Home > British Isles Discovery Cruise (from Tilbury)

British Isles Discovery Cruise (from Tilbury)

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle from Invergordon

From rugged islands to colourful cities, vast lochs to quaint fishing ports, our cruises capture the very best of the UK and Ireland in one leisurely voyage.

Check Price & Availability

Itinerary
Map
Ship
Cabin and Deck Plans

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle from Invergordon
Enjoy an optional visit to Cawdor Castle from Invergordon
Stornoway harbour, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Callandish Standing Stones near Stornoway, Outer Hebrides
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Four Courts and the River Liffey, Dublin
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
St Peter Port, Guernsey
Guernsey coastline
Honfleur harbour

DAY 1: Tilbury, UK.

Make your own way to Tilbury to join your ship, Marco Polo. Latest embarkation time is 3pm. (D)

DAY 2: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 3: Invergordon.

Today trace the shores of Cromarty Firth from Invergordon to Scotland's legendary Loch Ness, best known as home to the mythical 'Nessie'. Bask in the breathtaking beauty of the Loch's mountain setting and enjoy the views of ruined Urquhart Castle perched beside the water. Why not explore Cawdor Castle, a romantic 14th century edifice set in stunning gardens or head for Dunrobin Castle? (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Stornoway.

A 150-mile chain of beautiful islands off western Scotland, the Hebrides are an oasis of unspoilt fishing villages, untouched sandy beaches and heather-clad countryside dotted with crofters' cottages. Today's port of call is Stornoway, the Outer Hebridean capital, situated on the Island of Lewis and Harris. This picturesque town has just 6,000 residents and is dominated by Lews Castle, a mock-Tudor mansion encircled by wonderful wooded gardens. The town and its surrounding peat moors offer a fantastic range of interests, including the mysterious prehistoric Callanish Standing, ancient stone towers and tiny hamlets. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Tobermory.

Immerse yourself in the picture-perfect beauty of Tobermory today. Set against a backdrop of richly wooded hills on the western coast of the Isle of Mull, this pretty fishing village is edged by confetti-coloured houses and a picturesque waterfront. Recently the setting for the children's programme Balamory, its busy harbour is the hub of Mull life and an ideal base for discovering the island's wonderful countryside, castles and wildlife. The local seas play host to whales and dolphins, which can sometimes be spotted in the waters of Tobermory Bay. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Dublin.

Straddling the River Liffey, colourful Dublin is crammed with landmarks testifying to its 1,000-year history. Discover the 16th century castle, St Patrick's cathedral and graceful Georgian old town, admire ornamental Phoenix Park and sip a Guinness at the Hole-in-the-Wall, famous for its 100-yard-long bar. Later, see many more of this fair city's landmarks, including the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin Civic Museum and Kilmainham Gaol. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: St Mary's.

The glorious Isles of Scilly sit just off the coast of the pristine Cornish peninsula. Their rugged heath-clad landscapes are brimming with sub-tropical scenery, golden beaches and craggy granite cliffs offering spectacular views and a haven for wildlife. Today, explore postcard-perfect St Mary's, the largest of the islands yet just two miles wide and one mile long, to discover its stunning natural harbour and enchanting capital Hugh Town. Take an optional tour to Tresco, the second largest island and home to the magnificent Tresco Abbey Gardens. Wander amidst the abundant blooms and blaze of colourful, exotic flora, collected from all over the world, before viewing the splendid collection of old ship figureheads in the Valhalla Museum. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: St Peter Port.

Guernsey's capital is a captivating patchwork of Georgian and Regency architecture, terraced gardens and cobbled lanes tumbling down to a picturebook harbour. As the Channel Islands' oldest settlement, it boasts many historic sights including the medieval Castle Cornet, Candie Gardens and Hauteville House, once home to Victor Hugo, all fringed by a rugged coastline scalloped with beautiful bays. Enjoy an optional island tour or perhaps head across to the nearby island of Herm to admire its pretty coastline of wild flowers, sandy beaches and quaint harbours. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Honfleur.

Enjoy an optional excursion to Normandy's 'Côte Fleurie' or 'Flowered Coast', passing romantic sandy beaches and the elegant resorts of Trouville and Deauville, before stopping at a Calvados distillery in Breuil Castle to sample the famous apple liqueur. Later, revel in the charms of colourful Honfleur, undoubtedly one of France's prettiest ports. Situated on the Seine estuary, this enchanting town has a higgledy-piggledy old quarter crammed with slate-roofed 17th century cottages and cobbled lanes, and boasting the medieval Church of St Catherine, which was made entirely from wood. An optional tour features all of Honfleur's major sights, leading you through its picturesque streets to its quaint harbour, where the waters bob with tiny fishing boats. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Tilbury, UK.

Arrive in Tilbury and disembark after breakfast. (B)

Note: The 2 Sep departure will visit St Helier instead of St Peter Port.

Travelling to the port

Car Parking

Car parking is available at Tilbury for only £9 per vehicle per night. Details will be sent with your booking confirmation.

Note: Parking must be pre-booked prior to departure.

Coach Service

A coach transfer service is available from London Victoria to Tilbury for only £25 per person return.

ID Requirements

A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your cruise.

Your Holiday Map

British Isles Discovery Cruise (from Tilbury)

Marco Polo
Marco Polo
Columbus lounge, Marco Polo
Marco Polo Theatre lounge, Marco Polo
Marco's Restaurant, Marco Polo
Captain's Club piano bar
Standard plus twin inside cabin, Marco Polo
Superior twin inside cabin, Marco Polo
Standard twin outside cabin, Marco Polo
Standard plus twin outside cabin, Standard plus twin cabin, Marco Polo
Superior twin outside cabin, Marco Polo
Premium twin outside cabin, Marco Polo
Pool and sun deck, Marco Polo
Whirlpool baths on deck, Marco Polo
Promenade, Marco Polo
Internet centre, Marco Polo

Marco Polo

With broad teak decks, an understated elegance and a charming home-from-home atmosphere, Marco Polo embodies the beauty and efficiency of classic ocean cruise liners. Although traditional in ambience, it is a modern and stylish ship, fully stabilised and air-conditioned, and offering a great range of facilities and entertainment. Compact yet comfortable, Marco Polo accommodates 800 guests in bright and tasteful cabins but children under 16 are not allowed and teenagers must be accompanied by an adult.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Swimming pool; 3 whirlpool baths; promenade; Waldorf Restaurant; Marco's Restaurant; Captain's Club lounge and piano bar; Palm Garden lounge; Columbus lounge; Marco Polo Show Lounge; Scotts Bar; Jade Wellness Centre with fitness centre, sauna, massage, spa and beauty treatments and hairdresser; Nansen card room; Livingston Library; internet centre; shopping arcade; photo gallery; 4 lifts.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Dinner can be taken at one of two fixed sittings in the stylish Waldorf Restaurant or at the casual Marco's buffet restaurant. Open seating breakfast and lunch is available in either restaurant. Menus include a good variety of international dishes and some dietary specific options such as vegetarian and healthy choice. Afternoon tea is available in Marco's Restaurant offering a selection of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits.

Cabins

All cabins have twin beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; telephone; safety deposit box; hairdryer; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category 1 cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

1 Standard twin inside lower deck cabin

3 Superior twin inside middle/upper deck cabin

6 Standard twin outside lower deck cabin with port hole(s)

8 Standard Plus twin outside lower/middle deck cabin with port hole(s)

9 Superior twin outside upper deck cabin with window

11 Superior Plus twin outside upper deck cabin with window

12 Premium twin outside upper deck cabin with window