FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

English gardens and cliffs, high tea and highlands, castles and clans: the circumnavigation of Great Britain promises distinctive character in fine English style. The HANSEATIC spirit opens the gates to royal architecture and stately nature. Diverse island worlds, dreamy coastal towns and pulsating cities lie ahead of you. To begin with, tradition and modernity flow together at the mouth of the rivers Dee and Don in north-east Scotland: Aberdeen, the city of flowers and granite¹, is fascinating with its tropical conservatory in Duthie Park and the medieval old town. Your excursion to Royal Deeside and Balmoral Castle¹ takes you to the summer residence of the British monarch, while the castle and gardens of Crathes¹ tell of the House of Burnett and the art of horticulture.

Untamed charm envelops the Orkney Islands. St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall is a magnificent vision of the medieval period. The excursion to the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Skaill House¹ takes you on a journey through the centuries – from the Neolithic stone circle to the Stone Age village and a 17th-century manor house. A hike along the coastal cliffs¹ takes you past Iron Age towers and offers breathtaking views of magical coastlines and green hills.

In the midst of wild and romantic nature, Ullapool in Scotland welcomes you on the shores of Loch Broom. Open the gateway to the Highlands with an excursion to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle¹. Alternatively, you can enjoy the marine panorama with a kayak trip¹ to sheltered bays and deserted beaches.

The scenery shifts from nature to the trendy city of Liverpool, where the musical roots of the Fab Four lie. In the footsteps of the Beatles¹, the beat of the 1960s will set the rhythm of your explorations. Historic Chester¹ offers a blend of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture, alongside its Anglo-Norman cathedral.

The charming Isle of Man in the Irish Sea is your next destination. Peel is a charming seaside town on the west coast of the Isle of Man, known for its rich history and landscape. With a population of around 5,000, it is one of the smaller towns on the island, but it offers an impressive mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The town’s most famous landmark is Peel Castle, a historic fortress on St Patrick’s Isle, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The ruins not only provide a glimpse into the history of the site, but also offer magnificent views of the Irish Sea. Cruising off Calf of Man is all about birdwatching. Around 40 species breed on the small island. The Zodiacs will again be used, depending on the local conditions.

Mediterranean and charming: the pretty town of Fowey is the ideal place from which to explore the highlights of Cornwall¹. The sea rages against the rocks and the fishing villages are filled with romance – just like the novels of Rosamunde Pilcher, whose birthplace you will visit. The Isle of Wight off the south coast of England is known for having even inspired Charles Dickens. Beaches, cliffs and castles make a delightful trio for an island hike¹. You’ll be in aristocratic company at the royal Osborne House¹, Queen Victoria’s summer residence. A magnificent and stylish setting to crown your Expedition circumnavigation of Great Britain.