Around the British Isles from Hamburg - 12 nights, July 2013

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 Bath, with your guide bringing the city to life as you pass the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the parks, including Royal Victoria Park. There will be approximately three hours’ free time to explore this historic city at your own leisure. Watch the many street performers, visit the Roman Baths Museum, discover Jane Austen’s connection to the city at the Jane Austen Centre, wander around the fabulous shops or simply sit back and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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). Any walking is at guests’ own discretion. Bath is relatively flat but some streets are cobbled.

Once described as The Queen's floating palace and her 'home away from home', a tour around the Royal Yacht Britannia is a master class in style and luxury, and a unique insight into the lives of the British Royal Family. As host to glittering state and official occasions, this remains one of the most famous ships in the world. Discover Britannia's fascinating past through exhibits, displays and photographs, before visiting the Royal Apartments, where hundreds of original items are on display in the Sun Lounge, Drawing Room and Bedrooms, as well as the Working Deck, Officer's Mess, Garage and Engine Room.

After the fascinating visit to Britannia, your journey will take you into the heart of Edinburgh for a tour of the bustling city highlights before stopping at a hotel for a delicious three course luncheon.

After luncheon, you'll have time to browse the shops on Princes Street or see the magnificent Edinburgh Castle which is surrounded by lovely grounds before rejoining your coach for the drive along part of the Royal Mile. Standing proudly at the end of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of Great Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. The Palace was built in the style of a French chateau and contains the Great Gallery, which is adorned with over 100 portraits of Scottish monarchs through the ages. There is also a chance to explore the beautiful grounds where the Queen hosts her annual Garden Party.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to three hours' of walking on this tour. The tour of Holyrood Palace will be partially guided, as you will have time to explore the rooms on your own. The rooms associated with Mary Queen of Scots are accessed via a narrow, spiral staircase consisting of 25 steps.

Your scenic drive through County Wicklow into Wicklow Mountains National Park will take you past jagged mountains, through lush glens and by pretty lakes, which all combine to create a naturally beautiful backdrop.

On arrival in Glendalough, you will visit one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. The early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century and consists of a number of monastic remains. One of Europe’s finest examples of Round Tower architecture can be found here, as well as a cathedral, stone church and decorated crosses. Admire the picturesque setting as you take a guided tour around the monastic ruins which are scattered around two lakes. Following your walk, refreshments of tea or coffee and scones will be served at a local hotel.

Having enjoyed the beauty of this peaceful and picturesque valley, your return journey will take you through pretty quaint villages before joining the scenic coastal road.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Approximately one hour is spent at the monastic ruins, the terrain in parts is uneven and gravelled. A stop will be made on the return journey to take photos of the scenery.

Be immersed in the island’s wildlife as you travel through the turquoise waters around Guernsey to discover the waters, wildlife and history that makes Guernsey such a unique island.

Look out for an impressive variety of seabirds, which nest amidst the rocky ledges, with the possibility of seeing Puffins, Gannets, Razorbills and Shags. These can be viewed from close quarters as your specially adapted boat allows you to get close to the cliffs and caves.

Visit the reef of rocks just to the north of Herm Island, a designated nature reserve, where Atlantic Grey Seals can sometimes be seen lazing on the rocks. You may even spot dolphins or whales.

Guided by a nature enthusiast, this tour provides a combination of wildlife observation and exhilaration. You will also find out more about the history and drama of Guernsey’s spectacular maritime heritage.

Your return will be at a bracing speed – so hold on tightly!

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by rigid inflatable boat. The RIB is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women cannot participate. You will be provided with a life jacket and wet weather gear, however it is recommended to also wear warm clothing. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The route taken by the boat will be dependent on local weather conditions.

Leaving the pier, you’ll take a short leisurely stroll past the marina to the magnificent Castle Cornet. Castle Cornet is Guernsey's ancient harbour fortress, which was isolated upon a rocky islet, until the construction of a breakwater and bridge in the 19th century. The Castle stands proudly overlooking the sea with views out to Herm.

Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a guided tour around the medieval parts of the castle and gardens, describing the Castle’s fascinating history, whilst you admire the lovely surroundings. A climb to the top of the Castle affords fantastic views over the harbour, lighthouse and town. At noon you will be able to view the firing of the noon day gun. The gun has been fired daily since the early 19th century to recall soldiers of the garrison to their barracks. After viewing this historical event, you will be taken to one of the rooms within the Castle for a private reception of sparkling wine and canapés.

At the end of the tour, you can choose to return to the pier, discover the pretty streets and shops of St Peter Port or remain in the Castle to explore further and maybe visit its three historic museums.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The tour of the Castle takes approximately one hour. There are approximately 30 steps to access the exhibitions and 60 steps to reach the top of the Castle, however the latter climb is optional. The walk to the Castle takes approximately 20 minutes over flat ground.

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.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach. The sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with a photograph stop at Hythe and Beaulieu. There will be approximately 45 minutes free time in Lyndhurst.

Travel through the Vale of Strathmore, a fertile valley with the Grampian Mountains to the north and the Sidlaw Hills to the south, to your first stop, the imposing keep of Glamis Castle, with its rich history and stunning setting. Owned by the Bowes-Lyon family, it was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, Lady Strathmore. It is an archetypal Scottish baronial castle, made famous as the setting of Duncan's murder in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Visit the Royal Apartments and see pheasants and deer in the surrounding Royal Park.

Continue to St Andrews, a beautiful town situated on a wide bay on the north-east Fife coast. Often described as the Oxford and Cambridge of Scotland, it has a very distinctive collegiate feel, with its quads, beautiful gardens and magnificent old trees, which influenced Prince William to study at the ancient university, the place where he first met Kate Middleton and started their Royal romance. Enjoy a guided tour by coach, passing through the medieval streets, past the ruined Gothic cathedral and castle, and close to the Old Course, where the game of golf originated. Afterwards, enjoy around two hours free time to explore this historic gem with cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and many places which have changed very little in centuries.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to 1½ hours of walking at Glamis Castle. Walking in St Andrews is at guests' own discretion. Luncheon has not been included to allow maximum flexibility.

As you travel close to the Second World War Naval Base of Scapa Flow, your knowledgeable guide will tell dramatic wartime stories relating to this well known historic stretch of water. Heading south, you’ll reach the southern islands which are linked by a series of causeways called the Churchill Barriers.

On the small island of Lamb Holm there will be a stop to visit the beautifully hand-painted Italian Chapel. Known as the miracle of Camp 60, this remarkable structure was built by Italian Prisoners during the last World War. The Chapel has been preserved and maintained for its historical connection with the soldiers from Italy.

Continuing on to the island of South Ronaldsay, you'll head for the pretty village of St Margaret's Hope, which sits at the head of a sheltered bay. There will be time here to explore the craft workshop, browse the shops or stroll along the attractive waterfront.

Rejoining your coach, your journey will take you to the island of Burray. A stop will be made for refreshments at the Sands Hotel, located in a delightful setting overlooking the peaceful harbour of Burray Village, before returning to the port.


This excursion will operate by coach. Walking is at guests' own discretion. All terrain is flat and paved.

Drive along the banks of the Cromarty Firth and through Beauly on your way to Drumnadrochit. As you approach the famous Loch Ness you will have great views of the Loch and your chance to spot ‘Nessie’, who was first sighted in the 6th century by St Columba.

Visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition Experience, where you can see a fascinating presentation passing through seven themed areas of a journey from the dawn of time to the third millennium. A highly effective mix of lasers, special effects and digital projection charts the history of the Loch Ness Monster by exploring Scotland’s geological past, its folklore and the various research projects undertaken on the Loch.

On arrival at Inverness, ‘Capital of the Highlands’, around 1½ hours’ free time will be given to enjoy all that the city has to offer, including shops and historic sites, such as the Gothic-style Town House, Inverness Castle and Tolbooth Steeple, as well as the pretty, tree-lined River Ness.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The journey to Loch Ness takes approximately one hour and takes you through beautiful countryside. Approximately one hour is spent at the Exhibition Centre, the area is flat and there is seating throughout the themed areas. Any walking and activities undertaken in Inverness are at guests' own discretion. Luncheon is not included but can be purchased in Inverness.

Travel through an area of rich farmland, rolling hills and moorland, fringed by magnificent cliffs, to visit the great ceremonial megalith circles of the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness before arriving at Skara Brae.

Skara Brae is one of Orkney’s most exciting and oldest monuments, an entire 5,000 year-old Neolithic village, beautifully preserved and interpreted in a new visitors' centre. Lying beside the pretty, sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, this stone age settlement was totally buried under sand for thousands of years, until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Amongst the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery and whalebone artefacts. Looking across the village, it is easy to imagine how it looked all those centuries ago, and close inspection of the houses gives a unique insight into how our ancient ancestors lived.

The hardship of life in Skara Brae can be directly contrasted to Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, located next door. It was built by a powerful Bishop in 1620 on an ancient graveyard and is now surrounded by spacious lawned gardens in a beautiful secluded spot between the sea and the Loch of Skaill.

Return to Kirkwall via the historic bay of Scapa Flow, one of the most renowned stretches of water in the world.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The walk from the coach park to Skara Brae and back from Skaill House is around 500 yards each way on a fairly good path, though sometimes exposed to harsh weather.

Drive through Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital, stopping for photographs of the famous Doorways of Dublin, Government Buildings and St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Both Guinness and Riverdance started their lives on the Banks of the River Liffey. Riverdance was originally a 7 minute live television performance, broadcast from Dublin to a European viewing audience of over 300 million during the Eurovision Song Contest in1994. It integrated traditional and modern music, with spectacular hard-shoe Irish dancing in a way never dreamed of before. The heart of the nation was captured that very first night by young and old alike, and this was to be the beginnings of what became the runaway artistic and commercial success of the decade in Ireland.

Stop at an Irish pub situated near the River Liffey for a live performance of traditional music and dance. Try a Guinness or, if you prefer, why not have a cool glass of Bailey’s Irish Cream.


This excursion will operate by coach. The venue will be on ground level with easy access, however on weekend calls, it is possible that the live performance will take place in the basement, which is accessed via 15 steps.

Enjoy an orientation drive of Hamburg including many of the city sights before transferring to Lüneburg.

Lüneburg city is rich in tradition and 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 fully appreciate the beauty, take a tour of the Old Town on foot. The many important historical buildings testify to the prosperity of the city in the Middle Ages. Even today, salt plays an important role in Lüneburg’s status as a spa town; many illnesses are treated through salt and water therapies.

During your walk through the city and small cobbled alleyways, you will see buildings such as the historical town hall Rathaus, which was built around 1240.

Enjoy some free time, exploring the medieval, quaint town centre with its numerous shops.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Journey time to Luneburg is estimated at 45 - 60 minutes each way. The orientation drive will be around 45 minutes. There is approximately two hours of 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. Please be aware that there is usually a charge of approximately Euro 50 cents at public facilities.

The city of Liverpool was well known internationally long before The Beatles emerged from The Cavern in the swinging sixties, but the city is now a major attraction and mecca for countless numbers of fans and devotees of the ‘Fab Four’ and their music.

See the birthplaces, former homes, schools and venues of The Beatles as you view the city from your coach. Listen to their music as you see the places they wrote about, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. Your tour guide will recount the story of The Beatles as stops for photographs are made at places of interest.

Enjoy The Beatles Story, a multimedia exhibit which chronicles the ‘Fab Four’ from their childhood to their final break-up. The story unfolds in 18 audiovisual sets allowing you to experience The Beatles time in Hamburg as well as the sights and sounds of The Cavern Club as it appeared in 1961. Each feature reflects a time or place during The Beatles phenomenal rise to super-stardom.

Continue to Mathew Street, where you can enjoy a short walk to the site of The Cavern Club. Opened in 1957 as a jazz club, The Beatles made their first of nearly 300 performances here in February 1961. Their last performance was in August 1963, by which time they had become international stars.


This excursion will operate by coach. Approximately one hour is spent at the Beatles Story and the venue is wheelchair accessible. There is 20 minutes leisurely walking along Mathew Street.

Once known as the ‘Queen of the Hanseatic League’, Lübeck is steeped in history and tradition and is, quite simply, beautiful. The old town on its oval island is one of the most impressive, intact examples of medieval Gothic architecture.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk of the Altstadt (old city) with the Holsten Gate. Pass by St Marien Church and the Gothic Rathaus, one of the oldest in Germany. Continue past the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital, as well as the Buddenbrooks House, home of the famous writers Heinrich and Thomas Mann, both born in Lübeck. Another fascinating attraction is the Fuechtingshof one of the quaintest of the 82 Wohngaenge (alleyways).

Visit the famous Café Niederegger, where you may enjoy refreshments and Niederegger’s popular marzipan gateau. There will also be time for you to stock up on Niederegger’s large selection of chocolate-coated marzipan.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Journey time to Lübeck is estimated at 75 to 90 minutes each way. There is approximately two hours of 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. Please be aware that there is usually a charge of approximately Euro 50 cents at public facilities.

Edinburgh has a treasure trove of historical monuments and sights in both the medieval `Old Town`, and the 18th century `New Town`. These include Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, famous Princes Street and its shops, the Outlook Tower and its view over the city.

Whether you are sightseeing or shopping there are an abundance of places to eat and drink to keep you replenished. This unguided tour gives you the freedom to choose what to do with your day out.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is 5½ hours of free time in the city. Maps will be provided.