Day 1 - Southampton
Home of the ill-fated Titanic departure, Southampton has a long maritime history. Henry V’s fleet bound for the battle of Agincourt left from here, as did the Mayflower (not from Plymouth as many believe) and the great British ocean liners, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary both departed on their maiden voyages from the port. So suffice to say, that Southampton is a seafearing place. Today Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe, so expect a city that understands how to have fun. This comes in a variety of ways: a castellated old city that has lots of charm, some excellent museums (the most notable of which is the Sea City Museum) and extensive green spaces. Authentic Tudor remains provide a fascinating insight to 15th century living while other landmarks date back even further. A stroll around the city is generous in its attractions, so there is no better way to see Southampton than on foot. Culture wise, the city’s bustling Guildhall Square is the centre for art, education and food and drink. Southampton’s location of the south coast of England means just a short distance away lie some interesting spots. Pre-historic enigma Stonehenge is less than an hour away while the quintessentially English market town Salisbury is perfect for a bit of shopping. Both are well worth a visit. For those who prefer their entertainment crafted by Mother Nature, a short ride to the New Forest will give you peace; think idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and cliff top walks.
Day 2 - Portland
The tied island of Portland sprawls out attractively into the English Channel, linked to the mainland by just the Chesil barrier beach’s thin sliver of sand. Portland forms part of England’s dramatic Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of limestone cliffs, coastal rock formations and beautiful bays. It may be a tiny teardrop of an island, but with pirate heritage, historic castles and soaring lighthouses, there’s a lot to keep you busy, as you soak in Dorset’s relentlessly wonderful coastal appeals. Photograph the handsome white and red-banded lighthouse, which watches out over the rock-interrupted waves, on a breathtakingly photogenic outcrop. Flashing out warnings of a hull-shredding offshore bank, the lighthouse marks the southern tip of this island, and lurches out five miles towards the Channel Islands. Rock mined from Portland has been used to create some of the most famous buildings in the world, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the United Nations' Building of New York. The stunning natural arch of Durdle Door is close by - looming over a scenic cove, it is undoubtedly one of England’s prettiest beaches and most beautiful natural landmarks. A 16th-century Tudor castle stands guard over Portland’s harbour, and was one of London 2012’s more unusual Olympic venues, hosting sailing events. The waters here remain filled with sailboats harnessing the power of the salty sea breeze. You can also learn of D-Day history, and the role this area played in one of the most important land invasions ever seen, at Castletown D-Day Centre.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
• The Isle of Portland
Activity Level
Minimal
SELECTED EXCURSIONS
• Abbotsbury Swannery & Gardens
Activity Level
Moderate
• Jurassic Coastal Hike
Activity Level
Physically fit
• Langham Wine Estate
Activity Level
Moderate
• Athelhampton House & The Stone Giant
Activity Level
Moderate
Day 3 - Portland
Devon’s largest city is packed with seafaring heritage and quintessential britishness. Tea shops, pubs, a famous gin distillery plus a newly revamp port promenade provide much in the way of gentle entertainment, while those who like to stretch their legs only have to look northwards to the rolling moors. The city is of course most famous for its role in the launching of the Mayflower, as it is from Plymouth that the Pilgrim Fathers left for the New World in 1620 – the original steps may have been lost but a stone plaque allows visitors to stand on the exact spot they left from. The town is peppered with remnants of its historic maritime heritage, across the waters of Plymouth Sound lies fortified Drake’s Island guarding the approaches, while Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake was famously playing bowls when he received news of the invading Armada, is just up from the docks. Nearby Royal William Yard, built by John Rennie between 1825-31, boasts the largest collection of Grade 1-listed military buildings in Europe. Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery contains maritime displays including important Napoleonic ship models. The city’s strategic position on England’s south coast cost it dearly during WWII. From 1940-44 the Luftwaffe basically razed the original city, and many of the original building were destroyed. What was rebuilt is more gritty than pretty, but those who are willing to look beyond the dour city centre will find a very pleasing place surrounded by beautiful English countryside.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
• Plymouth Historical Walking Tour
Activity Level
Extensive
SELECTED EXCURSIONS
• Mount Edgcumbe By Land & Sea
Activity Level
Moderate
• Cornish Countryside and Town of Looe
Activity Level
Moderate
• Off The Beaten Path – Dartmoor Hike and Pub Lunch
Activity Level
Physically fit
• Plymouth and Gin Distillery On Foot
Activity Level
Extensive
• Sir Francis Drake House & Scenic Dartmoor
Activity Level
Moderate
• Royal Citadel
Activity Level
Extensive
Day 4 - Day at Sea
Day 5 - Holyhead
Scenic lighthouses soar from craggy outcrops over crashing waves around Holyhead - a Welsh coastal gem known as a busy ferry port connecting Wales with Dublin. The iconic South Stack Lighthouse - built in 1809 and rumoured to be haunted - shines brightly on top of a photogenic rocky outcrop, reachable only by a nerve-testing bridge suspended over the wild waters below, and a series of almost 400 steps. Ellin’s Tower is perfect for seabird encounters - spot puffins, razorbills, and guillemots nesting among the jagged cliffs, while red-billed choughs circle overhead. Fresh sea breezes brush against you on walks out above the waters to the lighthouse at the terminus of Holyhead Breakwater, which is the longest in the UK at 1.7 miles. The long wall protects the harbour from the whims of the Irish Sea. Located in the oldest lifeboat station in Wales, Holyhead Maritime Museum is a fascinating voyage through the area’s deeply-entrenched maritime heritage. Uncover tales of eerie shipwrecks, rescue missions, and Holyhead’s Roman origins. Breathe in briny air on coastal walks in Breakwater Country Park, or ascend Holyhead Mountain’s 220 metres. The relatively gentle climb dutifully rewards with views of the Skerries Islands, and perhaps even Ireland’s emerald shores. Holyhead is also a great jumping off point for the Anglesey Coastal Path, a 130-mile trail snaking along some of Wales’ trademark wild and rugged coastal scenery.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
• Discover Anglesey
Activity Level
Minimal
SELECTED EXCURSIONS
•Plas Brondanw Gardens & Portmeirion Village
Activity Level
Moderate
• Private Reception at Gwydir Castle
Activity Level
Moderate
• Caernarfon Castle
Activity Level
Moderate
• Narrow Gauge Railway & Welsh Countryside
Activity Level
Minimal
• Anglesey Spirit Cocktail Masterclass
Activity Level
Minimal
Day 6 - Holyhead
Atmospheric cobbled streets, with buskers scraping fiddles and characterful pubs inviting passersby inside, is Dublin in a snapshot. A city of irrepressible energy and lust for life, Ireland's capital is as welcoming a place as you'll find. Horse-drawn carriages plod along cobbled centuries-old streets, blending with an easy-going, cosmopolitan outlook. Known for its fun-filled gathering of pubs, any excuse works to enjoy a celebratory toast and chat among good company. Home to perhaps the world's most famous beer - slurp perfect pourings of thick, dark Guinness - cranked out for the city's thirsty punters. Learn more of the humble pint's journey at the Guinness Storehouse. Dublin has come along way since the Vikings established a trading port here, back in the 9th Century. In the time since, the city became the British Empire's defacto second city, and the Georgian imprint still adds oodles of historic character. Learn of 1916's Easter Uprising, when the Irish rebelled and established their independence here, as you visit the infamous, haunting Kilmainham Gaol. The uprising's leaders were tried and executed in these dark confines. Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral has immense history below its steep spire, which dates back to 1191. There's rich literary heritage to leaf through too, and the city's streets were rendered vividly in James Joyce's classic Ullyses. The Museum of Literature celebrates the full scope of Dublin's lyrical talents. Trinity College also has a prestigious roll-call of alumni - visit to see the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated bible of the medieval era.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
• Dublin City Sights & St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Activity Level
Moderate
SELECTED EXCURSIONS
• A Glimpse of Dublin & Guinness
Activity Level
Moderate
• The Irish Emigration Story
Activity Level
Moderate
• North Coast & Malahide Castle
Activity Level
Moderate
• Irish Cooking Experience at Howth Castle
Activity Level
Moderate
Day 7 - Belfast
Reborn as a cool, modern city, Belfast has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Take a voyage of discovery in its maritime quarter, home to a celebrated museum dedicated to the most famous ship ever built, which was constructed right here in the city’s shipyards. A walk across the Lagan Weir Footbridge brings you to Belfast’s fascinating Titanic District – an area of the city devoted to its rich ship-building heritage. The state-of-the-art Titanic Museum brings the story of the doomed vessel to life, and is the largest museum dedicated to the infamously ‘unsinkable’ ship. Wind up a nautical-themed ramble along the Maritime Mile with a visit to SS Nomadic, the smaller cousin of the Titanic, and a ship which serves as a fascinating time capsule back to the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic, while also telling its own stories of service in both World Wars. There’s just enough time to give the 10-metre long Salmon of Knowledge sculpture a quick peck for luck, before continuing to explore. A stark barbed wire and graffitied sheet metal barrier marks an abrupt scar through the city’s residential areas. The Peace Line was constructed during the height of the Troubles, when Belfast was plagued by sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays, you can jump in a black taxi tour to see the colourful murals and living history of the walls, which stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. After exploring the city’s historic divisions, a reminder of Belfast’s uniting creativity can be found at the Metropolitan Arts Centre – a seven-storey tall building, which invites light to gloriously cascade inside. The Cathedral Quarter is a cobbled blend of flower-adorned pubs, restaurants and theatres, and venues where music spills out onto the streets at night, and many a pint is cheerily shared.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
• Belfast City Highlights
Activity Level
Moderate
SELECTED EXCURSIONS
• Game of Thrones Studio
Activity Level
Minimal
• S.A.L.T. Northern Irish Cuisine with Chef Bronagh Duffin
Activity Level
Minimal
• Amazing Antrim - Giant’s Causeway
Activity Level
Moderate
• Belfast Black Taxi Tour
Activity Level
Minimal
• Belfast Treasures and Titanic
Activity Level
Minimal
• Hillsborough Castle, Royal Residence
Activity Level
Moderate
• Irish Cultural Evening
Activity Level
Minimal
• Silver Shore Privato - Belfast by Private Car with Guide - Half Day
Activity Level
Minimal
• Silver Shore Privato - Belfast by Private Car with Guide - Full Day
Activity Level
Minimal
• Silver Shore Privato - Belfast by Private Van with Guide - Half Day
Activity Level
Minimal
• Silver Shore Privato - Belfast by Private Van with Guide
Activity Level
Minimal
Day 8 - Greenock
INCLUDED EXCURSION
• Glasgow On Your Own – Full Day
Activity Level
Minimal
• Glasgow On Your Own – Half Day
Activity Level
Minimal
SELECTED EXCURSIONS
• Glasgow & Kelvingrove Gallery
Activity Level
Moderate
• Mosaic Myths and Masterpieces: A VIP Glasgow Art & Heritage Journey
Activity Level
Moderate
• Scenic Glasgow & Free Time
Activity Level
Minimal
• Picturesque Luss
Activity Level
Moderate
• Glengoyne Whisky Distillery
Activity Level
Moderate
• The Haggis Experience
Activity Level
Moderate
• Ardgowan House
Activity Level
Moderate
Day 9 - Day at Sea
Day 10 - Cobh
The picturesque little seaside town of Cobh, pronounced Cove, has a magnificent natural harbour, the second largest in the world. This contributed to Cobh’s connection with some of the worlds most famous ships.Of all the passenger ships that sailed from here though, the most notorious must be the Titanic, Cobh being her final port of call. Not surprisingly there are plenty of memorials to the ship in town including the not to be missed is the Titanic Experience. Through interactive experiences, visitors get the chance to experience life on board the ship and to discover more about the passengers who made that ill-fated voyage.Back when the town was called Queenstown from 1849 - 1920, over 2.5 million people emigrated from Ireland through Cobh port. Some were heading to start new lives in North America, some involuntarily as convicts and others escaping famine. The Cobh Heritage Centre tells the moving stories of how these Irish people became scattered around the globe.Spike Island, just a short ferry ride away is Irelands version of Alcatraz. Over 1300 years old, the star shaped fortress later had the dubious honour of being the world’s largest prison. Daytime and spooky nighttime tours are possible for those who dare.Cobh is an extremely walkable town, down on the waterfront are some of the best views of the town. Brightly coloured houses and friendly pubs, meander up the hilly street, drawing the eye to the towns focal point, the impressive St Colman’s Cathedral towering above.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
• Cork’s Countryside & Kinsale
Activity Level
Minimal
SELECTED EXCURSIONS
• Blarney Castle
Activity Level
Extensive
• Cork & Jameson Distillery
Activity Level
Moderate
• Cork Harbour Sea Safari
Activity Level
Extensive
• Spike Island Discovery
Activity Level
Moderate
• At Home with the O’Hanlon Family
Activity Level
Moderate
Day 11 - Falmouth
England’s Cornish coast is often touted as being one of the loveliest on earth, and Falmouth is testament to that. A lovely jumble of traditional seaside charm, long stretches of sandy beach and quintessential Britishness, Falmouth offers much in the way of entertainment. Think bags of style, a community spirit and a modern, arty, edge, and you have just about summed Falmouth up. It was recently voted as the UK’s best town to live, so it must be doing something right! With Falmouth, appearances can be deceptive – while one might think it is a twee seaside village that owes its livelihood to tourism, it is actually a university town, full of art galleries, independent book shops and of course buzzing bars and restaurants. Get a taste of the student life by wandering the seafront and the Prince of Wales Pier, ice-cream in hand. While the town might have embraced its future, its past is still very relevant. A major port in the 18-century the National Maritime Museum has a great deal of history on offer. For those who want to stretch their legs further afield and really enjoy the glorious English countryside, why not indulge your senses with a coastal trek along the Lizard Peninsula. Beautifully bordered by sea and open landscapes, expect to see tiny fishing villages hidden in their coves, dramatic coastal landscapes and even the Lizard Lighthouse, one of Marconi’s experimental wireless stations. Don’t forget to get yourself a cream tea – a Cornish institution – to congratulate yourself at the end!
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
• Blarney Castle
Activity Level
Minimal
SELECTED EXCURSIONS
• S.A.L.T. Cornish Cookery Experience
Activity Level
Minimal
• Signature - Coastal Views and Hidden Rock Pools
Activity Level
Physically fit
• Truro – Cornwall’s Historic Gem
Activity Level
Moderate
• Discover St Michael’s Mount
Activity Level
Moderate
• St Ives- The Idyllic Cornish Village
Activity Level
Moderate
• Picturesque Poldark
Activity Level
Extensive
• Home of English Tea
Activity Level
Moderate
• Lizard Peninsula Hike
Activity Level
Physically fit
