British and Irish Isles
Sail the British and Irish isles and uncover fascinating layers of history in one of the globe’s most storied corners. Voyage through the heart of Scotland and its outer islands aboard the charming Lord of the Glens, or trace the maritime threads of England, Ireland and Scotland aboard National Geographic Explorer. Seek out seals and nesting seabirds in wild and windswept lands from St. Kilda to Cobh, exploring by Zodiac or on foot, and encounter vestiges of ancient times—from Stone Age megaliths to medieval monasteries and fanciful Edwardian castles. Your veteran team—including naturalists, experts, and historians—offers insights into the region’s past to help illuminate its present.
“When you arrive at climactic points along the way, you'll get there by the grandest of front doors—the sea. This is how people through history came and went, and consequently, Europe’s ports are hubs of vibrance and in many cases, remarkable beauty.”
Why National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
British and Irish Isles Expeditions
British and Irish Isles Expedition Ships
National Geographic Explorer
GUESTS 148
CABINS 81
DECKS 6
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-engineered for blue water and polar exploration
Lord of the Glens
GUESTS 48
CABINS 25
DECKS 4
Lord of the Glens was built for one purpose—to fit through the network of locks and canals that cut through the heart of the Scottish highlands.
The Expedition Team
Every member of the expedition team—from your naturalists and photographers to your expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Most have worked in the British and Irish isles for years and many live locally, providing them a wealth of insider knowledge on subjects like archaeology, history and Celtic cultures. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives each day of your voyage, and because there are no assigned groups you can gravitate toward the experts who share your interests and inspire your curiosity.
Your knowledgeable and passionate expedition team is complemented by your dedicated hotel team who strives to ensure that your time on board is as comfortable and rewarding as your time on shore.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Caledonian Canal, Scotland
Lord of the Glens transits the lock system on the Caledonian Canal.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Kerry County, Ireland
Dan Foley's Pub in Anascaul is a historical landmark, featured in publications around the world because of its bright exterior.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Staffa Island, Scotland
Guests take a Zodiac cruise among the basalt rock formations on the island of Staffa in Scotland's Inner Hebrides.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Iona, Scotland
Guests explore Iona Abbey in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, where Macbeth’s body lies in an unmarked grave.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
County Clare, Ireland
The world-famous Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Geopark with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Caledonian Canal, Scotland
Guests kayak on Loch Linnhe in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Cornwall, England
The beautiful harbor town of Fowey and Polruan was once an ancient mariner and shipbuilding community because of its access to the Fowey Estuary.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
St. Kilda, Scotland
Guests explore the main street of ruined cottages on Hirta, the main island of the St Kilda archipelago.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Duich, Scotland
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland
Guests gather around a local Irish folk band aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Cobh, County Cork, Ireland
A young hurling player teaches guests about the sport, which has ancient Gaelic origins, at a local hurling club.
Into the Heart of Scotland: Locks, Lakes & Ancient History
National Geographic Photography Expert Jim Richardson shares some of his favorite highlights from traveling aboard the intimate Lord of the Glens.
Read more
Latest Video
Expedition Spotlight - Farming in the Scottish Highlands
- Oct 2023
The importance of farming in the highlands of Scotland goes back centuries. Guests aboard the National Geographic Resolution had the unique opportunity to learn about how all the farm animals contribute to daily life in this area.
View our brochure for more details
Northern Europe 2024-25