Cities of Canals and Culture

Voyage Itinerary

28 July

Setting sail from HMS Belfast, London

29 July

United Kingdom: London (Greenwich)

Greenwich was once the seat of British naval power, and you can learn more about the area’s seafaring heritage at the fascinating National Maritime Museum. Other attractions include the Cutty Sark, the O2 Arena and the Royal Observatory, where you can straddle two hemispheres by placing one foot either side of the Greenwich Meridian Line.

Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London

30 July

United Kingdom: Ramsgate

Historic Ramsgate was part of the confederation of Cinque Ports, and is England’s only royal harbour. It’s a friendly little town with a picturesque marina packed full of yachts, and local points of interest include the Gothic Revival church of St Augustine and the quaint seaside resort of Broadstairs.

31 July

Belgium: Zeebrugge (Bruges)

Zeebrugge’s main attraction is its proximity to Bruges. This beautifully preserved old town is a magical maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer.

1 August

Netherlands: Ijmuiden

IJmuiden's proximity to capital Amsterdam means many guests use this port town as a stopping off point, but look further afield and you'll find vast beaches with a plethora of wind and water sports on offer, as well as walking and cycling in the lovely National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. You can visit Old-IJmuiden to explore country estates and ancient ruins, with remnants of fortifications and underground bunkers, and see the largest sea lock in the world! Alternatively, Haarlem's lovely cafés, canals, cobbled streets and bars are only a 30-minute train journey away.

2 August

Netherlands: Hook of Holland

2 August

Netherlands: Rotterdam

One of the great ports of Europe, Rotterdam’s impressive skyline can be seen from far and wide. With great architecture both ancient and modern, fantastic exhibition and concert halls, theatres, pretty galleries and numerous museums, there is so much to do when you stay here.

3 August - At sea

4 August

France: Dunkirk

5 August

Arriving in Dover

White Cliffs Country is a fascinating region, one packed with history and natural beauty. We think there is no sight like that of the stunning cliffs rising from the sea, topped by the fortifications of Dover Castle, and surrounded by lush green countryside.

Don't miss

Perhaps our favourite restaurant in the South is The Sportsman at Seasalter, an extraordinary isolated pub on the bleak estuary coast. A Michelin Star, fantastic food and astonishing value.

The ship

Hebridean Princess

Capacity:: 48 Guests
Crew:: 38 Staff
Style:: Like a cosy and comfortable pair of slippers, Hebridean Princess envelops you the moment you step aboard. It feels like your best friend's welcoming Scottish home - with food and drink to match.

We know of no ship quite like this one; a tiny little gem, dedicated to Scotland and all things Scottish, this Princess is fit for a queen!

What we love

A single ship with just 48 guests and in operation for only nine months of the year - hardly viable in the modern day, you would think - and when you step aboard you will also feel as if you have been swept into a bygone age, when kindness was key. A one word descriptor? Charm, perhaps. But that only begins to cover what is special about Hebridean Princess.

Learn more about Hebridean Princess

inclusions

All meals and snacks on board and picnics and barbecues ashore
All drinks in the restaurant and lounge including champagne and whisky (excluding premium range)
Shore visits including entrance fees and refreshments, and your own guide throughout
Bicycles to explore independently ashore
Free WiFi
Transfers to and from Glasgow or Inverness airport or railway station
Gratuities - there is a strict 'no tipping' policy

Tailor-make your trip

Ways to make it better

Extend your stay in Kent

We love historic Walletts Court, just ten minutes outside Dover but feels like another world – cosy, welcoming, and great food too.
Our recommended private tour

An extraordinary trip up the coast by RIB to the mouth of the Stour River and the orange seals basking on the mudflats.