Deluxe Kabine Deck 3
19 m²
2
Reise zu den Kelten: Die Hebriden und die Irische See – mit Smithsonian Journeys
London - Glasgow, Schottland
Datum:
21.05.2024
bis
29.05.2024
Tage
Nächte an Bord
Inkl. Landausflug in jedem Hafen + Transfers
Auf dieser Kreuzfahrt ist die Bordsprache ausschließlich Englisch.
In Zusammenarbeit mit Smithsonian Journeys.
Diese Kreuzfahrt gehört zu einer besonderen Auswahl von PONANT Reisen, die speziell für englischsprachige Gäste konzipiert wurden. Neben den gewohnten Elementen einer PONANT Reise, umfassen die aufgeführten Preise für diese Kreuzfahrten Transfers zum und vom Schiff, Vorträge und Diskussionen an Bord mit Weltklasse-Experten, und einen Landausflug oder eine Aktivität in jedem Hafen, bei denen die Gäste die Sehenswürdigkeiten und vieles mehr entdecken und in die unbekannte Kultur eintauchen können.
Begleiten Sie uns auf dieser 9-tägigen Reise an Bord der Le Dumont-d'Urville und entdecken Sie die reiche Geschichte und Kultur zu beiden Seiten der Irischen See.
Das Abenteuer beginnt mit einer Übernachtung an Bord an den Docks nahe London Bridge. Im frühen Morgengrauen setzen Sie die Segel, um die Themse hinunterzuschippern und das historische Dover Castle auf den symbolträchtigen Weißen Klippen zu entdecken und vielleicht die ganz in der Nähe gelegene, zum UNESCO-Welterbe gehörende Kathedrale von Canterbury zu besichtigen.
Genießen Sie einen Morgen auf der Isle of Wight und besuchen Sie Osborne House, Queen Victorias Lieblingsresidenz, bevor Sie sich am Nachmittag bei der Fahrt entlang der Küsten des Ärmelkanals entspannen können. Am nächsten Tag erreichen Sie die Scilly-Inseln, circa 30 Meilen vor der Südwestküste Cornwalls, wo Sie die berühmten Tresco Gardens besuchen.
Sie überqueren die Irische See und erreichen das Kinsale, Irland, Ihr Eintrittstor zum stolzen irischen Cork und der ikonischen Jameson Distillery. In Holyhead, Wales, auf der Insel Anglesey können Sie das mittelalterliche Caernarfon Castle besichtigen, das im späten 13. Jahrhundert von Edward I als architektonischer Schlussstein für die englische Eroberung von Wales erbaut wurde. Alternativ haben Sie Gelegenheit zu einem Besuch des National Trust's Bodnant Garden.
In Belfast, der dynamischen Hauptstadt Nordirlands, wartet das moderne Museum Titanic Belfast, das am Standort der Werft steht, in der das unglückselige Schiff gebaut wurde. Sie haben auch Gelegenheit, die spektakuläre unberührte Landschaft der Antrim Coast und den berühmten Giant's Causeway aus über 40 000 gleichmäßig geformten Basaltsäulen zu entdecken, die vor sechs Millionen Jahren beim Abkühlen von geschmolzener Lava entstanden sind.
Ihren letzten Tag verbringen Sie auf den sagenumwobenen Hebriden, zunächst mit einem Besuch des mystischen Klosters Iona auf der Insel Iona, wo einst die erste christliche Siedlung Schottlands entstand, dann geht es weiter zum Duart Castle, dem historischen Sitz des Maclean Clans auf der Isle of Mull. Der malerische Fischerhafen von Tobermory, in dessen Brennerei ein berühmter Single Malt Scotch Whisky hergestellt wird, bildet den krönenden Abschluss.
Ihre Reise endet in Glasgow, Schottlands moderner Kulturhauptstadt.
Ref : LG1145US - EU210524
Reiseroute
Eine spezielle Reise für englischsprachige Reisende mit Diskussionen mit Experten, Transfers vor und nach der Kreuzfahrt und einem inbegriffenen Landausflug an jedem Anlaufhafen Spannende Diskussionen an Bord...
Reiseverlauf ansehen
Reisedetails
Kabinen
Kabinen
Reiseleistungen
Reiseleistungen
In Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten
Für mehr Sicherheit organisiert PONANT Ihre Reise vor oder nach der Kreuzfahrt. Dieses Paket ist im Preis Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten.
Zusatzleistungen
Für mehr Sicherheit wählt PONANT Flüge aus und kümmert sich um Ihre Transfers für Ihre Reise sowie um Landbesuche vor und nach dem Ausschiffen.
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LE CHAMPLAIN
LE BOUGAINVILLE
13.12.2024 bis 23.12.2024
LE BOUGAINVILLE
LE LYRIAL
03.03.2025 bis 21.03.2025
- Neu
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
05.04.2025 bis 17.04.2025
*Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit und basiert auf der Auslastung des jeweiligen Schiffes. Die Kabinenkategorie, für die dieser Preis gilt, ist möglichweise nicht mehr verfügbar
Kabinenausstattung
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Kostenfreier Internetanschluss und WLAN-Zugang (Verfügbarkeit abhängig vom Navigationsgebiet)
- Individuell einstellbare Klimaanlage
- Kleiderschrank mit Regalen und Staufläche
- Frisiertisch und Haartrockner
- Auswahl hochwertiger Pflegeprodukte von Diptyque Paris
- Minibar
- Nespresso Kaffeemaschine und Wasserkocher
- Elektronischer Safe
- Telefon per Satelittenverbindung
- Bluetooth-Lautsprecher von Bose
- Flachbildfernseher mit internationalen Kanälen (Verfügbarkeit abhängig vom Navigationsgebiet) und großer Filmauswahl
- 110/220 Volt Steckdosen
- Zwei barrierefreie Kabinen
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Miriam Davis
Miriam C. Davis received a B.A. in History from Emory University before studying Scottish history at the University of St. Andrews on a Bobby Jones Scholarship. She then received an M.A. in Medieval Archaeology from the University of York on a Fulbright Fellowship, and a Ph.D. in Medieval Archaeology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has participated in archaeological excavations in Scotland and England. After teaching for sixteen years at Delta State University, she left as Professor of History and is now a freelance writer. Miriam has served as the Smithsonian Journeys Expert on tours of Scotland and Ireland since 2011.
Language spoken: English
Carol Ann Lloyd
Carol Ann Lloyd is a popular speaker and author who specializes in Early Modern History, particularly the Tudors and Shakespeare. She has enjoyed speaking to Smithsonian audiences for eight years, offering programs about Henry VIII and his Six Wives, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, the Wars of the Roses, Jane Austen, Mothers of the Monarchs, and Shakespeare. She also speaks nationally for Royal Oak Foundation, Agecroft Hall, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, TEDx, and numerous community venues. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and holds graduate degrees in Education from the University of Virginia and English from the University of Utah. The former Manager of Visitor Education of Folger Shakespeare Library, Carol Ann designs interactive Shakespeare programs for students and families. She also delivers corporate communication workshops for organizations in the Washington, DC,area and is the author of Building Relationships, One Conversation at a Time: A Guide for Work and Home. Carol Ann is currently writing a book about the Tudors. She loves traveling and can’t wait to share the fascinating history of this wonderful regionwith Smithsonian Journeys travelers.
Language spoken : English
Photo credits : ARR
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT Aktivitäten
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys ist das Reiseprogramm der Smithsonian Institution, eine bedeutende US-amerikanische Forschungs- und Bildungseinrichtung, das aus 21 Museen, dem National Zoological Park, Bildungszentren, Forschungseinrichtungen, Kulturzentren und Bibliotheken besteht. Die Kreuzfahrten in gemeinsamer Kooperation stützen sich auf die Ressourcen von Smithsonian, die auf eine 175-jährige Geschichte zurückblicken, und bieten bemerkenswerte Experten und Erfahrungen. Diese Reisen beziehen insbesonders die lokalen Kulturen mit ein und tauchen tiefer in die Geschichte, Küche, Sprache, Umwelt und Tierwelt eines Reiseziels ein. Seit mehr als 50 Jahren ist Smithsonian Journeys in der Kultur verwurzelt und konzentriert sich auf das Eintauchen und Entdecken von Kulturen - mit dem Ziel, Gäste zu inspirieren und zu einem tieferen Verständnis der Orte beizutragen.
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
Highlights
- Eine spezielle Reise für englischsprachige Reisende mit Diskussionen mit Experten, Transfers vor und nach der Kreuzfahrt und einem inbegriffenen Landausflug an jedem Anlaufhafen
- Spannende Diskussionen an Bord mit zwei Experten von Smithsonian Journeys
- Besichtigen Sie zahlreiche UNESCO-Welterbestätten auf Ihrer Route: Canterbury Cathedral, das von Edward I erbaute Caernarfon Castle und den Giant's Causeway an der Antrim Coast
- Schippern Sie ab London Bridge bis zu den Weißen Klippen von Dover die Themse hinunter
- Besuchen Sie Osborne House, die von Prince Albert entworfene Lieblingsresidenz von Queen Victoria
- Schlendern Sie während der Frühjahrsblüte durch die preisgekrönten Tresco Gardens und Bodnant Garden
- Entdecken Sie die lebendige keltische Kultur von Cork
- Erkunden Sie die mystische Vergangenheit der Hebrideninseln Iona und Mull
Häfen & Landausflüge
21. Mai 2024 - London
Einschiffung 21.05.2024 von 16:00 bis 17:00
Abfahrt 21.05.2024 um 23:59
Hauptresidenz der britischen Monarchie, internationaler Finanzplatz und Sitz der Regierung - London ist das wirtschaftliche und kulturelle Herz des Landes. Als Stadt voller Kontraste zwischen Tradition und vibrierender Modernität enthüllt sich die Hauptstadt des Vereinigte Königreichs durch ihre unterschiedlichsten Viertel und bemerkenswerten Stätten: Seien Sie darauf vorbereitet, von Hyde Park bis zur City über Westminster und Trafalgar Square das frenetische Leben der Londoner zu teilen. Doch zwischen einer Besichtigung der National Gallery, einem Rundgang durch Covent Garden und der Überquerung der Tower Bridge können Sie in einer der unzähligen Londoner Grünanlagen mitten in der Natur eine Pause einlegen.
22. Mai 2024 - Dover
Ankunft 22.05.2024 mittags
Abfahrt 22.05.2024 am frühen Abend
Dover im County Kent, 35 km vor der französischen Küste und Kap Gris-Nez an der Küste des Ärmelkanals, ist die Stadt Großbritanniens, die am nächsten an Frankreich liegt. Dover ist der Haupttransithafen zwischen den beiden Ufern des Ärmelkanals und das „Tor Englands“. Mit ihren berühmten weißen Kreidefelsen inspirierte die Stadt Maler und Dichter. Majestätisch blicken sie dem Kontinent entgegen und bieten Ihnen die Möglichkeit zu einem spektakulären Spaziergang auf ihrem Gipfel. Im Nordosten der Stadt dominiert Dover Castle auf einem Hügel mit unvergleichlichem Blick auf den Kanal die Stadt, die ein erstaunliches Netz von unterirdischen Galerien besitzt.
23. Mai 2024 - Cowes
Ankunft 23.05.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 23.05.2024 am frühen Nachmittag
Cowes ist eine kleine Hafenstadt an der Nordküste der Insel Isle of Wight, gegenüber den Hafenstädten Portsmouth und Southampton. Die Stadt bezaubert mit einer sanften Lebensweise, ihrem Kulturerbe und grünen Landschaften zwischen schroffen Felsen und dem glasklaren Wasser des Meeresarms Solent, der die Insel von England trennt. Viele Menschen haben sich in den Charme dieses unberührten Juwels verliebt. So auch Königin Victoria, die von der natürlichen und authentischen Umgebung begeistert war. Sie ließ hier 1847 ihre Sommerresidenz Osborne House bauen, ein Schatz der Architektur, der zu einem der Symbole der Stadt wurde. Cowes ist ein Zentrum für Schiffbau und die Wiege des Segelsports. Hier findet jedes Jahr eine der größten Regatten der Welt statt, die Cowes Week, bei der fast 10.000 Skipper und über 1.000 Boote an den Start gehen.
24. Mai 2024 - Scilly-Inseln
Ankunft 24.05.2024 mittags
Abfahrt 24.05.2024 am späten Nachmittag
Die Scilly-Inseln liegen im Atlantischen Ozean an der Südwestspitze von Cornwall. Sie bilden eine kleine britische Inselkette, deren Klima, Landschaften und Lebensstil einzigartig sind und direkt aus einer Geschichte von Enid Blyton stammen könnten. Hier ähnelt alles einem tropischen Paradies. Die langen Sandstrände verlaufen entlang üppiger grüner Wiesen voller semi-exotischer Blumen, während die Ruinen antiker Burgen von den Hügeln ragen. Sie sind wahre Zufluchtsorte des Friedens, die das legendäre Avalon von König Arthur inspiriert haben. Heute sind sie als Gebiet von außergewöhnlicher natürlicher Schönheit aufgeführt. Die zerklüftete Küste beherbergt ebenso vielfältige wie außergewöhnliche Tiere, einschließlich der sehr seltenen atlantischen Kegelrobbe.
25. Mai 2024 - Kinsale
Ankunft 25.05.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 25.05.2024 am frühen Nachmittag
Kinsale gilt als schönstes Dorf Irlands und besticht mit wunderschönen Naturlandschaften und einem reichen kulturellen Erbe. Die malerische kleine Hafenstadt liegt in der Mündung des River Bandon in der Grafschaft Cork. Zu den Sehenswürdigkeiten zählen die von bunten Häusern gesäumten Gassen, Kunstgalerien und Theater und die Burg aus dem 17. Jahrhundert. Ganz in der Nähe auf einem Felsvorsprung thront der Leuchtturm von Kinsale. Er ist auch heute noch in Betrieb und bietet einen herrlichen Blick auf den Atlantik.
26. Mai 2024 - Holyhead, Wales
Ankunft 26.05.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 26.05.2024 am frühen Abend
Lassen Sie sich von der reizvollen Umgebung der kleinen Hafenstadt Holyhead im Norden von Wales und westlich der faszinierenden Insel Anglesey bezaubern. Holyhead, das wegen seiner historischen Bedeutung oft als “die Mutter von Wales“ bezeichnet wird, ist ein Paradies für Liebhaber von Naturlandschaften und Kulturerbe, die unter anderem die vielen historischen Stätten der Stadt erkunden können. Zum Beispiel die Kirche Saint-Cybi aus dem 13. Jahrhundert, eingebettet in die römische Zitadelle. Schließlich können Sie den Leuchtturm South Stock bewundern, das 1809 gebaute Wahrzeichen der Stadt. In der Nähe des Leuchtturms können Sie viele Meeresvogelarten beobachten, darunter Lummen und Tordalke.
27. Mai 2024 - Belfast, Nordirland
Ankunft 27.05.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 27.05.2024 am frühen Abend
Die Hauptstadt von Nordirland befindet sich am Ende der Bucht von Belfast, im Nordosten der "Grünen Insel". An den Kais bemerken Sie sofort ein Gebäude in Form eines fragmentierten Passagierschiffes:Die Titanic Belfast ist dem berühmten Ozeandampfer gewidmet. Dessen rekonstruierte Innenausstattung lädt Sie zu einer Kreuzfahrt in die Belle Epoque ein. Das historische Zentrum lädt Sie auch auf eine Reise durch die Zeit ein - von den majestätischen Säulen im Edwardischen Stil des Rathauses bis zu den eindrucksvollen neogotischen Türmen von Queen's University. Und die kunstvoll verzierten Holzfassaden der viktorianischen Pubs machen Ihnen sicherlich Lust, einzutreten und ein Pint Bier oder gut gekühlten Cider zu genießen.
28. Mai 2024 - Insel Iona, Hebriden
Ankunft 28.05.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 28.05.2024 mittags
Von allen Inseln der Inneren Hibriden ist Iona mit Abstand diejenige, die am meisten zur Besinnung und zur Meditation einlädt. Und das hat seinen Grund ... Denn von diesem nun geweihten Fleckchen Erde aus begann der gegen 563 von Irland kommende heilige Columban mit der Evangelisierung von Schottland. Heute steht eine Abtei, echtes spirituelles Zentrum der Insel, an der Stelle des ehemaligen Klosters, das vom irischen Missionar gegründet wurde. Zahlreiche Könige Schottlands, darunter der legendäre Macbeth sollen im angrenzenden Friedhof begraben sein. Wenn die Sonne mitmacht, bietet die Ankunft auf der Insel Iona ein wunderschönes Schauspiel.
28. Mai 2024 - Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Ankunft 28.05.2024 am Nachmittag
Abfahrt 28.05.2024 am späten Nachmittag
Das ganz im Norden der ansprechenden Insel Mull gelegene Tobermory ist sicherlich einer der schönsten Naturhäfen der Westküste Schottlands. Dieses 1788 gegründete ehemalige Fischerdorf wurde in einen Jachthafen umgewandelt, der heute sehr für seinen Rahmen und das von ihm ausgehende beschauliche Flair geschätzt wird. Bezaubernd sind auch die entlang der Hügelflanke stufenförmig angeordneten Häuser, deren leuchtende Farben den Hafen erstrahlen lassen. Auch wenn das eigentliche Schauspiel draußen stattfindet, nicht weniger interessant ist die Sammlung des Mull Museums, die der lokalen Geschichte sowie den Ausstellungen in der Kunstgalerie An Tobar gewidmet ist.
29. Mai 2024 - Glasgow, Schottland
Ankunft 29.05.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Ausschiffung 29.05.2024 um 08:00
Im Herzen des Clyde-Tals kontrastiert die lebhafte Stadt Glasgow mit der wilden Schönheit der umliegenden Landschaften. Die städtischste der schottischen Städte wartet mit zahlreichen Trümpfen auf - von dem bedeutenden künstlerischen bis zum außergewöhnlichen architektonischen Erbe. Der schachbrettartige Grundriss der Stadt erleichtert Ihnen Ihre Bummel durch die großen Fußgängerzonen. Lassen Sie sich von dem Treiben der von schönen viktorianischen Gebäuden gesäumten Straßen führen und verpassen Sie nicht, die Sammlungen der zahlreichen Museen und Kunstgalerien zu bewundern. Die Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum ist diesbezüglich exemplarisch. Vollenden Sie Ihre Sightseeintour mit etwas ... Denn ja, Glasgow ist auch ein Shoppingparadies!
Dover Castle
Given its strategic location at the shortest distance between Britain and the continent, it is not at all surprising that Dover Castle is one of the most fortified castles in England. Begun by Henry II and completed under Henry III in the mid 13th century, the castle has undergone many substantial renovations, one of the most important occurring at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, when a tunnel complex was dug into the chalk beneath the castle.
Your exploration of this massive fortress begins with a guided tour of the castle, with its Inner Bailey and Henry II's Great Tower. Explore the wider castle grounds to get a sense of the long history of the place, including an ancient Roman lighthouse, one of the oldest in the world, and an Anglo-Saxon church. Stretch your legs and walk the battlements to enjoy remarkable views over the English Channel.
Enjoy some time on your own to explore and, if available, enter the tunnels as they were during World War II, when they served as the headquarters from which the evacuation of Dunkirk was directed. Relive the drama of "Operation Dynamo" from May 26 – June 4, 1940, when, against enormous odds, more than 100,000 English and French troops were rescued. Perhaps see the underground hospital created by digging additional tunnels to serve as triage, operating rooms, and wards for treating the wounded before they were transferred further inland. Whatever you choose, you are sure to come away from the experience with a clearer sense of the importance of this remarkable monument in the history of England, and of the modern world.
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This is a moderate excursion. The guided tour of the castle involves standing for about an hour and some walking. Additional walking is largely at your discretion. A typical visit involves a total of 1.5 miles, over mixed terrain and steps. No special clothing is needed—comfortable shoes and a light jacket in case of rain should suffice.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.The White Cliffs & The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain, in the summer and fall of 1940, was the first major military campaign fought entirely in the air. It is also the battle that changed the course of World War II.
This excursion begins with a short drive along the coast to the small village of Capel-le-Ferne, site of the Battle of Britain Memorial, for a guided tour of this monument to the heroism and sacrifice of the pilots and support staff of the Royal Air Force who crippled the Luftwaffe's efforts to bomb Britain into submission. You will see the memorial itself, dedicated by the Queen Mother in 1993, and the Wall, which contains the names of all the aircrew who flew at least one sortie during the battle. You will also visit the Wing, which houses an interactive experience creating a sense of what life was like during the campaign and its aftermath.
Leaving the memorial site, you drive past Dover Castle, a massive fortress much of which is hidden deep within the chalk of the cliffs, on your way to the White Cliffs Visitor Center. From here you set off on a 2 mile walk along perhaps the most famous cliffs in the world to reach the South Foreland Lighthouse. This Victorian era structure was built to guide mariners through the treacherous shifting sands of the Strait of Dover and was the first lighthouse anywhere in the world to make use of electric light.
Your motorcoach will meet you at the lighthouse for the short drive back to the pier.
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This is an active excursion with total walking distance of approximately 3 miles. The cliff walk includes stretches of unsure footing and can be slippery at times. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as well as a waterproof jacket and bottled water.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Canterbury and its Cathedral
A short journey from Dover through the heart of the county of Kent, known as the ‘Garden of England’, brings you to the historic and picturesque city of Canterbury – home to one of England's most famous cathedrals, setting of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Canterbury's wealth originated with the pilgrims who, like Chaucer's travelers, flocked to the city to visit the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket, who was murdered in his cathedral in 1170. The Norman cathedral still dominates Canterbury's skyline, inspiring the same sense of awe as it did in the Middle Ages. Explore this magnificent building, the mother church of the worldwide Anglican community, at your own pace, perhaps pausing at the site of Becket's martyrdom, marveling at the workmanship of the ancient stained-glass windows, or admiring the architecture of the Quire, the first Gothic building in England. You will also have time to wander among the labyrinth of streets and lanes lined with quaint shops, many of which date to the time of Chaucer.
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Total walking distance on this excursion is at your discretion. The ground around the cathedral has some cobblestones and is uneven in places, which may make walking difficult. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress (shoulders and knees covered) is requested to enter religious sites.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Royal Osborne House
Once an independent kingdom, the Isle of Wight so charmed Queen Victoria that after her first visit she is quoted as saying “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.”
You will get a sense of what she meant as you sail into the harbor at Cowes, once known as the "yachting capital of the world," and set off on a panoramic drive around this small island, much of which is managed as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. A brief stop in the picturesque village of Godshill is followed by a drive to Osborne House.
Queen Victoria had Osborne House built as a summer residence for the royal family in the mid-19th century. Designed by Prince Albert in the style of an Italian Renaissance country villa, it is a grand palace, but it functioned essentially as a family holiday home and is filled with many personal and family mementos. Highlights include the majestic State Rooms, for entertaining visiting dignitaries, Queen Victoria’s bedroom, where she died in 1901, the Swiss Cottage, a playhouse for the royal children, and the magnificent Gardens, designed, like the house, by Prince Albert.
After exploring this charming window into the personal lives of the royals, you return to Cowes and to your waiting ship.
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This is an easy excursion. There are only a few steps at Osborne House, chairs and benches are available throughout the house and gardens, and the amount of walking is entirely at your discretion. Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for the changeable weather.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Tresco Abbey Gardens
Tresco is the second largest of the Isles of Scilly, located some 30 miles off the southwest coast of Cornwall in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to the world-class Tresco Abbey Gardens, an incredible botanical paradise planted in the ruins of a Benedictine priory.
Founded by Augustus Smith, a wealthy banker, in 1834, the gardens today are home to an impressive collection of 20,000 plant species heralding from as far away as New Zealand, South America, and South Africa. The mild climate in Scilly, combined with plenty of sunshine, allows sub-tropical plants to flourish here in latitudes that seem impossible. A walled enclosure around the priory ruins acts as a wind-break, providing shelter from the ferocity of Atlantic weather during the winter months when, even then, more than 300 plants are in bloom.
You will be visiting in the spring, when the garden is at its loveliest, and when red squirrels, one of Britain's most endangered species, dart about the grounds in the safety of this verdant sanctuary. Stroll the gardens at leisure to discover its many treasures, including the collection of figureheads and decorative carvings from ships that sank off Scilly's shores — another of Augustus Smith's passions.
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This is an easy excursion with only as much walking as you wish in the gardens. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen are recommended.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Wildlife Cruise
Located about 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are a cluster of low-lying islands, only five of which are inhabited. The entire archipelago is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, dotted with Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Marine Conservation Zones. The clear waters surrounding the islands support an abundance of marine life, and migratory birds are drawn by the temperate climate, winds and ocean current.
Discover the natural beauty that Scilly has to offer on a cruise aboard a local boat around the eastern isles. The rugged coastlines of the islands are a haven for wildlife, and you may spot gannets, cormorants, shearwaters, and Atlantic grey seals. From about mid-April, puffins return to breed here, making the Isles of Scilly a hugely important habitat for this popular seabird.
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This is an easy excursion, with minimal walking and just a few steps into and out of local boats. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen are recommended.
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The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of five inhabited islands and numerous uninhabited rocky islets situated 28 miles from Land's End, the most south westerly point of the British Isles. With a total population of just over two thousand, an exceptionally mild climate, beautiful flowers, and powder soft white sandy beaches, they are renowned for their outstanding natural beauty, ancient historic sites, and fine, fresh seafood. A haven of peace and tranquility, their timeless beauty combined with a slower pace of life lures visitors from near and far, many of whom return year after year.
St. Mary's is the larger of the islands, and it is at the bustling quay in Hugh Town, the island's tiny capital, where a local guide awaits ready to provide an introductory talk about the rich history of the isles. Traces of human life here stretch back over 8,000 years to when the islands were one large land mass and home to nomadic hunter gatherers whose flint tools are still occasionally uncovered whilst beach combing or walking through the fields.
At only nine miles in circumference, walking is one of the best ways to truly appreciate the island and soak in the spectacular vistas across the waters from St. Mary's Garrison. Perched high on a hill just up from Hugh Town this impressive coastal fort dates to the 17th century and boasts around 350 years of history. Walk the thick stone walls, exploring the storehouses and gun batteries before heading to Star Castle. Set in the heart of this fortification system, Star Castle is surrounded by a dry moat and was constructed in 1593 under strict instruction from Queen Elizabeth I to defend the islands. Take a well-earned break in this historic castle with a tea or coffee before returning down the cobbled walkway to explore the tiny capital Hugh Town with its small cluster of shops, restaurants, and cafes set mere moments from the soft powdery sands and sparkling turquoise waters of Porthcressa Bay.
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Disembark on St. Martin’s, a quiet island offering spectacular views and a wealth of life’s simpler pleasures. Its rich natural beauty has attracted an enterprising group of residents, a few of whom you will meet, including the owners of St. Martin’s Vineyard. Established in 1996 on the site of a former flower farm, the tiny vineyard's first vintage in 2000 yielded only 120 bottles. Today it produces much more, while maintaining a focus on biodiversity and sustainability, including a move towards organic production. You are invited to enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds at your own pace, and of course, taste several of the wines.
From the vineyard, walk along the island’s only concrete road to Highertown, home to a gallery showcasing local artists, a flower farm, and a thriving artisanal bakery. Browse these shops at leisure before walking back to the pier for the transfer to your ship.
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This excursion is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. There is no transport on the island of St. Martin's, so all touring is on foot, and could amount to a total of 3 miles. We recommend sturdy walking shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen.
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This walking tour of Cork is designed to introduce you to Ireland's second city through a variety of its neighborhoods and monuments. A 45-minute drive from the pier brings you to the South Mall, lined with businesses housed in buildings that were once boathouses along the River Lee. Across Parnell Bridge, your guide will lead you on a leisurely stroll along the quays of the south shore, where you will encounter a variety of architectural styles—the classical lines of Cork's elegant limestone City Hall, the modern design of the College of Commerce, and the Gothic façade of Holy Trinity Church. Pause for a moment to admire the graceful arch of Parliament Bridge before continuing on to Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Designed and built by William Burgess in 1879, this Gothic Revival church is renowned for the exuberant style of its ornamentation, particularly the ornately decorated interior.
After your visit to the interior of Saint Fin Barre's, resume your exploration of Cork on the north side of river, where you enter the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares of the city. Along North Main and Castle Streets you are in a very cosmopolitan part of the city, full of pedestrian lanes, cafes, bookshops, and antique stores and surrounded by the people of Cork, gregariously going about their business. It is in this part of the city that you will find the famous English Market, a veritable festival of meats, fruits and vegetables, fish, cheeses from Italy, France, and Ireland, fresh breads, and more. Take some time to browse the many stalls and do a bit of shopping before returning to the ship.
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This moderate excursion involves slightly more than a mile of walking over flat, occasionally uneven, surfaces. We recommend comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
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Cork, Ireland's second city (or the "real capital of Ireland," as its inhabitants like to say), was founded in the 6th century as a monastic settlement on an island in the estuary of the River Lee, just upstream from Cork harbor. Today the Lee flows through the city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. In fact, it is this feature of the city that gives Cork its distinctively continental air. The city has become the shopping and commercial capital of the south. It is a university city—a city of jazz, film, opera and theater. And yet, despite offering the amenities of a large city, it still manages to retain the charm and friendliness of a country town. Among the sights you will see on your panoramic tour are the spires of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Old Courthouse, City Hall, and the renowned Bells of Shandon.
Leaving the city, you will travel eastwards to the village of Midleton, the town from which the famous rare Irish whiskey gets its name. A visit to the Old Jameson Distillery will take you into the heart of the cherished whiskey making tradition. Join a 60-minute guided tour of this beautifully restored 18th-century self-contained industrial complex and learn the history of Irish whiskey as you observe the fully operational water wheel and marvel at the 32,000-gallon copper still, the largest in the world.
After the history comes the tasting, where you are invited to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and sample Ireland's finest whiskey. Afterwards, visit the craft shop or coffee shop at Jameson Heritage Centre where you can lose yourself in the charm of another age.
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This moderate excursion includes approximately 0.25 miles of walking on flat surfaces with cobblestones and some steps at the distillery. Wear warm and comfortable waterproof clothing and walking shoes. Please note that the order of the visits may be reversed. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate. This tour is limited to 80 participants.
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From the pier, board your coach and follow the rugged coastline to the Old Head of Kinsale. The Old Head boasts spectacular scenery and breathtaking views with steep cliffs jutting down to the Celtic Sea on three sides. On May 7, 1915, the Lusitania passenger ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat just miles off the southern coast of Old Head during WWI, claiming 1,198 lives. Today the wreck remains, just 300 feet below the surface.
As you drive the loop of Old Head, you will reach Garrylucas Beach, where you will stop for a gentle stroll along a beautiful, white-sand beach, awarded a Blue Flag for its high quality environmental and quality standards.
Continue via the inland route to Charles Fort, a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. Here, enjoy a guided tour of this dramatic fort that was primarily constructed as a coastal defense to prevent attacking naval forces from entering Kinsale Harbor. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. These include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Charles Fort remained garrisoned by the British army until 1922.
After your visit, rejoin your coach for your transfer back to your awaiting ship.
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This excursion involves walking approximately 4 miles on uneven grounds and steps. We recommend you wear warm, waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
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From the small port of Holyhead your motorcoach transports you on a scenic drive across the Isle of Anglesey, over the Menai Strait to the mainland of North Wales, and along the coast to the village of Conwy, home to the world-class Bodnant Garden.
Nestled in the Snowdonian foothills, Bodnant Garden was established in 1874 by scientist, businessman, and politician Henry Pochin, whose vision it was to create here in Wales a garden that would showcase plants from around the world. He and his descendants began the work of collecting and made Bodnant home to the earliest laburnum arch in Britain, to the earliest Chinese magnolias in the country, and to unique rhododendron hybrids.
In 1949 the Garden was gifted to the National Trust, who now maintain it and carry on its traditions. Bodnant is home to exotic plants like the Blue Poppy of the Himalayas and the Fire Bush of the Andes, as well as boasting Wales’ largest collection of UK Champion Trees. During your visit, the flowers of spring — daffodils, camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons —should still be in bloom, while the rose beds, lily ponds, herbaceous plantings and wildflower meadows of summer will be beginning to make their presence known.
You will enjoy a guided walk in the garden followed by time at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
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The amount of walking during this excursion is largely at the guest's discretion. The guided tour of the garden is about 45 minutes over mostly flat or gently sloping terrain. Adventurous visitors should be prepared for a mix of gravel and grass footing and some older pathways with steps and exposed tree roots.
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This full day of activity is designed to introduce you to three central aspects of Welsh culture—its language, its mining and industrial past, and its architectural history. The experience begins even before you disembark, with a lecture from a native Welsh speaker and linguist on the history of the Welsh language and on the importance of continuing to teach it to children in Welsh schools.
Once aboard your motorcoach, you will travel onto the mainland of North Wales, where your first stop will be at the National Slate Museum on the shores of Llyn Padarn at the edge of Snowdonia National Park. Here you will learn about the Welsh slate industry's crucial contributions to the Industrial Revolution in Britain and at the same time gain insight into the arduous lives of the Victorian quarrymen who worked the mines to make it possible.
Pause in the town of Caernarfon for lunch before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Caernarfon Castle, designed by Edward I to drive home the message that Wales, after his conquest of the Principality, was subject to English rule. This point was underscored in 1284, when Edward made certain that his son was born in the castle and declared Prince of Wales. The current heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, was crowned here in 1969.
Leaving Caernarfon and the mainland, you return to the isle of Anglesey, where your final visit of the day is at Plas Newydd ("new mansion"), the ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey. Feel free to wander through this elegant country house at your leisure and discover many treasures and fascinating artifacts, including a number of paintings by Rex Whistler and the world's first articulated wooden leg, made for the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who was wounded at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving as much as a mile and half of walking over mostly flat and groomed surfaces, but much of the walking is at your discretion. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
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Belfast is an elegant city boasting a rich and varied past. But Northern Ireland's largest city was built primarily in the modern period. This excursion focuses on the legacy of the 19th-century industrialists whose wealth is responsible for most of the monuments that grace the present.
Your tour begins with a drive past a host of popular sights — the stately Grand Opera House and Albert Memorial Clock Tower among them — before stopping at Queens University, founded by Queen Victoria in 1845. Here you will have an opportunity to walk the college grounds and enjoy a stroll through Belfast's celebrated Botanic Gardens, home to Palm House, a magnificent cast iron and glass structure enclosing a rainforest that was built before the similar structure of the same name in London's Kew Gardens.
Drive past Belfast City Hall, whose 300ft-long façade of Portland stone dominates Donegall Square, site of a statue of Queen Victoria and of the Titanic Memorial, before your final stop at one of Belfast's newest attractions, Titanic Belfast.
A monument to the city's maritime heritage on the site of the shipyard where the ill-fated ship was built, Titanic Belfast opened in 2012. This state-of-the-art experiential museum tells the stories of the men and women who labored at the Harland & Wolff yard to build what was the largest ship afloat at the time, and also tells the stories of the passengers and crew who were aboard on April 15, 1912. Using a variety of materials and media, including CGI, film and video, audio, archival materials, and scale models, the oft-told story of the Titanic is brought to life in a new and fascinating way, as Belfast remembers this important part of its legacy.
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The city tour is primarily via motorcoach, but walking at the university and the gardens totals approximately half a mile. Walking at Titanic Belfast is entirely at the guest's discretion.
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From the port of Belfast drive along the Antrim Coast. Some of the world's most unspoiled scenery is to be found here. From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the Glens, this is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer.
Stop briefly at Dunluce Castle for the spectacular views from this 14th-century outpost at the edge of a magnificent cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean before you continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant's Causeway. A new Visitor Center, opened in 2012, provides information you can use to decide for yourself between competing theories of how the causeway came to be. One view is that the 40,000 basalt stones that form the causeway were deposited here as the result of a volcanic eruption 6 million years ago. Another story is that during the age of giants, the local giant, Finn McCool, tore up pieces of the coast and threw them into the sea in order to protect Ireland from other giants across the sea in Scotland.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at the majesty and mystery of the unique rock formations that have stood for millions of years as a natural rampart against the ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire. Your imagination will travel along these giant stepping-stones that lead either to the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the realm of myth and legend.
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This excursion is mainly via motorcoach. There is some walking at Dunluce Castle to get the best views, but walking at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Center is entirely at your discretion. Those who wish to walk to the stones themselves will need to navigate a fairly steep incline. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
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This excursion offers the chance to experience firsthand the festive spirit of Irish hospitality as it has been shared through the ages.
Begin with a guided walking tour of Belfast center, where you will learn something of the history of this elegant Victorian city as you discover iconic buildings and monuments, including the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, erected in memory of Queen Victoria's beloved husband; Ulster Hall, an imposing 19th-century music hall now used for concerts and recitals of all kinds; and the emblematic Belfast City Hall, whose magnificent 300-foot-long façade of Portland stone makes it impossible to mistake.
But the highlight of your tour is certain to be your stop in a local pub, where you will spend time in the company of world champion Irish dancers and musicians. Enjoy a pint as you are entertained with dancing, stories, songs and music played on harp, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, flute, fiddle, concertina, and whistles. You may even try your hand at sean-nós and céilí dancing as your entertainers sing and play melodies and street songs that would have been heard in the ship-yards, mills, and markets of old.
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This is a moderate excursion with a total walking distance of approximately a mile and a quarter of flat and even terrain. You should wear comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket if weather conditions suggest it.
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Disembark on the mystical Isle of Iona, the site of the first Christian settlement in Scotland, dating from 563, the year that St. Columba landed in this remote place. It enjoys a reputation as a seat of spiritual power and bears the distinction of harboring in its "Graves of the Kings" some 60 Scottish monarchs, including Macbeth and his victim Duncan. A guided walking tour includes a visit to the 13th-century Abbey, which is open all the year round to welcome pilgrims from every corner of the globe to this holy site.
After visiting the abbey, board a local ferry to the Isle of Mull. Disembark in Fionnphort, and travel across the island, taking in stunning scenery enroute to a local village hall where you will enjoy lunch before continuing to Duart Castle. Perched on a rocky promontory jutting into the Sound of Mull, the castle is the ancestral home of Clan Maclean. Fully refurbished in 1911, it is a fascinating place, full of stories about the clan, their rivalries, and the role they have played in Scottish history. You can see the dungeons where Spanish prisoners were kept after the Macleans sank their galleon as it retreated from the defeat of the Armada in 1588. And those prepared to climb the ancient, worn steps, can take the turnpike stairs to the top of the 13th-century keep and the battlements, with views as far as Ben Nevis in the north and Jura in the south.
After touring the castle, transfer to Tobermory. Enjoy a brief stroll along the waterfront of this bustling fishing village before rejoining your ship, which has sailed during the day to meet you here.
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This tour involves 1.5 miles of walking, and we advise you to wear comfortable shoes. The walk from the Iona Abbey to the pier is fairly flat but exposed to the elements. There are about 50 steps to reach the top of the castle.
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Le Dumont-d'Urville gehört zu einer neuen Schiffsgeneration, die innovativ und umweltfreundlich ausgestattet ist. Das Schiff verfügt über nach außen weit offene Salons, einen Außenpool und ein Blue Eye, eine Unterwasserlounge. All dies für ein außergewöhnliches Kreuzfahrterlebnis. Nunmehr ist es möglich, an Bord eines Schiffes mit luxuriösen Annehmlichkeiten zu Abenteuern an den entlegensten Orten der Welt aufzubrechen.
Decks
Inkl. Landausflug in jedem Hafen + Transfers
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including early British historian and archaeologist Miriam Davis and early modern historian Carol Ann Lloyd
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in London to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Glasgow at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Lektor
An Bord Ihres Schiffes bieten Ihnen ausgewählte Lektoren kulturelle und historische Einblicke, damit Sie noch mehr über Ihr Reiseziel erfahren können: den Ursprung der lokalen Traditionen, die Geschichte symbolischer Orte, berühmte Persönlichkeiten und historische Helden... Die Experten begleiten Sie während der gesamten Kreuzfahrt, an Bord und bei den Ausflügen an Land, um ihr Know-how und ihre Einsichten mit Ihnen zu teilen.
Unsere Zusatzleistungen
Dover Castle
Given its strategic location at the shortest distance between Britain and the continent, it is not at all surprising that Dover Castle is one of the most fortified castles in England. Begun by Henry II and completed under Henry III in the mid 13th century, the castle has undergone many substantial renovations, one of the most important occurring at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, when a tunnel complex was dug into the chalk beneath the castle.
Your exploration of this massive fortress begins with a guided tour of the castle, with its Inner Bailey and Henry II's Great Tower. Explore the wider castle grounds to get a sense of the long history of the place, including an ancient Roman lighthouse, one of the oldest in the world, and an Anglo-Saxon church. Stretch your legs and walk the battlements to enjoy remarkable views over the English Channel.
Enjoy some time on your own to explore and, if available, enter the tunnels as they were during World War II, when they served as the headquarters from which the evacuation of Dunkirk was directed. Relive the drama of "Operation Dynamo" from May 26 – June 4, 1940, when, against enormous odds, more than 100,000 English and French troops were rescued. Perhaps see the underground hospital created by digging additional tunnels to serve as triage, operating rooms, and wards for treating the wounded before they were transferred further inland. Whatever you choose, you are sure to come away from the experience with a clearer sense of the importance of this remarkable monument in the history of England, and of the modern world.
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This is a moderate excursion. The guided tour of the castle involves standing for about an hour and some walking. Additional walking is largely at your discretion. A typical visit involves a total of 1.5 miles, over mixed terrain and steps. No special clothing is needed—comfortable shoes and a light jacket in case of rain should suffice.
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The Battle of Britain, in the summer and fall of 1940, was the first major military campaign fought entirely in the air. It is also the battle that changed the course of World War II.
This excursion begins with a short drive along the coast to the small village of Capel-le-Ferne, site of the Battle of Britain Memorial, for a guided tour of this monument to the heroism and sacrifice of the pilots and support staff of the Royal Air Force who crippled the Luftwaffe's efforts to bomb Britain into submission. You will see the memorial itself, dedicated by the Queen Mother in 1993, and the Wall, which contains the names of all the aircrew who flew at least one sortie during the battle. You will also visit the Wing, which houses an interactive experience creating a sense of what life was like during the campaign and its aftermath.
Leaving the memorial site, you drive past Dover Castle, a massive fortress much of which is hidden deep within the chalk of the cliffs, on your way to the White Cliffs Visitor Center. From here you set off on a 2 mile walk along perhaps the most famous cliffs in the world to reach the South Foreland Lighthouse. This Victorian era structure was built to guide mariners through the treacherous shifting sands of the Strait of Dover and was the first lighthouse anywhere in the world to make use of electric light.
Your motorcoach will meet you at the lighthouse for the short drive back to the pier.
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This is an active excursion with total walking distance of approximately 3 miles. The cliff walk includes stretches of unsure footing and can be slippery at times. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as well as a waterproof jacket and bottled water.
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A short journey from Dover through the heart of the county of Kent, known as the ‘Garden of England’, brings you to the historic and picturesque city of Canterbury – home to one of England's most famous cathedrals, setting of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Canterbury's wealth originated with the pilgrims who, like Chaucer's travelers, flocked to the city to visit the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket, who was murdered in his cathedral in 1170. The Norman cathedral still dominates Canterbury's skyline, inspiring the same sense of awe as it did in the Middle Ages. Explore this magnificent building, the mother church of the worldwide Anglican community, at your own pace, perhaps pausing at the site of Becket's martyrdom, marveling at the workmanship of the ancient stained-glass windows, or admiring the architecture of the Quire, the first Gothic building in England. You will also have time to wander among the labyrinth of streets and lanes lined with quaint shops, many of which date to the time of Chaucer.
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Total walking distance on this excursion is at your discretion. The ground around the cathedral has some cobblestones and is uneven in places, which may make walking difficult. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress (shoulders and knees covered) is requested to enter religious sites.
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Once an independent kingdom, the Isle of Wight so charmed Queen Victoria that after her first visit she is quoted as saying “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.”
You will get a sense of what she meant as you sail into the harbor at Cowes, once known as the "yachting capital of the world," and set off on a panoramic drive around this small island, much of which is managed as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. A brief stop in the picturesque village of Godshill is followed by a drive to Osborne House.
Queen Victoria had Osborne House built as a summer residence for the royal family in the mid-19th century. Designed by Prince Albert in the style of an Italian Renaissance country villa, it is a grand palace, but it functioned essentially as a family holiday home and is filled with many personal and family mementos. Highlights include the majestic State Rooms, for entertaining visiting dignitaries, Queen Victoria’s bedroom, where she died in 1901, the Swiss Cottage, a playhouse for the royal children, and the magnificent Gardens, designed, like the house, by Prince Albert.
After exploring this charming window into the personal lives of the royals, you return to Cowes and to your waiting ship.
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This is an easy excursion. There are only a few steps at Osborne House, chairs and benches are available throughout the house and gardens, and the amount of walking is entirely at your discretion. Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for the changeable weather.
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Tresco is the second largest of the Isles of Scilly, located some 30 miles off the southwest coast of Cornwall in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to the world-class Tresco Abbey Gardens, an incredible botanical paradise planted in the ruins of a Benedictine priory.
Founded by Augustus Smith, a wealthy banker, in 1834, the gardens today are home to an impressive collection of 20,000 plant species heralding from as far away as New Zealand, South America, and South Africa. The mild climate in Scilly, combined with plenty of sunshine, allows sub-tropical plants to flourish here in latitudes that seem impossible. A walled enclosure around the priory ruins acts as a wind-break, providing shelter from the ferocity of Atlantic weather during the winter months when, even then, more than 300 plants are in bloom.
You will be visiting in the spring, when the garden is at its loveliest, and when red squirrels, one of Britain's most endangered species, dart about the grounds in the safety of this verdant sanctuary. Stroll the gardens at leisure to discover its many treasures, including the collection of figureheads and decorative carvings from ships that sank off Scilly's shores — another of Augustus Smith's passions.
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This is an easy excursion with only as much walking as you wish in the gardens. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen are recommended.
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Located about 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are a cluster of low-lying islands, only five of which are inhabited. The entire archipelago is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, dotted with Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Marine Conservation Zones. The clear waters surrounding the islands support an abundance of marine life, and migratory birds are drawn by the temperate climate, winds and ocean current.
Discover the natural beauty that Scilly has to offer on a cruise aboard a local boat around the eastern isles. The rugged coastlines of the islands are a haven for wildlife, and you may spot gannets, cormorants, shearwaters, and Atlantic grey seals. From about mid-April, puffins return to breed here, making the Isles of Scilly a hugely important habitat for this popular seabird.
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This is an easy excursion, with minimal walking and just a few steps into and out of local boats. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen are recommended.
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The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of five inhabited islands and numerous uninhabited rocky islets situated 28 miles from Land's End, the most south westerly point of the British Isles. With a total population of just over two thousand, an exceptionally mild climate, beautiful flowers, and powder soft white sandy beaches, they are renowned for their outstanding natural beauty, ancient historic sites, and fine, fresh seafood. A haven of peace and tranquility, their timeless beauty combined with a slower pace of life lures visitors from near and far, many of whom return year after year.
St. Mary's is the larger of the islands, and it is at the bustling quay in Hugh Town, the island's tiny capital, where a local guide awaits ready to provide an introductory talk about the rich history of the isles. Traces of human life here stretch back over 8,000 years to when the islands were one large land mass and home to nomadic hunter gatherers whose flint tools are still occasionally uncovered whilst beach combing or walking through the fields.
At only nine miles in circumference, walking is one of the best ways to truly appreciate the island and soak in the spectacular vistas across the waters from St. Mary's Garrison. Perched high on a hill just up from Hugh Town this impressive coastal fort dates to the 17th century and boasts around 350 years of history. Walk the thick stone walls, exploring the storehouses and gun batteries before heading to Star Castle. Set in the heart of this fortification system, Star Castle is surrounded by a dry moat and was constructed in 1593 under strict instruction from Queen Elizabeth I to defend the islands. Take a well-earned break in this historic castle with a tea or coffee before returning down the cobbled walkway to explore the tiny capital Hugh Town with its small cluster of shops, restaurants, and cafes set mere moments from the soft powdery sands and sparkling turquoise waters of Porthcressa Bay.
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Disembark on St. Martin’s, a quiet island offering spectacular views and a wealth of life’s simpler pleasures. Its rich natural beauty has attracted an enterprising group of residents, a few of whom you will meet, including the owners of St. Martin’s Vineyard. Established in 1996 on the site of a former flower farm, the tiny vineyard's first vintage in 2000 yielded only 120 bottles. Today it produces much more, while maintaining a focus on biodiversity and sustainability, including a move towards organic production. You are invited to enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds at your own pace, and of course, taste several of the wines.
From the vineyard, walk along the island’s only concrete road to Highertown, home to a gallery showcasing local artists, a flower farm, and a thriving artisanal bakery. Browse these shops at leisure before walking back to the pier for the transfer to your ship.
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This excursion is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. There is no transport on the island of St. Martin's, so all touring is on foot, and could amount to a total of 3 miles. We recommend sturdy walking shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen.
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Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.The Center of Cork City
This walking tour of Cork is designed to introduce you to Ireland's second city through a variety of its neighborhoods and monuments. A 45-minute drive from the pier brings you to the South Mall, lined with businesses housed in buildings that were once boathouses along the River Lee. Across Parnell Bridge, your guide will lead you on a leisurely stroll along the quays of the south shore, where you will encounter a variety of architectural styles—the classical lines of Cork's elegant limestone City Hall, the modern design of the College of Commerce, and the Gothic façade of Holy Trinity Church. Pause for a moment to admire the graceful arch of Parliament Bridge before continuing on to Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Designed and built by William Burgess in 1879, this Gothic Revival church is renowned for the exuberant style of its ornamentation, particularly the ornately decorated interior.
After your visit to the interior of Saint Fin Barre's, resume your exploration of Cork on the north side of river, where you enter the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares of the city. Along North Main and Castle Streets you are in a very cosmopolitan part of the city, full of pedestrian lanes, cafes, bookshops, and antique stores and surrounded by the people of Cork, gregariously going about their business. It is in this part of the city that you will find the famous English Market, a veritable festival of meats, fruits and vegetables, fish, cheeses from Italy, France, and Ireland, fresh breads, and more. Take some time to browse the many stalls and do a bit of shopping before returning to the ship.
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This moderate excursion involves slightly more than a mile of walking over flat, occasionally uneven, surfaces. We recommend comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
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Cork, Ireland's second city (or the "real capital of Ireland," as its inhabitants like to say), was founded in the 6th century as a monastic settlement on an island in the estuary of the River Lee, just upstream from Cork harbor. Today the Lee flows through the city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. In fact, it is this feature of the city that gives Cork its distinctively continental air. The city has become the shopping and commercial capital of the south. It is a university city—a city of jazz, film, opera and theater. And yet, despite offering the amenities of a large city, it still manages to retain the charm and friendliness of a country town. Among the sights you will see on your panoramic tour are the spires of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Old Courthouse, City Hall, and the renowned Bells of Shandon.
Leaving the city, you will travel eastwards to the village of Midleton, the town from which the famous rare Irish whiskey gets its name. A visit to the Old Jameson Distillery will take you into the heart of the cherished whiskey making tradition. Join a 60-minute guided tour of this beautifully restored 18th-century self-contained industrial complex and learn the history of Irish whiskey as you observe the fully operational water wheel and marvel at the 32,000-gallon copper still, the largest in the world.
After the history comes the tasting, where you are invited to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and sample Ireland's finest whiskey. Afterwards, visit the craft shop or coffee shop at Jameson Heritage Centre where you can lose yourself in the charm of another age.
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This moderate excursion includes approximately 0.25 miles of walking on flat surfaces with cobblestones and some steps at the distillery. Wear warm and comfortable waterproof clothing and walking shoes. Please note that the order of the visits may be reversed. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate. This tour is limited to 80 participants.
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From the pier, board your coach and follow the rugged coastline to the Old Head of Kinsale. The Old Head boasts spectacular scenery and breathtaking views with steep cliffs jutting down to the Celtic Sea on three sides. On May 7, 1915, the Lusitania passenger ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat just miles off the southern coast of Old Head during WWI, claiming 1,198 lives. Today the wreck remains, just 300 feet below the surface.
As you drive the loop of Old Head, you will reach Garrylucas Beach, where you will stop for a gentle stroll along a beautiful, white-sand beach, awarded a Blue Flag for its high quality environmental and quality standards.
Continue via the inland route to Charles Fort, a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. Here, enjoy a guided tour of this dramatic fort that was primarily constructed as a coastal defense to prevent attacking naval forces from entering Kinsale Harbor. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. These include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Charles Fort remained garrisoned by the British army until 1922.
After your visit, rejoin your coach for your transfer back to your awaiting ship.
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This excursion involves walking approximately 4 miles on uneven grounds and steps. We recommend you wear warm, waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
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Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Bodnant Garden
From the small port of Holyhead your motorcoach transports you on a scenic drive across the Isle of Anglesey, over the Menai Strait to the mainland of North Wales, and along the coast to the village of Conwy, home to the world-class Bodnant Garden.
Nestled in the Snowdonian foothills, Bodnant Garden was established in 1874 by scientist, businessman, and politician Henry Pochin, whose vision it was to create here in Wales a garden that would showcase plants from around the world. He and his descendants began the work of collecting and made Bodnant home to the earliest laburnum arch in Britain, to the earliest Chinese magnolias in the country, and to unique rhododendron hybrids.
In 1949 the Garden was gifted to the National Trust, who now maintain it and carry on its traditions. Bodnant is home to exotic plants like the Blue Poppy of the Himalayas and the Fire Bush of the Andes, as well as boasting Wales’ largest collection of UK Champion Trees. During your visit, the flowers of spring — daffodils, camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons —should still be in bloom, while the rose beds, lily ponds, herbaceous plantings and wildflower meadows of summer will be beginning to make their presence known.
You will enjoy a guided walk in the garden followed by time at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
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The amount of walking during this excursion is largely at the guest's discretion. The guided tour of the garden is about 45 minutes over mostly flat or gently sloping terrain. Adventurous visitors should be prepared for a mix of gravel and grass footing and some older pathways with steps and exposed tree roots.
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Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Highlights of Welsh History and Culture
This full day of activity is designed to introduce you to three central aspects of Welsh culture—its language, its mining and industrial past, and its architectural history. The experience begins even before you disembark, with a lecture from a native Welsh speaker and linguist on the history of the Welsh language and on the importance of continuing to teach it to children in Welsh schools.
Once aboard your motorcoach, you will travel onto the mainland of North Wales, where your first stop will be at the National Slate Museum on the shores of Llyn Padarn at the edge of Snowdonia National Park. Here you will learn about the Welsh slate industry's crucial contributions to the Industrial Revolution in Britain and at the same time gain insight into the arduous lives of the Victorian quarrymen who worked the mines to make it possible.
Pause in the town of Caernarfon for lunch before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Caernarfon Castle, designed by Edward I to drive home the message that Wales, after his conquest of the Principality, was subject to English rule. This point was underscored in 1284, when Edward made certain that his son was born in the castle and declared Prince of Wales. The current heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, was crowned here in 1969.
Leaving Caernarfon and the mainland, you return to the isle of Anglesey, where your final visit of the day is at Plas Newydd ("new mansion"), the ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey. Feel free to wander through this elegant country house at your leisure and discover many treasures and fascinating artifacts, including a number of paintings by Rex Whistler and the world's first articulated wooden leg, made for the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who was wounded at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving as much as a mile and half of walking over mostly flat and groomed surfaces, but much of the walking is at your discretion. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
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Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.City Tour and Titanic Belfast
Belfast is an elegant city boasting a rich and varied past. But Northern Ireland's largest city was built primarily in the modern period. This excursion focuses on the legacy of the 19th-century industrialists whose wealth is responsible for most of the monuments that grace the present.
Your tour begins with a drive past a host of popular sights — the stately Grand Opera House and Albert Memorial Clock Tower among them — before stopping at Queens University, founded by Queen Victoria in 1845. Here you will have an opportunity to walk the college grounds and enjoy a stroll through Belfast's celebrated Botanic Gardens, home to Palm House, a magnificent cast iron and glass structure enclosing a rainforest that was built before the similar structure of the same name in London's Kew Gardens.
Drive past Belfast City Hall, whose 300ft-long façade of Portland stone dominates Donegall Square, site of a statue of Queen Victoria and of the Titanic Memorial, before your final stop at one of Belfast's newest attractions, Titanic Belfast.
A monument to the city's maritime heritage on the site of the shipyard where the ill-fated ship was built, Titanic Belfast opened in 2012. This state-of-the-art experiential museum tells the stories of the men and women who labored at the Harland & Wolff yard to build what was the largest ship afloat at the time, and also tells the stories of the passengers and crew who were aboard on April 15, 1912. Using a variety of materials and media, including CGI, film and video, audio, archival materials, and scale models, the oft-told story of the Titanic is brought to life in a new and fascinating way, as Belfast remembers this important part of its legacy.
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The city tour is primarily via motorcoach, but walking at the university and the gardens totals approximately half a mile. Walking at Titanic Belfast is entirely at the guest's discretion.
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Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.The Giants Causeway
From the port of Belfast drive along the Antrim Coast. Some of the world's most unspoiled scenery is to be found here. From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the Glens, this is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer.
Stop briefly at Dunluce Castle for the spectacular views from this 14th-century outpost at the edge of a magnificent cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean before you continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant's Causeway. A new Visitor Center, opened in 2012, provides information you can use to decide for yourself between competing theories of how the causeway came to be. One view is that the 40,000 basalt stones that form the causeway were deposited here as the result of a volcanic eruption 6 million years ago. Another story is that during the age of giants, the local giant, Finn McCool, tore up pieces of the coast and threw them into the sea in order to protect Ireland from other giants across the sea in Scotland.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at the majesty and mystery of the unique rock formations that have stood for millions of years as a natural rampart against the ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire. Your imagination will travel along these giant stepping-stones that lead either to the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the realm of myth and legend.
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This excursion is mainly via motorcoach. There is some walking at Dunluce Castle to get the best views, but walking at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Center is entirely at your discretion. Those who wish to walk to the stones themselves will need to navigate a fairly steep incline. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
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Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.The Hospitality of Belfast
This excursion offers the chance to experience firsthand the festive spirit of Irish hospitality as it has been shared through the ages.
Begin with a guided walking tour of Belfast center, where you will learn something of the history of this elegant Victorian city as you discover iconic buildings and monuments, including the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, erected in memory of Queen Victoria's beloved husband; Ulster Hall, an imposing 19th-century music hall now used for concerts and recitals of all kinds; and the emblematic Belfast City Hall, whose magnificent 300-foot-long façade of Portland stone makes it impossible to mistake.
But the highlight of your tour is certain to be your stop in a local pub, where you will spend time in the company of world champion Irish dancers and musicians. Enjoy a pint as you are entertained with dancing, stories, songs and music played on harp, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, flute, fiddle, concertina, and whistles. You may even try your hand at sean-nós and céilí dancing as your entertainers sing and play melodies and street songs that would have been heard in the ship-yards, mills, and markets of old.
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This is a moderate excursion with a total walking distance of approximately a mile and a quarter of flat and even terrain. You should wear comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket if weather conditions suggest it.
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Disembark on the mystical Isle of Iona, the site of the first Christian settlement in Scotland, dating from 563, the year that St. Columba landed in this remote place. It enjoys a reputation as a seat of spiritual power and bears the distinction of harboring in its "Graves of the Kings" some 60 Scottish monarchs, including Macbeth and his victim Duncan. A guided walking tour includes a visit to the 13th-century Abbey, which is open all the year round to welcome pilgrims from every corner of the globe to this holy site.
After visiting the abbey, board a local ferry to the Isle of Mull. Disembark in Fionnphort, and travel across the island, taking in stunning scenery enroute to a local village hall where you will enjoy lunch before continuing to Duart Castle. Perched on a rocky promontory jutting into the Sound of Mull, the castle is the ancestral home of Clan Maclean. Fully refurbished in 1911, it is a fascinating place, full of stories about the clan, their rivalries, and the role they have played in Scottish history. You can see the dungeons where Spanish prisoners were kept after the Macleans sank their galleon as it retreated from the defeat of the Armada in 1588. And those prepared to climb the ancient, worn steps, can take the turnpike stairs to the top of the 13th-century keep and the battlements, with views as far as Ben Nevis in the north and Jura in the south.
After touring the castle, transfer to Tobermory. Enjoy a brief stroll along the waterfront of this bustling fishing village before rejoining your ship, which has sailed during the day to meet you here.
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This tour involves 1.5 miles of walking, and we advise you to wear comfortable shoes. The walk from the Iona Abbey to the pier is fairly flat but exposed to the elements. There are about 50 steps to reach the top of the castle.
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Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS (2 NIGHTS)
The Scottish Highlands encompass some of the most romantic and storied landscapes in the world. Famous for their rugged beauty, they are also home to a vigorous Gaelic pride and the site of many battles in the struggle for autonomy from England. This program provides an introduction to all of these aspects of Highland culture, as well as a tasting of local whisky, without which any visit to the region is incomplete.
Day 1 – Disembark | Glasgow, Scotland | Inverness
After breakfast aboard and disembarkation, board your motorcoach for a leisurely journey to Inverness. Begin with a panoramic tour of Glasgow, including Georgian Blythswood Square, the impressive façade of the University of Glasgow, the quiet residential area of Hyndland—home to several noted authors, poets and actors—and the Riverside Museum, where you can see ships plying their trade on the river Clyde as they have done for millennia.
Leave Glasgow and drive northwards through the beautiful scenery of Trossachs National Park to Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Britain, where your guide will regale you with stories of Rob Roy, the 17th-century Scottish outlaw made famous by Sir Walter Scott. Continue to picturesque Glencoe, situated in a steep-sided valley known for its waterfalls and impressive mountain peaks, where you pause for lunch, before visiting the award-winning Glencoe visitor center to learn more about the history and geology of this region.
As you continue northward through the wonderfully scenic Great Glen, you pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and stop briefly at the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks. Follow the route of the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, pausing at the small town of Fort Augustus, on the southern tip of Loch Ness, before continuing along the shores of this legendary home of the Loch Ness Monster to Inverness.
On arrival in Inverness, check-in to the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Inverness
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor's Center, a powerful memorial to the final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Then, a short drive across the Moray Firth and through the countryside brings you to the Glen Ord Distillery, where the famous Singleton single malt whisky is made. A guided tour of the facility and a nosing and tasting led by an experienced whisky sommelier is followed by time to explore the distillery's exhibition area or browse their gift shop.
Returning to Inverness, enjoy a guided walking tour of this 'capital of the Highlands'. Explore Inverness Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, and stroll along the River Ness toward the city center, for splendid views of Inverness Castle. Your guide will explain the legend of the encounter between a saint and a water monster that continues to attract visitors to the region, and as you walk up Church Street, lined with many grand buildings, you will also learn about the Jacobite uprising and its end in 1746 at the battle of nearby Culloden Moor.
Reaching the top of Castle Hill, you will enjoy a brilliant view of the River Ness and hear the history of the castle, of Mary Queen of Scot’s visit to Inverness, and of Flora MacDonald, the Highland heroine who saved the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie by disguising him as a maid. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner.
Day 3 – Inverness | Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The Inverness Palace Hotel is Inverness’s newest 4-star hotel, combining the best of the past with the contemporary style of the present. The building was designed by Ross & MacBeth and opened in 1890. It is a Baronial-style three-story building, with two conical-roofed towers, connected by an arch. Each room is individually styled, combining traditional period features with the comfort of modern living. Elegant modern fabrics and sophisticated finishes decorate the rooms, which feature grand high ceilings and large windows offering fabulous views. There is a Spa and Wellness Center on the property, as well as two restaurants.
Your program includes:
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2 nights at the Inverness Palace Hotel (or similar)
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Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on disembarkation day
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Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
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Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
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Lunch on Day 1
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Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
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Local English-speaking guides
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Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
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Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
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Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
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It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
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Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
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The official currency is the British pound. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
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Program is offered on a space available basis.
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Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
8 Ness Walk
Inverness
IV3 5NG
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44.1463.222.3243
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 1.200 €
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.