Scenic Islands of the British Isles

Cruise from Dover to Scotland and back on this fascinating no-fly British Isles cruise.

With Bolette as your guide, you can discover and explore some of the British Isles most beautiful and remote islands.

You’ll get to wonder at the best of British nature in all its guises; experience scenic cruising by the picturesque Sound of Mull and the intriguing rock formations of Dutchman’s Cap and Fingal’s Cave, and explore miles of beautifully unspolit island landscapes and coastline.

When you get to step ashore, there are plenty of historic highlights and memorable experiences to discover too.

In Scotland, you can take in the Orkney’s UNESCO-listed Neolithic treasures on tour from Kirkwall, and the unique ruins of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, including Rothesay Castle, while Stornoway is the gateway to Lews Castle on the Isle of Lewis.

You’ll head to the ‘Emerald Isle’ to visit Belfast, Northern Ireland’s attraction packed capital, and the pretty Isle of Man too, visit Falmouth for Cornish scenery, historic sites and delicious pasties, and be charmed by the scenic beauty of the Isles of Scilly.

Day 1: Liverpool

This expedition cruise begins from Liverpool.

Today you will board your Borealis Cruise and depart for Scotland.

Day 2: Falmouth, England

Blessed with stunning sandy beaches that stretch for miles along the gorgeous Cornish coastline, Falmouth – located at the southern end of the Fal Estuary, has arguably the UK's most picturesque network of creeks & rivers.

It is a fine example of just how beautiful Britain really is and is the perfect place to lay back and soak up the summer sunshine, enjoy a relaxing stroll or try your hand at scuba diving and snorkelling.

There's also an abundance of sights and attractions to discover and explore during a stay in this fabulous seaside town, including St Michael's Mount – one of Britain's most famous historic sites – the Lizard Peninsula and the world-famous Eden Project, which is just a short distance away.

Day 3: St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, England

Located just 28 miles off the shores of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly may be close to the mainland, but they feel a million miles away thanks to their gorgeous beaches, lush nature reserves and stunning surf. 

St. Mary's, Scilly's main and largest island, is smothered with treasures that await your discovery, including ancient monuments, the Carreg Dhu Community Garden, a small museum in Hugh Town and an interesting heritage centre in the middle of the island.

There are also multiple opportunities to walk along miles of scenic beaches or nature trails.

Day 4: Belfast, Northern Ireland

From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Belfast is a modern, vibrant and stylish city.

Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Northern Ireland's capital offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience.

Only in Belfast can the Titanic story be traced to its source, and the excitement of an era when the city was at the height of its powers relived.

Close to Queen’s University lie the fascinating Botanical Gardens, established for over 180 years. The unique Palm House was one of the world’s first cast-iron glass-houses and displays a wide range of tropical plants, ranging from bananas to rubber.

Alongside, the Renaissance-styled Ulster Museum tells Ireland’s 9,000-year history through art, ceramics, costume, and prehistoric archaeology.

To the city’s northern edge is the impressive Belfast Castle, offering wonderful views of the city as it stands 120m above the Irish Sea. Show less

Belfast is also perfectly placed to discover the stunning Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and an incredible natural wonder steeped in myths and legends.

Day 5: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Spend the day in Belfast with the chance to explore the city or the surroundings.

Day 6: Rothesay, Isle of Bute

Situated at the centre of the Isle of Bute’s eastern coast in Northern Scotland, Rothesay is home to magnificent natural scenery and a wealth of fascinating history.

The charming Rothesay Bay is enclosed by pretty esplanade gardens and makes an ideal location for boat rides and visiting the surrounding heritage attractions.

The traditional Victorian town is home to castles, historic monuments, and the interesting Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, a 1920’s structure offering a cinema, theatre and intriguing displays.

The nearby beach at Ettrick Bay provides a postcard-perfect spot for swimming, picnicking and leisurely afternoons.

A ferry links Rothesay to Wemyss Bay, and the popular trip, which takes under an hour, can be extended by taking the train onwards to Glasgow.

Day 7: At Sea

Enjoy the day at sea.

Day 8: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history.

It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for 'Church Bay', relating to the town's 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway. 

Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of the Orkney's turbulent past.

The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali.

Don't miss Tankerness House, a beautifully preserved 16th century townhouse, and the Orkney Wireless Museum, with it's fascinating insights into the history of radio, too.

About the Bolette

As the flagship jewel in the Fred Olsen crown, Bolette offers all of the superb facilities and amenities you would expect for a sensational memory-making cruise.

She may be one of the largest in the fleet, but don't let her size fool you; with a capacity of less than 1,400 passengers and spacious, stylish, venues, you can enjoy the company of others without ever feeling crowded.

Depart from Dover or Southampton and choose from a wide variety of exceptional journeys covering Europe and far-flung exotic destinations.