Duration
18 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from the UK
Ports
16 Ports
1 August
Setting sail from Leith (Edinburgh)
Edinburgh - what a city! The capital city of Scotland has some striking and varied architecture, an imposing Castle, memorable museums and galleries and some wonderful restaurants. And what we love best about this buzzing city is that you can always look up, and there's the beautiful countryside - the Seven Hills - surrounding you. It's a city of inexhaustible delights; in one day alone you could see the Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny, follow the Royal Mile to explore narrow closes steeped in history, and go to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Edinburgh Dungeon and the Scottish Parliament.
Don't miss
Walk through Grassmarket to see some of Edinburgh’s oldest streets and alleys, and some unusual independent shops where you can find dedicated craftsmen, artisans and experts.
2 August
At sea
3 August
United Kingdom: Invergordon
Invergordon’s deep natural harbour makes it a popular jumping off point for the Scottish Highlands, and most cruise ship visitors will head inland on excursions to Loch Ness, Culloden battlefield or the nearby city of Inverness, capital of the Highlands.
4 August
United Kingdom: Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
The flat, windswept Orkney Islands, just off the northeast coast of Scotland, have a distinctive Scandinavian heritage that’s discernible in everything from the unusual place names to the ancient Norse architecture of the capital, Kirkwall. Don’t miss the Ring of Brodgar, a fascinating Neolithic stone circle.
5 August
United Kingdom: Portree (Isle of Skye)
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks to a spectacular landscape of jagged peaks, misty moors and glassy lochs. The island’s biggest town is Portree, a pleasant little place with a colourful harbour.
6 August
United Kingdom: Oban
The waterfront town of Oban, situated on Scotland’s west coast, is the main gateway to the Hebridean islands, and it’s a busy place in summer. We recommend sampling the excellent seafood while enjoying the views across to the islands of Mull and Kerrera.
7 August
United Kingdom: Portrush
The popular resort town of Portrush is well located for the attractions of the Antrim Coast, including the spectacular UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway and the ruins of Dunluce Castle, which has been used as a filming location for the TV series ‘Game of Thrones’.
8 August
Isle of Man: Douglas
Rugged and unspoilt, peaceful and perhaps a little parochial, the Isle of Man is proud to be different. The island has its own government, the Tynwald, which is said to be the oldest continuous parliament in the world, as well as its own language and even its own currency, the Manx pound.
9 August
Ireland: Dun Laoghaire (Dublin)
The city of Dublin has something for everyone with great shopping, beautiful Georgian architecture, lovely parks, galleries and museums. Everywhere you go you will be bowled away by the jovial Irish welcome. Don’t miss the chance to sample a local pint of Guinness.
10 August
United Kingdom: Belfast
The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was a watershed moment for Northern Ireland, and its rejuvenated capital is enjoying a surge in popularity. The new Titanic Belfast museum is the star attraction, while the city centre boasts some handsome Victorian architecture and a lively pub scene.
11 August
United Kingdom: Derry (Londonderry)
Disagreements over the correct name for Northern Ireland’s second city date back to 1613, and are unlikely to be resolved any time soon, so let’s focus instead on what the city has to offer. Highlights include the 17th century city walls, a vibrant live music scene and a city centre rejuvenated by Derry’s stint as UK Capital of Culture in 2013.
12 August
Ireland: Killybegs
Killybegs is a bustling fishing port on the Donegal coast, and you’ll see both local and international vessels filling the harbour. The village has some nice pubs worth visiting, and the surrounding countryside is typified by beautiful coastal scenery such as the dramatic Slieve League cliffs.
13 August
Ireland: Galway
Galway is known as the ‘city of festivals’, home to a cosmopolitan mix of artists, musicians and students. Buskers and folk bands provide the soundtrack as you explore the city’s fantastic pubs and pedestrianised streets, and Galway is also a useful base for visiting sights such as the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park.
14 August
Ireland: Dingle
The beautiful Dingle Peninsula reaches out into the crashing Atlantic surf, culminating in the westernmost point on the Irish mainland. The peninsula’s buzzing ‘capital’, Dingle town, is a charming little place full of lively pubs, colourful shopfronts and toe-tapping traditional Irish music.
15 August
Ireland: Cobh
The attractive town of Cobh is situated on an island in Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It’s a colourful place with an interesting history; Cobh was the main exit point for thousands who fled Ireland during the famine years, and it was also the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic.
16 August
Ireland: Waterford
Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, over 1,000 years old, with a fascinating Viking and Norman heritage that is still discernible in the narrow streets of the ‘Viking Triangle’. The city is also famous as the home of Waterford crystal, and the glass-making industry here dates back to the late 18th century.
17 August
At sea
18-19 August
Arriving in Rouen
Rouen has endured a turbulent history: it was here that Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431, and much of the city was destroyed during World War II. Many cruise visitors head straight for Paris, an hour away by train, which is a real shame since there's so much to see in Rouen itself, including a beautiful cathedral, the atmospheric Medieval quarter and museums aplenty.
Your home from home
What we love
These small ships accommodate 312 guests in large all-suite accommodation, following the completion of the Star Plus refurbishment programme in 2021. There's a choice of restaurants and comfortable lounges and plenty of deck space, while the ship's marina ensures you can enjoy the complimentary watersports when anchored in hidden bays and tiny coves.
Capacity | 312 Guests |
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Crew | 190 International Staff |
Style | This is laid-back luxury at its best with relaxed informal days, refined yet comfortable evenings and a friendly and welcoming crew. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Where to stay in Edinburgh
For sheer weird quirkiness, the Witchery by the Castle has to be our top choice: gothic and theatrical, this is Edinburgh at its best.
What to see around Edinburgh
Cross the Forth Bridge to visit Hopetoun House, the seaside fortress Blackness Castle, the House of the Binns, the Palace of Linlithgow and Rosslyn Chapel.