Short Break from Hamburg - 2 nights, July 2013

This trip presents an ideal insight into Hamburg, the ‘Free and Hanseatic City’ and Germany’s second largest city after Berlin.

Hamburg is one of Europe’s biggest ports. Elegant and cosmopolitan it is a city of palatial office buildings, magnificent promenades, international musicals and extravagant shopping malls as well as the famous Reeperbahn. Hamburg is also Germany’s greenest city with many spacious lawns and lovely parks.

Enjoy a panoramic tour showing you the highlights of this bustling city, such as the City Hall, Germany’s oldest Stock Exchange; the Speicherstadt; as well as the Jungfernstieg, one of the elegant and luxury shopping areas. Travel around the Aussen-Alster, which is one of the top addresses in Hamburg.

Continue your journey along the world famous Reeperbahn, where at the beginning of the 17th century, the Reepers made rigs. Nowadays this street, together with the Grosse Freiheit and Herbert Strasse, are referred to as ‘the mile of sin’.

Visit St Michael’s Church, also known as the ‘Michel’ by the locals. This is the largest north German Baroque church and Hamburg’s main landmark. St Michael’s has four organs, one of which is said to be the largest in the world inside a church. During your visit, you will be treated to a wonderful organ recital to appreciate the excellent acoustics of the church.

Before returning to the ship you will take a leisurely stroll through the Kramer Amts Stuben, which was an earlier form of widow housing.

Note: This tour is mainly panoramic, with only an estimated 30 minutes of walking, including a few steps at the Church.

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).

Visit Berlin’s top ten city sights and spend some free time shopping at one of its Christmas Markets.

Travel to Berlin by coach, where your local guide will meet you. One of your first stops will be at the remnants of the Berlin Wall, East Side Gallery. Today, approximately 106 paintings by artists from all over the world cover this memorial for freedom and make it the largest open-air gallery in the world.

Some of the most famous highlights that you’ll see are; Bebel Platz where, below ground level, lies the Empty Library, the city’s most original memorial, created to commemorate ostracized authors whose books were burned. Check-Point Charlie, the legendary border crossing; the Potsdamer Platz, formerly a no man's land between East and West where the first gap in the Berlin Wall was made in 1989. Next you’ll travel to the famous Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of Berlin’s history and the Reichstag.

Drive through Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s ‘Champs Elysées’, passing the impressive Schloss Charlottenburg’, and the Gendarmenmarkt. Have your camera at the ready as you pass the main railway station, Hauptbahnhof, the building has been dubbed an architectural and logistical wonder. Next, it’s time for some retail therapy where you’ll enjoy some time at leisure to browse the colourful stalls at one of Berlin’s Christmas Markets.

A traditional German luncheon is included and will be served at a local pub-style restaurant.

Note: The coach journey to/from Berlin is approximately 3½-4 hours. This tour involves some walking at the photo stops. Guests will have approximately 45 minutes free time at the market. The time spent in Berlin will be subject to traffic conditions and may cause a variation in time given for exploration in Berlin.

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.

Enjoy an evening in Hamburg, see the sights and sample the famous German hospitality at a traditional brewery.

Sit back and relax as your guide hosts you on a panoramic drive around Hamburg. Have your camera to hand, as you pass by many of the City’s highlights including the century old Warehouse Quarter, Speicherstadt, City Hall and the Aussen-Alster, the top address in Hamburg where numerous consulates are located.

Enjoy a guided stroll through the infamous Reeperbahn, also known as St Pauli, Hamburg’s ‘red-light district’ as well as the theatre and nightlife mile. Your next stop is at one of the many breweries, a traditional German pub, to sample a stein of the locally produced beer.

Note: This tour includes approximately 40 minutes of walking over flat ground, with several steps to negotiate at the brewery.

Discover the World Heritage City of Bath with its beautiful Georgian architecture, Roman history and stunning scenery.

The Roman City of Bath and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it, has been described as one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath is situated within the south west of England and is a 2,000 year old fabulous spa town, built around Britain’s only hot mineral springs.

Bath offers a multitude of fantastic places to visit and is very easy to navigate on foot. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, the city has some of the finest architectural sites in Europe and boasts a unique and diverse range of historic features, which attract people the world over.

Your visit will begin with a panoramic tour of the city, with your guide bringing the city to life as you pass the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the city’s parks, including Royal Victoria Park. There will be free time to explore at your own leisure, enjoy the many street performers, visit the Roman Baths Museum, discover Jane Austen’s connection to the city at the Jane Austen Centre or wander around the fabulous shops.

Note: The transfer time to Bath is approximately 1¾ hours. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling). Bath is relatively flat but some streets are cobbled.

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.

Combine a visit to Europe’s most intriguing prehistoric monument, with the enchanting medieval city of Salisbury.

Stonehenge is Britain’s most remarkable and intriguing prehistoric monument. It is as old as the great temples and pyramids of Egypt and remains as compelling today as it was to the people who built the first phase over 5,000 years ago. This mighty symbol is a wonder of the world drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness its awesome majesty and mystery.

The stone circle of shaped stones, lintels, unique jointing and absolutely perfect geometry make it the most sophisticated stone circle in the world. The stones are fenced off for their preservation and protection, however your guide will accompany you along the encircling pathway for close up views and will describe what has been concluded from observations and archaeological evidence.

After a short drive from Stonehenge, you’ll arrive at the magnificent medieval city of Salisbury, with its historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional eating houses and medieval Cathedral. Salisbury Cathedral is a beautiful masterpiece of early English Gothic architecture which also boasts the tallest spire in Britain, Europe’s oldest working clock and the world's best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta. Enjoy free time to explore this lovely city at your leisure.

Note: The transfer time to Stonehenge is approximately one hour. There will be approximately 2½ hours of free time in Salisbury. Luncheon and the Cathedral entrance fee are not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Enjoy Hamburg at night during a leisurely cruise by barge on Alster Lake, with a traditional punch and Glühwein.

A short drive will take you through the centre of Hamburg and some of the finest streets, lined with sparkling Christmas decorations.

Once you arrive at the jetty, board a barge for an evening cruise around Alster Lake. On board enjoy a traditional Christmas drink and snack - a punch or Glühwein, whilst taking in the night time scenery. Pass by some of Hamburg’s 2,302 bridges - more than all of the bridges in Venice and Amsterdam combined.

Return to the ship by coach, including a short drive past Hamburg’s famous red-light district, the Reeperbahn.

Note: There are a few steps at the jetty to board the barge.

Discover Hamburg’s Jewish heritage and visit a former Concentration Camp, commemorating the lives of those who died in the Holocaust.

Your morning starts with a panoramic tour of Hamburg, where for more than 400 years the Jewish community have influenced the city’s development. En route you will pass by some of the main highlights including City Hall, Germany’s oldest Stock Exchange, and the old warehouse quarter, which was built in Gothic redbrick architecture and houses fine spices, coffee and tea from all over the world. You will also pass through the elegant shopping area of Jungfernstieg.

During your panoramic tour, you will pass by the Jewish Cemetery that dates back to the early 1600’s, as well as the site where the new synagogue stood, until its destruction during World War II. The site is now Hamburg’s Holocaust Memorial, where a voluntary group works towards ‘a world without hate’.

Situated outside Hamburg is the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial. The historical site commemorates over 100,000 people who were imprisoned in the largest concentration camp in north west Germany during World War II. Free time will be given at the main exhibition entitled ‘Traces of History: Neuengamme Concentration Camp 1938–1945 and its Post-war History’, which focuses on the history of Neuengamme Concentration Camp and its satellite camps. Before departing a short drive will be made at the Memorial.

Note: There is approximately 1½ hours of walking included over flat paved ground. The advertised itinerary may operate in reverse. Please be advised that the Museum exhibits sensitive material including some graphic images and displays on the atrocities of war.

Celebrate Christmas with a stop at Hamburg’s largest Baroque church, and a visit to the Christmas Market.

Visit St Michael’s Church, the largest north German Baroque church and Hamburg’s main landmark. During a brief public sermon (in German), you’ll have the opportunity to listen to a short organ recital. It is not surprising to find that this church has 3 organs, one of which contains no less than 6,665 pipes, 85 stops and 5 keyboards. The church’s high nave and resonant acoustics afford an ideal environment for the organ.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of elegant and cosmopolitan Hamburg. See the palatial office buildings, magnificent promenades and extravagant shopping malls, plus the famous Reeperbahn in St Pauli. Pass the City Hall, Germany’s oldest Stock Exchange, the Speicherstadt and the Aussen-Alster.

With your guide, you’ll explore Roncalli Christmas Market located at the Town Hall, which provides a grand setting for the city’s most charming market.

Note: This tour involves up to 1 hour of walking. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are recommended. The organ recital is approximately 15 minutes in duration. Guests who wish to remain in Hamburg at the end of the tour will be responsible for their own return to the ship. Whilst comfort stops at restaurants are usually free of charge, a donation is common.

This tour introduces you to many of Berlin’s highlights, leaving with the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure.

Upon arrival in Berlin, have you camera to hand, as your guide takes you on a panoramic drive around the city’s highlights. En route, you’ll pass by the Bebel Platz where, below ground level, lies the Empty Library, the city’s most original memorial, created to commemorate ostracised authors whose books were burned.

Some of the most famous highlights which you’ll see are the remnants of the Berlin Wall; Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church; the Brandenburger Gate and the Reichstag. There will be a brief photography stop at the legendary border crossing of the former Check-Point Charlie.

During the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Berlin independently from Potsdamer Platz. Have a spot of lunch, do some shopping or perhaps visit one of the many top attractions.

Note: The coach journey to/from Berlin is approximately 3½ to 4 hours. Free time is generally around 2 to 3 hours, but this may vary depending on local conditions. The advertised drop off point may vary, please pay careful attention to the pick-up point and time. Guests will be provided with a map for independent exploration.

‘Come Together’ and follow in the famous footsteps of The Beatles and discover where the band first found fame in the early 1960’s.

Sit back, relax and enjoy your ‘Ticket to Ride’ as you follow on the trail of the ‘Fab Four’ in Hamburg. Have your camera at the ready as you pass by many of the City’s highlights including the century old Warehouse Quarter, Speicherstadt, City Hall and the Aussen-Alster, the top address in Hamburg where numerous consulates are located. You’ll also see the infamous Reeperbahn, also known as St Pauli, Hamburg’s ‘red-light district’ as well as the theatre and nightlife mile.

Your guide will host you on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ to discover where the band first found fame and enjoy some tales about their early experiences. On the 18th August 1960, the band played their first concert as ‘The Beatles’ at the Indra Club. Enjoy a glass of beer at the club, as you soak up the atmosphere.

As it’s been a ‘Hard Day’s Night’, you’ll enjoy a brief stop at a typical German Imbiss, where you’ll sample a tasty traditional bratwurst, before you have to ‘Get Back’ to your ship.

Note: This tour includes approximately 1½ hours of walking and standing, with three steps to negotiate at the Indra Club.

Visit the medieval town of Lüneburg, situated on the River Ilmenau, a secret treasure south of Hamburg.

Sit back and relax as you drive south to the ‘hidden treasure’ of Lüneburg city.

Lüneburg is historically connected with salt – the ‘white gold’ of the Middle Ages. The salt mines made Lüneburg a rich and powerful town and an important member of the ‘Hanseatic League’. To appreciate the beauty of this medieval city, your guide will host you on a stroll through the ‘Old Town’. As you wander through the small cobbled alleyways, you’ll discover many medieval houses as well as the historic Rathaus Town Hall.

Enjoy some free time to explore the local Christmas Market, where the booths are decorated on the Brothers Grimm fairytale themes transform Lüneburg's pedestrian streets into a magical fairytale world. Stroll through this winter wonderland, which many Germans have not yet discovered.

Enjoy a hot Glühwein and some traditional Christmas snacks whilst being surrounded by festive merriment.

Note: Journey time to Lüneburg is estimated at 45 minutes each way. There is approximately two hours’ walking included on this tour with steps. Flat, comfortable, walking shoes are recommended. Whilst comfort stops at restaurants are usually free of charge, a donation is common.

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).