Arctic & Alaska

Best of British Isles

13 Days aboard Sea Spirit. From AUD $13,495$10,898pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Journey through the British Isles on an expedition that combines rich history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant island culture. Experience ancient ruins, medieval architecture, and abundant wildlife while exploring some of the region’s most remote and scenic locations.

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Subject to availability.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore the ancient and medieval heritage of the British Isles, including Skara Brae, St. Magnus Cathedral, and the island of Iona’s historic abbey.
  • Witness dramatic coastal landscapes and abundant wildlife, from seabird colonies on remote Scottish isles to puffins along rugged cliffs.
  • Visit charming island villages and experience local culture, from the Faroe‑like scenery of Shetland Islands to traditional Scottish settlements.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrival in Heathrow Airport, London
  • Day 2: Embarkation in Portsmouth, England
  • Day 3: Tresco, Scilly Isles, England
  • Day 4 and 5: Republic of Ireland
  • Day 6: Llandudno, Wales
  • Day 7: Portrush, Northern Ireland
  • Day 8 and 9: Hebrides, Scotland
  • Day 10: Kirkwall, Orkneys
  • Day 11: Fair Isle
  • Day 12: Isle of May, Scotland, Bass Rock
  • Day 13: Disembarkation in Edinburgh, Scotland

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the Sea Spirit please view the ship page.

View Sea Spirit

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrival in Heathrow Airport, London

Welcome to England and the start of your British Isles cruise! Our included pre-cruise hotel night is designed to allow for a relaxing motorcoach transfer to Portsmouth the next morning. You’ll receive information about the time and place to meet the motorcoach at the hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation in Portsmouth, England

Look for the representative in the hotel’s lobby, who will direct you to our chartered motorcoach that will take us to Portsmouth. Considered the home of the Royal Navy, its rich maritime heritage sets the mood for the beginning of our exciting voyage. In the afternoon we welcome you aboard the expedition ship Sea Spirit.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3: Tresco, Scilly Isles, England

The Isles of Scilly is a group of small islands off the coast of Cornwall boasting mild weather, secluded beaches, enchanting wildlife and a relaxed lifestyle. On the lovely, sand-fringed island of Tresco, Bronze Age burial sites and romantic 17th-century castle ruins reveal a long and dramatic history. On the hallowed grounds of a Benedictine abbey we discover the exquisite Tresco Abbey Garden with its spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world. Delightful cafés and local shops enrich your experience even further.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4 and 5: Republic of Ireland

Dunmore East is a popular tourist and fishing village in County Waterford on Ireland’s southeastern coast. From here it is a short journey through scenic countryside to the House of Waterford Crystal. Here you can take a guided tour of the factory to see the master craftsmen at work as well as the world’s largest collection of their wares. Also nearby is Mount Congreve, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate and botanical gardens containing thousands of plant species on 70 acres of intensively planted woodland and a four-acre walled garden.

Our plan is to visit the the Saltee Islands. The larger island, Great Saltee, is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland. These Islands are privately owned and are one of the world's major bird sanctuaries. The Saltees are a haven for sea birds, nurturing an impressive array of Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. They also lie on an important migratory route and a popular stopping-off place for spring and autumn migrants.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Llandudno, Wales

Our port for today is the vibrant seaside town of Llandudno in the north of Wales. From here we embark on a scenic overland tour of Snowdonia National Park. We drive through some of the wildest and most dramatic landscapes in Britain as we discover craggy mountains, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, dense woodlands and flowering meadows. Snowdonia is also renowned for wildlife including otters, water voles, wild ponies and rare birds such as dotterel and peregrine falcon. We enjoy a delightful stop at the charming and distinctively Welsh town of Betws-y-Coed in the Gwydyr Forest.

Visit to the Conwy Castle is also on our list. UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. Divided into an Inner and an Outer Ward, it is defended by eight large towers and two barbicans, with a postern gate leading down to the river, allowing the castle to be resupplied from the sea.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Portrush, Northern Ireland

Today we disembark at the small seaside resort town of Portrush in Northern Ireland. We travel overland to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. Here we discover a geological masterpiece—40,000 closely packed hexagonal basalt columns of varying heights descending like a staircase into the sea. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. In this area we are also able to spot various seabirds such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant, shag, redshank, guillemot and razorbill.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8 and 9: Hebrides, Scotland

These days, we'll explore Scotland, uncovering its beauty and the secrets of its history. From the picturesque coasts to the hidden tales etched into its landscapes, our journey promises a glimpse into the heart of this captivating region.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 10: Kirkwall, Orkneys

Today, we’ll disembark for an overland tour of Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Attractions such as the well-preserved 5000-year-old village site at Skara Brae and the ancient Ring of Brodgar within the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” showcase the world-class cultural heritage of the island. We finish our island tour in the charming village of Kirkwall, where find the landmark Saint Magnus Cathedral, built in the Romanesque style in the 12th century. You will also have free time to roam the old streets of Kirkwall and enjoy its unique atmosphere before we head to our next destination.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 11: Fair Isle

On Fair Isle — an isolated island of rolling moorlands and rugged coastlines — one is easily enchanted by historic crofts, picturesque lighthouses, and friendly locals. The island is famous among birders for its abundance of British birds and for its numerous records of eastern rarities and migrants.

Fair Isle is also one of Europe’s best places to watch seabirds, especially puffins, at close range.

Additionally, the island is notable for the abundance and diversity of its wildflowers. Seals are also commonly seen in its bays. Finally, during our visit it will be possible to see and purchase articles hand-knitted in the intricate and distinctive style for which Fair Isle has been celebrated for hundreds of years.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 12: Isle of May, Scotland, Bass Rock

Isle of May and Bass Rock... Both of these uninhabited islands are in the outer part of the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. The Isle of May is a national nature reserve and includes significant colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, cormorants and terns. Harbor seals and grey seals can be spotted along the shores. There are also some historic architectural sites, including St. Ardin’s Chapel, the lighthouse and the Low and Light Cottages.

The island known as “the Bass” plays host to over 150,000 northern gannets in the breeding season, making it the world’s largest colony of these magnificent birds. The island’s steep walls are white with guano and the sky all around is darkened by the vast multitude of seabirds in flight. Our voyage is perfectly timed to coincide with this amazing spectacle—truly one of the wildlife wonders of the world.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 13: Disembarkation in Edinburgh, Scotland

After breakfast on board Sea Spirit we say farewell in Leith, Edinburgh’s vibrant port district. We provide transfers to the airport or to Edinburgh city center if you wish to spend more time in the wonderful capital of Scotland.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 09 May 2027
DatesCabinFromAdditional
09 May 2027 - 21 May 2027 AUD$10898ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
Triple SuiteAUD $13495pp AUD$10898ppPay in Full & Get 5% Off, Save 15%
Main Deck SuiteAUD $15795pp AUD$11254ppPay in Full & Get 5% Off, Save 25%
Classic SuiteAUD $16795pp AUD$11967ppPay in Full & Get 5% Off, Save 25%
Superior SuiteAUD $16995pp AUD$12109ppPay in Full & Get 5% Off, Save 25%
Deluxe Suite AUD $18995pp AUD$13534ppPay in Full & Get 5% Off, Save 25%
Premium Suite AUD $20395pp AUD$14532ppPay in Full & Get 5% Off, Save 25%
Single SuiteAUD $23495pp AUD$16741ppPay in Full & Get 5% Off, Save 25%
Owners Suite AUD $25295pp AUD$18023ppPay in Full & Get 5% Off, Save 25%

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Triple Suite

Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Triple Suite
Triple Suite
Main Deck Suite

Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Main Deck Suite
Main Deck Suite
Classic Suite

Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Classic Suite
Classic Suite
Superior Suite

Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.

Superior Suite
Superior Suite
Deluxe Suite

The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.

Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Premium Suite

The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Premium Suite
Premium Suite
Owners Suite

Super-spacious (63 square metres/ 678 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.

Owners Suite
Owners Suite
Single Suite

Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Single Suite
Single Suite

Sea Spirit Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Length: 90.6 meters (297 ft.)
  • Beam: 15.3 meters (50 ft.)
  • Speed: 15 knots
  • Passengers: 114
  • Crew: 72
  • Expedition Team: 14

What's included?

  • 1 pre-voyage hotel night;
  • Seamless group transfer to Portsmouth on the day of embarkation;
  • Cozy accommodation aboard the elegant Sea Spirit, your home away from home;
  • Delicious gourmet meals crafted by our chef throughout your voyage;
  • 24-hour tea and coffee station, complete with cookies for a quick energy boost;
  • All-inclusive beverage package that includes soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits
  • Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes;
  • Expert leadership from our experienced Expedition Leader and top-notch Expedition Team;
  • A stylish windbreaker jacket to take home as a cherished memento;
  • Comfortable rubber boots for shore landings during your cruise;
  • All port fees;
  • Group transfer to airport or central location right after disembarkation;
  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials to prepare you for your adventure;
  • A Digital Voyage Log with photos and a memorable video from our expedition photographer;
  • Wi-Fi on board to stay connected during your journey.

What's not?

  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Airfare;
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
  • Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance to a minimum coverage of US$ 100,000 per person;
  • Staff gratuities.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

Best of British Isles

13 Days aboard Sea Spirit. From AUD $13,495$10,898pp.