Leixoes (Porto) - Hamburg Circumnavigation of Great Britain: British Isles for insiders

Gijon lies on the beautiful Asturian coast, with its picturesque beaches and charming fishing villages. The city on the Bay of Biscay reveals stunning contrasts: the Plaza Mayor is where the old part of the city meets the new, a picture of traditional and modern Europe. Immerse yourself in the charm of the historic centre with its narrow streets and impressive buildings, including the San Lorenzo church and the Revillagigedo Palace – and in the city’s lively cultural life with its museums, festivals and vibrant food scene. In Gijon itself or on excursions* into the surrounding area with your experts, shed light on the Reconquista, the reconquest of the Iberian peninsula: the crusade against the Muslim conquerors, or Moors, to regain Christian supremacy laid the foundations for modern Spain.

Cornwall’s best-kept secret is the 140 Isles of Scilly, only five of which are inhabited. The archipelago is rightly called the “Caribbean of England” – with turquoise waters, golden beaches and subtropical vegetation. A place to retreat to where you can leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life far behind and discover the refined English style of British nature.

A botanical highlight awaits you on the small island of Tresco: the famous Abbey Garden. Thanks to the mild climate favoured by the Gulf Stream, over 4,000 plant species from more than 80 countries thrive here. Between Mexican agave, South African protea and Chilean wine palms, you will feel as though you have been halfway round the world. While you relax and explore the garden, your knowledgeable experts will share fascinating biological facts with you. In addition, numerous works of art and sculptures can be discovered throughout the grounds.

The largest of the Isles of Scilly, St. Mary’s, is a hidden jewel in the Atlantic. Be inspired by their genuine nature. Hugh Town, the main town of the archipelago, lies on a narrow headland framed by two beaches. Despite its importance, the harbour town has remained small and charming, with narrow streets, historic buildings and a relaxed, maritime atmosphere. The island also invites you to go hiking with its unique, scenic mix of granite formations, heathland and coastal landscape.

The home of thousands of seabirds lies before you as soon as your ship reaches the Welsh coast. Depending on local conditions, the Zodiacs will be boarded off Skomer Island. Here you can observe overwhelming populations of Atlantic puffins, guillemots and razorbills. With a bit of luck, you will also see some porpoises and grey seals.

Dublin combines Irish history, culture and a vibrant lifestyle in a unique way. Explore historic Trinity College with the world-famous “Book of Kells” and stroll through the charming streets of the old town. The imposing Dublin Castle and the majestic St Patrick’s Cathedral bear witness to the city’s eventful past. The trendy Temple Bar district – with its galleries, pubs and traditional live music – is the beating heart of its cultural scene. Dublin captivates visitors with its literary heritage, welcoming atmosphere and blend of history and modernity – an unforgettable stop on your cruise. Enjoy the evening, because your ship will stay overnight here. Perhaps melancholic folk melodies will ring out as the lights dance over the River Liffey and Dublin glows in the warm evening light.

Located between Great Britain and Ireland, the Isle of Man is an autonomous Crown dependency with its own government and fascinating identity. The island captivates visitors with its impressive natural landscape – from green hills and moorlands to rugged coastlines and idyllic beaches. The Manx culture is also unique, with its language, music and myths.

The picturesque harbour town of Peel is located on the west coast of the Isle of Man. During your individual shore visit, you will discover history in the open air – for example, at Peel Castle, which towers over St Patrick’s Isle. Its origins date back to the Viking age. The long sandy beach, which is right next to the old town, is perfect for relaxing walks. Peel is known as the “Manx Kipper capital”: try traditionally smoked herring in one of the historic smokehouses. The House of Manannan, an award-winning museum, offers fascinating insights into the Celtic, maritime and Viking history of the Isle of Man.

Cruising off Calf of Man is all about birdwatching. The island has been a nature reserve since 1959 and is home to a wide variety of seabirds, including cormorants, shearwaters and occasionally puffins. The rocky coastline is also a favourite retreat for grey seals – a place of tranquillity, wilderness and unspoilt beauty.

A wonderful place for bird watching lies ahead of you when your expedition ship Rathlin Island calls at Northern Ireland with cliffs up to 70 m (229 ft) high that alternate with beautiful bays. Compared with the island’s nearly 150 human inhabitants, the many kittiwakes and puffins that you can watch are clearly in the majority. Look forward to special encounters with nature and to the ornithological expertise of your on-board experts. Amidst the rugged landscape, the excursions to the burial mounds, cashels and menhirs that have been built here are surrounded by a magical aura. Follow in the footsteps of the island’s history and explore the remains of the old castles and churches that dot Rathlin Island. A highlight is a visit to the West Light, one of the three lighthouses that now houses a maritime museum. From here you have spectacular views of the rugged cliffs and the sea.

Enchanting Kyle of Lochalsh on the north-west coast of Scotland combines idyllic village life with the forces of nature. The village is in the middle of the Highlands and offers spectacular views over the surrounding mountains, lochs and coastal scenery. Kyle of Lochalsh is an important transport hub: the construction of the railway line at the end of the 19th century was a major engineering project, which contributed to the development of infrastructure and economic growth in the Scottish Highlands.

In the midst of wild and romantic nature, Ullapool in Scotland welcomes you on the shores of Loch Broom. Founded in 1788 as a fishing port, today it delights visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, white houses along the promenade and a backdrop of majestic mountains. Its location in the north-western Highlands makes this harbour town the ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular surroundings – with clear air, vast landscapes, dramatic mountain peaks such as Stac Pollaidh, secluded beaches and tranquil lakes. Insider tips included Leckmelm Woodland Walk, a peaceful trail through old mixed woodland and along a stream, and – Tea by the Sea – a small cafe on Ardmair Beach, which serves homemade cakes and offers views of the sea. Ullapool combines nature, culture and hospitality in a unique way.

Untamed charm envelops the Orkney Islands. The archipelago, consisting of around 70 islands, forms a spectacular backdrop for your insights into European cultural history. Kirkwall on the mainland, with its red and yellow sandstone St Magnus Cathedral built in 1137, is an imposing reminder of the Middle Ages – one of the most interesting buildings in northern Scotland. Narrow, cobbled streets are lined with traditional shops and pubs. Enjoy the opportunity to go for an independent stroll. Kirkwall is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area, with its prehistoric sites, rugged coastline and gently rolling hills. 

Close at hand and yet still unknown: on Scotland’s east coast, prepare to be surprised as you explore Edinburgh from the district of Newhaven. The capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an open book of cultural and architectural history. Winding streets, ancient and neoclassical architecture, society and monarchy – a walk through the city on your own will show you the main facets of the city, crowned by Edinburgh Castle. Home to many Scottish kings, the castle sits majestically in the middle of the city on an extinct volcano. Edinburgh is also a delight for fans of literature: Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson were born here and J. K. Rowling drew inspiration from the city for her Harry Potter novels, some of which she wrote in The Elephant House cafe.

The Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland are a revelation for nature lovers. The archipelago has around 20 islands, some of which are only visible at low tide. Here, the untamed sea meets impressive cliffs, which are home to thousands of seabirds including puffins and gannets. You can also often see seal colonies lying on the beaches. Historic lighthouses are a reminder of the story of brave Grace Darling: the lighthouse keeper’s daughter became a heroine in 1838 when she helped her father rescue the victims of a capsized steamship using a small rowing boat. Her spectacular feat made her a national treasure and a symbol of courage and humanity, while the islands took on a heroic aura of their own. 

You have probably heard a lot about this island and perhaps even visited it – but you won’t yet have explored it with the pioneering spirit of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Helgoland. Like a lighthouse built of red brick, Lange Anna on the north-western tip of the island shows birdwatchers the way. Right next to the famous rock is one of the world’s smallest nature reserves, the Lummenfelsen. With a bit of luck, you will be able to spot various species of gull and guillemots, as well as seals and grey seals, from the deck. In the shadow of the rock that rises up almost 50 m (164 ft) out of the sea, the ship’s experts will shed light on the ornithological and geological features of the island. If the local conditions permit, the Zodiacs will be put to use for a true expedition experience. Lange Anna, a natural landmark, adds a final exclamation point to the wealth of contrasts discovered in unchartered territory almost right on your doorstep.