fbpx

British & Emerald Isles Journey

Program Overview

In this exclusive journey, experience the best of the British Isles and Ireland, in all its variety and splendor. Immerse yourself in unforgettable destinations—from the dazzling metropolis of London to the windswept archaeological sites of Scottish isles; from the warm gregariousness of Dublin to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District. Ride on ferries and in black cabs, step inside ancient castles and among prehistoric stones, stroll in lush gardens and down cobbled streets.

Program Details

May 11 to 26, 2025 (World Traveller)
From approximately $12,395* plus air View Terms & Conditions
  • Exclusive journey of the British Isles, introducing you to the best of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
  • Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
  • Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and included excursions throughout your program.
  • Specially arranged excursion to England's Lake District with lake cruise and a visit to William Wordsworth's home.
  • Distinguished guest speaker Allen Packwood OBE, World War II and Winston Churchill expert.
  • Two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Caernarfon Castle, Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd, Wales, English Lake District, England, and Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Scotland — plus the Book of Kells, inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
  • London Pre-Tour Extension.

Day 1 - Depart Home City

Day 2 - London/Embark World Traveller

Day 3 - Cowes, Isle of Wight 

Day 4 - Guernsey, Channel Islands

Day 5 - Tresco, Isles of Scilly

Day 6 - Dublin, Ireland

Day 7 -  Holyhead, Wales for Llandudno

Day 8 - Heysham, England for the Lake District

Day 9 - Belfast, Northern Ireland

Day 10 - Tobermory, Scotland for Isle of Mull

Day 11 - Stornoway for Isle of Lewis

Day 12 - Aberdeen/Edinburgh

Day 13 - Edinburgh

Day 14 - Whitby, England

Day 15 - Cruising at sea

Day 16 - London/Disembark ship/Return to home city

World Traveller

This newly constructed small ship, an intimate yacht appointed in retro‑chic elegance, is able to dock in smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships. Each of the 95 suites and staterooms (up to 465 square feet) features a stunning ocean view, and most include a private balcony. All accommodations in your private haven at sea offer a queen-sized bed that can be separated into two twin beds, a private bathroom with spa shower, and luxury hotel-style amenities—including bath products from L’Occitane. Complimentary alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi access are available throughout the cruise. All meals aboard ship are included, featuring culinary adventures that rival your discoveries ashore.

View World Traveller Deckplan >

Learn more about The Atlas Ocean Voyages >

London Pre-Tour Extension

Explore the storied history and vibrant modernity of London, a compelling city that continues to rewrite its narrative and make each visit more enjoyable than the last. See the legendary Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, on a city tour. Step into Churchill’s Cabinet War Room—a secret World War II bunker where the Prime Minister and his staff charted a course to victory. Spend two nights in the deluxe InterContinental London Park Lane, ideally located near Buckingham Palace.

The Optional Extension is available at additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Allen Packwood OBE Guest Speaker

Allen Packwood OBE

Meet acclaimed guest speaker Allen Packwood OBE, Director of the Churchill Archives Centreand a Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge, England. He was co-curator of “Churchill and the Great Republic,” a Library of Congress exhibition, and of “Churchill: The Power of Words,” a display at the Morgan Library in New York. Packwood is the author of How Churchill Waged War, has lectured extensively on Sir Winston Churchill, and organized a 2009 conference titled “The Cold War and its Legacy”—attended by senior representatives from China, Germany, Romania, the Russian Federation and the U.S.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

We'll contact you. No obligation.

Reserve My Spot

Program Itinerary

Day 1 Depart home city

Depart for London, England. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city.

Day 2 London/Embark World Traveller

Arrive at London Heathrow Airport. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage.

Transfer to the deluxe Atlas World Traveller.

Unpack, settle in and explore the ship. Get acquainted with your fellow passengers as you enjoy a delectable dinner on board this evening.

Day 3 Cowes, Isle of Wight

The seaside town of Cowes—along with its sister, East Cowes—is a festive, picturesque harbor town known all over the world for its yachting culture and sailing races. Along with a lovely Parade and Esplanade, Cowes boasts a charming High Street filled with boutiques, galleries and restaurants (it is rumored that Cowes has more eateries more per square mile than any other town in the U.K.!).

Visit Osborne House,  Queen Victoria's beloved home on the Isle of Wight. The queen, with her husband Albert and their nine children, spent many happy hours here, where she felt that she could relax and be most herself. Tour the impressive residence—including the opulent Durbar Room, a tribute to the queen’s love of India—and grounds— including the children’s Swiss Cottage, where they practiced housekeeping, cooking and other “life skills.” The gardens were largely imagined and designed by Prince Albert. Stroll down to the beach and take a look at the Queen’s “bathing machine.” Queen Victoria died in her bedroom here—the place she loved best—in 1901.

On a walking tour, soak in some of the sights in picturesque Cowes before returning to the ship.

This evening, join your fellow passengers for a Welcome Reception, followed by a Welcome Dinner. Raise a glass to your tour of the British Isles!

Day 4 Guernsey, Channel Islands

Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands in the English Channel near the French coast. In June 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made the difficult decision to demilitarize the Channel Islands, and they were taken over by the Germans, who occupied them for the next five years. In what became known as “Hitler’s Island Madness,” the archipelago became one of the most intensely fortified areas in the world. Today, tour the island and take in the beautiful rough coastline. See the intricate Little Chapel, the smallest church in the world, a mosaic gem covered in seashells, pebbles and broken china. Visit Pleinmont Observation Tower, built and used by German forces as part of their sea defense system during their occupation of Guernsey. End in St. Peter Port harbor, a charming village that serves as Guernsey’s capital.

Return to the ship to savor a delicious lunch on board. Spend time at leisure on the ship this afternoon. Enjoy a delicious dinner tonight.

Day 5 Tresco, Isles of Scilly

One of the first surprises about Tresco is that, even though it is situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Cornwall, it supports a lush, subtropical garden filled with exotic plants, many of which bloom all year. Tour this lovely garden, built around a crumbling 11th-century abbey, marveling at the more than 20,000 plants. Another surprise? The Valhalla Museum located within the gardens, home to figureheads and other ships’ carvings salvaged from area shipwrecks since 1840.

Return to the ship to enjoy lunch on board. Spend time at leisure on the ship this afternoon. Enjoy a delicious dinner tonight.

Day 6 Dublin, Ireland

Dublin was Ireland's first town. It grew up at the crossing point of the River Liffey known as the Ford of the Hurdles, and got its (rather cumbersome) name Baile Átha Cliath from that crossing. Its alternative name— Dubh Linn—means black pool, named for a tidal pool at what is now Dublin Castle. Enjoy a guided panoramic tour of Dublin, featuring St. Patrick’s and Christ Church cathedrals, Trinity College, and the UNESCO-inscribed Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript believed to have been created in A.D. 800. Finally, cruise grand O’Connell Street, lined with statues of Irish statesmen.

Return to the ship for lunch on board, or alternately, stay in Dublin and make your own plans for lunch. Spend time shopping and exploring the city, if you wish; a shuttle bus will run between the ship and city throughout the afternoon.

This evening, enjoy a presentation of traditional Irish music and dance, with the Merry Ploughboys performance on board.

Day 7 Holyhead, Wales for Llandudno

Today, choose one of the following included excursions.
• Bodnant Gardens.
• Caernarfon Castle.

Bodnant Gardens. Situated above the River Conwy and across the valley from Snowdonia National Park, this monumental garden tantalizes with blooms in almost all seasons; five terraces; a lily pond, and bountiful roses, hydrangeas and conifers. Its 80 acres of formal gardens, woodland and meadows feature botanical collections from around the world, and exotic and rare plants and trees. Stroll among the lush plantings, and don’t miss the Laburnum Arch!

Caernarfon Castle. Experience the grandeur of the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Caernarfon Castle, a 13th‑century fortress built by Edward I of England as a defense against the marauding Welsh. (In some places the walls are up to 20 feet thick!) Notice the four towers with unusual polygon shape.

Return to the ship to enjoy lunch on board and some leisure time this afternoon.

Day 8 Heysham, England for the Lake District

Begin the day with a cruise on Lake Windermere. Technically we could call this simply “cruise on Windermere,” since the mere in the word means lake. Either way, it’s the largest lake in England and the backbone of England’s lovely UNESCO-inscribed Lake District, filled with lush green rolling hills, grazing sheep and beautiful vistas. As you glide along, feel the breeze on your face and soak in the marvelous views.

After dining at a local restaurant, set off for Grasmere.

Visit the Wordsworth House & Garden. Romantic poet William Wordsworth was born here in 1770, and spent an idyllic childhood with his four siblings, playing outdoors and developing a love of nature and literature. In his “The Prelude,” Wordsworth writes at length about this “sweet birthplace,” stating that growing up here gave him “A knowledge, a dim earnest, of the calm/That Nature breathes among the hills and groves…” Step inside the Wordsworth House and stroll the gardens and grounds, getting a sense of that calm. Next, visit the picturesque village of Grasmere, situated nearby at the edge of its namesake lake. Try to sample the local gingerbread—it’s world-famous!

Savor another delicious dinner on board.

Day 9 Belfast, Northern Ireland

This morning, embark on a panoramic tour of Belfast, beginning with the Titanic quarter, a waterfront revitalization project that celebrates the city’s shipbuilding industry. Drive through east Belfast, once the home of author C.S. Lewis, where seven bronze sculptures depicting characters from “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” adorn a leafy square in his honor. As we return to the city center, look for the iconic (and tilting) Albert Memorial Clock, stately City Hall and St. George’s Market—built in the 1890s but the site of a weekly Friday market since 1604. Stop for a stroll in the Botanic Gardens (established in 1828) and drop in to the Ulster Museum, with thought-provoking art, history and nature exhibits.

Tour the Shankill and Falls Road area, nexus for much of the political activity in Belfast during the Troubles. The area is famous for its provocative and artistic wall murals. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

In a memorable opportunity, spend time with a local cab driver who will talk honestly about the Troubles.

Return to the ship and enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner on board.

Day 10 Tobermory, Scotland for Isle of Mull and Isle of Iona

Explore the Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, well-known for its rugged beauty and marine and bird life. As you disembark in Tobermory, you may even spy eagles diving in the coastal water. The island’s magnificent guardian is Duart Castle. The castle dates to the 14th century and is one of the last of Scotland’s privately owned clan castles. Stroll the grounds, enjoying the spectacular view.

Return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy the ship’s amenities or perhaps read a book on deck as the ship departs Tobermory and sails to the Isle of Lewis.

Day 11 Stornoway for Isle of Lewis

After disembarking at its capital of Stornoway, travel across the Isle of Lewis to the beautiful west coast and Callanish. Described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Callanish (also called Calanais) Standing Stones date from around 3,000 B.C. As with Stonehenge, there is mystery surrounding the prehistoric assemblage, with theories of its purpose ranging from a ritual site to an astronomical observatory.

Continue around the beautiful, rugged west coast for a visit to Dun Carloway Broch. A broch is a prehistoric round tower with fortified walls, found only in Scotland and the northern islands. Dun Carloway Broch was probably built around 200 B.C. and may have been used until 1870! One section still stands at its original imposing height. Climb the structure on the rocky coastline for an experience like no other.

Next, travel north to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a traditional crofter’s village of thatched-roof, stone houses made entirely from local materials. The one-room houses date to the late 1800s. Visit the small museum and observe a typical crofting activity, such as weaving or butter-making. Drive back across the striking moorland to Stornoway, where you’ll embark the ship.

Free Time: Enjoy a refreshing lunch on board, and leisure time this afternoon before dinner.

Day 12 Aberdeen/Edinburgh

Stonehaven is a lovely seaside town south of Aberdeen. Explore the town at leisure, taking in the harbor with its little boats, the stone houses along the quay and perhaps even the Tolbooth Museum, the oldest building in Stonehaven and a former courthouse and jail. Stop in at a local shop or eatery before heading on to Dunnottar Castle. Perched atop an imposing cliff, this dramatic ruin is surrounded on three sides by water. The iconic castle offers an unforgettable photo opportunity.

After an included lunch, head to Dunfermline, Andrew Carnegie’s hometown and the former capital of Scotland. Visit the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum and learn the rags-to-riches story of one of America’s greatest philanthropists. Delve into the industrial heritage of the town, traditionally a center for weaving and coal mining. And stroll through Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, which date back to the 11th century.

Enjoy a relaxing dinner this evening as the ship sails to Edinburgh. Then head into the capital city on your own, if you wish, to dine, shop or explore.

Day 13 Edinburgh

Embark on a panoramic tour of the city. Explore Old Town, site of the ancient city, which grew up along the route of the Royal Mile (Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns are a UNESCO World Heritage site.) Visit Edinburgh Castle, which stands upon Castle Rock, the core of an extinct volcano. This majestic landmark has been the symbol of Scottish strength and power for centuries. The original fortress on this site was built by the sixth-century Northumbrian king, Edwin, the city’s namesake. The oldest part of the castle complex, St. Margaret’s Chapel, dates to the 12th century. Marvel at the majesty of the Crown Jewels and the iconic Stone of Destiny, a relic of ancient Scottish kings that was seized by the English in 1296 and built into the throne at Westminster Abbey in London. It was finally returned to Scotland 700 years later, in 1996.

Lunch on board. Spend this afternoon exploring Edinburgh on your own. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening and dinner on board.

Day 14 Whitby, England

Start the day with a panoramic tour of Whitby, a small seaside town with outsize natural and historical appeal. First, there is its location, on a stretch of North Yorkshire coastline, with the River Esk dividing the town into two sections. The eastern section of town is the older one, and is the location of a ruined abbey, founded in A.D. 656 and perched high on a cliff overlooking the North Sea. The Abbey was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” a connection the town embraces by hosting the Dracula Society and other Stoker fans for twice-yearly festivities. We will visit the Abbey and nearby St. Mary Church (you can choose to mount the 199 steps or ride to the top).

Return to the ship for lunch on board, then spend the afternoon at leisure before savoring a delectable dinner.

Day 15 Cruising at sea

Today spend a relaxing day at sea as we sail back to London. Indulge in the ship’s amenities, spend time on deck contemplating the horizon, and savor three delicious meals on board.

Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a Farewell Reception on the ship, followed by a Farewell Dinner. Raise a glass to your wonderful adventure in the British Isles!

Day 16 London/Disembark ship/Return to home city

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to London Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.