British Isles

The cosmopolitan city of Cork sits between two channels of the River Lee, upstream from Cork Harbour on Ireland's southwest coast. Visit the former prison of Cork City Gaol, Victorian-themed English Market, and neo-Gothic St. Colman's Cathedral. Gaze in awe at the French Gothic spires of St Finbarre's Cathedral, or ring the Shandon Bells in the 300-year-old tower of St Anne's Church. Pay a visit to the "Queenstown Story" at Cork Heritage Centre, where you can learn all about Irish emigration and the area's connection to the Titanic. Venture out of the city to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

Holyhead is located on the north-western tip of Wales and is the largest town on the Isle of Anglesey. Explore the port's maritime past at Holyhead Maritime Museum. Admire the medieval castle towns of Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon along the Welsh coastline. Take a tour through the mountains, valleys and towns of the nearby Snowdonia National Park, with Mount Snowdon as its impressive backdrop. Get up close the animals, butterflies and reptiles at Pili Plas Nature World. Follow the 400 steps over to the South Stack Lighthouse on its own off-shore island.

The picturesque town of Killybegs sits in County Donegal on Ireland's north-west coastline. Take a stroll along Main Street and enjoy freshly-baked cakes at Mrs B's Coffee House or tuck into a bowl of steaming Inver Bay mussels at Kitty Kelly's Restaurant. Explore the unique world of carpet making and fishing at Killybegs Maritime & Heritage Centre. Spend some time on the golden sands of the Blue Flag Fintra Beach or admire Drumanoo Head, Inishduff Island and Muckross Head from the beach at Fintragh Bay. Venture further afield to the Donegal Castle and Donegal Craft Village. Of course, no trip to Donegal would be complete without a trip to see the impressive sea cliffs at Slieve League.

The ports town of Stornoway sits proudly on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Step ashore and pay a visit to 18th-century Lews Castle baronial mansion and the adjoining Lews Castle Museum and Archive. Stop by the art gallery, shops, and cafe-bar at An Lanntair Arts Centre. Watch wool-spinning and weaving demonstrations and explore the history of the famous Harris Tweed at Lewis Loom Centre. Venture out to the west coast of the isle to view the famous Standing Stones of Callanish.

Kirkwall is both the largest town and the capital of the Orkney Islands. This vibrant and busy port town was granted Royal Burgh status by James III of Scotland in 1486 and is the main transport and port hub in the Orkneys. The medieval St Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline, with the Earl's and Bishop's Palaces close by. Step back in time at Orkney Museum in Tankerness House before strolling around its delightful walled gardens. Explore the art of whisky making at Scapa Distillery or shop for souvenirs at the niche shops and boutiques in the town centre.

Lerwick, Shetland's capital and only town, is a bustling seaport with a range of tourist attractions. The waterfront is packed with pleasure boats, yachts, historic crafts and working fishing boats. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives and view the artefacts and interactive displays offering a glance into the area’s historical story, or feel part of history at Clickimin Broch, an ancient archelogy site. Wander along the atmospheric Commercial Street where the sandstone buildings date back to the 18th century.

Located on the River Clyde 20 miles away from Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, Greenock began as a fishing harbour and later became a major centre for shipbuilding. The town's maritime history is celebrated at the Custom House Museum and stained glass art can be seen in McLean Museum and Art Gallery. Greenock is home to the world's first Burn's Club, dedicated to poet, Robert Burns; his love, Mary Campbell, died in the town and is buried in Greenock Cemetery. Travel to Glasgow to explore Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum; works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh at Mackintosh House and House for an Art Lover; and masterpieces by Rubens, Reynolds, and Rembrandt at The University of Glasgow: The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery. Take a tour of Tennents Wellpark Brewery and visit Glasgow Green and the People's Palace. Discover the world of transport at the Riverside Museum or the wonders of science at Glasgow Science Centre. Get up close to Highland Cows at Pollock Country Park and explore the local football scene at Scottish Football Museum.

Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Its name originated from the Gaelic ‘Beal Feirste’ meaning ‘mouth of the sandy fjord’. Founded in the 17th century, the city prospered becoming one of the world’s leading industrial names, and was home to Harland and Wolff – the shipbuilders who built the ill-fated Titanic. Despite its more recent political troubles, Belfast has emerged as a vibrant, alluring destination. Amidst its beautiful Victorian buildings you can shop in stylish boutiques, sip a Guinness in one of its charming old pubs or take a scenic stroll in Barnett Demesne park. The centrepiece is the City Hall, completed in 1906, with its domed roof and grand Italian marble staircase. Other points of interest on the city include Belfast Cathedral, which has the largest Celtic Cross in Ireland plus Celtic themed mosaics and stained glass, Belfast Castle, sitting on the slopes of Cave Hill, and Belfast Zoo.

The ship drops anchor today on the banks of the River Mersey at Liverpool. With some of the best museums and galleries in the UK, Liverpool is an exciting and historic city. Stop at International Slavery Museum, Walker Art Gallery, World Museum, and Beatles Story — featuring memorabilia and a life-sized replica of the Cavern Club — during your time here. Have lunch and drinks at the many bars and cafes of the modern Albert Dock, or enjoy some sightseeing with visits to Liverpool Cathedral and St George's Hall. See the launch pad of The Beatles, Casbah Club; tour Liverpool FC's home ground, Anfield Stadium; or shop 'til you drop at the Metquarter and Liverpool ONE.

Today your cruise comes to an end. Disembark and make your way home.