12/13day cruise "British Isles Tapestry"

Southampton is the largest city of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Southampton is a major port.  It was the point of departure for the RMS Titanic in 1912.

Cruising

A former industrial town, Newcastle-upon-Tyne today is a rejuvenated and modern city, on the River Tyne and boasts six impressive bridges, among which the graceful double arched Millennium Bridge. Head to the city centre for a visit at the Castle Keep, which dates back to Norman times and to which the city owes its name. Don’t miss the superbly elegant Grainger Town district, with its Neoclassical architecture, home to the Theatre Royal and an array of lively restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries and independent boutiques. You will find lots of bargains ar Eldon Square, the UK’s largest city-centre shopping complex, for ‘best of British’ shopping. Be sure to explore Grey’s Street and Grey’s Monument, erected to commemorate Earl Grey who also gave his name to the famous blend of aromatic tea.

The district of Leith rests on the shores of the Firth of Forth, at the mouth of the Water of Leith and has served as the port of Edinburgh for hundreds of years. It is a lively place, with pubs and restaurants serving international cuisine. It is the gateway to Edinburgh, the political, commercial and cultural heart of Scotland, a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of glorious architecture and its beautiful parks. Edinburgh manages to combine both ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1995. Take a walk along the old town, the city's medieval heart along the Royal Mile, marvel the imposing castle, symbol of the city and the Georgian (late 18th century) New Town and commercial heart of the city and finish your walk tasting local whiskey or beer at one of the traditional pubs all around.

Cruising

The capital of Northern Ireland - part of the United Kingdom - Belfast, stretches along both sides of the River Lagan. It is a graceful city of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, which has become a cosmopolitan tourist destination, famed for its linen and its shipyards. Major industrial center in the 19th century, Belfast is also our gateway to the rich, Irish countryside of Counties Antrim and Down. Explore this exuberant city, discover The Murals, vividly painted on houses, marvel the bizarre landscape at the Giant's Causeway, visit the Museum Titanic Belfast or shop for superb Irish linens. Don't miss Belfast Castle at Cave Hill Country Park and Albert Memorial Clock Tower, a clock tower situated at Queen's Square in 1869 and one of the best known landmarks of Belfast.

Liverpool, England, an industrial town on the River Mersey about 290 km northwest of London. Liverpool's biggest claim to fame is its identity as home of the Beatles. We highly recommend a visit to the Liverpool Cathedral (Anglican), offering an outstanding view, to the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which reflects the city's considerable shipping history as one of the world's greatest seaports, the Beatles Story, which reveals the singers' early lives in Liverpool and their rise to stardom, and for art lovers, the Walker Gallery, which exhibits such periods as the 17th century masters (Rembrandt, Rubens and Ruysdael); 18th century British (Gainsborough, Reynolds and Wedgwood); Impressionism (Cezanne, Degas, Matisse, Monet and Rodin); Romanticism and early 19th century British (Constable and Turner); plus Medieval, Renaissance and High Victorian periods crafts, designs and sculptures.

City of literature, music, commerce, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is a gracious and cosmopolitan city on the mouth of Liffey river. Surrounded by green space, including the Phoenix Park, Herbert Park and St Stephen's Green, it is an intimate place that is easy to explore. Stroll along the city, pay a visit to Dublin Castle, walk along Ha' Penny Bridge or survey the gray, stone façades of Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university. Grafton street is the place for shopping, either souvenirs or popular design brands.

Holyhead is the largest town on the island of Anglesey, North Wales. Among its main attractions is the maritime museum, which houses a wonderful collection of exhibits telling the fascinating maritime history of Holyhead. Examine detailed models of ships sailing the Irish Sea over 100 years ago and compare them to the modern technically advanced vessels of today. If you are feeling fit or want to walk of lunch 'stroll' down to South Stack Lighthouse (1809).

Welcome to Ireland's oldest city and the fifth most populous city in the country. The City of Waterford consists of various cultural quarters, the oldest of which is known as 'the Viking Triangle' and is the triangular part of the city surrounded by the original 10th-century fortifications, with its apex at Reginald's Tower. This quiet and tranquil area, is dominated by narrow streets, medieval architecture and civic spaces. Major focal point for Waterford- commercially and socially- is the Quay, termed by historian Mark Girouard as 'the noblest quay in Europe'. Walk along this mile long area, reach  the pedestrianised John Roberts Square that is one of the main focal points of Waterford's modern day commercial centre, enjoy a drink at the cosy pubs or be adventurous, choosing the Comeragh mountains for cycling, climbing and hiking. In 2014, Waterford City celebrates 1100 years since its foundation by Vikings in 914 AD.

We escape to the English countryside and visit quaint Portland of County Dorset, which will offer us a multitude of centuries-old attractions and an amazing natural beauty. Portland is a central part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site on the Dorset and east Devon coast, important for its geology and landforms. You shouldn't miss a tour to prehistoric Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore Sherbourne Castle, commissioned by Sir Walter Rayleigh in 1594. If you have time, you could also visit the ancient village of Cerne Abbas and admire its beautiful 14th-century church and 16th-century houses or the Cerne Abbas Giant, a 55 metre naked figure carved into the chalk hillside. The giant, owned by the National Trust, is thought by many to be an Iron Age fertility symbol.

Southampton is the largest city of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Southampton is a major port.  It was the point of departure for the RMS Titanic in 1912.