Around the British Isles - 10 nights, July 2013

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.

As you travel through Liverpool you will see many interesting sights, including the Royal Liver Building, with its towers topped by statues of mythical Liver Birds from which it is said the city took its name. Continuing through the oldest part of the city, see the Town Hall and the Cavern Quarter, where The Beatles performed at The Cavern Club many times. Close by are the notable buildings; the Walker Art Gallery and St George’s Hall.

A stop is made at the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King to admire its giant wig-wam style design. The building is undoubtedly the major modern architectural attraction of the city. This unusual Cathedral is topped by a spiked lantern tower containing 25,000 pieces of stained glass.

Passing through Chinatown, see the 2nd of Liverpool’s great religious buildings - the Anglican Cathedral. Built in Gothic style from red sandstone, it is the largest cathedral in Britain.

Stop for a photo at Penny Lane, made famous by The Beatles song of the same name, before returning to the city centre through more areas of parkland, along the reclaimed river frontage to the converted dockland areas of Albert Dock. Opened in 1846 as England’s gateway to the New World, Albert Dock is the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in Great Britain.


This excursion will operate by coach. The majority of sights are seen from the coach. There are toilet facilities located in the Cathedral.

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 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.

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.

Just a 40 minute ride away by ferry from Guernsey, passing the small islands of Herm, Jethou and Brecqhou, lies the Isle of Sark. A tractor-drawn cart called the ‘toast rack’ will take you up the steep hill to the main village. With a map of the island and a local guide to point out all that there is to see and do, you will have free time to truly discover this exquisite island.

For many, the joy of Sark is exploring the quiet pretty corners, enjoying breathtaking vistas and finding a secluded cove to relax. Alternatively, you can visit the Occupation and Heritage Museum, watch chocolates being made at Caragh’s, or walk to the famous La Coupee that links Big Sark to Little Sark in the south.

Along the ‘Main Street’ are a number of interesting and unusual shops, and there are a number of places on the island where you can buy refreshments. At the end of the day, take the ‘toast rack’ or walk back down the harbour hill to the pier and the ferry that will take you back to Guernsey.

This excursion will operate by boat, tractor and on foot. There is no transport on the island except the ‘toast rack’ which services the main village. There is approximately five hours free time to explore the island at your own leisure, therefore the amount of walking is at your discretion. No entrance fees have been included. Flat, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, local currency (pounds sterling) and a camera are recommended.

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.

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.


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 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.

A short orientation tour of the Highland City of Inverness will help you get your bearings before setting off on your own. Despite being the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is more like a town and its centre is compact and easily accessible.

Why not spend some time strolling along the tree-lined banks of the River Ness, seeing the majestic Inverness Castle, visiting the museum or browsing the shops, which include several large chain stores and local craft shops.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that this tour is unguided and exclusive of entrance fees. The journey time to Inverness is 45 minutes each way depending on traffic. Maps will be provided. Your coach driver will advise you of the departure time and pick up point for your return transfer to the ship.

As you follow the banks of the beautiful Cromarty Firth you will take in views of the scenic Black Isle and perhaps catch a glimpse of a seal. Turning inland, take the scenic road through the Ardross Forest, planted with beautiful spruce, larch and pine trees, pausing at the Struie Hill viewpoint with superb views over the Dornoch Firth.

Descending to the firth, follow the picturesque northern side to the enchanting 12th century town of Royal Dornoch. The town’s oldest buildings are all clustered around its spacious and beautiful square. Stop to admire the impressive medieval Cathedral, the majestic 16th century Bishop’s Palace, with stepped gables and towers, and next door, the Old Town Jail, now home to a series of galleries and shops.

Imagine the smell of malted barley in the air as you pass the Glenmorangie Whisky Distillery and enter the Royal Burgh of Tain, a small thriving town with ancient history and attractive red sandstone architecture. Continue through low-lying fruitful farmland, dotted with relics of the Pictish people that once lived here, to the windswept Easter Ross seaboard where you find the fishing villages of Balintore and Shandwick.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with photograph stops at Struie Hill and Royal Dornoch.

Your voyage of discovery begins with a transfer to the River Liffey upon which Dublin is built. Board the ‘Spirit of Docklands’ for a gentle and relaxing cruise (45 minutes) and hear the story of Dublin, from the first arrival of the Vikings 1,000 years ago to the rapid development of the city. Listen to the story behind the iconic Ha’penny Bridge and hear about Gandon’s masterpiece, the majestic Custom House. Follow the story of Dublin’s Royal and Grand Canals and see where Oliver Cromwell landed in 1649. Learn how much of present day Dublin now sits on reclaimed land, including Trinity College and the spire in O’Connell Street.

Rejoining your coach, you’ll then take a panoramic drive through the city. See the Georgian Squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam and stop to photograph the renowned Dublin doorways and St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, the Cathedral is best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean here from 1713 to 1745. Next, drive past the Guinness Brewery, home of the famous ‘black stuff’ for which Dublin is famous. Continuing to Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest enclosed public park, you’ll see the homes of Ireland’s President and American Ambassador. On the north side of Dublin’s River Liffey, you’ll pass the Four Courts, Ireland’s courts of justice.


This excursion will operate by coach and river cruiser. There are a few steps to embark/disembark the cruiser.

A short drive north takes you to the ancient Royal Burgh of Tain, an attractive small town of grand whisky-coloured sandstone buildings and home to the Glenmorangie Distillery. ‘Glenmorangie’ in Gaelic means ‘glen of tranquillity’, a particularly appropriate description for its calm and scenic location. Enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating distillery that is famous for its highly rated malt whisky which is distributed around the world. During your leisurely visit, see demonstrations of traditional skills, before savouring a glass of this fine whisky.

Following the distillery visit, cross the Dornoch Firth via the low causeway bridge to the Royal Burgh of Dornoch. This historic 12th century town is a designated National Scenic Area in the Highlands of Scotland. Its tranquil location, scenery and climate have attracted visitors for decades. There will be time in this enchanting town to admire the many fine buildings which include the impressive medieval Cathedral, majestic 16th century Bishop’s Palace (now a hotel), courthouse and the Old Town Jail or you may prefer to wander down the peaceful streets lined with sandstone cottages and town houses or browse the series of enticing galleries and shops.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are uneven surfaces, open gratings and approximately 55 steps spread throughout the distillery. There will be around 45 minutes spent in Royal Dornoch.

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.

A scenic drive north from Invergordon displays the wonderful countryside in this area of Scotland. Crossing the Dornoch Firth you will pass through the fishing village of Golspie, where the Duke of Sutherland’s monument can be seen high on the nearby hill. This tribute is a source of contention in the area, as he is regarded by many locals as responsible for evicting thousands of tenants during the Clearances.

The breathtaking Dunrobin Castle with its fairy tale turrets suddenly becomes visible at the end of a long, tree-lined drive. The impressive building, containing 189 rooms filled with fine furniture, paintings, tapestries and art, is magnificently set in a great park and formal gardens overlooking the sea. The collections make for an interesting visit, as you browse through the bedrooms, nurseries, studies and public rooms. Displays include antique household equipment, ceremonial robes, uniforms, arms and a complete working 19th century fire engine, all of which give a detailed insight into life for the earlier Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.

There will be a partially guided tour of the Castle followed by one hour free time to further explore the Castle or to walk amongst the beautiful gardens in this wonderful setting.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to two hours of walking at the Castle involving some steps.

Your journey will take you through the beautiful New Forest National Park, where you will have the chance to see the famous New Forest ponies which graze on the wild heathland, before arriving at Exbury Gardens. Created in the 1920’s, Exbury Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. So spectacular are the gardens that the Queen of England enjoys private visits every year.

The Gardens have been specially created to reflect the changing colours of nature throughout the different seasons. During the spring the magnolias, camellias, azaleas and wisteria burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of glorious gold. The spectacular collection of over ten thousand rhododendron specimens is at its best with its display of beautiful colours.

During the tour there will be the opportunity to take a delightful 20 minute ride on a small narrow gauge steam railway to see parts of the Gardens not accessible on foot.

The Gardens contain a quaint tearoom, which serves a delicious English cream tea (own expense), and an extensive gift shop selling an array of gifts and souvenirs.


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, mini steam train and on foot. There is up to three hours of walking, which is at guests' discretion. The railway and main paths of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is a buggy tour available on the day for those with limited mobility (additional expense, payable direct).