UK & Eire: Islands on the Edge
Daily Itinerary 12 Days / 11 Nights

PS89-13
May 7 – 18, 2009

Each day draws you to the fantastic history of this area and the incredible bird sightings that are possible – gannets, puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots abound and perhaps you will spot the rare Corn Crake . The history is equally compelling - just imagine yourself back in these challenging days when eking out a living on this rugged coast was a challenge. From Bant’s Cairn in the Isles of Scilly to the black houses of St Kilda’s these remnants are a tribute to the people’s pre-Christian, Nordic, Celtic and feudal history.

DAY 1: (England) The ship awaits you in the picturesque town of Dartmouth – if you have time, it is well worth coming here a few days early to enjoy the charm of this community.
DAY 2: (Isles of Scilly) On these beautiful windswept islands is a climate that is humid yet with a lot of sunshine and blessed with very clean air and waters. This creates a home to amazing flora especially in the Abbey Gardens of Tresco, as well as plenty of bird life. On St. Mary’s Island is the Neolithic Bants Cairn and charming Hugh Town.
DAY 3: (Ireland) A remote pinnacle of rocks off the coast of Ireland, the Skellig Rocks (UNESCO heritage site) is home to an abandoned cliffside monastery as well as a gannet colony. There is time in the afternoon to explore Dingle Peninsula.
DAY 4: In early morning we get the best view of the Cliffs of Mohar – from the sea. Onshore at Inishmore on Aran Island, find the namesake sweaters, charming stone walled fields, and Dun Aengus, a stunning Bronze Age fort perched atop a 90 metre cliff.
DAY 5: In County Donegal, set off from Killybegs to Glencolmcille to see examples of rural Irish homes through the ages. Later there is time to explore Killybegs – perhaps the carpet factory or local pub!
DAY 6: (Northern Ireland) Experience the Giant’s Causeway, a fascinating formation of basalt rock and volcanic activity, then continue on to the Bushmills Whisky Distillery and Rathlin Island noted for fantastic bird cliffs.
DAY 7: (Scotland) Start the day off with a jolt and a visit to the Ardbeg Distillery on the Isle of Islay. In the afternoon enjoy a tranquil visit to the Achamore House and its lovely gardens on Gigha.
DAY 8: Stroll the lanes of tranquil Isle of Colonsay to the Iron Age fort. In Loch Tarbet of Isle of Jura find intriguing raised beaches and caves.
DAY 9: Weather permitting, the possibility to Zodiac cruise or walk into Fingal’s Cave on Staffa is a haunting experience. On the island of Iona is a grand abbey and burial ground for 62 Scottish kings. Early Christianity spread from here to northern Europe.
DAY 10: (Outer Hebrides) Learn the tale of “Whiskey Galore” at Friskay. Find an abandoned settlement and cliffs and stacks with birds at Mingulay, inhabited until 1912.
DAYS 11: Once known as the breadbasket of the Inner Hebrides (corn), Tiree is an excellent example of the crofting lifestyle. Part of the Treshnish Isles, Lunga is a nesting place for hundreds of seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins. Seal colonies may also be spotted.
DAY 12: The ship tucks into Oban, once a Victorian resort and now a charming town, for disembarkation.

(Please contact us for a more detailed daily itinerary. Please note that this is our planned itinerary – actual execution is subject to weather and scheduling limitations. PSE reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as needed without recourse.)

Number of Meals Included
11 Breakfasts
10 Lunches
11 Dinners

Expedition Map