12 March

Argentina: Ushuaia

Perched on the ragged southern edge of Argentina, where the snow-capped Andes fall away into the churning sea, Ushuaia has a frontier town feel to it, and serves as the base for expeditions into the icy waters of Antarctica.

13 March to 14 March - At sea

15 March to 19 March

Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness, an alien landscape of snow-covered mountains, jagged icebergs and extraordinary wildlife. March is too late to see penguin chicks, and temperatures are getting colder, but it’s a great time to spot whales, with species including humpback, sperm and orca. Expedition trips will spend time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, making several landings at various sites and cruising through scenic channels.

20 March - At sea

21 March to 22 March

Argentina: Ushuaia

Perched on the ragged southern edge of Argentina, where the snow-capped Andes fall away into the churning sea, Ushuaia has a frontier town feel to it, and serves as the base for expeditions into the icy waters of Antarctica.

23 March - At sea

24 March

Falkland Islands: Falkland Islands

The rugged and windswept Falkland Islands make for a fascinating stop on the way to or from Antarctica. Over 80% of the population lives in the capital, Stanley, though humans are far outnumbered by other creatures, including penguins, sea lions and albatrosses.

25 March

Falkland Islands: Stanley

The rugged and windswept Falkland Islands make for a fascinating stop on the way to or from Antarctica. Over 80% of the population lives in the capital, Stanley, though humans are far outnumbered by other creatures, including penguins, sea lions and albatrosses.

26 March to 27 March - At sea

28 March to 30 March

South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands: South Georgia Experience

Remote and virtually uninhabited, the island of South Georgia is a beautiful and fascinating place. The landscape of jagged, snowy peaks and dramatic fjords is home to an abundance of penguins and seals, as well as ghostly abandoned whaling stations and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

31 March to 3 April - At sea

4 April

Saint Helena: Inaccessible Island

4 April

Tristan da Cunha: Tristan da Cunha

There is remote, and then there is Tristan da Cunha. This little volcanic rock in the South Atlantic supports a population of less than 300 people, and is an astonishing 1,200 miles from St Helena, the nearest inhabited island. There is no airport, so arriving by ship really is the only way to get here.

5 April

Tristan da Cunha: Nightingale Island

Remote, volcanic and uninhabited by humans, Nightingale Island is part of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. The island is known for its spectacular birdlife, home to over a million seabirds, including rockhopper penguins, Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross and the rare Nightingale bunting.

6 April to 8 April - At sea

9 April

Saint Helena: Jamestown

10 April to 11 April - At sea

12 April

: Boatswain Bird Island

13 April to 16 April - At sea

17 April

Cape Verde: Mindelo

The dry and barren volcanic island of São Vicente is home to Cape Verde’s most appealing port, the charming city of Mindelo. The cobbled streets and colonial architecture are a real pleasure to explore, and the city plays host to a raucous carnival in February.

18 April to 19 April - At sea

20 April to 21 April

Canary Islands: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Situated on Tenerife’s north eastern shore, the island’s capital is a busy port that serves mostly as a gateway to the popular south west coast and the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the island’s interior.

22 April

Portugal: Funchal

Funchal, Madeira’s bustling capital, tumbles down a dramatic hillside towards a beautiful sweeping bay. Highlights include colourful markets, wine lodges and the spectacular cable car ride up to the village of Monte, home of the famous toboggan run.

23 April - At sea

24 April

Portugal: Lisbon

Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon’s colourful cityscape includes Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums. But for many the best times will be had wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets, with their great local food, wine and music.

25 April to 26 April - At sea

27 April

France: Cherbourg

An important naval base and major commercial port, Cherbourg is the gateway to the many attractions of Normandy, including the Bayeux Tapestry and the beaches where the D-Day landings took place. Cherbourg’s excellent Cité de la Mer maritime museum is also well worth a visit.

28 April

United Kingdom: Plymouth

Plymouth has a fine seafaring heritage, and it was here that the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World on board the Mayflower. The city was badly damaged during the Second World War, but an ongoing regeneration project is breathing new life into the waterfront, and nearby attractions include Buckfast Abbey and Dartmoor National Park.

29 April

United Kingdom: Lundy

30 April

United Kingdom: Skomer Island

The wildlife haven of Skomer Island sits just off the coast of Pembrokeshire, and is best known for its large population of breeding seabirds, including puffins, Manx shearwaters, guillemots and razorbills. You may also spot peregrine falcons, grey seals, harbour porpoises and the endemic Skomer vole.

1 May

Ireland: Bantry

Bantry Bay is one of the most picturesque spots on County Cork’s west coast, sandwiched between the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas. Local highlights include the 18th-century Bantry House, with its elegant gardens and intriguing links to the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.

2 May

Ireland: Schull

3 May

Ireland: Cape Clear Island

4 May

Ireland: Kinsale

Colourful Kinsale is situated on a sheltered natural harbour, guarded by a brooding 17th-century fortress. The winding streets are a delight to explore, and the town is home to some excellent restaurants, galleries, pubs and shops. For sublime coastal views, take a trip out to the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse.

5 May

Isle of Man: Calf of Man

6 May

Arriving in Belfast

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was a watershed moment for Northern Ireland, and its rejuvenated capital is enjoying a surge in popularity. The new Titanic Belfast museum is the star attraction, while the city centre boasts some handsome Victorian architecture and a lively pub scene.