United Kingdom: The Crown and the Clans

15 Days

Overview

This exploration ventures deep into the heart of this historical rivalry, tracing its echoes through castles, battlefields, prisons, and palaces. From the tumultuous days of foreign invasions to the zenith of the British Empire and the media-fuelled drama of modern monarchs, uncover the clandestine affairs, extravagant lifestyles, and captivating unions that have shaped the course of history. Set against the backdrop of Scotland’s resilient clans, whose unwavering cry for freedom has inspired generations, this journey promises a quintessentially British odyssey. Embark on a captivating trail through the annals of time, following the enigmatic path of the Crown and the Clans.

Welcome to Edinburgh.

Steeped in a captivating blend of history that intertwines the Highland clans with centuries-old ties to the British monarchy, Edinburgh is a highlight of any visit to Scotland. Perched dramatically on volcanic hills and dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city has served as a strategic stronghold for centuries. Holyrood Palace, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo, exemplify the city’s royal heritage, steeped in centuries-old traditions of pageantry and military prowess.

Today, visitors to the city are encouraged to explore its royal residences and resting places, museums and galleries, and witness firsthand the traditions that have shaped its unique identity. Edinburgh stands as a living testament to Scotland’s past, where the legacies of Highland clans and the British monarchy converge in a historically nuanced yet enduring relationship.

Choose your favourite of the following three experiences for today.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
• Option 2 – Morning experience: The Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyrood
• Option 3 – Morning experience: The Royal Yacht Britannia

Afterwards, there’s plenty of time to explore the city independently before you gather this evening for a Welcome Event of Scottish proportions.

Head north to ‘clan country’, for an overnight stay in its heartland: Inverness. The Highlands of Scotland invite us to explore Scotland’s own monarchy, with an en-route stop at the royal Scottish city of Stirling and the battlefields of Culloden.

Perched atop Castle Hill, Stirling Castle stands as a symbol of Scotland’s rich history and royal heritage. This grand fortress, once a favoured residence of Scottish kings and queens, played a pivotal role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Among other sites within the castle, explore the magnificent Great Hall, Royal Palace, and Chapel Royal.

Your second stop today offers an insight into the clash of the clans and their British rulers, brought alive this afternoon by local guides. Your guided visit to the battleground of Culloden offers a poignant reminder of the bitter feud between the clans and the crown. The Battle of Culloden, fought on 16 April 1746, was the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising, with the fighting resulting in a decisive defeat for the Jacobite forces at the hands of the British government troops. It is generally accepted that around 1,500 to 2,000 Jacobites were killed or wounded during the battle, with those who survived being either imprisoned or executed. In contrast, the heavily armoured British government forces suffered significantly fewer casualties, with around 300 killed or wounded.

Your overnight stop is in the Highland capital of Inverness. Deeply intertwined with Scotland’s rich clan culture, Inverness is the spiritual home to clans such as the MacDonalds, MacLeods and Frasers, who played pivotal roles in shaping the region’s history and identity. Inverness itself served as a strategic clan stronghold and hosted gatherings that defined Highland life, with annual celebrations such as clan reunions and the Highland Games, celebrating traditional sports and music, keeping alive the legacy of Scotland’s vibrant clan culture.

Undoubtedly Scotland’s most famous freshwater lake, Loch Ness forms part of the Caledonian Canal, which connects the east and west coasts of Scotland. Extending 37 kilometres in length and dropping to a depth of 227 kilometres, its dark, deep waters are the perfect hiding place for its most mysterious resident. The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, often referred to as ‘Nessie’, dates to the 6th century. You will skirt Loch Ness and stop briefly for your own opportunity to see the mysterious beast lakeside.

On arrival at Glasgow, stop to try Scottish whisky, or Scotch; a symbol of Scotland’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. It is thought that Scots consume around 40 million bottles of whisky annually, reflecting its integral role in their daily lives and celebrations. Join a distillery tour to experience this national treasure firsthand, savour its unique character, and understand its significance to Scotland and its people.

Board Douglas Mawson at the Glasgow port of Troon. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before an important safety briefing. This evening, meet your crew and Aurora Expeditions team and sail west to the United Kingdom’s enclave of Northern Ireland.

Your overnight sailing takes us to Northern Ireland, and the fascinating city of Londonderry~Derry. Simply known as Derry to the Nationalist (Catholic) population but still referred to as Londonderry by the Unionist (Protestant) population, this ‘border’ town has seen it all. The sectarian ‘Troubles’ of this predominantly Nationalist city may have blemished its reputation, but in recent years these tensions have eased, and although some suburbs retain their sense of division, strolling the streets is safe and the general population are happy to share stories of their stormy past and ambitious future.

Choose your favourite of the two following experiences.

• Option 1 – Full-day experience: Londonderry~Derry
• Option 2 – Full-day experience: Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway

Return to the ship for dinner and sail east to Northern Irelands capital city, Belfast.

A popular port for 18th century emigration to the United States, Larne is located around half an hour north of Belfast.

It is fair to say Belfast has endured its share of turbulent times. Famines, disease, invasions and recessions have painted a picture of a resilient city, but it was the more recent period known as ‘The Troubles’ that defined its image of division. Today, however, Belfast has transformed, thanks to open political dialogue and foreign investment.

Spend your morning on a guided tour of the famous Dockyard of Belfast to experience the story of the city’s most famous production: HMS Titanic, or travel south to visit Hillsborough Castle, the royal residence when the monarch visits Northern Ireland. There is time to explore Belfast independently this afternoon. Larne port is located around 30 minutes north of the city. A shuttle bus will operate this afternoon for those who wish to explore Belfast further, prior to sailing in the early evening.

Choose your favourite of the two following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: The Queen of all ships – The Titanic Experience
• Option 2 – Morning experience: The Royal Residence of Hillsborough Castle

The village of Heysham, located on the northwest coast of England, serves as a gateway to the historical town of Lancaster and the ever-popular Lake District today. Situated near Morecambe Bay in Lancashire, Heysham has been a vital port for fishing and maritime trade since the Viking era. Its working harbour and historical lighthouses reflect its rich seafaring heritage. Nearby, Lancaster Castle, a medieval fortress steeped in history, overlooks the city of Lancaster, just a short distance from Heysham.

Choose your favourite of the two following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: England’s Most Royal Castle, Lancaster Castle
• Option 2 – Full-day experience: Lake District – The royal holiday resort of Windermere

Located on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, Holyhead is a port town steeped in maritime heritage. Today, it serves as a gateway to the stunning hinterland of Snowdonia, renowned for its rustic castles and quaint Welsh villages scattered along the rugged coastline and amid the interior’s rugged national parks.

This afternoon you are in for a real treat: an onboard performance from a Welsh choir. Welsh male mining choirs are a powerful symbol of Wales’ cultural heritage.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: The Prince of Wales – Caernarfon Castle
• Option 2 – Morning experience: UNESCO World Heritage Site – Castell Conwy

• Option 3 – Half day experience: ‘Aurora Active’ – Hiking Snowdonia

Sailing the Irish sea, meet the coast near Rosslare and make your way to the popular city of Waterford.

Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (that is Irish for a good time), Waterford is a modern city with a layered history. Invaded by the Norsemen in 914 CE, Waterford became a Viking settlement, which is reflected in its people even today. A town for those who enjoy a good stroll, Waterford is easy on the eye, offers plenty to see and as its reputation suggests, is full of fun.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: Kilkenny Castle
• Option 2 – Morning experience: Viking Waterford and Waterford Crystal
• Option 3 – Half day experience: Kennedy Homestead, Wexford, and Johnstown Castle

Having explored the fractured past between Ireland and the United Kingdom, arrive around midday at the quintessential British county of Cornwall. The seafaring folk of Cornwall have traditionally lived around the crags and coves of the county’s coastline in small villages that hug bays and cling to clifftops. Falmouth, with its rich maritime heritage, was established in the 17th century and played a crucial role in naval history, serving as a base for packet ships that carried mail across the British Empire. The town’s natural harbour facilitated its development as a significant maritime centre. Today, Falmouth is a vibrant community known for its maritime activities, including shipbuilding and fishing.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Afternoon experience: Cornwall’s Maritime Obsession
• Option 2 – Afternoon experience: Henry VIII’s Pendennis Castle
• Option 3 – Afternoon experience: Marazion and St Michael’s Mount

Today, step ashore in a port steeped in maritime history and royal connections: Plymouth. This city’s rich legacy begins with the Mayflower, which set sail from Plymouth in 1620, carrying the first Pilgrims to America. Landing at Plymouth Bay, Massachusetts, this voyage marked a pivotal moment in Europe’s expansion to the ‘New World’, with over 30 million people today tracing their ancestry to its 102 passengers and crew from England and Leiden, Holland.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: The Story of Plymouth
• Option 2 – Morning experience: HMP Dartmoor
• Option 3 – Morning experience: The Thatched Hamlet of Cockington

The Isle of Wight, a favoured summer holiday destination, offers travellers more than Victorian-era seaside towns and sandy beaches. Just three kilometres across the Solent from the Hampshire coast, this 388-square-kilometres island’s strategic location has guarded ports like Southampton and Portsmouth throughout history, from Roman times, through to the Spanish Armada, to the Battle of Britain.

Strolling Cowes’ waterfront streets, find an eclectic mix of shops and cafes filled with sailing equipment, seaside souvenirs and tasty baked treats respectively.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences:

• Option 1 – Morning experience: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Osborne House
• Option 2 – Morning experience: Carisbrooke Castle
• Option 3 – Morning experience: Cowes – The Crown Jewel of Sailing

Cross the Solent overnight and disembark at the naval city of Portsmouth. Your journey takes you on a regal route with a visit to the town of Royal Windsor, where you will visit King Charles III’s weekend retreat, Windsor Castle.

Windsor Castle stands as an iconic symbol of British royalty, recognised as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Initially constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been a royal residence for nearly a millennium.

This evening, you are free to sample some local fare. Perhaps try pheasant pie and risotto, coddled eggs, or foraged wild mushrooms, all said to be King Charles III favourites.

With its six royal palaces, numerous shops endorsed by royal charters, and a wealth of museums, galleries, and vaults housing treasures from the Crown Jewels to King Charles III himself, London indisputably embodies the essence of ‘the crown’. From the iconic coronation chair at Westminster Abbey to the stately Royal Mews, and the expansive parklands of St James’s Park, to countless pubs bearing royal names, every corner of London resonates with regal history, ensuring any ‘crown aficionado’ a right royal day out.

With an abundance of royal sites to explore, the choice is yours today, when you use your hop-on-hop-off bus pass to uncover the city’s regal history. From Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s Cathedral, you will have the opportunity to visit numerous iconic locations that showcase the city’s rich royal heritage.

The following day, bid your farewells and depart for London Heathrow Airport for your onward flights.