27-night Southern & Northern Europe Cruise

Malaga is a popular holiday destination - known as the birthplace of Picasso and for sweet Malaga dessert wines from vineyards outside of town. Points of interest include impressive Gothic architecture, remains of a Moorish castle and interesting museums. Malaga is a popular starting point for trips to Granada and resorts along Costa del Sol. Splendid Granada and famed Alhambra are the region’s most outstanding attractions. Magnificent Moorish palaces and fortifications contrast sharply with Christian churches from Spain’s 1492 Reconquest era. Ronda's incredible location affording spectacular views over the valley and distant hills. Malaga Fine Arts Museum holds works by Spanish artists of the 16th to 20th centuries and by artists from Malaga, including Picasso. Marbella, which has been favored by the rich and famous, is a very popular holiday and yachting resort destination. One of the first resorts of the Costa del Sol, Torremolinos has luxury hotels, busy plazas and shopping streets, a lively art scene, a Wax Museum created by Madame Tussaud, and a glitzy casino.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Spain: Malaga Walk & Taste Tour - 3 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights
Join for a fun and delicious evening and learn how Malaga has become one of the country’s top dining destinations!

Have a stroll through the beautifully illuminated streets of Malaga, tasting some of the best local wines paired with delicious tidbits. From different typical Malaga sweet wines, to refreshing whites, fruity reds and even artisanal vermouth, you will really get to experience our diverse wine growing regions. Bars, taverns and restaurants will make you feel welcome, offering their tastiest treats like Iberian cold cuts, fresh seafood and other local specialties.
You will pass by some of the most emblematic venues and hidden alleyways of Malaga by night in an enchanting tour that combines food, culture and history.

What's Included?

• 3 hours private tour with an expert local guide
• 4 Foodie Stops
• 8 Tapas & 5 paired Wines.

• Meals & Drinks not mentioned
• Souvenirs

Gibralfaro (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:
Make your way to Mount Gibralfaro to kearn how the famed castle is intertwined with Malaga's millennia of history. Visit the Picasso Museum to witness the magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures from one of Spain's most famed creatives.


Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions: 

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Spain: Malaga walking tour with Picasso Museum — Optional Private Excursions
Malaga, the capital of Costa del Sol, is a city that combines tradition and modernity. Today’s tour will take you through the life of the genius of world painting, Pablo Picasso. Born in Malaga in 1881, the city marked his artistic development because it was here where he was formed as a classical painter. His life and his different styles make him an artist of extraordinary interest who revolutionized the art scene forever, opening the door for future generations to create freely. The Museum is an example of all the art that he made in his long artistic life, with unique works that Picasso himself kept as favorites. It is a unique place where art becomes enjoyable, and we learn to look.

Duration: 4 hours 

Inclusions: Licensed guide. Included extras: Picasso Museum entrance fees

Madeira has been described as "Island of Eternal Spring". It is renowned for its wine, which many feel ranks among the world’s best. Funchal has a wide selection of resort hotels where watersports, golf and tennis are popular. Visitors can tour the 15th-century cathedral, orchid gardens of Quinta das Cruzes, and buildings associated with Christopher Columbus. Madeira’s discoverer, Zarco, is believed to have lived in the house Quinta das Cruzes. Now it displays furniture and paintings and is surrounded by fabulous gardens. The stunning 15th-century design of Sé Cathedral features white stucco with contrasting black basalt and red tufa rock; the ceiling is inlaid with ivory. Located near Town Hall, the Museum of Sacred Art contains art from several islands, including a group of 15th- and 16th-century paintings of Portuguese and Flemish schools. Visit colorful Mercado dos Lavradores during the morning to see flower vendors and fish and produce stands.

Excursions

Funchal History & Tradition (6 - 8 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions


Meet your expert guide and private chauffeur at the dock.
 
During the morning, indulge in a private embroidery workshop at a family own embroidery factory, where you will learn the local secrets and get the chance to bring your own embroidery work.
 
Lunch (not included) will be served at a local cozy regional restaurant, where you can delight with local recipes.
 
After lunch, enjoy a private guided visit to Santa Catarina Chapel, the first house of worship built in Madeira, in 1425. This chapel is located in the Santa Catarina Park. This temple features decorative elements of Manueline architecture and it is one of the most appreciable architectural monuments of the Manueline ogival in Madeira, notable for its arches, columns and spider mite vaults around the sacred body.
 
Pass by and visit the Sé Cathedral, a church dating back to the XV Century, direction to the Marketplace where you can admire a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish.
 
To finish the tour passing through the old part of town, enjoy a private guided visit to the Botanical Garden one of the most beautiful gardens in the region, with marvelous views overlooking the city of Funchal. The estate dates from 1881 and was created by the Reid family as their private park.
The garden covers an area of 80,000 m² and is home to a fascinating collection of a wide variety of plants. It also has an area dedicated to research and conservation.

Ending the tour, your chauffeur will drop you off at the dock. 


Includes: Full-Day at Disposal, as per itinerary, by Deluxe Vehicle, with English Speaking Fluent Driver (6 - 8 Hours); Expert Guide - Half-day at Disposal, as per itinerary (3 - 4 Hours); Entrance fees at chapel of Sta. Catarina, Sé Cathedral, Botanical Garden (Optional); Private Visit & Embroidery Workshop (Optional).
Not feasible: Weekends and National Holidays.

Note: This itinerary can also be applicable to regular city stays.
 

Funchal History & Wine (6 - 8 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions


Meet your expert guide and private chauffeur at the dock.
 
Meet your expert guide and private chauffeur at the dock.
 
During the morning, indulge in a private embroidery workshop at a family own embroidery factory, where you will learn the local secrets and get the chance to bring your own embroidery work.
 
Lunch (not included) will be served at a local cozy regional restaurant, where you can delight with local recipes.
 
After lunch, enjoy a private guided visit to Santa Catarina Chapel, the first house of worship built in Madeira, in 1425. This chapel is located in the Santa Catarina Park. This temple features decorative elements of Manueline architecture and it is one of the most appreciable architectural monuments of the Manueline ogival in Madeira, notable for its arches, columns and spider mite vaults around the sacred body.
 
Pass by and visit the Sé Cathedral, a church dating back to the XV Century, direction to the Marketplace where you can admire a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish.
 
To finish the tour passing through the old part of town, enjoy a private guided visit to the Botanical Garden one of the most beautiful gardens in the region, with marvelous views overlooking the city of Funchal. The estate dates from 1881 and was created by the Reid family as their private park.
The garden covers an area of 80,000 m² and is home to a fascinating collection of a wide variety of plants. It also has an area dedicated to research and conservation.

End your day with a private visit followed by lectured wine tasting at a wine cellar.
 
Madeira's wine has been famous for over five centuries. It was a favorite of Napoleon, Russian czars, and of the United States' first president, George Washington. It was the wine chosen to toast the signing of America's Declaration of Independence and even Shakespeare wrote of Falstaff's willingness to trade his soul for "a cup of Madeira and a cold capon."
 
At the end of the day, your driver will take you back to the dock.

Includes: Transportation - Full-Day at Disposal, as per itinerary, by Deluxe Vehicle, with English Speaking Fluent Driver (6 - 8 Hours); Expert Guide - Full-day at Disposal, as per itinerary (6 - 8 Hours); Private Embroidery Workshop; Wine Lodge Private Visit followed by Lectured Wine Tasting; Entrance fees at chapel of Sta. Catarina, Sé Cathedral, Botanical Garden (Optional); Private Visit & Embroidery Workshop (Optional).
Not feasible: Weekends and National Holidays.

Note: This itinerary can also be applicable to regular city stays.
 

Madeira Mountains Jeep Tour (8 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions


Madeira has a great natural beauty with tropical gardens and spectacular panoramic views. Its green mountains, cliffs, steep valleys, flowers, sun and its blue sea, happiness and hospitality melt together to create an island of sublime peace.

Meet and greet your expert chauffeur at the dock. Today, venture on a 4-wheel scenic drive with panoramic views, interesting places and sensational encounters with Madeira's natural heritage.
Your tour will continue through deep ravines, winding roads, cultivated fields falling into the sea and an abundance of Mediterranean and tropical plants are typical features of southern Madeira. The charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, a favorite spot of Winston Churchill is one of the few places on the island which has remained untouched by the passing of time.
 
Câmara de Lobos is an emblematic town, it is
one of the most ancient and historical places in the Island. This was one of first colonized places in Madeira, due to the easy accesses by sea with its charming bay, where nowadays several and varied colorful embarkations are docked. 
 
Pass by Fajã das Galinhas on your way to Boca da Corrida viewpoint. Located at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, it offers a magnificent view over the Curral das Freiras valley, Eira do Serrado and the central massif. Not far from Funchal hidden in between high mountains and deep valleys lie remote villages and hamlets such as Jardim da Serra with its splendid view over the Nuns valley.
 
Next stop will be Campanário, a verdant town with a splendid view over the sea. This town owes its name to an islet, similar to the bell tower of a church, which is situated along the coast.
 
Stop for lunch (not included) in a regional restaurant.
 
After lunch, your adventure will continue further west towards Cape Girão, an almost vertical promontory that rises 580 meters above the ocean, being the largest promontory in Europe and the second largest in the world.
 
Take a final stop at the Quinta Grande, to admire the vineyards of Madeira Wine.
 
Your driver will take you back to the dock.

Includes: Transportation - Full-Day Private Jeep Tour, with English Speaking Fluent Driver (8 Hours).

Note: This itinerary can also be applicable to regular city stays.

Madeira Mountains Jeep Tour (4 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions


Madeira has a great natural beauty with tropical gardens and spectacular panoramic views. Its green mountains, cliffs, steep valleys, flowers, sun and its blue sea, happiness and hospitality melt together to create an island of sublime peace.

Meet and greet your expert chauffeur at the dock. Today, venture on a 4-wheel scenic drive with panoramic views, interesting places and sensational encounters with Madeira's natural heritage.
Your tour will continue through deep ravines, winding roads, cultivated fields falling into the sea and an abundance of Mediterranean and tropical plants are typical features of southern Madeira. The charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, a favorite spot of Winston Churchill is one of the few places on the island which has remained untouched by the passing of time.
 
Câmara de Lobos is an emblematic town, it is
one of the most ancient and historical places in the Island. This was one of first colonized places in Madeira, due to the easy accesses by sea with its charming bay, where nowadays several and varied colorful embarkations are docked. 
 
Pass by Fajã das Galinhas on your way to Boca da Corrida viewpoint. Located at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, it offers a magnificent view over the Curral das Freiras valley, Eira do Serrado and the central massif. Not far from Funchal hidden in between high mountains and deep valleys lie remote villages and hamlets such as Jardim da Serra with its splendid view over the Nuns valley.
 
Next stop will be Campanário, a verdant town with a splendid view over the sea. This town owes its name to an islet, similar to the bell tower of a church, which is situated along the coast. Your adventure will continue further west in direction of the scenic viewpoint of Cabo Girão, an almost vertical promontory that rises at 580 meters above the ocean.
 
Your driver will take you back to the dock.

Includes: Transportation - Half-Day Private Jeep Tour, with English Speaking Fluent Driver (4 Hours).


Note: This itinerary can also be applicable to regular city stays.

Funchal Sightseeing HD D&G (3 - 4 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions


Meet your private chauffeur and expert guide at the dock.

Meet your expert guide and private chauffeur at the dock.

Enjoy a private guided visit to Santa Catarina Chapel, the first house of worship built in Madeira, in 1425. This chapel is located in the Santa Catarina Park. This temple features decorative elements of Manueline architecture and it is one of the most appreciable architectural monuments of the Manueline ogival in Madeira, notable for its arches, columns and spider mite vaults around the sacred body.
 
Pass by and visit the Sé Cathedral, a church dating back to the XV Century, direction to the Marketplace where you can admire a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish.
 
To finish the tour passing through the old part of town, enjoy a private guided visit to the Botanical Garden one of the most beautiful gardens in the region, with marvelous views overlooking the city of Funchal. The estate dates from 1881 and was created by the Reid family as their private park. The garden covers an area of 80,000 m² and is home to a fascinating collection of a wide variety of plants. It also has an area dedicated to research and conservation.

Ending the tour, your chauffeur will drop you off at the dock. 

Includes: Transportation - Half-Day at Disposal, as per itinerary, by Deluxe Vehicle with English Speaking Fluent Driver (3 - 4 Hours); Expert Guide - Half-Day at Disposal as per itinerary (3 - 4 Hours); Entrance Fees at Botanical garden; Driver and Guide Gratuities Included.

Note: 

• Not feasible on Holidays;
• According to restrictions related with Covid-19 implemented at the time of the booking, vehicle allocation may need revision.

Funchal at Your Leisure HD D&G (3 - 4 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions


Suggested Tour:
Meet your private chauffeur and expert guide at the dock.

We suggest you to get to know the Santa Catarina Chapel, the first house of worship built in Madeira, in 1425. This chapel is located in the Santa Catarina Park. This temple features decorative elements of Manueline architecture and it is one of the most appreciable architectural monuments of the Manueline ogival in Madeira, notable for its arches, columns and spider mite vaults around the sacred body.

To finish the tour passing through the old part of town, we suggest a guided visit to the Botanical Garden one of the most beautiful gardens in the region, with marvelous views overlooking the city of Funchal. The estate dates from 1881 and was created by the Reid family as their private park.
The garden covers an area of 80,000 m² and is home to a fascinating collection of a wide variety of plants. It also has an area dedicated to research and conservation.

Ending the tour, your chauffeur will drop you off at the dock. 

Includes: Transportation - Half-Day at Disposal, as per itinerary, by Deluxe Vehicle with English Speaking Fluent Driver (3 - 4 Hours); Expert Guide - Half-Day at Disposal as per itinerary (3 - 4 Hours); Driver and Guide Gratuities Included.

Note: 

• Not feasible on Holidays;
• According to restrictions related with Covid-19 implemented at the time of the booking, vehicle allocation may need revision.

The nine mountainous islands of the Azores were long a haven for Atlantic traders and explorers sailing between the Old and New Worlds. On the green and fertile island of Sao Miguel, Ponta Delgada was once no more than a fishing village. 16th and 17th century economic growth saw the construction of lavish palaces and churches of the period, many still surviving. Not to be missed are the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, just a causeway apart, but the one blue, the other green.

Excursions

Azores: Jeep Private Tour in Sete Cidades - 3.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights
Cruise along the forested floor of a massive volcanic crater as you explore Sete Cidades with an experienced local guide. In a rugged 4x4 vehicle, ride between sparkling lakes and bounce down dirt roads that lead to sweeping viewpoints of this stunning and dramatic landscape.

Get picked up from Ponta Delgada city, where you can buckle into the seat of an off-road vehicle perfectly suited to tackle the area's rural roads and country lanes.

At the end of the tour: Drop Off at Ship.

What's Included?

• 3.5 hours tour with a professional guide and driver
• Transportation

• Food and drinks
• Souvenirs

Some say the Azores are a remnant of lost Atlantis, and some say they sprang from flowers dropped by an angel. Neither theory seems preposterous during the drive from sea level up to mile-wide volvanic crater rimmed with lush greenery and brilliant flowers. Looking out to sea, you may glimpse Capelinhos, the volcano that rose from the Atlantic only four decades ago.

The nine mountainous islands of the Azores were long a haven for Atlantic traders and explorers sailing between the Old and New Worlds. On the green and fertile island of Sao Miguel, Ponta Delgada was once no more than a fishing village. 16th and 17th century economic growth saw the construction of lavish palaces and churches of the period, many still surviving. Not to be missed are the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, just a causeway apart, but the one blue, the other green.

Excursions

Azores: Jeep Private Tour in Sete Cidades - 3.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights
Cruise along the forested floor of a massive volcanic crater as you explore Sete Cidades with an experienced local guide. In a rugged 4x4 vehicle, ride between sparkling lakes and bounce down dirt roads that lead to sweeping viewpoints of this stunning and dramatic landscape.

Get picked up from Ponta Delgada city, where you can buckle into the seat of an off-road vehicle perfectly suited to tackle the area's rural roads and country lanes.

At the end of the tour: Drop Off at Ship.

What's Included?

• 3.5 hours tour with a professional guide and driver
• Transportation

• Food and drinks
• Souvenirs

The Cliffs are the highest point over the Atlantic Ocean, and one of Ireland's top attractions. The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined promontory fort “Mothar” which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower. Visitors will also enjoy exploring the ATLANTIC EDGE.  An exciting interpretive center in an underground building with a huge domed cave containing images, exhibits, displays & experiences that is sure to inspire all.
 

Destination Guide

Cobh’s landmark Cathedral clings miraculously to the town’s steep slopes as they sweep down to the sea of Cork Harbour. That was also the last bit of Irish soil millions of Irish had under their feet before emigrating from here across the oceans in the last century. This tragic part of the nation’s history as well as Cobh’s historic and maritime story is brought alive in the splendid Interpretative Centre.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Cobh - Cork/Blarney Shore Excursion - Full Day Tour — Optional Private Excursions

• Private Driver Guide
• Entrance to Blarney Castle
• Entrance to Cork City Gaol
• Lunch

Cobh's Highlight's Shore Excursion - Cobh/Midleton - Full Day Tour — Optional Private Excursions

This afternoon, enjoy a visit to The Old Midleton Distillery which is a wonderful, worthwhile excursion.  Tour the distillery and learn how the world famous Irish whiskey is made.

• Private Driver Guide
• Cobh Heritage Centre 
• Stephen Pearce Pottery Gallery
• Lunch at Ballimaloe House
• Entrance to the Old Midleton Distillery

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour — Optional Private Excursions
Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow

This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House.    There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine.   The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle .  Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767.  This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer.  Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.

Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City. 

Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18^th century townhouses and a number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  

Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.


Inclusions

• Private Driver Guide
• Entrance to Powerscourt House & Gardens
• Lunch

Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.

Highlights:

• See the world-famous Book of Kells, a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination
• Continue to St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and home of a memorial to the writer Jonathan Swift

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local driver-guide for 4 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Belfast is popular with travelers who come to discover the city’s physical beauty and renewed tranquility. Enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shopping along trendy Donegall Place and visiting numerous pubs along The Golden Mile. St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is the principal church of the Anglican Church of Ireland and contains stones from every county in Ireland. Located next to Europa Hotel, the Grand Opera House boasts an impressive mix of large productions of opera, ballet, musicals and drama. Known as the Big Ben of Belfast, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower was built in 1869 to commemorate the Prince Consort. Built in 1849 as one of Queen Victoria’s colleges, Queens University is one of the foremost universities in the British Isles. The classical-style building of Stormont, erected in 1928-32 to house the Parliament of Northern Ireland, stands 3.5 miles outside the city. The Prince of Wales Avenue is exactly one mile long and is bordered by rose beds containing 600 of the famous Korona roses noted for their scarlet blooms.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Belfast - Tour of Antrim Coast - Full Day Tour — Optional Private Excursions

Arrive at The Giants Causeway Centre.  

• Private Driver Guide
• Giants Causeway visitor Centre
• Entrance to Dunluce Castle
• Lunch Including Tea and Coffee

Belfast: Cultural Belfast - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Belfast may be a small city, but it has a wealth of culture and excitement on offer for you to discover! Firstly, visit the purpose-built iconic ‘Titanic Belfast’. With over nine galleries, the Titanic story is brought to life for you with exhibitions, rides, full-scale reconstructions and lots
of interactive fun.

After a hearty Irish lunch (payable locally) head into Belfast city where your guide unravels stories related to “the troubles” of Northern Ireland. You cannot miss the murals across Belfast that offer a fascinating history in pictures. Although huge strides have been made in the fight to combat sectarianism in the city, the marks of the past can still be witnessed across the city, adorning the sides of buildings and walls. A tour of Belfast wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a pint of Guinness at the famous Crown Bar in the city centre. This 19th-century bar is an experience that is unique to Northern Ireland. You are privately transferred back to board your cruise after your tour.

Highlights:

• Explore the 'Titanic Belfast' and learn about the ship's fascinating history
• Learn about Belfast's turbulent past and visit the famous Crown Bar in the city centre

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Belfast: Highlights of Belfast - 6 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Today you are met by your expert local guide for a sightseeing in Belfast and the surrounding area. Spend the morning on a panoramic tour of the city centre, where you see the impressive City Hall in Donegall Square, St. Anne’s Cathedral and the buildings of Queen’s University. During this tour, your guide talks to you about the sectarian divisions that have been so prominent in Belfast in recent years. You also visit the Titanic Quarter, so-called as it was here that the ill-fated liner was being constructed a century ago. Your guide shows you where the ship was constructed and the Thomson Dock where it had its final fit-out.

Highlights:

• Take a panoramic tour of Belfast’s city centre to see the impressive City Hall and the buildings of Queen’s University
• Visit the Titanic Quarter where the ill-fated liner was constructed a century ago

Iona is a remote, low-lying, and treeless green island with high cliffs and rolling meadows. It lies off the southwestern coast of Mull across the Sound of Iona. It's only 1 mile by 3 1/2 miles. Staffa, with its famous musical cave, is a 75 acre island in the Inner Hebrides, lying to the west of Mull.

Loch Ewe is a small bay surrounded by rolling green hills. Garden lovers will enjoy visiting the elegant Inverewe Garden with a plant collection of international importance. There are a number of walking paths, mountain views, and picturesque landscapes for visitors to enjoy.

St. Kilda is a volcanic archipelago belonging to western Scotland, and it is now one of the country’s World Heritage Sites. The island is home to some of the biggest sea cliffs in Britain, and is known for the abundance of wild life including birds. St. Kilda now is an isolated island, however for thousands of years it was inhabited by locals that were forced to move out due to bad conditions, ruins of such villages are still standing today.

Approximately one third of the 50,000 residents of the "Sheep Islands" live in Torshavn. The city has large fishing industries, a seat of a Lutheran bishop and boasts many museums and culture.

Vestmanna is the earliest settlement in the Faroe Island chain and is tucked into the preciputous slopes of Streymoy's mountains. With a Viking history and a stunning landscape, Vestmanna is famous for its birdwatching along the dramatic sea cliffs and grottoes.

The Shetland Islands are Great Britain's most northerly islands, situated nearly fifty miles northeast of the Orkneys. Lerwick is the capital of the principal island of Mainland and is Britain's most northerly town. Founded on the fishing industry and with strong Viking connections, little now remains of the old village of Lerwick. Features of interest include the Cromwellian Fort Charlotte and annual Norse fire festival, Up-Helly-Aa, held every January. On the southern tip of the island is Jarlshof, site of ruins of several Stone Age and Bronze Age dwellings as well as wheel-houses from the Iron Age. Elsewhere on the island is Clichimin Broch, another prehistoric site containing a Bronze Age fort.

Famous for birds, knitwear and historic shipwrecks, Fair Isle is a tiny jewel of an island lying half-way between Orkney and Shetland.

South of the border to Scotland, Holy Island is also known as Lindisfarne in Celtic, and is considered one of the holiest sites of Anglo-Saxon England. Irish monk, St Aidan, founded the Lindisfarne Monastery on Holy Island in 635 AD, and was a wealthy monastery that was frequently raided by Vikings at the end of the 8th century. Holy Island remains a prime location for pilgrimmages, and Holy Castle Island, a restored 16th century castle, remains a prominent feature atop the bright green hill by the waters.

Destination Guide

Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or you could venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

Destination Guide