Duration
14 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from the UK
Ports
13 Ports
23-24 May
Setting sail from 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.
25 May
United Kingdom: Inverness
Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a charming little city on the banks of the river Ness, and nmost visitors are here in search of monsters in nearby Loch Ness. Other nearby points of interest include the battlefield at Culloden, where the British government defeated the Jacobite rebels in 1746.
26 May
United Kingdom: Troon
The coastal town of Troon, just to the north of Ayr, is probably best known for its seven golf courses, including Royal Troon, which regularly hosts the Open. Other attractions include sandy beaches, excellent seafood restaurants and nearby Dundonald Castle, which dates back to the 14th century.
27 May
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.
28 May
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.
29 May
United Kingdom: Lake District National Park
30 May
United Kingdom: Holyhead
Holyhead is best known as the departure point for ferries to Ireland, but it’s also the gateway to the enchanting island of Anglesey. This green and ancient land was once a druid stronghold, and the rugged landscape is crowned with some of the most beautiful castles in Wales.
31 May
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.
1 June
Antigua and Barbuda: Falmouth Harbour
Antigua is famously home to 365 beaches - one for every day of the year - and there is an undeniable allure to the many white sand coves dotted along the coast. Falmouth Harbour lies on the south of the island, close to historic Nelson’s Dockyard and the lookout at Shirley Heights.
2 June
United Kingdom: Plymouth
Plymouth has a fine seafaring heritage, and it was here that the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World on board the Mayflower. The city was badly damaged during the Second World War, but an ongoing regeneration project is breathing new life into the waterfront, and nearby attractions include Buckfast Abbey and Dartmoor National Park.
3 June
United Kingdom: Cowes (Isle of Wight)
Every August sailors from all over the world descend on Cowes for Cowes Week, the world’s oldest sailing regatta, and the town has an unmistakable nautical vibe. Spend some time perusing the upmarket shops, tuck into some fish and chips or head out and explore the Isle of Wight's beautiful coastline.
4 June
United Kingdom: Portsmouth
Perfectly located on a magnificent harbour on the south coast of England, Portsmouth boasts a rich maritime and naval heritage. In addition, it has a glorious sea front, and theatres, art galleries, cathedrals and museums.
5-6 June
Arriving in London Tower Bridge
In our view there couldn't be a more magical port than Tower Bridge. Only the smaller ships can make it up the river to the Pool of London, tying up next to HMS Belfast, with glorious views to the north of the Tower of London, and to the south of the modern City Hall. As you sail from here, the bridge opens, stopping the traffic for your departure. The skyline boasts the bridge itself, and behind it the City's modern architecture: the Gherkin, the Cheese Grater and the Walkie Talkie building.
Our tip
Stroll along the South Bank to Shakespeare’s Globe – pre-book to see a performance if you can, either at the Globe, or in the entrancingly tiny Sam Wanamaker theatre – a gem.
Your home from home
What we love
The third ship to join AE Expeditions' fleet of revolutionary purpose-built expedition ships, Douglas Mawson features the newest X-BOW design and a whole host of enhancements, building on the success of Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Named after a legendary Australian explorer, the new ship's inaugural season immerses guests in the pristine landscapes of East Antarctica, marking AE Expeditions' return to this region for the first time in 15 years.
On board you can expect the largest choice of cabins in the fleet, including single berth cabins, plus beautiful open deck space for taking in the views, featuring a heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpools and comfortable loungers, perfect for unwinding after a day's exploring.
capacity | 154 guests (maximum of 130 guests in the polar regions) |
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crew | 81 - 103 dependent on guest numbers |
style | Immersive exploration in comfort with elegantly designed interiors and the latest in sustainable technology. |
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.
Where to stay in London
The Guoman Tower Hotel, right by the bridge to the North of the river, has fantastic views to put you in the mood.
A tour of Tower Bridge
A private tour to Tower Bridge's Towers, high-level Walkways and new glass floor, then down to the Engine Rooms, is rather special.