Sail the British and Irish isles and uncover fascinating layers of history in one of the globe’s most storied corners. Voyage through the heart of Scotland and its outer islands aboard the charming Lord of the Glens, or trace the maritime threads of England, Ireland, and Scotland aboard National Geographic Explorer. Seek out seals and nesting seabirds in wild and windswept lands from St. Kilda to Cobh, exploring by Zodiac or on foot, and encounter vestiges of ancient times—from Stone Age megaliths to medieval monasteries and fanciful Edwardian castles. Our veteran team—including naturalists, experts, and historians—offers insights into the region’s past to help illuminate its present.
“When you arrive at climactic points along the way, you'll get there by the grandest of front doors—the sea. This is how people through history came and went, and consequently, Europe’s ports are hubs of vibrance and in many cases, remarkable beauty.”
Why Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
Our Trips in the British and Irish Isles
Our Ships in the British and Irish Isles
National Geographic Explorer
- Guests
- 148
- Cabins
- 81
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-engineered for blue water and polar exploration
Lord of the Glens
- Guests
- 48
- Cabins
- 25
Lord of the Glens was built for one purpose—to fit through the network of locks and canals that cut through the heart of the Scottish highlands.
Our Team in the British and Irish Isles
Every member of our team—from our naturalists and photographers to our expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Most have worked in the British and Irish isles for years and many live locally, providing them a wealth of insider knowledge on subjects like archaeology, history, and Celtic cultures. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives each day of your voyage, and because there are no assigned groups you can gravitate toward the experts who share your interests and inspire your curiosity.
Our knowledgeable and passionate expedition team is complemented by our dedicated hotel team who strives to ensure that your time on board is as comfortable and rewarding as your time on shore.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the British and Irish Isles
Caledonian Canal, Scotland
Lord of the Glens transits the lock system on the Caledonian Canal.
Photograph: Andrew Peacock
Into the Heart of Scotland: Locks, Lakes & Ancient History
National Geographic Photography Expert Jim Richardson shares some of his favorite highlights from traveling aboard the intimate Lord of the Glens.
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Latest Video
Expedition Spotlight - Farming in the Scottish Highlands
- Oct 2023
The importance of farming in the highlands of Scotland goes back centuries. Guests aboard the National Geographic Resolution had the unique opportunity to learn about how all the farm animals contribute to daily life in this area.
View our brochure for more details
Explorations 2024-2026