SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an introductory look at Portland, the wild and naturally beautiful isle that marks the southernmost end of Dorset County’s fossil-rich Jurassic Coast. Thanks to the isle’s unique geology, creamy limestone created in the Jurassic Period has long been quarried there for buildings such as Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the United Nations headquarters in New York City. You will see that revered Portland stone up close at the Olympic Rings sculpture, which commemorates the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London and the sailing events held in Portland. At the very tip of the isle, you will find the Portland Bill lighthouse, which opened in 1906. During free time there, you might browse the visitor center and climb the 150 or so steps to the top of the beacon. The views from there are a spectacle. Later, you will pass St. George’s Church, an 18th-century landmark built with Portland stone.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a panoramic drive around the wild and wonderful isle of Portland.
• Snap photos of the Olympics Rings statue created to honor the 2012 Summer Olympics.
• Spend free time exploring the Portland Bill lighthouse at the isle’s rocky southern tip.
• See St. George’s Church, which was built in the 18th century with Portland limestone.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

A sightseeing drive of some of London’s iconic landmarks and a visit to the infamous Tower of London introduces you to the Capital of the United Kingdom. Depart the port of Tilbury and arrive in Central London, where you’ll visit one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world, the Tower of London. Built by order of William the Conqueror, it has served as a palace, prison, treasury, arsenal and even a zoo, and today it houses the priceless Crown Jewels. Also on view are the Medieval Palace, the infamous Bloody Tower and over 90 inscriptions made by prisoners in the Beauchamp Tower. A panoramic drive takes you by Pass its most important and royal monuments such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, Houses of Parliament and London Bridge. After free time for lunch, continue your panoramic sightseeing through this incredible and unforgettable city.

See the sites of one of the greatest cities in the world from two different perspectives in this panoramic tour by water and land.

Arriving in Central London embark on an enjoyable cruise on the River Thames where you can admire the splendors of London while being comfortably seated.

After free time for lunch, take in the sites of one of the greatest cities of the world, the capital city of the United Kingdom, this time by land. Gain an overall impression of London that welcomes you to its red buses and friendly “bobbies”, great churches, imposing statues, elegant pubs. Pass its most important monuments such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, Houses of Parliament and London Bridge.

Tour Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, a 12th-century fortress so iconic that it has been a location in two Harry Potter films and “Ivanhoe.”

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely one hour drive north toward the border between England and Scotland, where you will find the imposing Alnwick Castle. It may look familiar, especially to Harry Potter fans, as Alnwick (pronounced “Annick”) was used as the set for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films.

The castle has undergone numerous changes since the 12th-century, including the addition of a moat, numerous towers, and a luxury 18th-century Gothic residence. Perhaps most amazing, Alnwick has been home to the Percy family for more than 700 years, including Henry Percy, the famous knight better known as Hotspur.

There is much to see as you tour the castle’s interior. The lavish staterooms are filled with period furniture such as a pair of Cucci cabinets originally made for Louis XIV. The library holds nearly 14,000 books, some of which a Percy ancestor read while imprisoned in the Tower of London. The walls of the Grand Staircase are made of Carrara marble, and each 12-foot-long step is made from a single stone. Alnwick is also home to some wonderful paintings by Claude, Canaletto, Van Dyck and Titian.

The architectural highlights and stories of the castle’s history go on and on. The grounds are equally breathtaking, as you will discover strolling its gardens and parkland.

Following your visit, you will transfer back to the pier.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of one of the greatest cities of the world, the capital city of the United Kingdom. This excursion enables you to gain an overall impression of London. The city welcomes you to its red buses and friendly “bobbies”, great churches, imposing structures and elegant pubs.

Drive through the city highlights, passing its most important monuments such as Buckingham Palace, official residence of his Majesty the King, and Westminster Abbey, scene of coronations and state ceremonies for centuries. See the Houses of Parliament and Whitehall.

Enjoy free time for lunch and then continue with your sightseeing. You’ll drive takes you by more of the city highlights such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, and the Tower of London which has served as a fortress, prison and Royal Residence over the centuries.

Travel to medieval Canterbury, one of England's most revered cities, considered to be the city of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. See how the medieval atmosphere blends with the modern amenities. You’ll get to visit Canterbury Cathedral after a brief guided narration. This is one of the oldest and most famous gothic style Christian structures in England, dating back to the XII century, which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As guiding is not allowed inside, your guide will detail the main aspects of the Cathedral before you enter and visit on your own.

OVERVIEW

Want to explore the delights of this charming harbor city? Climb aboard your authentic London double-decker and choose your own experience. Your all-day pass gives you access to a 90-minute loop, and all the best Saint John has to offer. This fully narrated tour takes you to many popular attractions and historic city landmarks including historic Uptown Saint John and the City Market where tasty treats and eye-catching crafts await you. Stop at Moosehead Brewery, Canada’s Oldest independent brewery & the last major brewery in Canada owned by Canadians. Witness the Reversing Falls Rapids to see the phenomenon that is reversing falls. The waters of the mighty Saint John River collide with the Bay of Fundy for a breathtaking spectacle you won’t soon forget. With flexibility, choice, and freedom this tour allows you to plan your time in Saint John shopping, sightseeing or just walking this harbor city at your own pace by hopping on and off.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the delights of the charming Saint John.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Guests are provided with city maps.

If you prefer exploring the city of London on your own, this private motorcoach transfer is ideal. You’ll be dropped off in a central location in London, and your return transfer departs from the same place. A host will be traveling with you to and from the ship to answer any questions you may have about sightseeing or shopping.

During the ride to Central London your host will hand out information material about what to see in London, plus an "emergency kit" with important telephone numbers in case of need. You will be dropped off in a Central part of London, from where you can start your private London discovery tour, as major attractions, restaurants and museums are situated within easy reach.

After a day filled with your own individual sightseeing, your coach will take you back to the ship. Please allow sufficient time to arrive at your meeting point a few minutes before the departure time.

Visit Canterbury, a city of impressive medieval character. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries on Roman foundations, long stretches of the town walls still survive, and lofty houses overhang the lanes leading to the great Christ Church Gate, the main entrance to Canterbury Cathedral. Founded in 602 A.D., the cathedral is one of the oldest Christian churches in England and has been a pilgrimage site since the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket was murdered there in 1170. While touring, don’t miss the medieval stained-glass windows illustrating miracles, the 12th-century mural of St. Paul, and the inlays in the marble floor depicting zodiac signs. Another noteworthy feature is the Tomb of the Black Prince, which is topped with a bronze effigy of the knight in chainmail.

Following a guided walking tour of the town and the visit of Canterbury Cathedral, you will have some free time for shopping or to further explore Canterbury on your own before it’s time to rejoin your coach and return to the pier.

Explore extraordinary Leeds Castle, the first stone castle built by a Norman baron, and one of England’s most celebrated fortresses and private residences.

Drive inland, past the remains of ancient forests that once covered southern England and on to Leeds Castle. Perched on 500 acres of beautiful parkland on two islands, the historic castle bills itself as “The Loveliest Castle in the World; ” it’s not hyperbole. Leeds Castle is a stunning piece of architecture that has been a Saxon manor, a Norman stronghold, a royal residence to six medieval queens, a palace used by Henry VIII, and even a private residence. Now, lovingly restored, it rises above the idyllic countryside as one of England’s most visited castles.

Upon arriving, you will enjoy a walk along a path that follows a meandering stream through a belt of stately trees. It makes for a wonderfully scenic prelude to walking through the castle’s 13th-century Gate Tower that guards the only access. Inside, as you stroll from room to room, you will discover that the last private owner, Lady Baillie, left her mark on Leeds Castle by refurnishing it in the 1920s and 1930s. However, many of the rooms still reflect medieval and Tudor periods and this is evidenced by a magnificent collection of medieval furnishings, paintings, tapestries and treasures.

Leeds Castle is truly where visitors in the present-day can co-mingle with the lives of those from the past. You can’t help but sense the significance of this amazing castle as you walk the grounds, which include a meticulously manicured maze of spiraling yew, and underground grotto filled with macabre images and the unusual turf maze. Quite simply, Leeds is a remarkable reminder of England’s celebrated past where even the leaves breathe history.

Situated on the River Thames, Maritime Greenwich is a World Heritage Site and famous for such historic landmarks as the Cutty Sark, the Meridian Line, the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Park. There is so much to see...

Follow your guide on a walk through the most important attractions, with a visit to the famous Cutty Sark. Discover what life was like on board Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving tea clipper, and fastest ship of her time. The ship has been in Greenwich since 1954 and was conserved between 2007 and 2012 and you can get a taste of life on the ocean waves.

Then you will have nearly 1.5-hours of free time to enjoy your activity of choice. Try some food at a traditional pub or visit, on your own, other important attractions, such as Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum...

Winner of Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play Golf, Bermuda’s Turtle Hill Golf Course at Fairmont's Southampton Princess, features 18 par-3 holes, most with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. With its lush tropical surroundings, dramatic elevation changes and strong coastal winds, this challenging 2,684-yard, par 54 course is designed to take your short game to new heights, requiring patience and prudent club selection. There are endless bunkers, two water hazards, and three tee offerings on all 18 holes. Green fees and shared cart included, transportation is not.