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LONDON / DOVER, ENGLAND |
For centuries, Dover has been a symbol of England's royal fortitude.
The port's legendary White Cliffs have long been a welcomed landmark for
seafaring travelers. The solid Dover Castle has faced invasions by Roman,
French and even English troops. London's legendary sights, including Westminster
Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Whitehall and the fashionable West
End, lie just 80 miles from historic Dover. |
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EDINBURGH / ROSYTH, SCOTLAND |
Dominated by a medieval castle on a towering crag, Edinburgh is the
celebrated capital of Scotland and boasts more than a thousand years of
vibrant historical heritage. The
Exchange building, the famous Royal Mile featuring St. Giles Cathedral
and John Knox House, as well as Palace of holyroodhouse, the Queens official,
are only a few of the architectural masterpieces found in this delightful
Scottish city.
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BELFAST, IRELAND |
Having the gift of understatement and optimism, the Irish call their
decades-long civil strife "the Troubles." Happily, the Troubles
have settled down, making enjoyable visits to Northern Ireland, most notably
Belfast, no trouble at all. Merely
a village in the 17th century, Belfast grew by leaps and bounds during
the Industrial Revolution. The manufacture of linen and ships (Belfast
has the world's largest dry dock) brought not only prosperity to the city,
but beauty. Ornate Victorian homes and grand Edwardian civic buildings
line the streets. The city also has many quaint lanes populated by pubs
and boutiques dressed with overflowing window boxes and brightly painted
doors. While there is much to detain you in lovely Belfast, you might
want to take the quick trip over the lough, or small bay, to Carrickfergus
Castle, the best-preserved Norman castle in Ireland.
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DUBLIN, IRELAND |
The Irish capital, Dublin, enjoys one of the loveliest settings in
Europe. Craggy Howth Head shelters the natural harbor at Dublin Bay and
the gurgling River Liffey flows through the center of town. The ancient
Egyptians, as well as Norman and Viking warriors, visited Dublin. However,
the city's most pervasive surviving influences come from the 18th and
19th centuries when elegant Georgian mansions were first built along the
river and then outward from its shores. The arts also flourished during
this period and Dublin served as the birthplace of some of our greatest
literary figures such as Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and James Joyce
to name only a few. |
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HOLYHEAD, WALES |
Located in the northwest of Wales on Holy Island, Holyhead might be
considered a remote locale. But connecting it to the mainland is the Four
Mile Bridge and a causeway, which in turn carries both the A5 road and
local rail line. Such routes easily transport travelers to the charming
half-timbered town of Chester and to Britain’s primary city, London.
Yet
there is much in Holyhead to keep visitors happily engaged right here.
At the heart of Holyhead is St. Cybi’s Church, situated inside one
of Europe’s only three-walled Roman forts. Indeed, local history
stretches back to Roman times and before, with area settlements dating
to prehistoric times. Maritime history is revealed in a museum where visitors
can learn about the 100 or so shipwrecks that have occurred in the vicinity.
Those who are feeling particularly energetic might make the trek to the
South Stack Lighthouse, which stands guard over an area popular with birdwatchers.
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WATERFORD, IRELAND |
The port city of Waterford, founded in the 9th century, lies on the
banks of the River Suir (pronounced Shure) and is the regional capital
of Ireland's southeast. It is the perfect gateway for a host of sightseeing
opportunities, from rolling green countryside to traditional villages,
castles and abbeys.
During
the period of rule by the Norman and the English, this city was a focus
for international trading and local development, particularly with regard
to the celebrated Waterford Crystal. Although the original Waterford Crystal
Factory was closed in 1851, its revival in 1947 has brought a new wave
of prosperity to this region. Today, visitors from around the world marvel
at the factory's award-winning displays and witness first hand the time-honored
skills of glass blowing, cutting and engraving.
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PORTLAND, ENGLAND |
In some ways, the “Isle” of Portland is a misnomer. Measuring
about four miles long by one-and-a-half miles wide, the small land mass
located in the English Channel is limestone tied, connected to the mainland
by both a beach and bridge.
Discussions
of whether Portland qualifies as an island aside, there is no doubt as
to its historic significance. Part of the Jurassic Coast, Portland is
a World Heritage Site, so designated for its geology and landforms. Important
manmade forms include Portland Castle, built by King Henry the VIII in
1539. The structure remains one of the best preserved castles of the period.
Portland’s famous white limestone, meanwhile, has found its way
to London, with iconic buildings such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and
the eastern front of Buckingham Palace constructed with the Portland limestone
Sir Christopher Wren used to rebuild London after the Great Fire of 1666.
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GUERNSEY / ST. PETER PORT, CHANNEL ISLANDS |
Charming Guernsey, a mere 25 square miles in size, offers a host of
enticing visitor attractions. Although geographically closer to France,
it has remained staunchly British through the ages. Today, its diverse
culture reflects the best of both worlds. Pastel-colored houses rise layer
upon layer behind St. Peter Port, the island's picturesque main town.
Beyond, you discover a wealth of activities centering around goldsmiths,
silversmiths, wood carvers and clockmakers.
Important:
Please Read before Booking the Following Tours: Although the best available
equipment has been requested, guests should be aware that transport may
not be of international standard. Motor coaches are not air-conditioned.
Your understanding is appreciated. Guernsey Island Introduction and Goldsmith's
Workshop |
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