Silversea Expedition Cruises To Port St Mary, Isle of Man

Explore the southern tip of the Isle of Man with its beautiful rolling green landscapes portioned by dry stone walls and inhabited by Manx Loaghtan sheep.

Leaving Port St Mary, take the short journey to the living museum of Cregneash. This small hamlet of thatched, whitewashed cottages gives an authentic ambience of traditional Manx life in the 19^th century.

Cregneash was one of the last strongholds of the Manx language and traditional way of life. Step inside the original crofter's dwellings to see how traditional crafts and trades were skilfully practised in days gone by. Manx crofters will show you the old methods of subsistence and give you an insight into life in rural Isle of Man over 100 years ago.

Leaving Cregneash, head further south to the Sound. The Sound is the ¾ km stretch of water between the Isle of Man mainland and the Calf of Man, and this coastal viewpoint is one of the most scenic places in the British Isles.

With excellent views of the sound and the Calf of Man Nature reserve, enjoy the sights and sounds of the flourishing Manx ecosystem with its abundance of wildlife and natural wonders. Often seals can be spotted basking on the rocky Kitterland (islet in the Sound) and sometimes dolphins and basking sharks can be seen. Look across to the Calf of Man, a renowned bird sanctuary where many migrating birds stop off for a rest on their journey to or from warmer climates.

Re-fuel with light refreshments at the Sound Café whilst taking in panoramic views of the Calf of Man and surrounding countryside. The visitor centre at the Sound Café provides a wide range of information about the local wildlife and the many wrecks of sunken ships that lie off the shore.

After a truly Manx experience of history, wildlife, breath-taking scenery and wonderful fresh air, return to Port St Mary.

The word Calf derives from the Scandinavian Kalfr and means a small island lying near a larger one. The Calf of Man lays in fact less than half a mile away from the Isle of Man, and if the weather permits, it is well worth making the short sea crossing for a visit. Since 1959, organized ornithological work has been carried out on the Calf of Man under the supervision of appointed wardens. In 1962 it became an officially recognized Bird Observatory. The Calf of Man is today a bird sanctuary and open to the public except during the nesting season. Its only occupants are the nature wardens during the summer months.

Join your Expedition team on a birding walk of the Calf of Man followed by a scenic Zodiac Cruise to rejoin the ship in Port St. Mary.

The ship will make a stop in front of the Calf of Man, before proceeding to Port St. Mary, to allow guests choosing this excursion to disembark the ship by Zodiac.

Leaving the harbour at Port St Mary, take a short transfer to the town's railway station. Built in 1892, the Victorian red brick two-story railway station at Port St Mary is on the Isle of Man's list of Registered Buildings and Conservation Areas. Registered status prevents any extension, alteration, demolition or anything that could affect the building's historic character.

Board a vintage steam train to journey across the southern part of the island and enjoy wonderful views of spectacular scenery. The Isle of Man Steam Railway, which is part of the island's public transport system, operates with much of the original rolling stock, and passengers travel in carriages pulled by engines that are over 100 years old.

Arriving at Castletown Railway Station, another of the Isle of Man's Registered Buildings, alight and take a short transfer (or walk) to the magnificent Castle Rushen.

Castle Rushen dominates the southern lowlands and its formidable, robust walls can be seen from afar. The castle is believed to have been built around 1200 and was the residence of the last Norse King of Man, who died in 1266. Part of the castle was destroyed in an attack lead by Robert the Bruce in 1313 and was rebuilt around 1344. In the clock room, formerly used as the castle chapel, is a clock that was presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, while she held the island pending a dispute. The clock is of simple construction with only one hand but keeps very good 'Manx' time.

Before returning to Port St Mary, enjoy a little time to look around Castletown. Until 1865 Castletown was the island's capital and with its origins dating back to 1090, is one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Explore the narrow streets, the picturesque harbour and the historical buildings that make Castletown so charming and unique.

Take a pleasant walk in the sheading of Rushen, between two of the Isle of Man's quintessential seaside towns, Port St Mary and Port Erin.

The Isle of Man is divided in to 6 'sheadings' or districts. The sheading of Rushen comprises of 3 of the islands parishes and lies in the south of the island. The word sheading (sheadinyn in Manx) from the Norse word skeid, means an area providing men for a warship.

Leaving pretty Port St Mary, an historic fishing port and popular retreat for holiday makers since the late 19th century, walk across the Mull peninsula to Port Erin with its sheltered bay and tales of smugglers and how their activities were hidden by the steep cliffs surrounding the bay.

This gently paced walk takes in narrow roads and paths through picturesque Manx villages amidst stunning scenery and brings you to the lovely beach at Port Erin on the west of the peninsula. Along the way your guide will share tales of megaliths, Vikings and smugglers.

Enjoy some free time to stroll on the promenade and maybe sample an award-winning Manx Dairy Ice Cream from one of Port Erin's famous Ice Cream Parlours.

Return to Port St Mary via more breath-taking scenery and tales of Manx folklore.

Leaving pretty Port St Mary, an historic fishing port and popular retreat for holiday makers since the late 19^th century, walk across the Mull peninsula to Port Erin with its sheltered bay and tales of smugglers and how their activities were hidden by the steep cliffs surrounding the beach.

Take a brisk walk along narrow roads and paths through picturesque Manx villages amidst stunning scenery and arrive at Port Erin's lovely beach on the west of the peninsula. Along the way your guide will tell you tales of megaliths, Vikings and smugglers.

At Port Erin enjoy a stroll along the promenade and admire the beach sitting in a sheltered bay surrounded by the cliffs of Bradda Head.

Ascending from Port Erin take the steep path to Bradda Head, a rugged headland with 'Milner's Tower' atop. Milner's Tower was built in 1871 by the residents of Port Erin in honour of William Milner, a wealthy safemaker who moved to Port Erin from Liverpool in the mid-1800s to convalesce after an illness. Milner was smitten by the little seaside town and invested much of his fortune in Port Erin and its residents, particularly the local fishermen and impoverished families. Notice the unique design of the tower, it's shaped like a lock.

From Bradda Head delight in spectacular panoramic views of Port Erin, the Calf of Man and on a clear day, the Mountains of Mourne across the Irish Sea.

After admiring the spectacular scenery, enjoy the return walk to Port St Mary.