From $2,145.00 USD per guest
Date: August 4 - August 15, 2016
Cruise Destination: London to London
Homes, vistas and gardens fit for royalty are all a part of this marvelous voyage. Begin outside London with a trip to Leeds Castle to explore “The Loveliest Castle in the World,” perched on 500 acres of beautiful parkland on two islands. From Belfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Mount Stewart. This elegant estate is decorated with a breathtaking profusion of astrological designs, stained glass and marble. Powerscourt Gardens, a vast 47-acre estate outside Dublin, will delight you with its blend of formal gardens, secret hollows and ornamental lakes. Take a short trip from Liverpool to Port Sunlight, a beautiful village built for the factory workers of “Soap King” William Lever. Thirty different architects contributed over 80 years to the design and charm of this special town.
Special Offer
- Featuring FREE Unlimited Internet, plus choose one of the below FREE:
- 4 FREE Shore Excursions
- FREE House Beverage Package
- $400 Shipboard Credit
Itinerary
Day 1: London (Southampton), United Kingdom
Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.
Day 2: Cruising the North Sea
At Sea, International Waters
Day 3: Newcastle, United Kingdom
A delightful blend of ancient and modern, Newcastle is one of the liveliest cities in northern England. Originally built in the 11th century, the Castle Keep was the “new castle” for which the city is named. Stroll along the River Tyne and marvel at the different bridges that have transformed the face of the city. Modern art is the main attraction at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, while the history of Newcastle unfolds at the Great North Museum.
Day 4: Edinburgh (Newhaven), United Kingdom (Anchor Port)
Savor the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached.
Day 5: Cruising the North Sea
At Sea, International Waters
Day 6: Londonderry (Greencastle), Ireland
One of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Ireland, Londonderry traces its roots to the 6th century. Walls from the 17th century still fortify the city center where you will find St. Columb’s Cathedral, built in 1633. Take a stroll across the River Foyle on the newly constructed Peace Bridge, or enjoy gorgeous views of the Irish countryside on a visit to the Sperrin Mountains. The geological marvel known as the Giant’s Causeway lies just east of the city.
Day 7: Belfast, Ireland
Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants' Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.
Day 8: Dublin, Ireland
Tour majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift is buried, and stroll through lovely St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful city park immortalized by James Joyce in Ulysses. The magnificently decorated Book of Kells is on display at the venerable Trinity College. For more secular pursuits, tour the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Distillery and learn the secrets to making great Irish beer and whiskey.
Day 9: Liverpool, United Kingdom
A wealthy port city since the 19th century, Liverpool is noted for its rich architectural heritage, diverse communities and innovative infrastructure, as well as being the birthplace of The Beatles. The history of the city as one of the world’s greatest seaports unfolds at The Merseyside Maritime Museum, and the exhibitions at The Beatles Story take you on a journey through the lives and times of the Fab Four. For a spectacular panoramic view of the city, climb the tower of Liverpool Cathedral.
Day 10: Cork (Cobh), Ireland
Cheerful Cork sprawls about the River Lee in one of Ireland's most stunning settings. Bridges crisscross the city leading to landmarks like St. Anne's Church and the Old City Gaol, where you'll see the 19th century prisoners' graffiti. Make time to kiss the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle.
Day 11: Portland, United Kingdom
Joined to the mainland of Dorset by narrow Chesil Beach, Portland is in the heart of England's dramatic Jurassic Coast, so called because its rock bed dates back 185 million years. The coastal cliffs and area's unique flora and fauna are awe-inspiring, the perfect complement to the town's rich history. Portland Castle overlooks the harbor and is one of Henry VIII's best-preserved coastal fortifications. Portland Bill Lighthouse is another landmark, literally, and has been guiding sailors for more than 300 years. You may also enjoy walking to the abandoned Tout Quarry, which has been turned into a delightful stone sculpture park.
Day 12: London (Southampton), United Kingdom