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London (Southampton)
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06/27/2024 |
06/27/2024 |
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At Sea
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06/28/2024 |
06/28/2024 |
Cork
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Cork's Fabulous Food Trail - Half Day Tour
Meet with your driver and enjoy the short scenic drive along the banks of the River Lee to the Food Capital of Ireland, Cork City where your Fabulous Food Trail begins.
On arrival meet your local food guide and embark on a gentle 2.5 hour culinary walk of the best this city has to offer. During your tour you will enjoy frequent stops and lots of generous tastings of local cheeses, pastries and savoury delights. In this particular corner of Ireland, no self-respecting foodie would begin a culinary trail without first visiting the iconic English Market in the heart of Cork city. This Victorian gem has been faithfully serving food to the people of Cork for more than a century.
A morning at the English Market immerses you in the unique cadence of life in Cork and caters for just about all culinary tastes and eating occasions. Amongst its many appetizing edible delights are chocolates and cakes, cheeses and pastas. There is time to chat with locals and food producers alike as Cork people have a wonderful sense of humour and simply love to chat!.
As you stroll through the city your guide will point out Cork’s more interesting architectural features and recount some of it’s history.
After your walk there is some free time to explore this wonderful city on your own before meeting with your driver for transfer back to your ship.
Inclusions
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Cork - Blarney & Kinsale - Full Day Tour
Today you will have the opportunity to visit the world famous Blarney Castle, Charles Fort, as well as Ireland’s Gourmet Restaurants Capital, the town of Kinsale.
After your whistle-stop tour of Cork City, visit Blarney Castle (situated just north of Cork City). This castle was completed in 1446 by Cormac Mc Carthy, and is famous the world over for the Blarney Stone, which upon kissing, bestows the eternal gift of eloquence on those lucky enough to do so.
About Kinsale:
Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland and famous for its beautiful yachting, sea angling, gourmet restaurants and golf. Art galleries in Kinsale can easily claim its place amongst Ireland's most historic locations for this has been a centre of population, commerce, trade and fishing far beyond memory and record.
In its earliest days the estuary of the Bandon River gave Kinsale great importance as the river is tidal and water transport was dominant until the 18th Century. The estuary also provided excellent anchorage for ancient shipping which went in peril of the vagaries of the weather. The Town nestles between the hills and the shoreline, it is a maze of narrow streets and is never far from the water - little has changed in many hundreds of years. Amongst buildings of later periods are those of another age with historical links to the French, Spanish, British and Americans.
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Perhaps the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale, Charles Fort, is on the road just beyond Summercove. It is open all year, and regular guided tours are available. Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922.
Lunch included at Blarney Woollen Mills or Kinsale
Inclusions
- Private Driver Guide
- Entrance to Blarney Castle
- Entrance to Charles Fort Kinsale
- Lunch
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Cork - Guided Sightseeing Tour (4 hours) (Provided by Moloney & Kelly)
Guided Sightseeing Option: Please see below for details on this option.
Enjoy a private chauffeur driven luxury sedan for “Guided Sightseeing” touring.
Cork
Meet your expert local driver/guide for the drive to Cork.
Your first stop of the day is a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre a dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh. Known previously as Queenstown this was the main port for Irish emigrants to Canada and the United States. The famine resulted as a consequence of widespread potato crop failure. In 1846, the potato crop failed completely and in the years 1847-1849, escape was seen by many as the only chance for survival - between 1845 and 1851 over 1,500,000 people emigrated from Ireland.
On April 11, 1912, the newly built Titanic called to the port of Queenstown (now known as Cobh) on her maiden voyage. Titanic had set out from Southampton and called to Cherbourg before her final call to Queenstown (Cobh). The story of the Titanic and the White Star line is also told at the Cobh Heritage Centre.
Leaving Cobh behind drive to Midleton. Visit The Jameson Old Midleton Distillery which is a wonderful, worthwhile excursion. Tour the distillery and learn how the world famous Irish whiskey is made. Here you will have the opportunity to taste the sample some of Ireland’s finest whiskies.
Return to the ship.
Included:
- Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking driver/guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees for listed sights
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Gratuities to driver/guide*
Excluded:
- Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
- Items of personal nature
*Gratuities have been prepaid. Additional gratuities are at guest’s discretion.
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Cork - Guided Sightseeing Tour - 4 Hours (Provided by Moloney & Kelly)
Guided Sightseeing Option: Please see below for details on this option.
Meet your expert local guide for the drive to Cork.
Your first stop of the day is a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre, a dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh. Known previously as Queenstown, this was the main port for Irish emigrants to Canada and the United States. In 1846, the potato crop failed completely and in the years 1847-1849, escape was seen by many as the only chance for survival - between 1845 and 1851 over 1,500,000 people emigrated from Ireland.
On the 11th April 1912, the newly built Titanic called to the port of Queenstown (now known as Cobh) on her maiden voyage. Titanic had set out from Southampton and called to Cherbourg before her final call to Queenstown (Cobh). The story of the Titanic and the White Star line is also told at the Cobh Heritage Centre.
Then, leaving Cobh behind, enjoy the drive to Midleton. Here, you will visit The Jameson Old Midleton Distillery. You will tour the distillery and learn how the world famous Irish whiskey is made. You will have the opportunity to sample some of Ireland’s finest whiskies.
Return to your ship.
Included:
- Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking driver-guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees for listed sights
- Gratuities to driver-guide*
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Excluded:
- Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
- Items of personal nature
*Gratuities have been prepaid. Additional gratuities are at guest’s discretion.
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Cork - Guided Sightseeing Tour - 8 Hours (Provided by Moloney & Kelly)
Guided Sightseeing Option: Please see below for details on this option.
Meet your expert local guide for the drive to Cork.
Enjoy the drive through the attractive City of Cork which hosts some fine Georgian architecture, the imposing St Finbarr’s Cathedral, great shopping and many pubs. You will continue your journey into the Irish countryside to the pretty town of Blarney.
In Blarney, you will visit the 15th Century Blarney Castle, famous for its stone, which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow eloquence on all those who kiss it. The stone itself is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk.
Then, enjoy some free time in the Blarney Woollen Mills store that sells Irish gifts including Waterford Crystal, Beleek China, Lladro, Aran Sweaters, Irish Crystal, Irish Linen, Irish Jewelry, and Celtic Gifts.
You will have time for lunch on your own.
Following lunch, you will visit the Cork City Gaol. Here you can step back in time to see what 19th Century life was like in Cork – inside and outside prison walls. Amazingly life-like figures, furnished cells, sound effects, and fascinating exhibitions are to be seen.
Return to your ship.
Included:
- Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking driver-guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees for listed sights
- Gratuities to driver-guide*
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Excluded:
- Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
- Items of personal nature
*Gratuities have been prepaid. Additional gratuities are at guest’s discretion.
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Cork’s Culture and Heritage – full day tour
This morning we visit to the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, one of the most historic buildings in Cork, parts of which date back to the early eighteenth century. The gallery has an interesting frontage of red brick dressed with limestone and was built in 1724 as the Custom House. The permanent collection comprises over 2500 works, ranging from eighteenth century Irish and European painting and sculpture, through to contemporary video installations. At the heart of the collection is a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, brought to Cork in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome. We also visit Cork Museum, which houses very fine collections of Cork silver and glass as well as Youghal Needlepoint Lace.
Continuing on to Glanmire on the outskirts of Cork and visit Riverstown House, which was rebuilt in 1745 and is home to some fine plasterwork by the Francini brothers, of particular interest is the dining room ceiling which is adorned with allegorical figures and the Green Drawing Room which is notable for its exceptionally fine timber carved fireplace.
We conclude our Cork City tour with a visit to nearby Lakemount Gardens, a privately owned garden on acid soil overlooking Cork Harbour. It has many flourishing ericaceous plants, including the more tender rhododendrons. Retaining walls and raised beds built from local stone provide a home for rock plants, choice dwarf shrubs and a collection of primulas. Hydrangeas are particularly good in late summer, whilst the many Japanese acers throughout the garden produce brilliant autumn colour. Unusual climbers can be seen on the walls of the conservatory, which shelters exotic varieties.
Your driver with then transfer you back to your ship.
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06/29/2024 |
06/29/2024 |
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At Sea
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06/30/2024 |
07/01/2024 |
Reykjavik
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Reykjavik - The Golden Circle - FD Tour
Capture the ‘The Big Three’ on this classic excursion to Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Strokkur and Thingvellir National Park.
From Reykjavík you will drive over the Mosfellsheidi heath to beautiful Thingvellir National Park, a place of tremendous interest as a primary site of both Iceland’s geological and historical heritage. In 2004 the site of Thingvellir was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. On this tour you get the opportunity to walk through the geological fault known as Almannagja - the place where Europe’s oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in the year 930AD, and where it convened in grandiose surroundings every summer for nearly eight centuries. After your walk in Thingvellir, the tour continues over the Lyngdalsheidi heath into the fertile farmlands of the south, to visit the most beautiful waterfall of the country, Gullfoss. Nearby, you’ll also stop at the Geysir geothermal area with its multitude of hot springs, where the most active one, Strokkur, spouts every few minutes. Return to Reykjavik through the Grimsnes region.
Tour Duration: 7-8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes - however some rough grounds
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Private car with driver-guide Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
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Reykjavik - Bathing in the Blue Lagoon - HD Tour
Here guests can enjoy a relaxing bathe in the surreal milky waters of Iceland’s most famous of geothermal Spas – The Blue Lagoon. So what exactly IS the Blue Lagoon? Well, it is Iceland's most unique and popular attraction. Guests will enjoy bathing and relaxing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, known for its positive effects on the skin. A visit to the spa promotes harmony between body, mind and spirit, and enables one to soak away the stresses of modern life. The spa's guests rekindle their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air. In addition to bathing in the lagoon guests have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon, a sauna with white walls that resemble silica mud and a cozy steam bath carved into a lava cave. Of course, guests bathing in the milky waters of the lagoon have easy access to the famous white silica mud, an essential part of this ultimate in spa experiences.
Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activy Level: Easy
Included: Private car with driver-guide, Blue Lagoon Comfort Experience (entrance fee, towel rental, Silica Mud Mask, choice of one drink at the Lagoon.) Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
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Reykjavik - Langjökull Glacier & the Ice Tunnel
Experience Iceland's stunning natural topography in an exhilarating new way during this full-day, off-road adventure on the Langjökull Glacier. Start out early morning on a four-wheel-drive tour into Reykjavík’s hinterland. We drive through the tunnel of Hvalfjordur to the Borgarfjordur area. Watch for the historical home of the famed Icelandic historian and law speaker Snorri Sturluson, author of Snorra Edda. Along the way you will see the lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Turning off the paved road you will travel into the gravel desert of Kaldidalur to Langjökull glacier were your driver will drive out onto the icecap to the entrance of the ice tunnel. After about 50 minutes in the glacier our return journey takes us through the Kaldidalur or “Cold Valley” which offers spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and their imposing landscapes. Our last stop will be at Thingvellir, the most significant historical and geological site in Iceland where in 930 AD the Vikings formed Althingi - the oldest still-existing parliament in the world. In 2004 the site of Thingvellir was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. We then drive directly from Thingvellir to Reykjavik.
Wear/Bring: Warm clothes for cold weather, waterproof/warm coat and suitable footwear
Tour Duration: 11-12 hours
Tour can operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate / Strenuous
Included: Transportation by private 4x4 super jeep with driver-guide. Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
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Reykjavik Highlights - HD Tour
Reykjavík is the world's most northerly capital, with more than one third of Iceland’s population. Today Reykjavík is a modern city with a variety of restaurants, museums, galleries and theatres. Visit the most important sights of the city, including the Old Town, the city cathedral, Hallgrimskirkja church and the “Pearl” (no entrance fees included in this tour).
Add ons:
- A visit to the open-air museum of Arbaer Travel back to Reykjavik’s past with a visit to a fascinating collection of town and farm buildings from the last few centuries.
- A visit to the Pearl vantage point. The new Perlan is an exciting interactive exhibition about Iceland’s nature and geology. Entrance includes the “Wonders of Iceland Exhibit (including Glaciers and Ice Cave) and the 360° Observation Deck.
- Hallgrimskirkja Church Climb the tower of this iconic church for a beautiful view over the city and sea. (Tower access closed during church services and some events)
- A visit to the National museum The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, provides insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Norse Settlement to the present day. The exhibition includes about 2.000 objects.
Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No - Arbaer museum is not accessible
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Included: Private car with driver-guide, Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals and entrance fees (optional)
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07/02/2024 |
07/02/2024 |
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Isafjord
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07/03/2024 |
07/03/2024 |
Akureyri
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Akureyri - Lake Mývatn classic - Nature Baths- FD Tour
The tour starts by driving along the coast of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, from where you will get an excellent view of Akureyri and its surrounding mountains. After crossing Víkurskard-pass, view the Fnjoskadalur valley, where clear geological remains from glacial and post glacial times can be seen. The first stop is by Godafoss falls - one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland; the water of the river Skjalfandafljot falls from a height of 12 m over a width of 30 m. In 1000 A.D., at the meeting of the Althing, the Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. The wooden idols of the Norse mythology were thrown into the falls in a symbolic gesture that swept away the old religion. Thus the Godafoss literally means the "Waterfall of the Gods”. From there you will drive directly to the Lake Myvatn area, stopping by the unique craters at Skutustadir before having lunch. After lunch you will visit the Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth, a paradise of towering lava castles, natural arches and countless unexplored grottos.
Next is a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths. The Nature Baths offer bathers a completely natural experience - a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam and a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2.500 meters. The baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms. The warm, soothing waters are beneficial to skin and spirit alike, creating a sense of wellbeing and creating a lasting memory of your visit. Facilities include a reception area and cafeteria, changing rooms and showers for up to 120 guests, three natural steam baths accommodating up to 50 bathers at a time, and a 5000m2 outdoor geothermal bathing pool maintained at a constant temperature of 38-40ºC.
Due to its chemical composition, undesired bacteria and vegetation do not thrive in the lagoon making chlorine or any other disinfectant redundant. Following a relaxing bathe, you will then continue to the gurgling purple and yellow sulphur cauldrons at the high temperature thermal field of Namaskard, which are so hot that they actually boil. Following a short walk at Namaskard, enjoy a relaxed return drive to Akureyri.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Private car with driver-guide, entrance fee to Nature Baths. Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals, swimsuit and towel (swimwear and towel can be rented at the Nature Baths)
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Akureyri - Godafoss Waterfall & Laufas Turf Farm - HD Tour
Leaving Akureyri, cross the waters of the fjord and travel along the slopes of Vadlaheidi Mountain, via the Fnjoskadalur Valley to Vaglaskogur Forest - one of Iceland's rare woodlands which is part of an extensive soil and vegetation reclamation project. From Fnjoskadalur, you'll travel to historic Godafoss - waterfall of the heathen gods that figure prominently in Iceland's 12th century Book of Settlement. Legend has it that Thorgeir of Ljosavatn, a chieftain present at the Thingvellir in the year 1000, was given the authority to decide which religion was to be adopted by the Icelanders. He was a pagan himself, but after a period of profound thought, decided that Christianity was to be the religion of Iceland. Upon his return home, he took the statues of the pagan gods he used to worship and threw them unceremoniously into a waterfall near his homestead. From this time, the waterfall has been named Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods). After enjoying some time at the falls, the tour continues. The areas geological past is clearly visible on the surrounding hillsides and suggests that a once large periglacial lake filled the valley. Onwards to Laufas a 19th-century farmhouse built in the traditional Icelandic style of stone and turf – now one of the last turf farms in the country. Originally it was a manor farm and vicarage, the farmhouse itself dates back to 1866 and contains many interesting household and agricultural implements used by the gentry at around that time. The nearby church was built in 1865. Following a pleasant scenic drive back to Akureyri, a stop is made at the towns Botanical Gardens famed for its 2,000 species of local and foreign flowers which, incidentally, bloom outside thanks to Akureyri’s warm microclimate.
Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Private car with driver-guide from Akureyri, entrance fee to Laufás turf farm (open 15 May - 15 September. Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
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07/04/2024 |
07/04/2024 |
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At Sea
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07/05/2024 |
07/05/2024 |
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Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
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07/06/2024 |
07/06/2024 |
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At Sea
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07/07/2024 |
07/07/2024 |
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London (Southampton)
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07/08/2024 |
07/08/2024 |
