Embark on an unforgettable cruise from Ireland to Scotland via the legendary Isle of Man. From moors cloaked in a thousand shades of green to windswept cliffs and sparkling lakes, the British Isles offer breathtaking natural beauty, steeped in silence and mystery. Each port of call along the way will reveal its treasures: ancient legends, Celtic and Viking heritage, spectacular geological formations, wild peninsulas, medieval castles, secret gardens, and much more. This fascinating adventure will immerse you in the vibrant heart of these Celtic lands.
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man, a self-governing island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The Isle of Man is best-known for its gruelling annual TT motorbike race but Douglas itself is a charming traditional seaside resort. The stroll along the busy promenade is very popular, as well as the visit of the Manx Museum, which retraces the island's fascinating Celtic and Viking heritage. It is possible to take a steam train into the mountainous interior, where medieval castles and pretty villages and farms can be observed.
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
From lush meadows to spectacular cliffs sculpted by the crashing waves, from small houses with thatched roofs to the enigmatic ruins of ageless castles, the Inishowen Peninsula offers a concentration of Ireland’s most beautiful and wildest aspects. From Greencastle, a small port town guarding the entrance to Lough Foyle, set off to explore these breathtaking landscapes and discover the vibrant soul of this territory, through its history, its lively villages and pubs and its famous coastal trail: the Wild Atlantic Way.
Tucked away and sheltered by a large inlet, this charming fishing port is located on Ireland's most northern extremity, in the heart of the southern coast of County Donegal. As your boat glides into the port, soak up the dazzling colours of the trawlers docked in the harbour. You may well have the opportunity to tour the Donegal Carpets Factory, one of the world's oldest handmade carpet manufacturers. You can also take a tour of the Glenveagh National Park and its castle, after having crossed through the wild, untamed beauty of northern Ireland. Donegal is a rambler's paradise, and the Blue Stack Mountains are sure to have you hooked with their peace, quiet and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
Oban is on the west coast of Scotland, opposite the Isle of Mull. It is the capital of the county of Argyll, a rural region of the Highlands considered to be the cradle of Scotland. Coming from Ireland, the Gaels settled here, bringing their language and culture. From “the Little Bay”, its name in Scottish Gaelic, you will arrive in Kilmartin Glen, the site renowned for having the largest concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. Among this spectacular site’s 350 ancient monuments, you will discover standing stones, alignments of cairns and stone circles. Glen Coe Valley will then reveal its dramatic landscapes, shaped by volcanic activity. This valley, one of the wildest in Scotland, has been used as a location for the series Outlander. The discovery of the region will end with a visit to a whisky distillery, a unique opportunity to taste an exceptional product.
Rothesay is an elegant seaside resort and the main town on the Isle of Bute, a Scottish island bathed by the Firth of Clyde, a vast expanse of coastal water sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the Kintyre Peninsular. The town has some remarkable monuments, including its castle, a 13th-century building modified several times over its turbulent history between Norwegian attacks and English invasion. You will also discover the Victorian architecture of the houses overlooking the romantic Rothesay Bay, as well as the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, a unique circular structure from the 1920s constructed of cast iron and glass. Make sure you visit Mount Stuart House, an incredible 19th-century manor house built in the Georgian architectural style, with an interior that was modern for the time, and its magnificent wild and landscaped gardens.
In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship
Length: 142 metres
Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica)
Built: 2011
This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.
A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”.
Cuisine
Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.
Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.
Life On Board
Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest.
Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please.
Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous
Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).
Online prices reflect the current brochure fare savings of up to 30%. Prices may change based on demand. Terms and conditions apply. This special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.