What is typically British? Stately gardens or rugged islands? Victorian charm or nonchalant cool? This exciting cruise commencing on the Iberian peninsula will reveal many answers. The Galician city of La Coruna is your starting point for a visit to Santiago de Compostela*. The Way of Saint James is not the only route to lead here – the little known Camino Ingles harks back to medieval pilgrims from England. 

Some 45 km (27 mi.) off the British mainland, the Isles of Scilly are surprisingly like a kind of “English South Seas”, complete with white sandy beaches and exotic vegetation. In the famous Abbey Garden on Tresco, over 4,000 plants are proof of the effects of the mild Gulf Stream. The neighbouring island of St Mary’s, whose picturesque coastal landscape is perfect for walking, beckons with natural beauty. The small rugged Lundy Island is a wildlife paradise. Will the weather allow a landing? There are many endemic plants to be found in the protected habitat of grey seals and puffins. The historic port of Ilfracombe creates a particularly picturesque scene on the north coast of Devon. The small seaside resort is an inviting place to take a stroll through streets with colourful facades.

Enjoy a Zodiac ride off Skomer Island and see the magnificent population of Manx shearwaters, guillemots and puffins.

The scenery shifts from nature to the trendy city of Liverpool. As you trace the footsteps of the Beatles*, the beat of the 1960s will accompany your explorations. Historic Chester* offers a blend of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture, alongside its Anglo-Norman cathedral. Take advantage of the long lay time for the HANSEATIC inspiration and also get to know Liverpool in the evening, for example with a trip to a typical pub.

In the Irish Sea, the charming Isle of Man provides the stage for exciting cultural experiences. One of the world’s oldest parliaments, Tynwald Court, can be found here, as well as the Manx Gaelic spoken language. While the long seafront promenade invites you for a stroll in Douglas, you can also take the steam train to Rushen Castle* – one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles. Or you could ride on a three-wheeled motorcycle on the Isle of Man TT circuit*, with a glimpse of the legendary trophy.

Unspoilt landscapes welcome you to the Inner Hebrides, where you can explore the cradle of Scottish Christianisation with a landing on the remote island of Iona. The Isle of Lunga is a haven for numerous species of seabird. Watch the puffins and other feathered creatures from a Zodiac.

Your spirit of exploration will also soar in the small port of Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom. Open the gateway to the Highlands with an excursion to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle*. Alternatively, you can enjoy the marine panorama with a kayak trip along the coast* to sheltered bays and deserted beaches.

Untamed charm envelops the Orkney Islands. St Magnus Cathedral in the harbour town of Kirkwall masterfully evokes the Middle Ages with its red and yellow sandstone. The excursion to the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Skaill House* takes you on a journey through the centuries – from the Neolithic stone circle to the Stone Age village and a 17th-century manor house. A hike along the coastal cliffs* takes you past Iron Age towers and offers breathtaking views of magical coastlines and green hills.

Aberdeen provides the finishing touch for your cruise as an impressive city of flowers and granite* with its tropical winter garden and medieval architecture. Not far away is Balmoral Castle*, the charming summer residence of the British Royal Family. At the end of this cruise, the many island contrasts and the wealth of experiences you’ve enjoyed will mean you now know exactly what’s typically British.