Itinerary

August 25 - Embark London/Dover, England

August 26 - Cruising the English Channel

August 27 - Edinburgh, Scotland (overnight)

August 28 - Edinburgh, Scotland

August 29 - Cruising the North Atlantic Ocean

August 30 - Belfast, Ireland

August 31 - Dublin, Ireland

September 1 - Holyhead, Wales

September 2 - Waterford, Ireland

September 3 - Portland, England

September 4 - Guernsey, Channel Islands

September 5 - Disembark London, England

HIGHLIGHTS:

London, England: For centuries, Dover has been a symbol of England's royal fortitude. The port's legendary White Cliffs have long been a welcomed landmark for seafaring travelers. The solid Dover Castle has faced invasions by Roman, French and even English troops. London's legendary sights, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Whitehall and the fashionable West End, lie just 80 miles from historic Dover.

Edinburgh, Scotland: Dominated by a medieval castle on a towering crag, Edinburgh is the celebrated capital of Scotland and boasts more than a thousand years of vibrant historical heritage. The Exchange building, the famous Royal Mile featuring St. Giles Cathedral and John Knox House, as well as Palace of holyroodhouse, the Queens official, are only a few of the architectural masterpieces found in this delightful Scottish city.

Belfast, Ireland: Having the gift of understatement and optimism, the Irish call their decades-long civil strife "the Troubles." Happily, the Troubles have settled down, making enjoyable visits to Northern Ireland, most notably Belfast, no trouble at all. Belfast has the world's largest dry dock, which brought not only prosperity to the city, but beauty. Ornate Victorian homes and grand Edwardian civic buildings line the streets. The city also has many quaint lanes populated by pubs and boutiques dressed with overflowing window boxes and brightly painted doors. While there is much to detain you in lovely Belfast, you might want to take the quick trip over the lough, or small bay, to Carrickfergus Castle, the best-preserved Norman castle in Ireland.

Dublin, Ireland: The Irish capital, Dublin, enjoys one of the loveliest settings in Europe. Craggy Howth Head shelters the natural harbor at Dublin Bay and the gurgling River Liffey flows through the center of town. The ancient Egyptians, as well as Norman and Viking warriors, visited Dublin. However, the city's most pervasive surviving influences come from the 18th and 19th centuries when elegant Georgian mansions were first built along the river and then outward from its shores. The arts also flourished during this period and Dublin served as the birthplace of some of our greatest literary figures such as Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and James Joyce to name only a few.

Holyhead, Wales: Located in the northwest of Wales on Holy Island, Holyhead might be considered a remote locale. But connecting it to the mainland is the Four Mile Bridge and a causeway, which in turn carries both the A5 road and local rail line. Such routes easily transport travelers to the charming half-timbered town of Chester and to Britain’s primary city, London. Yet there is much in Holyhead to keep visitors happily engaged right here. At the heart of Holyhead is St. Cybi’s Church, situated inside one of Europe’s only three-walled Roman forts. Indeed, local history stretches back to Roman times and before, with area settlements dating to prehistoric times. Maritime history is revealed in a museum where visitors can learn about the 100 or so shipwrecks that have occurred in the vicinity. Those who are feeling particularly energetic might make the trek to the South Stack Lighthouse, which stands guard over an area popular with birdwatchers.

Waterford, Ireland: The port city of Waterford, founded in the 9th century, lies on the banks of the River Suir (pronounced Shure) and is the regional capital of Ireland's southeast. It is the perfect gateway for a host of sightseeing opportunities, from rolling green countryside to traditional villages, castles and abbeys. During the period of rule by the Norman and the English, this city was a focus for international trading and local development, particularly with regard to the celebrated Waterford Crystal. Although the original Waterford Crystal Factory was closed in 1851, its revival in 1947 has brought a new wave of prosperity to this region. Today, visitors from around the world marvel at the factory's award-winning displays and witness first hand the time-honored skills of glass blowing, cutting and engraving.

Portland, England: In some ways, the “Isle” of Portland is a misnomer. Measuring about four miles long by one-and-a-half miles wide, the small land mass located in the English Channel is limestone tied, connected to the mainland by both a beach and bridge. Discussions of whether Portland qualifies as an island aside, there is no doubt as to its historic significance. Part of the Jurassic Coast, Portland is a World Heritage Site, so designated for its geology and landforms. Important manmade forms include Portland Castle, built by King Henry the VIII in 1539. The structure remains one of the best preserved castles of the period. Portland’s famous white limestone, meanwhile, has found its way to London, with iconic buildings such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the eastern front of Buckingham Palace constructed with the Portland limestone Sir Christopher Wren used to rebuild London after the Great Fire of 1666.

Guernsey, Channel Islands: Charming Guernsey, a mere 25 square miles in size, offers a host of enticing visitor attractions. Although geographically closer to France, it has remained staunchly British through the ages. Today, its diverse culture reflects the best of both worlds. Pastel-colored houses rise layer upon layer behind St. Peter Port, the island's picturesque main town. Beyond, you discover a wealth of activities centering around goldsmiths, silversmiths, wood carvers and clockmakers.