Around the British Isles - 10 nights, July 2013

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.

Embark on a journey to the historic city of Dublin, a city tour will take you round the Dublin’s main sights, including the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam, Old Parliament House, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, City Hall, Christchurch Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral, before visiting the home of the famous brew – Guinness.

The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery. It is a dramatic story that began over 250 years ago and ends in ‘Gravity’, the sky bar, which has astonishing views of Dublin. The ‘Guinness adventure’ begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building’s giant, pint-shaped heart of glass. Find out how the drink that carries Arthur Guinness’s name has travelled around the world.

After your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the world famous stout. There will also be time to shop in the Guinness Store, where you’ll find the world’s greatest selection of Guinness memorabilia.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Entrance into the Brewery itself is not permitted. There are several stairs to negotiate within the Guinness Storehouse. Please note that your visit to the Guinness Storehouse is self guided.

The German Occupation of Guernsey during World War II left the islanders with many visible reminders of their control. Quickly consolidating their position, the German forces built fortifications and observation towers on the cliffs which can still clearly be seen today.

Visit the German Occupation Museum, which is split into several different rooms each depicting a theme. These include an equipment room, prison, an occupation kitchen, a fortress room and an area dedicated to maritime Guernsey. The explanation of the items on display will add to your experience at this extremely thought-provoking Museum.

The Underground Hospital is a further remnant, and the largest structural reminder of the German Occupation existing in the Channel Islands. The maze of tunnels in this incredible structure covers about 75,000 square feet. The hospital comprises of 2 main corridors each with wards, operating theatres and x-ray rooms. Although little remains of the equipment, you’ll see beds, cooking arrangements and the heating plant, and most of all you will be in the cool, damp environment which will enable you to contemplate what the true purpose of the building might have been.

At Pleinmont, take in the spectacular views over the cliffs of the west coast of Guernsey and view the impressive gun emplacements.

There will be a stop for refreshments of tea or coffee and cake during your tour and the opportunity to view German defences at close quarters.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The surfaces in the hospital are level, but will be damp and in subdued lighting. Please wear warm clothing in the Hospital. The coach driver will also be your guide on this tour.

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.

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 will 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.


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 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).

Travel into Edinburgh, with its dramatic setting perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags. Enjoy a fascinating city tour before visiting the impressive Edinburgh Castle.

Dominating the city, the Castle has been home to Scottish Kings and Queens through the centuries. Enjoy a guided visit of the Castle, before spending some free time on the historic and atmospheric Royal Mile.

After rejoining the coach, pass Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh, see the extensive, rather wild Royal Park, the landmark Arthur’s Seat and the Georgian New Town, with its elegant townhouses and private parks.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to 1 ¾ hours of walking at Edinburgh Castle, with cobbled pathways and a long sloping pathway to the main area. There will be 30 minutes of free time at the Royal Mile.

DUKWs (colloquially known as Ducks) are six-wheeled amphibious trucks created for use as military ship-to-shore transport during World War II. Today, the majority of them are used in cities as a unique way to see the local sights and attractions from both the land and water.

Your exclusive Duck will collect you from the ship and take you first by road around the vibrant maritime city of Liverpool. You'll see the main sights including Cunard House, the ornate Liver Buildings, Queens Courts, the contemporary Metropolitan Cathedral, colourful China Town, the striking Anglican Cathedral and the many places associated with The Beatles. Your guide will provide you with an interesting and humorous commentary as you pass the many historical sights.

On arrival at the historic waterfront, you will experience the splashdown into Salthouse Dock. The tour then continues on the water through the South Docks, via Wapping and Queens Docks to Coburg Dock. Your Duck will then circle the famous Albert Dock before returning to dry land.

At the end of the tour you will have the option to stay in the Albert Dock complex for shopping and further sightseeing or you can remain on the Duck and return the ship.


This excursion will operate by amphibious military vehicle. There are a few steep steps to embark the vehicle and there is no storage for wheelchairs. Guests are recommended to dress in layers as the vehicle is open-sided. Guests who opt to remain at Albert Dock are responsible for making their own way back to the ship.

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.

Departing the port of Dún Laoghaire, this leisurely drive will take you north to the historic city of Dublin. Your panoramic drive of the city takes you past the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam to see the famous ‘Doorways of Dublin’. Then, it’s on past the National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings, The Old Parliament House and Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest college.

See Dublin Castle, City Hall, Christchurch Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Founded in 1190, St Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean from 1713 to 1745. See where the famous ‘black stuff’ is produced as you pass the Guinness Brewery en route to Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest enclosed public park.

Back on the north side of the city, you’ll pass the Four Courts, the wide boulevard of O’Connell Street and Custom House. Refreshments of tea or coffee and scones will be served during the tour.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach.

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.


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 operates on foot. 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 excursion only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

Pass the banks of the scenic Cromarty Firth before pausing at the charming village of Beauly on the way to Drumnadrochit. Approaching from a height, look out over the famous Loch Ness, the deepest freshwater loch in the country. Enjoy spectacular views of the Loch, and have your binoculars at the ready to catch a possible glimpse of its elusive monster, ‘Nessie’.

Your leisurely drive will take you through stunning scenery and along the length of the Loch. A photo stop along the route will enable you to capture one of the most picturesque parts of the Loch at close range, before continuing along the panoramic eastern shore of the Loch.

On the return journey to the port, you’ll pass through the historic city of Inverness, with its imposing Castle overlooking the city.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach, with photograph stops at Beauly and Loch Ness.

Port Sunlight is arguably the finest surviving example of early urban planning in the UK. The late 19th century village was built by philanthropist William Hesketh Lever (later Viscount Leverhulme) to house his soap factory workers at Lever Brothers, now trading as the global giant Unilever. Lever’s passion for art and architecture is evident throughout the village, which is now a conservation area.

Enjoy a leisurely drive around this unique village which is set in 130 acres of beautifully maintained parkland. Approximately 900 houses have been built along with some larger ‘principal’ buildings and nearly every building is Grade II listed. Lever employed over 30 different architects in the building of the village and the result is an intoxicating mix of architectural styles enhanced by the parkland setting giving tranquil scenes of great beauty.

After your orientation of the village, you’ll visit the Port Sunlight Museum, where you can discover the fascinating history of the village through exhibits and period displays. The Museum also houses a scale model of Port Sunlight.

From the Museum, you’ll visit the dramatic building of the Lady Lever Art Gallery. The Gallery is filled with treasures from Lever’s remarkable collection of paintings and decorative arts, which have since gained international renown. As well as a stunning collection of paintings, there are also Chinese collections, tapestries, sculpture, furniture, Wedgwood and classical antiquities.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Your journey to Port Sunlight crosses the Mersey River by tunnel.

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.

A short drive will bring you to the delightful Little Chapel. This Chapel is truly a work of art and was built as a labour of love by two brothers in 1914. The idea was to create a miniature version of the grotto at Lourdes in France and this was successfully completed but the real magic of the Chapel is that it is beautifully decorated with seashells, pebbles and pieces of china.

From the Chapel, you’ll travel to the picturesque grounds of the Gold and Silversmiths for a visit of their small workshop, where you can watch traditional silver, gold and platinum jewellery being made. During the last century this jewellers has been commissioned to design and craft spectacular jewellery for Royalty and Heads of State. There will be time at the end of your visit to browse the showroom and take advantage of the tax free prices.

Admire the beautiful and spectacular west coast scenery during your journey to the Diamond Museum. A visit to this small room will present a fascinating insight into the sparkling world of diamonds from their origin to the final pieces. In the showroom you can browse the stunning jewellery on display whilst enjoying a glass of champagne.


This excursion will operate by coach. There are a few steps into the Chapel. The coach driver will also be your guide on this tour.

The enticement of Guernsey for walkers is its size; at just 25 square miles walkers can explore its perfectly formed coastline, while taking in the stunning scenery and colourful beauty that has been an inspiration for many.

After a short drive to the beautiful Fermain Bay, take in the magnificent views over the cliffs and outwards to the other Channel Islands including Herm, Sark, Alderney and, on a clear day, the coast of France.

Savour the fragrance of the blooming flowers, which fill the path with colour, as you stroll through Bluebell Wood and enjoy the wonderful views out to sea, as you take in the fresh air and true beauty of Guernsey. Whatever time of year you visit, discover new colours each month that are an endless source of beauty.

Approaching the town of St Peter Port, see the remains of the fascinating Fort George before passing the old Victorian bathing pools which are still used daily today. Pass the shops and marina before arriving back at the quayside. There will be a stop for some light refreshments along the way.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Walking will be along footpaths and lanes. There are some inclines and steps to negotiate which can be slippery when wet. Flat, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, binoculars and a camera are recommended.