English gardens and cliffs, high tea and highlands, castles and clans: the circumnavigation of Great Britain promises distinctive character in fine English style. The HANSEATIC spirit opens the gates to royal architecture and stately nature. Diverse island worlds, dreamy coastal towns and pulsating cities lie ahead of you. To begin with, tradition and modernity flow together at the mouth of the rivers Dee and Don in north-east Scotland: Aberdeen, the city of flowers and granite*, is fascinating with its tropical conservatory in Duthie Park and the medieval old town. Your excursion to Royal Deeside and Balmoral Castle* takes you to the summer residence of the British monarch, while the castle and gardens of Crathes* tell of the House of Burnett and the art of horticulture.

Untamed charm envelops the Orkney Islands. St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall is a magnificent vision of the medieval period. 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.

In the midst of wild and romantic nature, Ullapool in Scotland welcomes you 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 * to sheltered bays and deserted beaches.

Unspoilt landscapes welcome you to the Inner Hebrides on the island of Staffa. Where the sea spray breaks against the cliffs, the forces of nature have formed Fingal’s Cave, which you will explore from the Zodiacs. Landing on the remote island of Iona will allow you to discover the cradle of Scottish Christianisation at your leisure.

Rathlin Island is a wonderful place to see kittiwakes and puffins, and the Zodiacs will be put to good use here.

The scenery shifts from nature to the trendy city of Liverpool, where the musical roots of the Fab Four lie. In the footsteps of the Beatles*, the beat of the 1960s will set the rhythm of your explorations. Historic Chester* offers a blend of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture, alongside its Anglo-Norman cathedral.

The charming Isle of Man in the Irish Sea is your next destination. From Douglas, you can take the steam train to Rushen Castle* – one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles. Cruising off Calf of Man is all about birdwatching. Around 40 species breed on the small island. The Zodiacs will again be used, depending on the local conditions.

The coast of Wales also offers excellent nesting opportunities for numerous seabirds. Manx shearwaters, guillemots and puffins can be spotted while cruising off Skomer Island or from the Zodiac.

Mediterranean and charming: the pretty town of Fowey is the ideal place from which to explore the highlights of Cornwall*. The sea rages against the rocks and the fishing villages are filled with romance – just like the novels of Rosamunde Pilcher, whose birthplace you will visit. The Isle of Wight off the south coast of England is known for having even inspired Charles Dickens. Beaches, cliffs and castles make a delightful trio for an island hike*. You’ll be in aristocratic company at the royal Osborne House*, Queen Victoria’s summer residence. A magnificent and stylish setting to crown your Expedition circumnavigation of Great Britain.