Celtic Lands with Guest Speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II

Depart the U.S.

Depart home city for your flight to Paris, France. Arrive in Paris, transfer to Honfleur and embark the deluxe Le Laperouse. After settling in your cabin, take time to explore. Meet new friends during your first dinner as the ship departs for Caen.

Caen | Longues-sur-Mer | Colleville-sur-Mer | Omaha Beach

Wake up in Caen this morning and enjoy a buffet breakfast before departing for a full day of exploration. Begin the day at Longues‑sur‑Mer to see the coastal German artillery battery and historical monument. Then, walk the landmark Normandy shores at Omaha Beach, the code name for this section of the coast where Allied forces landed. At the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville‑sur‑Mer, join David Eisenhower to contemplate the solemn commemorative crosses and Stars of David. Canadian travelers can visit Juno Beach and the Bény‑sur‑Mer Canadian War Cemetery. Return to the ship and gather for a Captain’s Welcome Reception tonight.

Guernsey, Channel Islands

Day at Sea

Holyhead, Wales

Arrive in Holyhead and savor a hearty lunch before setting off on your chosen excursion. You can select to visit the UNESCO-listed medieval Caernarfon Castle or treat your senses to the world-famous Bodnant Gardens, a haven of glorious colors and lily ponds. A Welsh choir provides tonight’s entertainment.

Dublin, Ireland

Get acquainted with friendly Dublin. Admire the city’s sights and highlights, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Trinity College to see the legendary Book of Kells, the beautiful, illuminated manuscript created by medieval monks. Take advantage of time at leisure to make your own discoveries in Dublin. Perhaps visit a local pub for a pint or stroll down George’s Street.  Enjoy an engaging performance of traditional Irish music and dancing before dinner.

Isle of Iona, Scotland

Dig into a satisfying breakfast as the ship approaches Iona in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Gain insight into a sacred and enduring symbol of worship at Iona Abbey, founded in the year 563 and considered the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. The monks of Iona spread Christian ideas across Scotland and the north. St. Martin’s Cross still stands by the roadside, and a replica of St. John’s Cross is found by the doorway.

Kyle of Lochalsh, Isle of Skye

Today’s excursion showcases Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most celebrated fortresses. Eilean Donan sits at the confluence of Loch Alsh, Loch Long and Loch Duich on a tiny tidal island. Cross a stone bridge and admire the view. The original castle lay in ruins after the Jacobite Rising of 1719 until a British army officer purchased it in 1911. He reopened it to visitors in 1932 after a years-long restoration project. After lunch on the ship, join a scenic tour of the Isle of Skye. See the Cuillin, a range of starkly beautiful mountains with jagged peaks. Upon arrival in Portree, enjoy free time to explore the island’s charming main town. Celebrate your adventure at
tonight’s Captain’s Farewell Reception, followed by dinner.

Fairlie/Disembark/ Return to Home City

This morning, the ship arrives in Fairlie. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.