Roaming Around The British IslesCruising around the British Isles coast is the ideal way to sample the superb diversity of our coast line as we explore the remote lands, the islands, creeks and little visited places, which make this an unforgettable journey. _w=730_h=400_pjpg.jpg)
Moderate
Tour code: 87500 Last Modified: 24th February 2021 _w=622_h=622_pjpg.jpg)
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Holiday HighlightsSee what's planned
Trip InformationFrom the Orkney Islands to the Channel Islands, from Connemara, Ireland to the Isles of Scilly. on this cruise we’re never far from a superb coastline which offers exceptional walking close to sandy beaches, steep cliffs and hilly terrain. Cruising around the coast is the ideal way to experience the diversity as we explore the otherwise remote parts, the islands, creeks and little visited places which make our islands amongst the most varied in the world. We are never far from the rugged coast, yet few are familiar with more than summer holiday beaches. Roam around the British Isles with us and the diversity becomes apparent. These remote outposts are both beautiful and often not straightforward to reach – a cruise makes their wild charms easily accessible. Sailing from Dover we start with a bustling five days of stops from St Peters Port on Guernsey to Rothesey on the Isle of Bute. Along the way we call into St Marys, Isle of Scilly, Cobh (for Cork, Ireland) and Douglas on the Isle of Man. After Rothesey we have time at sea as we head for our two remotest of stops, Kirkwall and Stornoway, before looping back for Belfast, with the anticipation of exploring the iconic Giant's Causeway. The BBC series ‘Coast ‘has undoubtedly opened our eyes to the wonders of our own coastline, which now you can explore with ease. Our walking will take you off the typical cruise excursion track and onto the paths you want to be walking to truly get to know these fantastic destinations. What's included?
What's not included?
Holiday GradeThis Grade 4 moderate holiday includes full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain and is likely to include an element of sightseeing as well. Half day walking will probably include about 3 hours of walking, with full days having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to about 600m. See the 'Proposed Itinerary' section for more information. Our bottom line is happy travellers, and to that end we trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary below as a basis for providing you with a great holiday. We expect our leaders to make adjustments to the itinerary if the weather, group ability or other local conditions make that necessary. There are normally more options available to our leaders than those listed below and one or more of these options may well be chosen. All distances, heights & timings are approximate. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel. Proposed ItineraryDay 1Proposed ItineraryDay 1Welcome aboard!Meals DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)After boarding the Bolette in Dover, take time to explore the ship's facilities, bars, restaurants and decks. Also say hello to the crew who will greet you with a very warm welcome! Check in for the cruise begins one hour prior to embarkation. Embarkation at the cruise terminal usually begins three hours before departure and closes one hour prior to sailing. Day 2Day 2St Peters Port, GuernseyMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)Our arrival at St Peter's Port will be at anchor and we will tender ashore Picturesque St Peters Port is the Capital of Guernsey and has an impressive history. It is here the writer of Les Miserables, Victor Hugo, was exiled and for us though we will enjoy a scenic walk direct from the ship along the coast of the island. Day 3Day 3St Mary’s, Isle of ScillyMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)Our arrival at St Mary's is at anchor and we will tender ashore A little more than 6 square miles, the Isle of St Mary's is the largest of the Scilly Islands. With less than 1,800 inhabitants you can expect quiet walking as we take a stroll with your leader through Hugh Town and head to Peninnis Point with its lighthouse. Whilst heading back to the ship we walk through the islands nature reserve. Day 4Day 4Cobh, IrelandMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)
Not unlike the first settlers to Ireland we make landfall the same way, by ship. We travel by private coach to the fishing village of Ballycotton, a re-settlement of the original village which now lies underwater. Here we walk along the Ballycotton cliffs, 5 miles of superb views and wildlife. Time permitting, we return to the city of Cork for some free time to explore the English Market, St Finbarr’s Cathedral and the old part of the city. Day 5Day 5Douglas, Isle of ManMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)Well known as the start for the Isle of Man TT races, Douglas is the capital of this small island. From the port we take the MER to the hillside village of Laxey. Here its wheel, known locally and fondly as Lady Isabella, is built into the hillside and is the largest working waterwheel in the world. After our visit we will follow an inland trail back to Douglas. Day 6Day 6Rothesay, Isle of ButeMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)
The victorian village of Rothesay offers a different type of stop at the small Isle of Bute. For such a small island in the Firth of Clyde, it offers extraordinary and varied landscapes. Our walk takes us from the harbour up Canada Hill for its wonderful viewpoint. Day 7Day 7Day at SeaMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)Today we are at sea. Take time to relax and recharge the batteries making the most of the on board entertainment, eating at the ship's restaurants, perhaps reading in your cabin or strolling the deck. Day 8Day 8Kirkwall, Orkney IslandsMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)
130 miles north of Aberdeen in the Orkney Islands sits Kirkwall, rich in folklore. From the ship we take a coach across the island of Mainland to the Kitchener Memorial, dedicated to Lord Kitchener and the crew of the HMS Hampshire which tragically sank nearby. We walk across moorland and along cliffs to Scara Brae prehistoric village, on arrival there should be time for a visit before returning to the ship. Occasional changes to the ship’s schedule mean we cannot guarantee there will be time to visit Scara Brae, so we do not include the entrance ticket (approx £9pp) in the price of the cruise Day 9Day 9Stornoway, Isle of LewisMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)
With our local guide, we’ll discover the Great Bernera on a circular walk over undulating croftland hugging a very spectacular stretch of coastline, with a good view from Ben Tob. At Bostadh, there is a fantastic beach and Iron Age village. Why not rewatch episodes of Castway with Ben Fogle to get an idea of the spectacular views you can expect to see. Day 10Day 10Day at SeaMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)Today we are at sea. Take time to relax and recharge the batteries making the most of the on board facilities as we cruise via the Sound of Mull, Dutchman's Cap and Fingal's Cave. Day 11 to 12Day 11 to 12Belfast, Northern IrelandMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)
In Belfast, over the next two days, keep an eye out for the colourful murals that each tell a story about Northern Irelands complicated political past as we drive to the North Antrim coast for our walk along the cliff path to the basalt rocks of the Giant’s Causeway. Some say in legend that it was built by the Irish Giant Fionn as part of a causeway to fight the Scottish Giant Benandonner, whereas others say it is caused by volcanic fissure eruptions. Which will you think is true? Day 13Day 13Day at SeaMeals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)Today we are at sea. Take time to relax and recharge the batteries making the most of the on board facilities Day 14Day 14Farewell Bolette!Meals BreakfastIt's time to bid farewell to the Bolette and her crew, as you disembark and head home. Walks & ExcursionsThe described walks assume that the weather will be good and that the ship will keep to the planned schedule. We may have to change the walks if the ship’s schedule changes or there is poor weather. Local Transport CostsAll local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary. Optional ExcursionsA range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions. Spending MoneyFred Olsen Paying On BoardThe currency on board ship is sterling. A credit account system is operated onboard allowing bar drinks, wine in restaurants, laundry charges, purchases from the shop and any other incidental expenses to be automatically charged to your account. You will be required to register a debit or credit card at check-in against which to charge your onboard account. At the time of writing there is no charge for payment by credit or debit card. Onboard accounts can be settled in cash, however, a debit or credit card must still be registered at check-in to secure the on-board account balance. The following credit cards are accepted: Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Fred. Olsen also accepts Visa debit cards but is unable to accept American Express, Solo, and Electron, travel agent debit cards or traveller’s cheque cards. The ship operates a Bureau de Change onboard, where currency can be purchased or sold subject to local currency restrictions. All major currencies are stocked based on the cruise destinations with no commission charge and competitive rates. Entrance FeesWhilst sightseeing plays a part in our itinerary, no entrances to museums or monuments are planned, and therefore no entrance fees are included in the price of the holiday. TippingFred. Olsen operates a system whereby the recommended level of gratuities will be automatically added to guests’ onboard accounts at the end of the cruise. Ramblers Cruise & Walk Holidays include the tips for the dining room waiters but £2.50 per guest per day will be added to all onboard accounts for cabin stewards. Anyone wishing to vary the amount given can do so via reception and guests are free to remove the charge from their onboard account and tip the relevant staff in the traditional ‘envelope & cash’ method if they prefer. Tour Leaders & Local GuidesTour LeadersYour tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible. Leader's Evening BriefingEach evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know. Local GuidesTo enhance your experience, as well as your tour leader, each holiday will be accompanied in some centres by a well qualified and knowledgeable English-speaking local guide. Your Travel DetailsLuggage Allowance & Travel DocumentsYour luggage allowance is 200lbs or 90kg. For safety reasons, each piece of luggage should weigh less than 44lbs or 20kg. Approximately 10 days prior to departure, we will send you your cruise tickets and luggage labels. Please be advised that there are a number of items that are prohibited to be taken on board. To avoid any items being confiscated at check-in, please familiarise yourself with our prohibited items policy at www.fredolsencruises.com and search for ‘prohibited items’. Personal Details CheckTo ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible. Passports and VisasGeneral Passport AdviceIt is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Fred Olsen Holiday and Passport InfoPlease ensure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from the date you return from the cruise and have enough spare pages to accept immigration stamps/visas. Ramblers Walking Holidays will not be held responsible for any guest refused entry to a country/countries for non-compliance with the above, and passage will be refused to any guest at point of embarkation with insufficient passport validity. We would suggest a minimum of four clear pages excluding pages required for any visas you are required to apply for in advance of sailing. It is also a requirement of all immigration authorities that your passport is not damaged in any way or has no missing pages - we strongly recommend you check the condition of your passport prior to travel. AccommodationWhere are we going to stay?Bolette (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)Our flagship Bolette is everything that Fred.Olsen regular guests have come to expect from their ships. Proudly bearing the name of Fred. Olsen Jr.’s great-great-grandmother, as many other Olsen vessels have over the years, she exudes classic, elegant style in her exterior and interior design, features spacious and comfortable public areas, and has all the facilities and special touches you need for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. While she’s one of the largest ships, by overall size, in our fleet, Bolette has capacity for less than 1,400 guests. So, in keeping with our smaller-ship ethos, you’ll find that you’re not overcrowded on board, and have plenty of space in which to indulge yourself in the stylish dining venues, enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple and fantastic entertainment at the several bars, lounges and theatres, and while away the hours by the all-season pool. And of course, with our friendly staff providing our typical level of personal, attentive service, there’s an intimate feel to the on board experience too. You can find a deck plan of the ship here MealsSo, what’s on the menu? One certainty is that no one on board the ship will ever go hungry. All meals are included, and you start the day with breakfast, a buffet arrangement where you can choose from fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurts, a full English breakfast, cheeses, cold cuts, breads, pastries, fresh juices and unlimited tea or coffee. We’ll take our lunches on board on cruising days and the choice is yours: sample the ample buffet in the restaurant, see what’s on offer in the informal café or choose an alfresco poolside affair. When we’re out for the day we’ll be provided with a packed lunch. Dinner is a sumptuous five course feast. The choices are many, and the food is excellent. The menus are varied and mouth-watering, freshly cooked by award-winning chefs. Special diets such as fat-free, vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be catered for. Dinner is taken in a stylish restaurant with smiling courteous waiting staff creating a wonderful atmosphere for your evening meal. We are booked for dinner at 6.15pm to allow you plenty of time to also enjoy the evening entertainment if you wish. Wine can be pre-ordered from the Maître’d, over the interactive intranet in your cabin, or at the table. If this is not enough, there is also morning coffee, afternoon tea and extensive late-night suppers to indulge in! We’ll also have an exclusive drinks party for our group one evening in addition to the Captain’s welcome and farewell parties and a traditional afternoon tea with waiter service on one of our sea days. Complimentary tea and coffee can be found aboard the ship throughout the day, usually in the informal café. Other drinks must be purchased but the prices are very reasonable. No alcoholic drinks purchased ashore may be taken aboard the ship for consumption during the cruise. If you have any special dietary requirements such as diabetic, gluten/wheat-free, dairy-free/soya, vegetarian, vegan, or low fat please advise us at the time of booking or no later than 14 weeks prior to departure. Footwear & Kit ListFootwearLightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks. General Kit ListOutdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared. If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference. Cruising AttireDaywear Daytime wear is casual with comfortable shoes for walking around deck. A lightweight jacket or coat is recommended for the early evening when the sun sets. You may also like to take a towel and swimwear as the Fred Olsen ships have small swimming pools and Jacuzzis. Towels are provided at the poolside should you forget your own. During the day casual wear is allowed in the restaurant but not swimwear. Evening attire During your cruise, there will be formal and smart casual evenings. On formal evenings, gentlemen are encouraged to wear ‘black tie’, although a dark suit and tie will suffice, with ladies elegantly dressed in cocktail or evening dress. On smart casual evenings, men can wear open-necked shirts, chinos and dark coloured jeans, and women dress or trousers and a top. Travel Documents ChecklistDocuments and Information to take with you:
Travel Documents ChecklistDocuments and Information to take with you:
Electricity on BoardThe voltage on board is supplied at 220 volts (requiring a continental style 2-pin plug). Water To GoAn alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles. We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays. Maps, Guidebooks & Other InformationThe Map ShopMaps and guidebooks relating to the areas you will be walking in may be bought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk WeatherVisit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
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