DAY 1 – LONDON (TILBURY), ENGLAND
Tilbury is near central London and just down the river from the iconic Tower Bridge; it is also the gateway to Kent and the charming towns of south east of England. Between touring the Tate and standing before the gates of Buckingham Palace, go for a stroll through Hyde Park’s vast greenery toward Serpentine Lake, where you take a dip, go boating or enjoy a picnic. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too, including very early photographs.
DAY 2 – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
As capital cities go, Amsterdam is small in comparison. It has a reputation for free-spirited and very liberal lifestyles. Some might call it Europe’s most “radical” city, but one cannot deny the beauty of Amsterdam and its rich history. Amsterdam is a cultural center of Europe, as exemplified in its more than 140 art galleries and 40 museums. In addition, it is famous for its baroque architecture, canals, and cobblestone streets where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.
DAY 3 – TYNE (NEWCASTLE), UNITED KINGDOM
United by seven bridges, Tyne (Newcastle) is an exciting and diverse destination. One would never guess that this once shipbuilding city, is home to a vibrant nightlife, premium restaurants serving cuisine from around the world and fantastic galleries. Visit the Castle Keep, one of the country’s finest examples of a Norman Keep. Or go to The Sage Gateshead for lively entertainment day and night. And with more theaters per person than anywhere in the UK, you will find world-class productions to suit all tastes.
DAY 4 – EDINBURGH (NEWHAVEN), SCOTLAND
Edinburgh is Scotland’s bustling capital city, renowned for its culture and traditions. At the center of the city, explore the World Heritage Site of Old Town and its historical area known as `Royal Mile` as you pass delightful multi-storied houses and quaint side streets. You may also visit the impressive St. Giles Cathedral, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, and known for its famous crown spire. Discover the Palace of Holyrood House, Scotland’s primary Royal Palace. Dating from the late 15th century, it is the official Scottish residence of the Queen.
DAY 5 – INVERGORDON, SCOTLAND
Invergordon has a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars. Ideally situated in the center of the eastern Highlands, Invergordon received its name from Sir William Gordon, a landowner of the 18th century. For centuries the estate on which Invergordon now stands was known as Inverbreakie, or “the mouth of the Breakie.” The Breakie presumably is the stream which enters the Firth at Rosskeen Bridge, near the old parish church west of the present Town.
DAY 6 – CRUISE THE IRISH SEA
Spend the day enjoying your Regent Seven Seas ship and all that it has to offer!
DAY 7 – LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, in North West England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians and nicknamed “Scousers,” in reference to the local meal known as ‘scouse’, a form of stew. In 2004, Liverpool’s waterfront was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the city’s importance in the development of the world’s trading system and dock technology.
DAY 8 – BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
Belfast lies snuggled into the rugged coast of Northern Ireland where the River Lagan flows to the sea. This Northern Ireland capital saw its earliest settlement in the early Middle Ages. At that time, a substantial stone fortress punctuated the horizon. Today, world travelers are eager to view her physical beauty and discover her renewed tranquility. Residents enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shop at trendy stores, and visit pubs lining The Golden Mile.
DAY 9 – DUBLIN, IRELAND
A UNESCO City of Literature founded in 1592, Ireland’s capital and birthplace of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw has long been a stalwart of European culture. Lively, cosmopolitan and eminently walkable, Dublin’s complex history is told by medieval castles and cathedrals complemented by elegant, 18th-century houses built during the city’s prosperous Georgian era. Cruise the legendary River Liffey for spectacular views of the cast-iron Ha’penny Bridge and neoclassical Customs House. Wander the architectural gems of Trinity College, explore the cultural quarter of Temple Bar, visit a pair of medieval cathedrals (St. Patrick’s and Christ Church) and a bevy of museums before enjoying a perfect pint at one of Dublin’s cozy pubs.
DAY 10 – RINGASKIDDY (CORK), IRELAND
Formerly a small, quiet fishing village in southern County Cork, modern Ringaskiddy is a busy cruise port that offers access to cities like Cobh, Cork and Kinsale. Take a ferry across Cork Harbour to learn the story of Annie Moore, the first emigrant processed at New York City’s Ellis Island in 1892, at the Cobh Heritage Center. In historic and very walkable Cork, take in the graceful arch of the 19th-century Parliament Bridge, ornate Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and limestone facade of the Cork Courthouse before pausing to people-watch at a Castle Street café. Home to a magnificent naval base in the 17th and 18th centuries, Kinsale is a delightful city to sample Dublin Bay prawns, Galway Bay oysters or traditional Irish stew.
DAY 11 – CRUISE THE CELTIC SEA
Enjoy the many spaces onboard your Regent Seven Seas ship.
DAY 12 – LONDON (SOUTHAMPTON), ENGLAND
Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton’s maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.
