14-NIGHT JEWELS OF THE BRITISH ISLES CRUISE

Day 1 Jul 03, 2027 - London (Dover)

The white cliffs of Dover are famous in song and story. From Dover you can visit nearby Canterbury or take a full-day excursion to see the sights of London, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and more.

Day 2 Jul 04, 2027 - Cowes

Day 3 Jul 05, 2027 - Fowey

This medieval harbor of Fowey is crowded with trawlers and yachts, giving the town a brisk purposeful character and allowing visitors and residents alike to experience the best of Cornwall.

Day 4 Jul 06, 2027 - At Sea

Day 5 Jul 07, 2027 - Bantry

Day 6 Jul 08, 2027 - Kinsale

The quaint little settlement of Kinsale sits around a small picturesque harbour. Located south west of Cork, this characteristicaly 18th century town with its bow fronted shops and slate hung houses are best viewed from Compass Hill. Also explore the star shaped formal naval station, Charles Fort, with its finely detailed and roofless 18th century barracks. Kinsale was the scene of the Spanish invasions in support of the Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnel against Mountjoy and Carew and the site of the last decisive battle in 1602.

Day 7 Jul 09, 2027 - Holyhead

Holyhead is the largest town on the island of Anglesey and a busy ferry port. The town has a number of interesting attractions and is a bustling shopping and visitors area. Around Holyhead there is excellent fishing, golfing and,of course, sailing facilities. Couple this with wonderful scenery, walks and beaches and you can easily lose yourself and relax for a few days. A day trip by ferry to sample the wonderful Dublin is easily achievable. Anglesey has a number of both historic and prehistoric sites close-by. The maritime museum in Holyhead is well worth a visit with exhibits on 100 or so shipwrecks that have taken place in the vicinity. Stroll' down to South Stack Lighthouse.

Day 8 Jul 10, 2027 - Belfast

Belfast is popular with travelers who come to discover the city’s physical beauty and renewed tranquility. Enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shopping along trendy Donegall Place and visiting numerous pubs along The Golden Mile. St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is the principal church of the Anglican Church of Ireland and contains stones from every county in Ireland. Located next to Europa Hotel, the Grand Opera House boasts an impressive mix of large productions of opera, ballet, musicals and drama. Known as the Big Ben of Belfast, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower was built in 1869 to commemorate the Prince Consort. Built in 1849 as one of Queen Victoria’s colleges, Queens University is one of the foremost universities in the British Isles. The classical-style building of Stormont, erected in 1928-32 to house the Parliament of Northern Ireland, stands 3.5 miles outside the city. The Prince of Wales Avenue is exactly one mile long and is bordered by rose beds containing 600 of the famous Korona roses noted for their scarlet blooms.

Day 9 Jul 11, 2027 - Oban

Tucked into a bay at the top of the Argyll Peninsula on the central west coast of Scotland, Oban is a ferry port for the islands and a center for Gaelic history and culture. McCaig's Tower, a replica of the Colosseum of Rome, was built in 1900 by a local banker. Argyll, home of the Clan Campbell, was once the ancient Scottish Kingdom of Dalriada. In mist-shrouded Kilmartin Glen, one of the most beautiful in Scotland, are the ruins of Dunadd Castle, where a weathered rock inscribed with a boar head marks where Scottish kings were crowned until the 11th century. Nearby, stone circles attest to a civilization dating back 5,000 years. Loch Fyne is where the present head of the Campbells, the Duke of Argyll, makes his home at Inverary Castle. The 19th century castle was admired by Sir Walter Scott as a fine example of the Scottish baronial style.

Day 10 Jul 12, 2027 - Stornoway

The name Stornoway comes from the Norse for "Steering Bay", an indication of the early origins of the town. As the best natural harbor in the Western Isles it was a focus for development, and Stornoway Castle was built as early as 1100 by the MacNicol family. Today's Stornoway is a busy, attractive town and the largest settlement in the Western Isles. The shape of the town is defined by the harbour, which partially surrounds it. Visit an interesting range of shops pleasantly different from the usual outlets colonising most UK High Streets. Visitors to Stornoway should be aware that Sunday observance is strong here. Most transport links to Lewis and Harris, and within them, do not operate on a Sunday. Most shops, petrol stations, cafes, pubs, visitor attractions are closed on Sundays, as are at least some public toilets.

Day 11 Jul 13, 2027 - Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)

The Orkney Islands are different from mainland Britain and reflect the original 9th century Viking settlement. In addition to Norse heritage are remains of prehistoric monuments such as Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets winding around medieval St. Magnus Cathedral. A museum featuring Orkney artifacts is housed in 16th-century Tankerness House. Other attractions include Maes Howe, Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the stone-age village Skara Brae. Rock circles, cairns, standing stones, ancient tombs and prehistoric villages are scattered about, gaining these islands international recognition. Only the walls and tower of the 12-century residence, Bishop's Palace, stand. The top of the tower affords a great view of the cathedral and across Kirkwall rooftops. Earl's Palace dates from 1600. Its style blends medieval fierceness with elements of French Renaissance architecture - featuring dungeons, massive fireplaces and magnificent central hall. A good mile south of town is Highland Park - the "most northerly legal distillery in Scotland."

Day 12 Jul 14, 2027 - Dundee

Dundee is a City of Discovery. The city's textile heritage provides inspiration for one of its principal tourist attractions - Verdant Works. Its clean air renowned to be low in pollution and "sunshine hours" way up on many areas in the south - provides a breath of fresh air for visitors. The city center is a shopper's paradise, where major department stores co-exist with specialist shops tucked away in side streets. The high percentage of students in the city make Dundee a buzzing place to be by night, with a lively pub and club scene. Sport remains an activity close to the heart of many Dundonians. The city has a close association with the sea and is home port of the Royal Research Ship Discovery, today a floating museum. Stroll along the quayside from Discovery Point to come across the HM Frigate Unicorn, the oldest British-Built ship afloat. Discover Dundee - one of Scotland's best kept secrets, and you will find an exciting city which really is "The City of Discovery".

Day 13 Jul 15, 2027 - Leith

Graceful old buildings are well maintained and the shore, dock and water further beautify the area. Leith has beautiful waterfront areas with restaurants, bars, and shops lining the streets. A great deal of majestic architecture from the 18th century remain among the sparkling modern buildings. The top excursions to visit here include Royal Mile Road, St. Giles Cathedral, the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Center and the National Gallery of Scotland.
 

Day 14 Jul 16, 2027 - At Sea