The main residence of the British monarch, 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.

Choose from two different excursions:

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 Beckett, 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 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.

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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.

Lying just off England's south coast, the Isle of Wight has been a popular holiday spot since Queen Victoria decided to spend her summers here. Osborne House, the vast Italianate villa she had built, is now open to the public. The east of the island is rimmed by splendid beaches bordered by quaint seaside resorts. In the west, there's a change of scenery: Alum Bay's distinctive sandstone cliffs and the famous Needles, three rocky spurs rising out of the sea. A temperate climate coupled with rural landscapes and pretty villages make the Isle of Wight a charming destination.

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, whilst 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.

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.

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 landscapes are typical of English countryside. Its picturesque paved streets are lined with 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. 

In southern England, discover the coastline of Dorset and East Devon, also called the Jurassic Coast in reference to the many fossils found here from that period. Stretching more than 150 km, the “Pearl of Dorset” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its geological interest. From 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, provides 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.

Choose from three different excursions:

BEAULIEU MOTOR MUSEUM & NEW FOREST PARK
The Village of Beaulieu (pronounced ‘Bewlea’) is the quintessential English village. Nestling alongside the Beaulieu River, near to Palace House, it has been the home of the Montague family since 1538. Most of the Village forms part of the 7000-acre Beaulieu Estate. Incorporating the 14th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House is surrounded by glorious grounds and gardens with immaculate spreading lawns and walkways overlooking the Beaulieu River. The House has been in Lord Montague's family since 1538, when Sir Thomas Wrothesley, later 1st Earl of Southampton, bought the Estate after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Nearby are the lovely ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, which was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John. Although much was destroyed in the 16th century during the reign of Henry VIII, there is still much for visitors to see today. The grounds also house the fabulous National Motor Museum. With an unsurpassed collection of vehicles ranging from the first motorcars and motorcycles to famous record breakers, the motor museum has something for everyone. Even the mildest of enthusiasts will be stunned by the variety of rare and vintage vehicles on display. Visit with your guide or choose to explore the various attractions at your own pace. Experience a relaxing scenic drive through the pretty town of Lyndhurst and the New Forest, one of England’s National Parks renowned for the famous New Forest ponies, before returning to Poole and your awaiting ship.

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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.

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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.

Located to the south-east of London, Portsmouth is one of the three most important military ports in England. This maritime tradition takes shape in the Historic Dockyard, the home of Portsmouth's arsenal, where emblematic ships are to be found, including HMS Victory, captained by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The home town of Charles Dickens, and the adopted home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the celebrated adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Portsmouth is not short of attractions with its parks, sea fronts and city walls. The Spinnaker Tower, taking the form of a great sail and soaring from 170 meters into the air, is one of the highest monuments in the United Kingdom and offers impressive views of the city.