The Isles of the British Isles

London is an ancient city whose history greets you at every turn. If the city contained only its famous landmarks—the Tower of London or Big Ben—it would still rank as one of the world's top cities. But London is so much more. The foundations of London's character and tradition endure. The British bobby is alive and well. The tall, red, double-decker buses (in an updated model) still lumber from stop to stop. Then there's that greatest living link with the past—the Royal Family with all its attendant pageantry. To ice the cake, swinging-again London is today one of the coolest cities on the planet. The city's art, style, and fashion make headlines around the world, and London's chefs have become superstars.

Arrive at London Heathrow Airport and transfer to our Embarkation Suite (conditions apply below). Explore London at your leisure before returning to our Embarkation Suite at the designated times for the group transfer to Sylvia Earle.  

Important information:   

Complimentary airport arrival transfers are provided as group transfers for expeditioners arriving at London Heathrow Airport prior to 10:00am on Day 1 only.  Passengers who arrive after the airport transfer cut-off will need to make their own way to the Embarkation Suite before 12:00 pm to complete mandatory check-in. For passengers already in London, we ask you to visit our centrally located Embarkation Suite with all luggage, which will be open for mandatory check-in between 8:00 am and 11:30 am.  Passengers have access to our centrally located Embarkation Suite, including luggage storage, Aurora Expeditions staff for voyage and city information and cabin check-in, WIFI, tea, coffee and light refreshments. Embarkation Suite location: to be advised closer to date of departure. As your luggage will be transported to the ship at 12.00pm and ahead of you, please ensure you place any items you require during the day in your day bag, including passports, cash/cards and medicines.  We depart London at 12:30pm. Our two-hour drive brings us to Portsmouth, where you are welcome to board the Sylvia Earle for lunch and a relaxing afternoon or accept our invitation to explore Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard for which this great maritime city is renowned. 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, open-air museum features a series of engaging exhibits that trace Britain’s rich naval story, alongside two of the most iconic ships in its history: the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. The Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s flagship, famously heeled over and sank within minutes while engaging the French in 1545, before being raised from the seabed in 1982 under the patronage of the then, Prince of Wales, King Charles. The nearby HMS Victory, built in the 18th century and celebrated for her role at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, served as Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship. Stepping aboard HMS Victory, the carefully preserved decks and vivid recreations of life at sea bring the drama of naval battle to life, while the wider dockyard and harbour offer a fascinating journey through Britain’s maritime past. Note: as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard remains a working naval base, security messages may be imposed, and sections of the museum may be closed at short notice. 

This evening, join your fellow travellers for an onboard Welcome Dinner, where your expedition team will introduce you to the expedition ahead and raise a toast to the adventures to come. 

Meals: Dinner onboard 

Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England, and is unusual as most of its built-up area occupies Portsea Island, linked to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Although there is a Roman fort at nearby Portchester, occupied later by the Saxons and Normans, there was no settlement on the site of Portsmouth at the time of the 1086 Domesday Book. The town developed in medieval times and received its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I; soon afterwards it became a major naval base. It has the world’s oldest dry dock, and is home to several famous ships, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, raised from the Solent in 1982. Portsmouth remains an important naval base and is home to a large proportion of the British service fleet. The waterfront area is now dominated by the Spinnaker Tower, 560 feet high, the United Kingdom’s tallest building outside London. Other things to see in the city include the house where Charles Dickens was born, and the City Museum, which contains a permanent exhibition devoted to another famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived in the town.

The 147-square-mile island with its pretty bays and thatched villages is like a miniature England. A well-preserved Victorian character dates from no other than Queen Victoria herself, who favored the island as her summer residence and made it her permanent home after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Several other great names have close associations with the Isle of Wight, such as Tennyson, Dickens and Keats. The small port of Cowes at the northern tip of the island hosts every year in August Britain’s most prestigious sailing event – Cowes Week, often called “the yachtsman’s Ascot.”This is when the cozy and laid-back island bursts with visitors from all over, who fill the ranks of the island’s retired folk. Apart from being a haven for sailing craft, the world’s first hovercraft made its test runs here in the 1950s. For a place of relatively small size, the Isle of Wight packs a startling variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, ranging from a terrain of low-lying woodland and pasture to open chalky downland fringed by high cliffs. In addition, there are a number of historic buildings and a splendid array of well-preserved Victoriana. The town of Cowes is bisected by the Medina River, with West Cowes near the harbor being the old, pretty part, while East Cowes is more industrialized. Outside the suburbs stands Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favorite residence. The grand mansion was largely designed by Albert, and the interior has been left very much as it was in the Queen’s lifetime. Around the island, some of the highlights include the Needles, three tall chalk stacks beneath the cliffs at the far west end of the island. The small village of Shanklin is known for its golden cliffs and a scenic steep ravine whose mossy, fern-filled woods have been embellished with tiny lights and thatched tea shops. The port of Yarmouth features an attractive fortress and quaint pubs in the main square. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Cowes. Guests will be taken ashore via ship’s tender. Walking distance to the town center is approximately 5 minutes. Taxis are generally available for trips around the island. Shopping Shops in the town center of Cowes carry maritime items and yachting attire, local glassware and the famous Isle of Wight colored sand. Normal opening times are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The local currency is the pound. Cuisine Not surprisingly, seafood is a good choice as well as other popular English fare. If you fancy lunch ashore, you may want to give the Amadeus Restaurant in Cowes a try, or stop in one of the local pubs for a quick meal and a cold beer. Other Sites Most of the island’s sights are covered in the organized excursions. Additionally, at the far west end of the island is the site of The Needles, a cluster of three tall chalk stacks beneath steep cliffs. The drive there takes about 45 minutes each way. Nearby is Alum Bay. The oxidized sandstone cliffs are popular for their multicolored sands, which are collected and arranged in diverse glass bottles, making popular souvenirs. Private arrangements are not encouraged in this port.

Across the Solent from the Hampshire coast, the 380 km² (150 sq mile) Isle of Wight occupies a strategically vital position, commanding the approaches to both Southampton and Portsmouth harbours. Long associated with Britain’s royal and sailing elite, Cowes has been at the heart of the nation’s maritime leisure culture for generations. 

Cowes also occupies a defining place in global sailing history. Just offshore in 1851, a race organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron gave rise to what would become the America’s Cup, the world’s oldest international sporting trophy. The American yacht America triumphed over a fleet of British challengers in a race around the Isle of Wight, lending its name to a competition that continues to capture the imagination of the sailing world today. 

This morning we tender ashore to gain a rare insight into the personal life of perhaps the most famous royal of them all; Queen Victoria. Framed by giant oaks and manicured gardens, Osborne House stands in a northern suburb of Cowes as a splendid testament to the love between a prince and his queen. Built between 1845 and 1851, Osborne House was redesigned by Prince Albert as a gift for his wife. This Italianate palace reflects their personal tastes and interests, providing a glimpse into the private lives of these very public figures.  

Osborne House served as a family home where the royal couple and their children could escape the formalities of court life. The house features grand state rooms, intimate family rooms, extensive gardens and a private beach fit for a queen. Visitors can explore Queen Victoria’s exclusive apartments, the unique Durbar Room, built by the Queen to honour her attendant Abdul Karim, and the Swiss Cottage, where the royal children learned practical skills.  

After Prince Albert’s death in 1861, Queen Victoria found solace at Osborne House, spending much of her later life there. She died at the estate in 1901 at the age of 81. Osborne House also played a significant role in the lives of her successors. King Edward VII and George V enjoyed the seclusion and family-oriented atmosphere, finding it a place where they could relax away from the public eye. Osborne House’s blend of architectural beauty, royal history and personal artefacts make it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in British history. 

From here we stroll through the streets of Cowes itself, with time to explore this harbourfront town at your own pace. This distinctly ‘yachty’ town boasts a rich royal sailing legacy and has hosted the renowned Cowes Week regatta since 1826. A long-established sailing hub, it continues to attract yachtsmen and women, and royalty alike, to its celebrated waters, home to prestigious boatbuilders and synonymous with maritime prestige.

Wandering its streets and marina, you’ll find an eclectic mix of chandlers and boutiques, small museums telling the stories of those who built and maintained the great yachts, and welcoming pubs filled with memorabilia celebrating the town’s enduring yachting heritage. Early this evening, we sail the Solent, following in the wake of countless ships that have departed from Southampton and Portsmouth over the centuries. 

We zodiac shore for a morning on the island of Sark. One of the smallest Channel Islands, Sark is a place of striking natural beauty, where dramatic cliffs, wild headlands and flower filled lanes define a landscape little changed by time. Home to around 500 residents, it was a feudal fiefdom created 1565, when Queen Elizabeth I granted the island to Hélier de Carteret, establishing a hereditary lordship. For more than 440 years, the island was governed under this system, before reforms in 2008 introduced a modern assembly of 28 elected members, often likened to a council of landowners. 

Today, despite these changes, Sark remains entirely car free, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a slower, more timeless way of life, allowing you to join one of our team for a morning walk of its woodlands and stark cliffs, or explore the island independently. 

Those joining our walk will ascend from the harbour to Sark village, following The Avenue to La Seigneurie before continuing east to cross La Coupée, a breathtaking ridge between sheer cliffs. This natural causeway, reinforced in 1945 to link Big Sark and Little Sark, is one of the island’s most dramatic highlights. Our loop then passes along quiet, flower‑lined lanes to the harbour. This gentle walk covers around 5 km/3 miles and takes approximately 2–2.5 hours. 

We return to Sylvia Earle for lunch, sailing to Sarks northern neighbour, Guernsey. Just 48 kilometres/30 miles from the Normandy coast, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. Despite its proximity to France, Guernsey has retained a distinctly British identity, rooted in its history since William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, became King of England in 1066, bringing the islands under the English Crown. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions this afternoon delve into Guernseys ancient past or its recent World War II history under occupation. 

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Option 1 –Afternoon experience: Walking St Peters Port and Castle Cornet 

Our locally guided walking tour begins at St Peter Port harbour, where ancient trading routes first connected Guernsey to the wider world. Climbing through the old quarter’s winding lanes, we pass granite houses that echo centuries of settlement before reaching Candie Gardens, where sweeping views reveal how the island’s position shaped its earliest communities. Continuing along historic pathways worn by generations, we descend towards the coast and approach Castle Cornet, which has guarded the harbour for over 800 years. 

Originally established in the 13th century, the castle served as a vital defensive stronghold, controlling access to the harbour and projecting royal authority over the island. Its thick granite walls, bastions and gun emplacements reflect centuries of adaptation, as it evolved from medieval fortress to Tudor and later artillery defence. 

Here, you may choose to explore the castle further at your own pace, or return to the waterfront, where a collection of charming quayside pubs offers the perfect setting for a well‑earned taste of traditional British hospitality. 

Option 2 –Afternoon experience: Occupied Guernsey  

The non- evacuated Channel Islands hold a unique place in modern history as the only part of the ‘British Islands’ occupied by Axis forces during the Second World War. From June 1940 to May 1945, the island was transformed into a heavily fortified outpost of bunkers, gun emplacements and tunnels. Life under occupation was harsh, marked by food and fuel shortages, limited medical care and enforced isolation. More than 1,000 islanders were deported to prisons and labour camps, many never to return. 

Despite these hardships, the people of Guernsey showed remarkable resilience. Liberation on 9 May 1945 is still celebrated annually, marking both the end of occupation and the enduring spirit of the island community. 

Our guided exploration of Guernsey’s wartime story offers a moving insight into this period, along with a visit to the La Valette Underground Military Museum. Built using forced labour, the museum occupies a network of underground passages that stand as a stark reminder of the island’s wartime experience. As we explore the site, we relive the story of the island’s time at war, while personal mementos gifted by islanders bring this poignant chapter of history to life.

For many visitors Tresco is the most attractive of the Isles of Scilly. This is especially due to its Abbey Garden, which is home to thousands of exotic plant species from around 80 different countries. Plant collector Augustus Smith began the gardens in the 1830s on the site of an old Benedictine Abbey by channelling the weather up and over a network of walled enclosures built around the Priory ruins. He had three terraces carved from the rocky south slope and maximised Tresco’s mild Gulf Stream climate. Even in mid-winter there still are hundreds of plants flowering here. Another surprising attraction at the Abbey Garden is the collection of figureheads from ships that wrecked among the Isles of Scilly.

Pronounced the ‘Silly Isles’, The Isles of Scilly prove to be anything but. An archipelago of five inhabited islands and numerous uninhabited rocky islets situated 45 kilometres (28 miles) from Land’s End, the most south-westerly point of the English mainland, they harbour a population of just over 2,000, an offer an exceptionally mild climate, beautiful flowers and powder-soft, white sandy beaches. 

We spend our time here exploring the second largest of the islands, Tresco, a privately owned subtropical gem.  

Choose to wander the sandy beaches independently or join our guide to explore The Tresco Abbey Gardens, a true botanical paradise, established by Augustus Smith in the 19th century around the ruins of a former Benedictine abbey. A wealthy merchant banker, Smith leased the island from the Duchy of Cornwall in the mid‑1830s and began his lifelong passion project in 1834. 

Today, this horticultural haven is home to a remarkable collection of over 20,000 exotic plants from more than 80 countries, all drawn from the world’s Mediterranean climate zones. The Isles of Scilly’s mild, almost subtropical climate allows these species to thrive where they would not survive elsewhere in the UK. The abbey walls provide shelter from Atlantic winds, creating a protected microclimate in which, even in winter, more than 300 plants may be in flower. The gardens also feature the distinctive Valhalla Museum, displaying a collection of ships’ figureheads salvaged from the islands’ many wrecks. 

For those wishing to encounter the islands’ more playful inhabitants, weather permitting, our Zodiac’s will offer staggered departures across the clear, shallow waters to the Eastern Isles, one of the best places in England to see seals in the wild. We navigate between low‑lying islets and granite skerries, where exposed Atlantic swells give way to sheltered channels and quiet coves. These quiet outcrops are home to thriving colonies of Atlantic grey seals, often seen hauled out in groups, resting on sun‑warmed rocks or slipping silently into the sea. Curious by nature, they may surface beside the boats, their dark eyes following our passage before disappearing beneath the water once more. 

On the west coast of the Isle of Skye, we zodiac ashore to the private pier of Dunvegan Castle, set on the shores of Loch Dunvegan and the ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod, long‑standing rivals of the MacLean's for over 800 years. At the heart of clan life stood the castle itself, a centre of authority, protection and identity, where chiefs governed their people and defended their lands. 

At Dunvegan, we explore richly furnished interiors where portraits, heirlooms and treasured relics tell the story of the MacLeods, whose lineage continues to this day. The clan’s history is not only one of rivalry and survival, but of continuity, with descendants still connected to the estate and its traditions. 

There is also time to wander through the surrounding gardens and woodland estate, where paths lead through formal plantings, sheltered glades and down to the loch. Developed from the 18th century and carefully expanded over generations, the gardens reflect both heritage and renewal. In recent years, efforts by the estate have focused on conservation and replanting, restoring woodland and encouraging biodiversity, ensuring that Skye’s landscape, like the clan itself, continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its past.

We Zodiac ashore at the colourful harbour town of Tobermory, the charming capital of the Isle of Mull. Framed by a crescent of brightly painted waterfront buildings, Tobermory is one of the Hebrides' most picturesque settlements, with a rich maritime heritage and a warm island welcome. 

Mull itself is a land of dramatic coastlines, heather-clad hills and friendly locals. Throughout history, the sheltered waters of the Sound of Mull have provided a vital refuge for shipping navigating Scotland's rugged west coast, especially during World War II when it played an unexpected but vital role in Britain's war effort. The town became home to HMS Western Isles, the Royal Navy's renowned anti-submarine training school. Escort vessels bound for convoy duty in the Atlantic underwent rigorous training here under the watchful eye of Vice Admiral Sir Gilbert Stephenson, whose demanding methods earned him the nickname "The Terror of Tobermory". The skills learned in these waters helped Allied sailors protect vital supply routes during the Battle of the Atlantic. 

 On arrival we head to ‘clan country’ with a visit to the seat of Clan MacLean; Duart Castle. Rising above the Sound of Mull, its position reflects the realities of clan life, where command of the sea was as vital as control of the land. 

More than a family, a clan was a network of kinship, loyalty and territory, bound to a chief whose authority shaped daily life, defence and identity across the Highlands and islands. Duart stood at the heart of this system, both fortress and home, its walls bearing witness to centuries of alliance, rivalry and resilience. 

We tour the castle and admire its dramatic setting, exploring its restored interiors while taking in sweeping views across the surrounding waters. Though the traditional clan system was suppressed after the Jacobite uprisings, its legacy endures. Descendants are now spread across the world, yet many still look to Duart, where history, landscape and lineage remain inseparably linked. 

Returning to Tobermory, you may wish to head back to the ship for lunch or linger a little longer in this quaint harbour town. Perhaps enjoy a dram at the visitor centre of the historic Tobermory Distillery, sample a traditional lunch in an authentic local pub, or browse the independent galleries, craft shops and boutiques that line the waterfront, before we sail south late-afternoon.

You'll always receive a welcome to remember, as the colourful cafes, houses and shops that line Tobermory's picturesque harbour salute your arrival. Located on the craggy Scottish Inner Hebrides, Tobermory serves as the capital of the Isle of Mull. There's a high chance you'll recognise the town’s colourfully-daubed buildings, as their charming exteriors have featured in countless TV shows - most notably in the children’s favourite, Balamory. There's always a new story to discover here – not least the legend that suggests there's a sunken Spanish galleon, brimming with lost gold, sitting just below the waves that roll around the harbour. Learn a little more of the area’s history at the Mull Museum, or head out to enjoy some of the fabulous wildlife watching opportunities on offer on a boat tour. You can spot majestic birds like white tail and golden eagles circling in the skies, or turn your attention to the waves, where friendly dolphins and Minke whales are regular visitors. Treat yourself to a sample of one of the island's finest exports before leaving, as you drop in at the Tobermory Distillery for some whiskey tasting. Established in 1798, it’s one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.

The Isle of Man, situated in the Irish Sea off the west coast of England, is a mountainous, cliff-fringed island and one of Britain’s most beautiful spots. Measuring just 30 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Man remains semi-autonomous. With its own postage stamps, laws, currency, and the Court of Tynwald (the world’s oldest democratic parliament), the Isle of Man is rich with history and lore.Inhabited from Neolithic times, the island became a refuge for Irish missionaries after the 5th Century. Norsemen took the island during the 9th Century and sold it to Scotland in 1266. However, since the 14th Century, it has been held by England. Manx, the indigenous Celtic language, is still spoken by a small minority. The Isle of Man has no income tax, which has encouraged many Britains to regard the island as a refuge. Otherwise, it is populated by Gaelic farmers, fishermen, and the famous tailless manx cats. The varied landscape features austere moorlands and wooded glens, interspersed by fine castles, narrow-gauge railways, and scores of standing stones with Celtic crosses. The hilly terrain rises to a height of 2,036 feet at Mount Snaefell, which dominates the center of the island.

In the heart of the Irish Sea, this tax‑free island is steeped in ancient mythology. Its name, ‘Man’, is thought to derive from Manannán mac Lir, the Celtic Sea god and legendary ruler. Today, the Isle of Man combines rugged coastlines and medieval heritage with modern life as a self‑governing Crown Dependency. Its parliament, Tynwald, is believed to be the world’s oldest continuous legislature, reflecting a history shaped by Celts, Vikings and later the British Lords of Mann.  

Early morning we anchor off the 600-acre islet of the Calf of Man. From here, our Zodiacs carry us ashore to explore this wild and windswept outpost, long prized by naturalists and photographers alike. 

The island is renowned for its birdlife, with around 30 species of seabirds breeding here, including Manx shearwaters, kittiwakes, razorbills and shags, while birds of prey such as peregrines and hen harriers are often seen overhead. As we walk towards the bird observatory, we may also encounter Manx Loaghtan sheep, their multi‑horned silhouettes adding to the island’s character, while along the shoreline grey seals are often seen resting on the rocks or moving through the surf. Along the cliffs stand the island’s distinctive twin lighthouses, one perched high above the sea and the other dramatically at water’s edge, while offshore, the solitary tower of Chicken Rock Lighthouse rises from the sea. Together, this trio forms a historic navigation system guiding ships through the hazardous waters of the Irish Sea and the Calf Sound. 

Over lunch we sail to the Isle of Man itself and the historic fishing port of Peel, which you’ll have time to explore at your leisure. You may wish to stroll along the harbour, relax over a pint at a local pub, or visit Peel Cathedral, modest yet steeped in island tradition. Dominating the headland is Peel Castle, founded by the Vikings in the 11th century and later serving as a royal residence, centre of government and military stronghold. Set within the walls are the ruins of churches and halls, offering a fascinating glimpse into centuries of Manx history. 

Sailing for Britains neighbouring island, we bid you farewell with a group departure transfer to Dublin airport. 

Meals: Breakfast onboard