The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of five inhabited islands and other small rocky islets situated 28 miles from Lands End, the most southwesterly point of the British Isles. With a total population of just over 2,000, an exceptionally mild climate, beautiful flowers and countless white sandy beaches, they are also known for their friendliness, birds, clear turquoise sea, and ancient sites and monuments. Your local guide will meet you at St Mary’s quay and give a short introductory talk about the history of the Isles. Then venture off on foot to enjoy a scenic tour of the Garrison on the isle of St Mary’s and look across to Bryher and Tresco, marveling that even though you can walk between them, they are so utterly different. Enjoy the beautiful views before ending up in Star Castle to enjoy a tea or coffee in the 16th Century Castle Dungeon Bar. Star Castle is now a hotel, but it was built as an impregnable fortress back in 1593 and gets its name from the shape of its eight-sided central keep, curtain wall and dry moat. Just to the right of the castle you'll see a campsite and just right of this a footpath branches right and takes you down to Steval Point Battery, which marks the island's most westerly point. On a clear day you'll enjoy fabulous views over to St Agnes and distant, lonely Bishop's Rock Lighthouse. Following refreshments return to the pier with your guide.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.  subject to the ship's tender schedule, after the tour, it may be possible for you to explore Hugh Town at your leisure which is the main and largest settlement on the Island, before returning to your ship.

Tender ashore to the island of Tresco for your self-guided exploration of the famed Abbey Gardens. Tresco is best known for its Abbey Gardens, laid out by the remarkable Augustus Smith – a wealthy merchant banker who purchased the islands from the Duchy of Cornwall in the mid-1830s. Work on the gardens commenced in 1834 on the site of the old Benedictine Abbey. By building tall wind-breaks, Smith channeled the weather up and over the network of walled enclosures he built around the Priory ruins. He also carved the three terraces from the rocky, south-facing slope looking towards St. Mary’s.  Tresco, shrugging off salt spray and Atlantic gales is host to 20,000 exotic plants, many of which would stand no chance on the Cornish mainland, less than 30 miles away. Yet even at the winter equinox more than 300 plants will be in flower. All in all, the garden is home to glorious species from 80 countries, ranging from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa. Subsequent generations have continued the development of the Garden, which is today a major attraction of the islands.

 

Please note:  Access is not a problem, the gardens are terraced but most have slopes that can be negotiated by  a wheelchair although there are some steps. Wheelchair guests must be accompanied as the guide cannot undertake responsibility for them during the tour.  Dress for the weather and comfortable sturdy footwear is recommended. If guests struggle to walk a distance there is a complimentary small shuttle bus from the pier to the gardens.

 

 

 

Depart the pier and drive through the glorious Welsh countryside to Picton Castle. Set in 40 acres of magnificent gardens, Picton Castle is perhaps the most unusual ancient building in Britain with half of the building designed as a fortified manor house and the other half a fully developed medieval castle. Built in the 13th century by Sir John Wogan, the castle is still the family home of his descendants, carrying the name of Philipps since the 15th  century, although they no longer reside here. Arriving at the castle you will drive down the main drive (used by her Majesty the Queen & his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh on their 2014 visit) and enjoy an exclusive “Director’s Tour” which will include the history of the castle, family and a detailed look at their collections.  You will also have a rare opportunity to visit areas of the castle not normally open to visitors.  Following your “Director’s Tour” delight in morning tea served on vintage china in one of the state rooms of the Castle.  Picton Castle is also home to some of the most beautiful woodland gardens and grounds in West Wales. There will be some free time for you to admire the rare species of rhododendrons and visit the Walled Garden which is an enchanting riot of color in the summer months with its elegant fountain, rose strewn arches and medicinal herbs all labelled with their remedies.

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Depart your ship and head toward the second largest castle in Wales. Pembroke Castle was built in the 12th century by the Normans and was the birthplace of Henry Tudor (Henry VII).  Set on a limestone hill, it guarded the strategically important town of Pembroke. The castle proved so impregnable to cannon fire during the Civil War that Cromwell’s men had to starve out the castle’s Royalist defenders! Visit the impressive castle and enjoy the guided tour that will bring this ancient castle to life.You will enjoy a short drive to the ancient town of Tenby, a picturesque walled medieval town with a historic harbor.  The old walls are almost completely intact and have served well to preserve the old town from the effects of modernization and development.  The narrow lanes and small squares remain much as they were 500 years ago.  Walk with your guide and discover the fascinating history behind this delightful ancient town, before enjoying free time to stroll along the scenic coast and through the charming town center. Leaving Tenby, your drive back to the ship will take you through some of Pembrokeshire’s prettiest countryside before arriving at the pier.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers.

Departing the pier, begin your scenic drive heading south through the rolling farmland of Pembrokeshire and through the Valley of the Western Cleddau and the town of Haverfordwest, toward Newgale for a breathtaking view of the coastline. Your scenic drive will continue skirting the National Park, through prosperous farmland to St David’s – Britain’s smallest city. St David’s would be no more than a village were it not for the fabulous cathedral that lies at its heart. Join your guide for a brief stroll around the city and admire the exterior of the cathedral before returning to Fishguard, once a bustling port to the west of the pretty Preseli Hills.  You will enjoy a short stop at Goodwick which was just a cluster of fishermen’s cottages until the arrival of the railway a century ago for a photo opportunity with views up the coast towards Dinas Head before returning to your ship.

 

Please note: Bring your camera and wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.

 

           

 

Depart the pier and drive through the beautiful natural landscape that Wales is so famous for, and arrive at the city of St David’s with its fabulous cathedral that lies at its heart. Built hidden in a depression below the town square in the hope that Norse invaders would pass without noticing it, this 12th century cathedral is magnificent and steeped in antiquity. The floor slopes three feet upwards and the pillars lean drunkenly (though not precariously!) as the result of an earthquake in 1248.  This cathedral is the only one in the United Kingdom in which the reigning monarch has a permanently reserved pew.  You will enjoy time with your guide exploring this delightful city and see the extensive ruins of the 12th century Bishop’s Palace (outside view only), before returning through the scenic Welsh landscape back to the ship.

Please note: St David’s Cathedral is still in use today, therefore closures are possible at short notice due to funeral ceremonies, christenings etc. St David’s is steep with uneven surfaces and some steps. There is a long hill and/or steps down to the cathedral which some people may find difficult. Wheelchair guests will need to be accompanied as the guide cannot undertake responsibility for them during the tour.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Dublin's official date of establishment was in 988 A.D. although evidence of its existence dates back to the second century in which it was named Eblana. Norman Vikings were the first settlers of the city, and many artifacts, old walls and buildings are still present today.  Departing from the pier, you will soon reach St. Patrick's Cathedral. A stop will be made to visit the Cathedral - founded in 1190. St. Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean there from 1713 to 1745.  The pulpit from which he preached can still be seen. A short drive will take you to Dublin Castle. Upon arriving at the Dublin Castle complex, you'll marvel at this imposing structure. A symbol of British rule over Ireland for seven centuries, the castle began as a 13th century Anglo-Norman fortress. Your guided tour takes you through State Apartments adorned with Killybeg carpets and Waterford chandeliers. Once home to the Viceroy, the apartments are now used for important state functions. Rejoin your coach and guide for return journey to port.

 

Please note: Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera , local currency and a waterproof jacket. 

 

 

 

Your tour today  will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire. Your panoramic drive of the city takes you past Dublin Castle, City Hall and Christchurch Cathedral before a visit the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of the Guinness brewery in Dublin city. The tour of the Storehouse will be followed by an opportunity to taste the world famous stout.  In the Guinness Storehouse, you will discover what goes into making a pint of the “blackstuff” – the ingredients, the processes, the effort. It is a dramatic story that began over 250 years ago and will end in Gravity, the sky bar, which has astonishing views of Dublin.  Often surprising, always entertaining, the adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building’s giant, pint shaped heart of glass.  You’ll “meet” Arthur Guinness and find out how the drink that carries his name has traveled around the world. You will also have the opportunity to spend some time in the Advertising Gallery in the Storehouse, where you will find a display of all Guinness advertising material past and present.  At the end of the tour, discover how important it is to “pull the perfect pint “ the way to hold the glass, the speed it enters the glass, the time for the pint to settle and the final touch that gives the pint a creamy head.   Now sit back, relax and enjoy the Guinness and the view.

Please note:  Entry to the brewery itself is not permitted. Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera and  sunscreen when necessary. Guests must be 18 or older to consume alcohol.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Dublin's official date of establishment was in 988 A.D. although evidence of its existence dates back to the second century in which it was named Eblana. Norman Vikings were the first settlers of the city, and many artifacts, old walls and buildings are still present today.  Departing from the pier, you will soon reach St. Patrick's Cathedral. A stop will be made to visit the Cathedral - founded in 1190. St. Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean there from 1713 to 1745.  The pulpit from which he preached can still be seen. A short drive will take you to Dublin Castle. Upon arriving at the Dublin Castle complex, you'll marvel at this imposing structure. A symbol of British rule over Ireland for seven centuries, the castle began as a 13th century Anglo-Norman fortress. Your guided tour takes you through State Apartments adorned with Killybeg carpets and Waterford chandeliers. Once home to the Viceroy, the apartments are now used for important state functions. Rejoin your coach and guide for return journey to port.

 

Please note: Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera , local currency and a waterproof jacket. 

 

 

 

Your tour today  will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire. Your panoramic drive of the city takes you past Dublin Castle, City Hall and Christchurch Cathedral before a visit the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of the Guinness brewery in Dublin city. The tour of the Storehouse will be followed by an opportunity to taste the world famous stout.  In the Guinness Storehouse, you will discover what goes into making a pint of the “blackstuff” – the ingredients, the processes, the effort. It is a dramatic story that began over 250 years ago and will end in Gravity, the sky bar, which has astonishing views of Dublin.  Often surprising, always entertaining, the adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building’s giant, pint shaped heart of glass.  You’ll “meet” Arthur Guinness and find out how the drink that carries his name has traveled around the world. You will also have the opportunity to spend some time in the Advertising Gallery in the Storehouse, where you will find a display of all Guinness advertising material past and present.  At the end of the tour, discover how important it is to “pull the perfect pint “ the way to hold the glass, the speed it enters the glass, the time for the pint to settle and the final touch that gives the pint a creamy head.   Now sit back, relax and enjoy the Guinness and the view.

Please note:  Entry to the brewery itself is not permitted. Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera and  sunscreen when necessary. Guests must be 18 or older to consume alcohol.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Sites to see include  the Giants Causeway, Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol, Bushmills Distillery and Georges Market.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Sites to see include  the Giants Causeway, Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol, Bushmills Distillery and Georges Market.

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Sites to see include  the Giants Causeway, Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol, Bushmills Distillery and Georges Market.

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Please note: It is recommended that guests dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes.

This panoramic tour of Belfast will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past.  Your guide will provide insights as you see the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen’s University, home to the Botanic Gardens.  Located in these gardens is the Palm House – a superb structure of cast iron and curved glass panels. You will drive past Belfast City Hall – an impressive building with a 300-ft.-long façade of Portland stone. A stop here will allow you to photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues here - the marble figure of "Thane,” commemorating the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic. Visit the Titanic Belfast, the signature building telling the story of Titanic  that contains nine galleries with a variety of interpretative materials and media. Take a ride though the visual gantries where the Titanic was under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four high impact ‘hull’ shaped sections which house the experience.  You will experience a thrilling ride through the re-construction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic. Rejoin your motor coach and guide for your return drive to the port and your awaiting ship.

Please note:  Wear flat, comfortable shoes preferably with non-slip soles. Order of sights visited may vary. Bring your camera, local currency and a  waterproof jacket.

Departing Oban, your coach will take you through the picturesque scenery of the Pass of Brander and around the tip of Loch Awe with views of Kilchurn Castle before continuing to Tyndrum where a short stop will be made. The route climbs to Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe.  Your coach will take you into the majestic Glencoe – scene of the infamous 1692 massacre and now a center for serious mountaineering providing some of the finest climbing and walking in Scotland.  A stop will be made at the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the history, geology and nature of this region.  Leaving the visitor centre the route will continue along Loch Linnhe.  You will see the islands of Lismore and Mull as you follow the shoreline of this sea loch.  You will pass Castle Stalker, a tower house situated on its own islet set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains before arriving back in the coastal town of Oban.  

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing and bring currency/credit cards and your camera.