 6, 2027 – June 20, 2027 (15 days/14 nights)
MS Douglas Mawson | Great Britain, from Windsor to the Highlands
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Summary
activities
Information
Included services:
- Arrival transfer from London Airport to the group hotel on the first day
- Departure transfer to Edinburgh Airport on the last day
- Transfer from the port of disembarkation in Troon to the Highlands on the day of disembarkation
- Two nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in London (Days 1 and 2)
- One night's hotel stay with breakfast in Inverness (Day 12)
- Two nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh (Days 13 and 14)
- Accommodations aboard the Douglas Mawson for the entire cruise, with daily cabin cleaning
- All meals, snacks, tea, and coffee on board
- Beer, house wine, and soft drinks with dinner on board
- Farewell reception for the captain, 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
- Cultural program featuring a welcome and farewell evening, as well as a performance by a Welsh men's choir on board
- Hop-on, hop-off bus pass in London on the second day
- Presentations and guidance from an experienced storyteller and the 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 London 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)
- 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 you do not select an excursion in a timely manner, excursions will be assigned automatically; changes cannot be made later.
- Passport information is required at the time of booking for tickets to UNESCO sites and attractions.
- A wheelchair-accessible cabin category is available on board; if you have limited mobility, please check with us before booking to see if this trip is suitable for you.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to London?
London is about a two-hour flight from Germany, with numerous direct flights available from Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to the group hotel. Upon request, we can handle all flight arrangements, including your preferred seat and a pre-trip overnight stay.
Do I need a visa or a UK ETA?
For German, Austrian, and Swiss nationals, a valid passport is sufficient. Since 2025, an electronic travel authorization (UK ETA) has also been required for entry into the United Kingdom; this must be applied for online in advance. It also applies to the Crown dependencies of Guernsey and the Isle of Man. You can find the latest information on the United Kingdom on the Federal Foreign Office website. Different regulations may apply to other nationalities.
How do the optional shore excursions work?
At each port of call, a morning excursion is included in the tour price; you can choose one option in advance, such as royal castles, guided city walks, or natural landscapes. You must make your selection via the passenger portal no later than 60 days before the start of the tour. If you do not make a selection, an excursion will be automatically assigned to you.
What physical requirements are necessary?
The activity level is easy and designed for active travelers with normal mobility. You should be able to walk on cobblestone streets, climb stairs, and navigate uneven terrain, as well as board and disembark the ship and tenders without assistance. A wheelchair-accessible cabin category is available on board; please check with us before booking to determine whether this trip is suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
What clothes and gear do I need?
The weather in the UK changes quickly. A waterproof jacket and comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential for city walks and castle visits, along with layers of clothing. For receptions on board, smart-casual attire is recommended. Binoculars are worth bringing along on the coast and at the Giant’s Causeway.
How do I pay on board and on shore?
On board, the U.S. dollar is the currency of choice; Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Ashore in the United Kingdom and on the Channel Islands, you’ll pay in British pounds; it’s helpful to have a small amount of cash on hand.
Who is this trip particularly suited for?
This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to explore British history in depth. History and culture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at castles, battlefields, and in the stories of the Crown and the clans, while architecture and garden lovers will be delighted by Caernarfon Castle and Trebah Garden. Solo travelers are also welcome.
Can solo travelers ride along, too?
Solo travelers are very welcome on our trips. Single cabins are also available for those traveling alone. Please feel free to contact us; we’ll find the right solution for you. If you do not wish to have a single cabin, shared cabins are available 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 surcharges apply. A diverse mix of passengers is typical on board. The expedition atmosphere, with group shore excursions and a lecture program, makes it easy to socialize.
View across St. James’s Park toward Buckingham Palace
View across St. James’s Park toward Buckingham Palace | © AXP Photography
Tower Bridge opens its bascules
Tower Bridge opens its bascules over the Thames | © Kimber Nilsson
Palace of Westminster and Big Ben
Palace of Westminster and Big Ben | © Sergii Figurnyi
Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world
Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world | © dudlajzov
The harbor entrance at St. Peter Port on Guernsey
The harbor entrance at St. Peter Port on Guernsey | © Delphine Poggianti
Cornwall's cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Cornwall's Cliffs | © Helen Hotson
St. Michael’s Mount off the coast of Cornwall
St. Michael’s Mount off the coast of Cornwall | © Andrew
Conwy Castle overlooks the river mouth
Conwy Castle overlooks the estuary in North Wales | © Zoe Jackson
Caernarfon Castle in North Wales
Caernarfon Castle in Wales | © eyewave
Douglas Bay on the Isle of Man
Douglas Bay on the Isle of Man
Belfast's Skyline at the Lagan Weir
Belfast's Skyline at the Lagan Weir | © Sang H. Kim
Basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway
Basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway
Memorial stone on the battlefield of Culloden
Memorial stone on the battlefield of Culloden | © rphfoto
Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness | © susanne2688
Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city
Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city | © Heartland Arts
Sunset over Edinburgh from Calton Hill
Sunset over Edinburgh from Calton Hill
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