In Transit Overnight: Overnight flight to London Heathrow.

Morning: Arrivals to London Heathrow. Transfers to Portsmouth.

Lunch: A light lunch is served in the hotel at 12:30pm for those arriving by lunchtime.

Afternoon: Check in and relax before a welcome meeting and introductions with John Harris, course director, at 5:00pm.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Macdonald Botley Park Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Note: Walking and standing throughout the day. Seats available throughout the dockyard.

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see HMS Victory and the Trafalgar Experience, HMS Warrior 1860, the Mary Rose and National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Lunch: Taken in Boathouse No 7.

Afternoon: The field trip continues with a harbour cruise.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Macdonald Botley Park Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to the D-Day Museum and Overlord Tapestry. Embarkation.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Set sail from Portsmouth Dockyard. Hear from Swan Hellenic's guest speakers who anticipate the sights to come. DR DAVID THACKRAY OBE FSA retires as Head of Archaeology for the National Trust in September 2012 after 36 years with the Trust. The Trust’s first professional archaeologist, David has developed the profession throughout the organisation, and built up and led a team of archaeologists in each of the MISS SIÂN EVANS is a cultural historian whose extensive knowledge of historic houses reveals the real nature of ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ life in previous centuries. She has worked for the National Trust, the V&A and the Design Museum, and has published books on the transformation of Avebury Manor, the secret lives of servants, and ghost stories associated with National Trust places. Trust’s regions.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic Lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: 2:30pm John Harris lectures on Britain as a Maritime Nation. Shipboard activities. Welcome cocktail party.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Flat, uneven pathway of 300 yards through field-like terrain to the main sites.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Dock alongside at Port of Tyne at 8:00am. Amidst rugged Northumberland hills the Roman Hadrian’s Wall stretches as the northernmost outpost of the Roman Empire. Designated a World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of military engineering. Drive to Heddon for the longest visible stretch of broad wall. Continue on to Chesters Fort, one of the best preserved example of a Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Visit the museum displaying Roman artefacts discovered on the wall and then moe on to Housesteads for views of the fort perched high on a ridge. In association with the National Trust.

Lunch: Included.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities. Minerva departs Port of Tyne at 7:00pm.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: 2:30pm John Harris lectures on Discilpine and Authority in the Sailing NavyPre dinner cocktail party.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: 12 steps to the first floor. Some uneven ground.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Minerva docks alongside at Scrabster at 8:00am. Enjoy a field trip to the Castle of Mey-the Scottish home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The Castle is situated on the North coast of Caithness, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. The Castle was and remains a family home-see the recreated traditional kitchen garden, the Queen Mother's private rooms as well as her official rooms for entertaining guests. Castle guides are located throughout the Castle.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities. Minerva departs Scrabster at 7:00pm.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: At Ullapool at 8:00am. Tender ashore. The picturesque fishing village of Ullapool nestles on the shores of Loch Broom. Discover the world renowned Inverewe Gardens, an oasis of colourful exotic plants flourishing in the warmth generated by the Gulf Stream. Enjoy a scenic drive through the barren and beautiful highland countryside to Inverewe Garden. Idyllically situated on the shores of Loch Ewe, the garden was started by Osgood Mackenzie in 1862 and continued after his death by his daughter, Mairi. Before she died in 1953 Mairi transferred the garden to the National Trust for Scotland, so that the garden might be maintained in perpetuity. Osgood Mackenzie succeeded in transforming a windswept and barren promontory into a large and wonderful garden featuring temperate plants from the North and South hemispheres. Protected by shelter belts and walls, the garden flourishes due to the proximity of the Gulf Steam, despite being situated at a latitude of 57.8° (further north than Moscow). Enjoy an independent visit, exploring areas including the Woodland and Azalea Walks, the Pond Garden, and Japanese and Rock Gardens at your leisure. In conjunction with the National Trust for Scotland.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities. Minerva departs Ullapool at 2:30pm.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Enjoy an exclusive malt whisky talk and tasting with John Harris.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Tenders land within walking distance of the delightful town of Tobermory for an afternoon of independent exploration.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Arrive Tobermory at 8:00am. Tenders ashore. Full day field trip. Drive south-west across Mull, the largest island of the Inner Hebrides with a sharply indented rocky coastline, and cross by ferry to Iona, the beautiful and atmospheric island with its turquoise seas and white sandy beaches where the Irish missionary St Columba introduced Christianity to Scotland in the 6th century. From the ferry you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk of about 20 minutes to the abbey, passing quaint cottages and enjoying marvellous views across the coast. After Columba’s death the influence of Iona Abbey gradually declined but the saint’s tomb brought many pilgrims to the island, and because of its sanctity Iona became the burial place of many of the early Scottish kings. The Abbey buildings we see today are based on those of the Benedictine monastery established here in the early 13th century. Visit the abbey, the small community of Iona or stroll on one of paths that crisscross this special island.

Lunch: Lunch out.

Afternoon: The field trip continues.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities. Overnight at anchor, Tobermory.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Minerva takes a leisurely cruise close to the Isle of Mull, Staff, the Outer Hebrides and Mingulay. Delight in scenic cruising amongst the islands of the Inner Hebrides, as Minerva’s Captain navigates a course to show you the best this coastal region has to offer, before anchoring off the colourful village of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities. Lecture by John Harris: Wrecks of the Hebridean Seas.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities. Minerva departs Tobermory at 8:00pm.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: There is an uphill path from the Giant's Causeway, 15-20 minutes. A shuttle bus is available but there may be a wait for this. 2 hour bus journey each way.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: At 8:00am Minerva anchors off the resort of Bangor on the picturesque, south shore of Belfast Lough, for a maiden call. Tenders ashore. Two hour bus journey through the scenic Northern Irish towns of Down and Derry. Stop at Dunluce Castle for a photo opportunity. Stop at the World Heritage Site, the Giant's Causeway. View the hexagonal basalt columns that run to the sea like giant stepping stones. Walk the stones before a coastal drive back to Minerva. In association with the National Trust.

Lunch: A packed lunch is provided.

Afternoon: The field trip continues.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Relax after your long day. Minerva departs Bangor at 7:00pm.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: 10 minute steep walk to the house entrance and back.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Dock alonside at 8:00am at Holyhead. Coach to Plas Newydd Country House and Garden, set on the shores of the Menai Strait amidst breathtaking scenery. The elegant house was designed in the 18th century by James Wyatt. The interior has the largest painting and exhibition of Rex Whistler 's work. This field trip is in association with the National Trust.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Minerva departs Holyhead at 2:30pm. Shipboard activities. Lecture by John Harris: Slavery, Shipping and Seafarers.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Disembarkation into tenders. 30 minute one mile walk from quay to garden entrance. Mid gradient, steps in garden.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Cruise south for a full day call at the Isles of Scilly. Tresco at 8:30am. Tenders ashore. This remote archipelago lies off-thebeaten track some 28 miles from the coast of Cornwall. Soft, white sandy beaches and inspiring land and seascapes surprise as well as Tresco Abbey gardens where rare, sub tropical plants flourish. Embark onto tenders for the 30 minute journey to the quay. Tresco Abbey Gardens is world famous for the variety and beauty of its sub-tropical plants and flowers that flourish in the warm Gulf Stream.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Independent exploration of Scilly.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Briefing by John Harris: German Occupation of the Channel Islands. Minerva departs at 6:00pm.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: St Peter Port at 8:00am. Tenders ashore. The Channel Islands were the only British Territory to be occupied in the Second World War from June 1940 till May 1945. Visit sights that can offer an insight into life on the island during this period. At the Occupation Museum you can gain an insight into the daily lives and hardships of the islanders who remained on the island. Option: A field trip to the Underground Hospital is included. It is a vast concrete maze, built mostly beneath the surface and is the largest structural reminder of the Occupation in the Channel Islands. Some may find it claustrophobic.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: You may wish to take the regular tender for independent exploration of St Peter Port's town centre and 12tth century church. Minerva departs St Peter Port at 5:00pm.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Limited and easy walking, involving some steps

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Minerva sails between the twin forts to anchor in the Fowey river estuary, wonderfully situated amidst rolling green hills on the Cornish coastline. 7:00am. Tenders ashore and wander through the village of Fowey where clusters of characterful buildings and cottages tumble down to the waterfront. Field trip to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The gardens were home to the Tremayne family for 400 years and were at their peak in the end of the 19th century but the coming of the war resulted in the 1000 acre estate running into wilderness. In the 1990s Tim Smit began to restore the Lost Gardens. Now over 200 hundred acres have been lovingly restored offering Victorian Production Gardens, romantic pleasure grounds, lush sub tropical jungle, wildlife projects and ancient woodlands.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Briefing by John Harris: The British Seaside.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Minerva docks at Portland at 8:00am. From the dock at Portland take a field trip to Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens. After the great storm of 1990, a major restoration project has been underway. many new exotic and unusual flowers have been introduced to this fabulous Dorset Garden. The Garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for it's Camellia groves and magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden. HAA/Christie's Garden of 2012.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Minerva departs Portland at 2:30pm. With the cliffs of Dorset’s Jurassic coast fringing the horizon as you sail away, anchor off the Isle of Wight for a final evening on board before returning into Portsmouth Harbour.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Depart Sandown Bay at 5:30am for Portsmouth. Disembark after breakfast. Travel by coach to the famous seaside resort of Brighton. Explore the extravagant Brighton Pavilion. Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823, the Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out. This magnificent royal pleasure palace was revered by fashionable Regency society and is still a distinctive landmark for vibrant Brighton & Hove today. The Royal Pavilion is also home to some of the finest collections and examples of the chinoiserie style in Britain.

Lunch: Taken out in Brighton.

Afternoon: Continue on to the Radisson Heathrow Hotel.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart From: Take the Hoppa shuttle bus to Heathrow Airport terminals. The group leader will give you the fare

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast