Sailing from Southampton, we circle the British Isles on the Regal Princess  going as far north as the Orkney Islands, settled 5000 years ago. We learn the fascinating history of Scotland, Ireland, and England from pre-Roman times through World War II and into the 21st Century.

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Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

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DAY 1             D

We depart Albuquerque on our overnight flight to London.

 

DAY 2              B,L,D     

We arrive in London and transfer to our ship the Regal Princess at Southampton.

 

DAY 3              B,L,D   

Our first port is Cornwall. England's southwest corner is steeped in legend and history. Tintagel Castle in Cornwall is the traditional birthplace of King Arthur. Falmouth, which boasts a superb deep-water harbour.  

 

DAY 4              B,L,D

Founded in the 7th century by St. Fin Barre, Cork is your gateway to romantic Ireland. Stroll down narrow country lanes or see the Lakes of Killarney. The intrepid visitor may scale the narrow passages of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. The region around Cork is also home to one of the densest concentrations of prehistoric monuments in Western Europe.

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DAY 5             B, L, D 

Dublin has experienced a renaissance. Today, this gracious and cosmopolitan city on the Liffey is one of Europe's premier destinations. The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is an intimate place that is easy to explore. Stroll past St. Stephen's Green or survey the gray, stone façades of Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university. 

 

DAY 6              B,L,D   

 The capital of Northern Ireland - part of the United Kingdom - Belfast has experienced a renaissance since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 that promised an end to the decades-old "Troubles" between Catholics and Protestants. Stretching along both sides of the River Lagan, this graceful city of Victorian and Edwardian buildings has become a cosmopolitan tourist destination. Once a major industrial center, Belfast is also your gateway to the rich, Irish countryside of Counties Antrim and Down.

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DAY 7              B,L,D   

Glasgow was Scotland's great industrial center during the 19th century. Today, the city remains the commercial and cultural capital of the Lowlands. Lying on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow boasts some of the finest Victorian architecture in the entire United Kingdom, including the stately City Chambers. 

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DAY 8              B,L.D

We have a day at sea. Perhaps we'll take a class, play a game, read a book, or visit with our fellow SUN TOURS travelers - there are so many choices!

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DAY 9              B,L,D   

Just north of Scotland lie the Orkney Islands. Washed by the furthest reach of the Gulf Stream, this chain of over 70 islands offers dramatic landscapes that range from sea cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Bird watchers flock to the Orkney Islands, drawn by the multitudes of sea birds. Divers explore the wrecks lying in the clear waters of Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy's fleet anchorage in two world wars. And most fascinating of all, the Orkney Islands boast the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in all Europe, including the mysterious Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old Skara Brae.

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DAY 10                      B,L,D 

In 1933, an enterprising editor in Inverness enlivened a slow news week with the story of an odd sighting in Loch Ness. The legend grew overnight - and today individuals still scan the dark waters of the Loch for a sight of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Legend goes back as far as the 6th century and insists that the celebrated Loch Ness Monster inhabits a cave beneath the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle. Welcome to Invergordon, your gateway to Loch Ness and that area of the Highlands known as the "Great Glen."

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DAY 11                     B,L.D

South Queensferry is the gateway to Edinburgh, the political, commercial and cultural heart of Scotland. Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. The streets of the elegant New Town are lined with graceful Georgian buildings, many designed by the great architect Robert Adam. Edinburgh has also exerted a tremendous cultural force on Europe and the English-speaking world.

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DAY 12                     B,L.D

Another day at sea on the Emerald Princess give us a last chance to enjoy a spa treatment or a book beside the pool.

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DAY 13                     B,L,D

Our penultimate port is Le Havre which holds  so many associations for English-speaking visitors. The historic Allied landings on D-Day - 6 June, 1944 - live on in the memories of British and Americans alike. Nor has Le Havre forgotten the dark days of the war. The port was nearly completely destroyed during the Normandy campaign. Today, Le Havre is France's second largest port and the gateway to Paris, "City of Light," the Norman countryside, and the historic landing beaches.
 

Day 14                     B

We say goodbye to the Regal Princess, but not to our memories of the fascinating history and beautiful countrysides of the British Isles, as we make our way to the London airport and Albuquerque.

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Itinerary subject to change.

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