Visiting the British Isles by Land and Sea
One of the best ways to visit the British Isles is through a combination of cruising and land excursions. Travelers' from North American have many options but this sample itinerary involves flying into London's Heathrow Airport. While there, it is best to make time to spend a few days in the city prior to boarding a cruise line for this grand experience.
London has no shortage of historic sites to visit and modern destination points just waiting to explore. One of those sites is Windsor Castle. Built in medieval times, Windsor castle is the longest inhabited castle in Europe. The Queen's primary weekend residence, Windsor Castle employs and houses more than 500 people and it remains a leading tourist destination in London.
After spending a few days in the city, on your way to the shore to meet-up with cruise lines like Princess Cruises, be sure to stop at Stonehenge to visit one of the most interesting World Heritage Sites in existence. Comprised of enormous standing stones in a circular formation, Stonehenge is estimated to have been constructed primarily between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. One function of the site was to serve as a burial site. The location also appears to have astrological significance because of the placement of the stones, which align with the summer and winter equinoxes. Many legends and folklore are associated with Stonehenge, from the ancient beliefs about giants and King Arthur, for example, to those associating it with paganism and new age beliefs. Nevertheless, how the stones were moved from their origination site some 140 miles away and for what purpose remains a mystery today.
Moving off the coast of England, you can cruise the Channel Islands include the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey that, although not a part of the United Kingdom, are British Crown Dependencies. These islands are known as Bailiffs that lack centralized governments. They are largely able to operate this way due to their small populations. With human habitation dating back some 25,000 years ago, the islands have a varied legacy including being an annex of Normandy. Today, the main industry is tourism; they are tax shelters similar to the Cayman Islands.
Of course, any trip to the British Isles will include an array of excursions in Ireland. A cruise of the British Isles would not be complete without a stop at Blarney Castle with a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone. The original wood castle built before 1200, was later replaced by a stone fortification. Today, the castle lies in partial ruin but Blarney House, a stately nearby mansion, was built. The mansion was later destroyed by fire. In 1874, a replacement baronial mansion was built which stands occupied today. The renowned Blarney Stone is said to give the gift of eloquence once kissed. The kiss is delivered while hanging upside-down over a sheer drop!
Dublin should be the next stop on your British Isles adventure cruise, where you can visit the ancient Catholic Monastery of Glenalough. This serene setting is associated with Saint Patrick of St. Patrick's Day legacy. Other sites to see in Dublin are Trinity College and the Trinity Library.
One of the most stunning coastlines in the world is located in Ireland near Belfast. The Giants Causeway, created through unique volcanic formation, is a World Heritage Site and favorite tourist attraction. Dunluce Castle, now in ruin, is also nearby and was originally built in the 13th century.
Leaving Ireland, your sea journey now leads to Scotland. The Scottish Highlands are beautifully green and sparsely populated with numerous mountain ranges including the highest peak in the British Isles, Ben Nevis, standing at an elevation of 4,409 feet. Some of the most amazing castles in the world can be found in Scotland and it would be virtually impossible to visit them all in a few days.
Located on a small island is the lovely Eilean Donan Castle. Founded in the 13th century and rebuilt several times, this castle is a favorite for photographers largely because of its simple elegance and setting. Situated near the Donan castle near the ruined Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, all three destinations make a great combination for a day trip.
One of the must see castles in Scotland is Stirling Castle, built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Protected from invasion by its location, several kings and queens were crowned there, including Mary, Queen of Scotts in 1543. Finally, Edinburgh Castle with its Royal Mile is the number one tourist attraction in all of Scotland. This castle dominates the skyline, sitting atop a volcanic formation with three protected sides. A visit to Scotland would not be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle.
Returning to England aboard your ship, you will want to visit Stratford Upon Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the nearby Warwick Castle. Warwick Castle is one of the most famous castles in England, becoming even more popular as the location site for the Harry Potter films. The castle offers a full array of activities including live entertainment and several meal and snack options. Complete with towers and a dungeon, Warwick Castle has important historical relevance to the British.
Before you depart for the plane ride home, take in another day in London including the Tower of London where the crown jewels are located and save a little time for shopping for souvenirs. In two and a half weeks, you will have seen some of the highlights of what the British Isles has to offer, making it one of your most memorable vacations ever.
London has no shortage of historic sites to visit and modern destination points just waiting to explore. One of those sites is Windsor Castle. Built in medieval times, Windsor castle is the longest inhabited castle in Europe. The Queen's primary weekend residence, Windsor Castle employs and houses more than 500 people and it remains a leading tourist destination in London.
After spending a few days in the city, on your way to the shore to meet-up with cruise lines like Princess Cruises, be sure to stop at Stonehenge to visit one of the most interesting World Heritage Sites in existence. Comprised of enormous standing stones in a circular formation, Stonehenge is estimated to have been constructed primarily between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. One function of the site was to serve as a burial site. The location also appears to have astrological significance because of the placement of the stones, which align with the summer and winter equinoxes. Many legends and folklore are associated with Stonehenge, from the ancient beliefs about giants and King Arthur, for example, to those associating it with paganism and new age beliefs. Nevertheless, how the stones were moved from their origination site some 140 miles away and for what purpose remains a mystery today.
Moving off the coast of England, you can cruise the Channel Islands include the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey that, although not a part of the United Kingdom, are British Crown Dependencies. These islands are known as Bailiffs that lack centralized governments. They are largely able to operate this way due to their small populations. With human habitation dating back some 25,000 years ago, the islands have a varied legacy including being an annex of Normandy. Today, the main industry is tourism; they are tax shelters similar to the Cayman Islands.
Of course, any trip to the British Isles will include an array of excursions in Ireland. A cruise of the British Isles would not be complete without a stop at Blarney Castle with a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone. The original wood castle built before 1200, was later replaced by a stone fortification. Today, the castle lies in partial ruin but Blarney House, a stately nearby mansion, was built. The mansion was later destroyed by fire. In 1874, a replacement baronial mansion was built which stands occupied today. The renowned Blarney Stone is said to give the gift of eloquence once kissed. The kiss is delivered while hanging upside-down over a sheer drop!
Dublin should be the next stop on your British Isles adventure cruise, where you can visit the ancient Catholic Monastery of Glenalough. This serene setting is associated with Saint Patrick of St. Patrick's Day legacy. Other sites to see in Dublin are Trinity College and the Trinity Library.
One of the most stunning coastlines in the world is located in Ireland near Belfast. The Giants Causeway, created through unique volcanic formation, is a World Heritage Site and favorite tourist attraction. Dunluce Castle, now in ruin, is also nearby and was originally built in the 13th century.
Leaving Ireland, your sea journey now leads to Scotland. The Scottish Highlands are beautifully green and sparsely populated with numerous mountain ranges including the highest peak in the British Isles, Ben Nevis, standing at an elevation of 4,409 feet. Some of the most amazing castles in the world can be found in Scotland and it would be virtually impossible to visit them all in a few days.
Located on a small island is the lovely Eilean Donan Castle. Founded in the 13th century and rebuilt several times, this castle is a favorite for photographers largely because of its simple elegance and setting. Situated near the Donan castle near the ruined Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, all three destinations make a great combination for a day trip.
One of the must see castles in Scotland is Stirling Castle, built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Protected from invasion by its location, several kings and queens were crowned there, including Mary, Queen of Scotts in 1543. Finally, Edinburgh Castle with its Royal Mile is the number one tourist attraction in all of Scotland. This castle dominates the skyline, sitting atop a volcanic formation with three protected sides. A visit to Scotland would not be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle.
Returning to England aboard your ship, you will want to visit Stratford Upon Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the nearby Warwick Castle. Warwick Castle is one of the most famous castles in England, becoming even more popular as the location site for the Harry Potter films. The castle offers a full array of activities including live entertainment and several meal and snack options. Complete with towers and a dungeon, Warwick Castle has important historical relevance to the British.
Before you depart for the plane ride home, take in another day in London including the Tower of London where the crown jewels are located and save a little time for shopping for souvenirs. In two and a half weeks, you will have seen some of the highlights of what the British Isles has to offer, making it one of your most memorable vacations ever.
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