National Geographic Explorer
Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
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11 Night Ancient Isles England Ireland and Scotland Cruise from Edinburgh

Ship: National Geographic Explorer
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed: Friday, May 2, 2025 from Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Ended: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Friday, May 2, 2025 departure of the National Geographic Explorer. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Friday - May 2, 2025
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Transfer from the airport to Edinburgh for embarkation.
Day 2 - Saturday - May 3, 2025
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Start the day with a panoramic drive through "the Granite City" before exploring Aberdeenshire's countryside. Choose to visit a local Highland cattle farm, where you'll learn about its award-winning products and practices. Or, dive into the complicated history of the Gordon Highlanders by visiting the local museum. Transfer back to the ship later this afternoon, and keep an eye out for the resident group of bottlenose dolphins.
Day 3 - Sunday - May 4, 2025
Kirkwall, Scotland
Kirkwall, Scotland
Morning options in the rugged Orkney Islands include a visit to renowned Scapa Flow, one of the world's great natural harbors and a key historical World War I and II site. Alternatively, discover the Stone Age megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone slab village of Skara Brae. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Kirkwall-Orkney's capital and a showplace of ancient Viking history thanks to its proximity to Norway-and step inside the majestic St. Magnus Cathedral, a sandstone landmark that took three centuries to build.
Day 4 - Monday - May 5, 2025
Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
The Shetlands are characterized by deep-seated cultural traditions and dramatic landscapes. Far north and near enough to Norway for some locals to speak Scottish with a Scandinavian accent, this 100-island archipelago has never been fully tamed by those who live here. Explore these rural islands with their mix of cliffside lighthouses, ancient ruins throughout the ages, windswept pastures and harbors that have been gathering the bounties of the sea for ages. Take in the cliffs of Noss' large bird colony from the ship as you sail by.
Day 5 - Tuesday - May 6, 2025
Isle of Lewis, Hebrides, United Kingdom
As you sail along the northern coast of Scotland, admire the Outer Hebrides rising out of the North Atlantic. Conditions permitting, embark Zodiacs to land on the Isle of Lewis. There, visit the striking Callanish Standing Stones, a 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site that predates Stonehenge. Explore by foot across multiple sites that served as locations for rituals for 2,000 years.
Day 6 - Wednesday - May 7, 2025
Staffa, Scotland
Staffa, Scotland
Iona, United Kingdom
Explore uninhabited and windswept Staffa Island. Weather permitting, board Zodiacs and cruise through the dramatic Fingal's Cave, land on the exposed beach, walk amongst the famed six-sided volcanic basalt columns, and photograph the island's puffin colony. Visit the sacred island of Iona and its 13th-century abbey, long revered as a Christian pilgrimage site and believed to be where the Book of Kells originated. Several Scottish kings, including the actual Macbeth, are buried in the royal graveyard here.
Day 7 - Thursday - May 8, 2025
Blasket Islands, Ireland
Day 8 - Friday - May 9, 2025
Dingle, Ireland
Over the next two days, enjoy the windswept landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula and surrounding islands. Get photo tips from a National Geographic Photography Expert as you sail past the uninhabited Blasket Islands, on which you'll observe a wide array of birds including storm petrels, shearwaters, terns, and gulls. Keep an eye out for recently fledged jumping auks-still downy and unable to fly-as they make their way out to sea accompanied by their dads. You may also be able to spot pods of dolphins that call these waters home. The exploration continues on land through the southern corner of Ireland with its cozy local pubs, cultural centers, and country walks. Choose from a few options: delve into the heart of Irish culture, language, and history at the Blasket Centre, where you'll learn about the islands' 1953 evacuation; hit the road on one most scenic drives on Ireland's west coast-part of the Atlantic Way; or set out on a hike boasting incredible views over Dingle's bay and peninsula.
Day 9 - Saturday - May 10, 2025
Cork (Cobh), Ireland
Cork (Cobh), Ireland
Arrive in this colorful port city on one of the world's largest natural harbors, intimately tied to maritime history and the great Irish Emigration. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and learn about the momentous events that took place here-from the 1912 departure of the Titanic to the successful rescue of passengers from the torpedoed Lusitania and the millions of Irish who departed these shores in search of a better life. Immerse yourself in an afternoon of Irish traditions at a local hurling club: learn about and try your hand at hurling-an ancient Gaelic Irish team sport played with a wooden stick and a small ball-enjoy time at the clubhouse that doubles as a bar, listen to live Gaelic music, and chat with locals.
Day 10 - Sunday - May 11, 2025
Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
The Isles of Scilly can trace its roots back to prehistoric times. More than 140 different islands make up this designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Take the time to explore one of England's most pristine beaches, and watch for migrating birds that frequent the islands. Weather permitting, enjoy a Zodiac ride among some of the most popular residents of the islands: the local seal colony.
Day 11 - Monday - May 12, 2025
Fowey, United Kingdom
Fowey, United Kingdom
Arrive in the Cornish port of Fowey (pronounced "Foy"). Hike a Cornish coastal trail or enjoy a guided walk through the village of Fowey with a local. Alternatively, venture into the countryside to a family farm. See how traditional practices are being combined with contemporary development of local crops, and enjoy a tasting of their most recent "crop".
Day 12 - Tuesday - May 13, 2025
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
In Portsmouth, disembark the ship and transfer to London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom.
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Apr 11, 2026(Saturday) 7 Night Norway Sweden and Denmark Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes
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    Apr 18, 2026(Saturday) 8 Night England Germany and Belgium North Sea Heritage and History
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    Apr 26, 2026(Sunday) 11 Night Ancient Isles England Ireland and Scotland
    Departing from London, United Kingdom
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  • Past Guest Offer: $1,500 Credit
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    For Price    		$12,879per person$19,242per person$22,149per personView
    Apr 26, 2026(Sunday) 11 Night Ancient Isles England Ireland and Scotland
    Departing from London, United Kingdom
    Special Promotions
  • Past Guest Offer: $1,500 Credit
    • Signature Collection Sailing
    		Call
    For Price    		$12,879per person$19,242per person$22,149per personView
    May 18, 2026(Monday) 11 Night Ancient Isles England Ireland and Scotland
    Departing from Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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  • Past Guest Offer: $1,500 Credit
    • Signature Collection Sailing
    		Call
    For Price    		$9,686per person$13,378per person$15,646per personView

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