The main residence of the British monarchy, financial hub and seat of British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. From Hyde Park to the City through Westminster and Trafalgar Square, get ready to take on London's frenetic tempo. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of London's many beautiful parks and gardens.

Today, choose between two adventure options:

LEEDS CASTLE & CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL
A short journey from Dover through the heartland of the county of Kent, known to many as the ‘Garden of England’, brings you to the historic and picturesque city of Canterbury – home to one of England's most famous cathedrals, city of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and now a UNESCO world heritage site. The city sits on the River Stour in one of the most attractive corners of rural Kent. The wealth of Canterbury was brought in by the visiting pilgrims, who were immortalized by Chaucer in his “Canterbury Tales”. The Norman cathedral still dominates the skyline as you approach the city, inspiring the same sense of awe now as it did in medieval times. Making a pilgrimage was an important part of medieval life and pilgrims flocked to the city to visit the shrine of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, who was murdered in his cathedral. Enjoy a visit of the magnificent cathedral, the scene of the bloody murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170 and the home of English Christianity. There's also time to explore the labyrinth of medieval streets and quaint shops before reboarding your coach for a traditional English pub lunch. After lunch enjoy the short Journey to Leeds Castle. Situated on a raised island in the middle of a lake, Leeds Castle is the oldest and most romantic castle in England, set in 500 acres of beautiful grounds and parkland. It was built by the Normans in 1119 and was then a royal palace for over three centuries. Its most famous owner, Henry VIII was responsible for turning Leeds into a truly royal palace and creating its magnificent apartments. Enjoy free time in the Castle with a personal audio-guide and explore the beautiful grounds at your leisure.

Or

CANTERBURY & ITS CATHEDRAL
A short journey from Dover through the heartland of the county of Kent, known to many as the ‘Garden of England’, brings you to the historic and picturesque city of Canterbury – home to one of England's most famous cathedrals, city of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and now a UNESCO world heritage site. The city sits on the River Stour in one of the most attractive corners of rural Kent. The wealth of Canterbury was brought in by the visiting pilgrims, who were immortalized by Chaucer in his “Canterbury Tales”. The Norman cathedral still dominates the skyline as you approach the city, inspiring the same sense of awe now as it did in medieval times. Making a pilgrimage was an important part of medieval life and pilgrims flocked to the city to visit the shrine of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, who was murdered in his cathedral. Enjoy a visit of the magnificent cathedral, the scene of the bloody murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170 and the home of English Christianity. There's also time to explore the labyrinth of medieval streets and quaint shops before re-boarding your coach for the return journey to Dover.

Today choose between two adventure options:

LULWORTH COVE & CORFE CASTLE
Leave Poole and drive across the Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Make a stop at Lulworth Cove near the village of West Lulworth, on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The cove is one of the world's finest examples of such a landform. Take time to admire the views and take a stroll along the beach before continuing your journey, passing through the beautiful Dorset countryside to arrive at Corfe Castle. This is one of the most impressive and romantic medieval ruins in England. Its marvelous hilltop position offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. It was originally built by order of William the Conqueror in 1080 and protects a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. In the 11th century, the wooden Norman castle was rebuilt in stone and over the following centuries additions were made, particularly by King John and Henry III. By the 13th century the castle was being used as a royal treasure storehouse and prison and it remained a royal fortress until 1572 when it was sold by Elizabeth I to her Lord Chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton. During the English Civil War, the castle twice came under siege by Parliamentarian forces and finally fell in 1645. Parliamentarian engineers then proceeded with a systematic demolition, using explosives to try and bring down the walls. Their work has left the castle as it looks today.

Or

STONEHENGE
Departing from Poole, take a panoramic drive to Stonehenge (90-minute drive). The purpose of the enigmatic Stonehenge – a World Heritage Site and the world's most famous stone circle – remains a mystery. This ancient monument of huge stones standing on the Salisbury Plains of Wiltshire has captured imaginations for centuries. Its origins go back as far as the Pyramids and the theories about who built it have included the Druids, Greeks, Phoenicians, and Atlanteans. Why it was built has been the subject of much speculation ranging from human sacrifice to astronomy. What today's visitor sees are the mighty remains of a sequence of monuments erected between 3000 and 1000 BC. It is a fascinating spectacle, especially when you consider the tools available at the time of construction. Most well-known are the trilithons, large doorframe-shaped stone arrangements, made up of two standing stones, topped by a lintel stone fixed together by mortice-and-tenon joints. The stones are aligned so that on the midsummer and midwinter solstices the sun shines straight through the circle onto the central Heel Stone. It seems to have been designed to allow for the observation of astronomical phenomena. Stonehenge is a truly magical, mysterious and awe-inspiring visit.
In southern England, discover the coastline of Dorset and East Devon, also called the Jurassic Coast in reference to the many fossils from that period found there. Stretching more than 150 km, the “Pearl of Dorset” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its geological interest. Aboard your ship, admire the site’s spectacular white chalk cliffs, home to many sea birds. The scenery, constantly changing with the light, and the different creeks and beaches situated at the feet of these gigantic rock formations, will give you the opportunity to take superb photos. Perhaps you will also be able to glimpse Durdle Door, a natural arch carved out of the rock by erosion.

Succumb to the charming setting of the small town of Dartmouth in the county of Devon, South-East England. Set in the heart of lush scenery, on the banks of the River Dart’s estuary, the town’s magnificent landscape is typical of English countryside. Its picturesque paved streets are lined with charming half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries while, on the northern bank of the river,  former fishermen’s houses have been preserved in their pastel colors. Now a popular tourist destination, this small port town has nonetheless managed to retain its relaxing and romantic atmosphere. 

Nestled in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise: long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, while the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.

In County Cork, discover Glengarriff, a little village set in the heart of intact nature. Located on the Beara Peninsula, renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, the municipality, which owes its name to the Gaelic word Gleann (literally “wild glen”), is surrounded by rugged mountains, wooded spaces — including one of Ireland's oldest oak forests — and white sandy beaches. In addition to this natural setting, ideal for hiking, the site enjoys a tropical microclimate that favors the development of dense vegetation, composed of superb exotic plants.

Considered Ireland’s most beautiful village, Kinsale will captivate you with its sublime natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Located at the mouth of the Bandon River in County Cork, this charming little port is home to picturesque streets lined with colorful houses, art galleries and theaters, as well as to a 17th-century fort. Not far away, perched on a rocky promontory, stands the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse. Still in operation today, it has magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centers. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.