Westbound Transatlantic Crossing - 7 nights, December 2013

Visit two of the most famous sites in New York – Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A relaxing, enjoyable and interesting tour starting with a brief stop at Central Park and a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums.

You will head off to the ‘Upper West Side’, where you will see many homes of celebrities as well as the Lincoln Center featuring the Metropolitan Opera House. A brief stop will be made at the famous Dakota building, where John Lennon lived, followed by a short walk to Strawberry Fields, the area of Central Park devoted to him. Central Park is over 150 years old, has over 25 million visitors each year and more than 200 movies have been filmed within the Park. Continue by coach along the world famous Fifth Avenue, famous for all its designer shops and department stores.

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most visited museums in the world featuring over two million works of art. The institution’s permanent collection spans history, from a transported Egyptian temple to a large collection of 19th and 20th century European paintings. There is also the chance to see many special and temporary exhibits while visiting the Museum. Enjoy 2½ hour’s free time with an audio guide to explore the exhibits. There are several cafés in the museum where you can purchase a coffee or snack.

Note: Guests are advised to wear comfortable, flat, walking shoes. Please be aware that there is approximately 2½ hours of walking and standing throughout the tour.

Discover Southampton’s historic buildings and its links with the legendary Titanic on this fascinating walking tour.

Titanic pulled away from the White Star dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10th April 1912. Five days later in the early hours of 15th April she sank after striking an iceberg. The disaster made headlines across the world and had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Of the 724 crew which lived within in the area - only 175 returned home.

Your interesting walking tour commences at Ocean Terminal, which is located adjacent to the site of the original White Star dock. A leisurely stroll will take you through Queen’s Park and past the luxury flats which used to be the old South Western Hotel. This hotel was where the First Class passengers stayed before embarking on the majestic liner. Close by are the old White Star offices where Southampton residents gathered in their hundreds, waiting day after day for news of loved ones.

A walk along Oxford Street will take you past some of the drinking establishments used by the ill fated crew including The Grapes pub, which is where filming took place for the famous ‘Titanic’ movie. At the end of the street are the ruins of Holyrood Church where a memorial to the Titanic crew stands. As you wander past the ancient Southampton walls and through the main shopping precinct, with its eclectic mix of shops, you’ll hear poignant tales of the Titanic heroes and survivors.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the SeaCity Museum. This interactive Museum is filled with information and interesting memorabilia of the fateful disaster and illustrates the impact the liner has had on the city.

Note: There is two hours walking on mostly flat ground with some slight inclines. The return journey will be by shuttle bus. Guests can opt to remain in the city centre and make their own way back to the berth by shuttle bus at their own convenience. This tour only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

Wall Street to Harlem, Hudson to the East River and all in between. This tour offers a great insight into New York.

John D Rockefeller first opened the open-air observation deck in 1933 to the amazement of New Yorkers. Designed in homage to ocean liners of the day, it quickly became ‘the’ place to view the city. After renovation caused the observation deck to close in 1986, ‘Top of the Rock’ re-opened in 2005 to a huge fanfare and has reclaimed its status as one of the best places to see some fantastic views of the city.

After you come back down to Earth, continue your tour with a drive through the financial district to visit St Paul’s Chapel and the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site. St. Paul’s Chapel is currently the home to exhibits and memorabilia relating to the 9/11 attacks. A short stroll from the Chapel will lead to the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, here you can learn about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum through models, renderings, films and genuine artefacts.

The tour then takes in such highlights as Harlem, Central Park, Greenwich Village and Soho. A wonderful day out to see what this amazing city has to offer.

Note: Please note the order of the tour may vary due to traffic in the city. We recommend you take US$ for luncheon at Seaport. There is approximately 2½ hours of walking on this tour.

Discover the history and natural beauty of the New Forest with its famous ponies, quaint villages and picturesque landscapes.

A short drive out of Southampton will bring you to the New Forest. The New Forest, originally created by William the Conqueror for deer hunting, is a mixture of open grazing, woodland and heath. The Forest has remained almost untouched for 1,000 years and is famous for its tiny villages with traditional thatched cottages and wild ponies which roam free on the land. Today it is managed by the Forestry Commission and in 2004 was designated a National Park.

Your scenic drive will take you through the heart of the New Forest, with its famous New Forest ponies, past a variety of beautiful landscapes to three of its prettiest villages; Hythe, Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

The historic marina village of Hythe is located alongside Southampton Water and on a clear day you can see across to where your cruise ship is berthed. The village also boasts the world’s oldest operating pier train.

The picturesque village of Beaulieu dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its Abbey, Motor Museum and Palace Manor House. Admire the lovely views across Beaulieu River as you pass through this quaint village.

The New Forest capital, Lyndhurst is a bustling village containing tea rooms, pubs, souvenir shops, local stores and ice cream vendors. You will have the chance to visit the New Forest Visitor Centre to view its exhibits, browse the local shops or relax in one of the tea rooms.

Note: The sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with a photograph stop at Hythe. There will be approximately 45 minutes free time in Lyndhurst. There is a small charge to visit the exhibits in the New Forest Visitor Centre.

Discover the mystery surrounding Stonehenge, Europe’s most remarkable and intriguing prehistoric monument.

Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the
whole of Britain. It stands as a timeless tribute to the people who built it and is now a richly deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The natural and historical stone circle was erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC (earlier than the Egyptian pyramids) by no less than three different cultures. Its extraordinary features include its orientation on the rising and setting sun, incredible geometry, unique jointing and the fact that some stones were dragged over 100 miles to the site.

As your guide accompanies you around the encircling pathway an insight will be given into the huge significance of Stonehenge. This stone circle also provides many photographic opportunities and with so many theories about its usage and uniqueness, Stonehenge is one of today’s wonders of the world and an absolute must to visit. There will be an opportunity to purchase souvenirs in the gift shop before leaving the site.

Note: The transfer time to Stonehenge is approximately one hour. Audio guides are available at the entrance if you wish to explore Stonehenge independently. The site is wheelchair accessible and the terrain is mainly grass and tarmac pathways with one short but steep incline. The area immediately around the stones is cordoned off to protect them. There is a refreshment area on site for those guests who do not wish to walk around the stones. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Experience the pulse of New York City after dark, including a bird’s eye view from the observatory in the Empire State Building.

Travel across the East River to Brooklyn to view the illuminated New York City Skyline from beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, at the historical Fulton Landing. The dazzling lights of Broadway, the illuminated icons of the City, the string of pearls that suspend the humming road of the Brooklyn Bridge and the spectacular Art Deco capped Chrysler Building will all be sparkling as you pass by.

Retuning to midtown, ascend the iconic Empire State Building for the breathtaking panoramic views of the city at night from the observation deck, on the 86th floor of the tallest building in the city.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Times Square with some free time to stroll, shop or enjoy a drink in a bar.

Note: Due to the popularity of the Empire State Building there may be up to an hour’s wait to access the 86th Floor Observatory. This tour will operate in all weather conditions and visibility cannot be guaranteed.

Cruise the Hudson River and take in the famous New York skyline. See many of the city’s famous sites on this land and sea tour.

On land, make your way to Lower Manhattan by coach, stopping at the historic 18th century South Street Seaport, complete with historic tall ships, museums, exhibits, shops and restaurants.

Board the Zephyr, a custom-built, luxury catamaran for a sixty minute tour of New York’s waterways. You will experience unparalleled views of the skyline and the port as your tour guide provides an informative narration whilst you cruise by the amazing spectacle of New York.

Sail by Brooklyn Bridge, see the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, World Financial Centre and the famous boroughs of Brooklyn, Staten Island and Ellis Island, the immigrant gateway to America. Have your camera ready for the highlight of the trip as your captain briefly lingers directly in front of the Statue of Liberty for a fantastic photograph opportunity.

After your harbour cruise, you will re-board your coach and take a scenic drive back to the ship which will include passing the 9/11 Memorial & One World Trade.

Note: Guests are advised that this itinerary may operate in reverse order and that it is not possible to disembark at the Statue of Liberty. The Zephyr has two enclosed climate-controlled decks and an open top deck. Guests should note that the tour duration is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions and may vary.

Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Royal residence of Windsor Castle followed by free time to explore the historic town of Windsor.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.

After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.

Note: The transfer time to Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Visit two of the most famous sites in New York – Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A relaxing, enjoyable and interesting tour starting with a brief stop at Central Park and a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums.

You will head off to the ‘Upper West Side’, where you will see many homes of celebrities as well as the Lincoln Center featuring the Metropolitan Opera House. A brief stop will be made at the famous Dakota building, where John Lennon lived, followed by a short walk to Strawberry Fields, the area of Central Park devoted to him. Central Park is over 150 years old, has over 25 million visitors each year and more than 200 movies have been filmed within the Park. Continue by coach along the world famous Fifth Avenue, famous for all its designer shops and department stores.

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most visited museums in the world featuring over two million works of art. The institution’s permanent collection spans history, from a transported Egyptian temple to a large collection of 19th and 20th century European paintings. There is also the chance to see many special and temporary exhibits while visiting the Museum. Enjoy 2½ hour’s free time with an audio guide to explore the exhibits. There are several cafés in the museum where you can purchase a coffee or snack..

Note: Guests are advised to wear comfortable, flat, walking shoes. Please be aware that there is approximately 2½ hours of walking and standing throughout the tour.

Visit Queen Victoria’s much loved home on the Isle of Wight, for an insight into the life she shared with Prince Albert.

Osborne House was the treasured summer home of Queen Victoria and her family; a secluded seaside retreat away from public life and the formalities of London.

Take the ferry to the Isle of Wight for the short drive to the impressive estate of Osborne House. Enjoy a tour of the main house and admire the beauty of the opulent interior with its architectural design and decoration. You will gain an insight into the private life of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as you wander around the Royal bedrooms and see the many family photographs which adorn the desks and walls.

One of the most impressive rooms in the house is the richly decorated Durbar Room, with its intricate ceiling inspired by medieval temple structures, which celebrates Queen Victoria's role as Empress of India. The room itself contains art, furniture and many trinkets sent as gifts to Queen Victoria from India.

To the rear of the house are the beautiful Italian-style terraces and at the bottom of the estate stands the wooden chalet style, Swiss Cottage, which belonged to the children. The children each had a vegetable garden where they planted and grew produce which they sold to the main house, providing them with a valuable lesson in gardening and commerce.

Note: The main house and gardens are wheelchair accessible, however the nursery and Swiss Cottage are not. Photography is not permitted inside Osborne House. To derive full enjoyment of the estate will involve two hours of walking. Luncheon is not included to allow for maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

New York after dark – see the lights of Broadway and the ‘strings of pearls’ that suspend from the Brooklyn Bridge.

An experience not to be missed as you head to Brooklyn and take in the dazzling illuminated lights of Broadway.

You will see the spectacular art deco building of the steel-capped Chrysler building, and take in sites such as the Rockefeller Center, the Woolworth Building and in the distance the magnificent site of the Statue of Liberty.

You will travel from the East River to Brooklyn from where you will be able to take in the famous New York City skyline from beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

A stop at Times Square gives you the chance to stroll and shop or just relax and sip a coffee and watch the world go by.

Note: You will have approximately one hour of free time on the tour during the stop at Times Square.

A unique tour that combines a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – two of the world’s most renowned landmarks.

On this tour you will stand at the base of ‘Lady Liberty’, delve into the history of this iconic statue and visit Ellis Island Museum to catch the spirit of the important role this island played in American history.

After a brief drive to Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, you will board the ferry and take in the sites of New York Harbour including beautiful views of the city including Brooklyn and its famous bridge, Staten Island, New Jersey and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

Upon reaching Liberty Island, you will have time to walk around the base of this magnificent statue. There will also be a short time to visit the gift shop and enjoy some of the exterior exhibits. Your guide will provide detailed information about ‘Lady Liberty’, its completion in 1886 and her unique history.

Re-boarding the ferry, you will continue on to Ellis Island, another National Historic Landmark. Ellis Island was the main immigration centre for the United States from 1892 until World War II. More than 12 million immigrants were processed at the island, and today over 40% of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to Ellis Island. You will have approximately 1½ hours to explore the museum on your own.

Note: Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. Guests will be required to pass through an airline-style security check before boarding the ferry. Some queuing may be experienced due to the popularity of both attractions. Food and beverages are available for purchase at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Get a taste of the ‘Big Apple’ on this leisurely sightseeing adventure and discover New York’s most celebrated landmarks.

Begin your sightseeing drive of Manhattan and view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick’s Cathedral from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach. You will travel through quintessential New York neighbourhoods such as trendy Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Financial District and Fifth Avenue with its designer stores and boutiques. You will also see glimpses of Central Park, which covers some 843 acres at the core of this bustling metropolis, and provides the people of the city with a green oasis.

The highlight of your New York exploration will be a visit to St Paul’s Chapel, where President George Washington paused to pray after his inauguration. St Paul’s Chapel is currently the home to exhibits and memorabilia relating to the 9/11 attacks. A short stroll from St Paul’s Chapel will lead you to the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, where you can learn about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum through models, renderings, films and genuine artefacts.

Following your stop at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, you’ll resume your travels on the pulsing streets of the city. With your hunger to discover the ‘Big Apple’ satisfied, you’ll return to your ship.

Note: There will be approximately 30 - 45 minutes of walking during the stop at St Paul’s Chapel and the 9/11 Memorial. Guests should note that the tour duration is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions and may vary. The majority of this tour is spent on the coach. Tour sequence may vary. Depending on traffic or street closures, some sights may not be accessible.

Feel the pulse of Lower Manhattan and see the city’s premier highlights on this tour.

Travelling the dynamic streets of Manhattan by coach, your informative guide offers historic and factual commentary as you pass the celebrated sights of the city.

Absorb the sights as you sweep along Broadway, and visit the historical St Paul’s Chapel, where President George Washington paused to pray after his inauguration. A short stroll from St Paul’s Chapel will lead you to the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, here you can learn about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum through models, renderings, films and genuine artefacts.

Your journey through the ‘city that never sleeps’ will showcase famous locations such as Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. A brief stop will also be made at Battery Park will allow you to snap a photo of the Statue of Liberty in the distance

Take a break from the main city sightseeing to enjoy the atmosphere at South Street Seaport. Photograph the nearby Brooklyn Bridge which, when it opened, had the longest span between its two supporting towers in history at 1595 feet. Today it remains an impressive icon of New York. Inspired by this great city’s energy, beauty and resolve, resume your sightseeing drive and make your way through New York’s uniquely fascinating avenues.

Note: Please remember to take US$ for shopping at the Seaport. The New York Stock Exchange is not open to the public and will be viewed externally only. Guests are advised there is a significant amount of walking and steps at St Paul’s Chapel and Trinity Church. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

A unique tour that combines a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – two of the world’s most renowned landmarks.

On this tour you will stand at the base of ‘Lady Liberty’, delve into the history of this iconic statue and visit Ellis Island Museum to catch the spirit of the important role this island played in American history.

After a brief drive to Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, you will board the ferry and take in the sites of New York Harbour including beautiful views of the city including Brooklyn and its famous bridge, Staten Island, New Jersey and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

Upon reaching Liberty Island, you will have time to walk around the base of this magnificent statue. There will also be a short time to visit the gift shop and enjoy some of the exterior exhibits. Your guide will provide detailed information about ‘Lady Liberty’, its completion in 1886 and her unique history.

Re-boarding the ferry, you will continue on to Ellis Island, another National Historic Landmark. Ellis Island was the main immigration centre for the United States from 1892 until World War II. More than 12 million immigrants were processed at the island, and today over 40% of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to Ellis Island. You will have approximately 1½ hour to explore the museum on your own.

Note: Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. Guests will be required to pass through an airline-style security check before boarding the ferry. Some queuing may be experienced due to the popularity of both attractions. Food and beverages are available for purchase at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.