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Great Britain by Sea: England, Ireland and the Edinburgh Tattoo

Program Number: 20542RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/10/2012 - 8/26/2012;
Duration: 16 nights
Location: England/Ireland/Scotland
Price starting at: $4,976.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 44; 14 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 15 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Thrill in the sounds and performances of the world-renowned Edinburgh Tattoo — one of Scotland’s finest musical traditions — during a journey that leads from England, Ireland and Scotland.




Activity Particulars

Walking and standing up to three hours; some uneven terrain; some stairs.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Maidenhead (England), 2 nights, aboard MV Discovery, 12 nights, London, 1 night.



Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Days 2-4: Arrival London (England) / coach to Maidenhead / embark MV Discovery

Arrive in Maidenhead and take a look at royal history during a field trip to Windsor Castle and Eton College. Lodging: Centrally located hotel.



Days 5-6: Guernsey / Cornwall

Delight in the beauty of English horticulture as you enjoy field trips to Candie Gardens in Guernsey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall.



Days 7-9: Cobh (Ireland) / Galway / Donegal

Trace the history of American emigration during a day at Cobh harbor, and learn about the religious community of Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara region. Enjoy a field trip to Donegal Town and the Slieve League, Ireland's highest sea cliffs.



Days 10-11: Oban (Scotland) / Isle of Skye

Admire the magnificent Inverary Castle and Gardens in Oban before taking in the history of Eilean Donan Castle on the Isle of Skye.



Days 12-13: Northern Highlands (Scotland) / Orkney (Scotland)

Experience the vast beauty of the Highlands during field trips to Caithness, Wick and the Castle of Mey. Immerse yourself in the history of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.



Days 14-17: Edinburgh / disembark Harwich (England) / coach to Heathrow Airport / departure

Explore Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh via coach and take in the world-renowned Edinburgh Tattoo. Lodging: Airport hotel.



mv Discovery

Refurbished in 2003, this 553-foot ocean liner can accommodate 650 passengers. Road Scholar participants will enjoy use of the Discovery Theater for classroom-style lecture series. Public areas linked by stairs include a library, medical center, Internet center, six bars, a health and beauty spa, open-air Jacuzzis and a swimming pool.
Meals and Lodgings
   Holiday Inn Maidenhead/Windsor
  Maidenhead, UK:England 2 nights
   M/V Discovery
  At Sea, USA 1 night
   M/V Discovery
  At Sea, USA 10 nights
   Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.
  London Heathrow Airport, UK:England 1 night
 Holiday Inn Maidenhead/Windsor
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Set in a peaceful residential area 1 mile from Maidenhead and 8 miles from Windsor.
  Contact info: Manor Lane
Maidenhead,  SL6 2RA UK:England
phone: +44 871 9429053
web: www.holidayinn.com
  Room amenities: Air-conditioning. Direct dial telephone with voicemail, electrical adaptors, power convertors available. Satellite TV.Tea/coffe maker. Mini fridge. In room safe. Iron and ironing board. High speed inernet access.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and cocktail lounge. Business Centre. Health and Leisure Centre with swimming pool, spa ATM machine. Ice machine. Safe deposit box at the Front Desk. Dry cleaning/laundry service.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 M/V Discovery
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Discover new destinations as you cruise in classic comfort aboard mv Discovery. Built for global cruising, Discovery is large enough to sail the world’s great oceans, yet small enough to reach those places others leave aside. Behind her classic lines, the emphasis is on space, service and understated elegance with friendly, experienced European officers and attentive crew.
  Ship Information: Passenger Decks 8 - Sky, Sun, Bridge, Promenade, Riviera, Pacific, Bali & Coral Number of lower berths 698 Gross Tonnage 20,186 tonnes Length 168.74 metres Beam 24.64 metres Draught 7.49 metres Cruising Speed 18 knots Crew International crew under a Bermuda registration Category 1 dbl: 194 sq ft.Category 2 dbl: 135 sq ft. Category 3 dbl: 135 sq ft. Category 4 dbl: 135 sq ft.
  Contact info: N/A
N/A,   UK:England
phone: +8666232689
web: us.voyagesofdiscovery.com
  Room amenities: Each cabin has personal climate control, TV, Telephone, satellite communications, hairdryers, and a personal safe. Also, the voltage on board the ship is 110 & 220,USA style two pin.
  Facility amenities: There are 2 pools, 2 Jacuzzis, 3 lounges; A Library; Card Room; Gymnasium and Health Center; Lecture theater and Cinema; Internet Center; Casino: 2 restaurants plus on-deck dining; Medical Center; Shops; Photo gallery; 6 bars; Beauty Salon; Satellite TV; Hairdryer and personal safe in every cabin; Telephone, fax and emails via satellite.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Close to Heathrow Airport.
  Contact info: 140 Bath Road.
Hayes, Middlesex.,  UB3 5AW UK:England
phone: +44 20 8759 6311
web: www.radissonedwardian.com
  Room amenities: Air-conditioning. Direct dial telephone with personal number and voicemail, satllite TV and pay movies, in room safe. In room bar, iron and ironing board, tea and coffee making facilities.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar. Complimentary wireless internet access, business centre, newsagents, health spa and fitness centre.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: TBC. Road Scholar can arrange for pre or post program hotel arrangements. Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services at 800-854-3418 to make a reservation.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
A light lunch will be served in the hotel for those arriving by lunchtime. The welcome meeting is at 5:00pm before dinner. You will be staying at Holiday Inn Maidenhead/Windsor that night.
  End of Program:
After breakfast on departure day. Breakfast ends at 10:00am and check-out is by 11:00am. You will be staying at Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel. the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
No parking.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Trains and buses available.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Maidenhead
  Nearest airport:  London Heathrow
  Transportation to site: Trains run from London Paddington to Maidenhead, direct journey time is 33-37 minutes and the cost is GBP10.50. Take a taxi to the hotel. 0.5 mile cost GBP4.
  From End of Program
  Location:  London Heathrow Airport
  Transportation from site: Hoppa shuttle bus from the hotel to Heathrow terminals. For central London -The Heathrow Express departs the airport every 15 minutes and takes 15 minutes add 6 minutes from T5.) to London Paddington. An Express single costs £16.50 (2010 prices), 1st Class is £26, return is £32. Paddington Station is situated in the west end of central London. It connects to the Bakerloo, District and Circle lines on the London Underground and is also a short walk to the Hammersmith and City line.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1:
(Friday, August 10)
   
 In Transit: Overnight flight from North America.

Day 2:
(Saturday, August 11)
   
 Arrive To: London. Transfer to Maidenhead.
 Lunch: A light lunch is served at 12:30pm in the hotel for those arriving by lunchtime.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon. Welcome meeting with Geoff Morgan, course director, at 5:00pm before dinner.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Maidenhead/Windsor
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Royal Windsor and Eton.
(Sunday, August 12)
   
 Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to Royal Winsdor, including the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years, dating back to William the Conqueror.
 Lunch: Taken out in Windsor.
 Afternoon: Field trip continues to Eton College with a brief stop in Maidenhead on the return to the hotel.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Maidenhead/Windsor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Embarkation.
(Monday, August 13)
   
 Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Coach transfer to Harwich for embarkation.
 Lunch: Taken en route.
 Afternoon: 2:30pm Embark MV Discovery. 5:30pm ship departs Harwich.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: St Peter Port, Guernsey.
(Tuesday, August 14)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: Lecture. Ship arrives St Peter Port at 12:30pm.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: A field trip takes you on a horticultural and garden journey around this Channel Island, including renowned Candie Gardens. These restored Victorian gardens offer spectacular views over St Peter Port and are a rare late Victorian public flower garden.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Ship departs 6:30pm. Shipboard activities.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Cornwall-The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
(Wednesday, August 15)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: 7:00am the ship arrives Fowey in Cornwall. Field trip to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Heligan, seat of the Tremayne family for more than 400 years, is one of the most mysterious estates in England. The award-winning garden restoration is internationally acclaimed with over 200 acres to explore. Heligan offers over 200 acres for exploration. Discover the Victorian Productive Gardens, romantic Pleasure Grounds, lush sub-tropical Jungle, pioneering Wildlife Project & beyond. First laid out over 200 years ago, the Pleasure Grounds conceal an unusual range of romantic structures and unexpected features, linked by a network of walks lined by a magnificent collection of historic plantings. The Jungle hosts a riot of luxuriant foliage, outstanding trees, exotic plantings and inspiring views, drawing the imagination on a journey far from our temperate shores.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities. The ship departs Fowey at 5:00pm.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Cobh, Ireland
(Thursday, August 16)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: Arrive Cobh 9:00am. Field trip to the scene of Irish emigration to America, Cobh. Visit the Queenstown Story at Cobh Heritage Centre. Queenstown it was for some decades before reverting to its old Irish name in 1922 - the Cobh (cove) of Cork. Is there anywhere in Ireland more full of poignant memories than this embarkation point for America? From here hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and women left to build a new life, especially in the Famine years of 1844-48. Many thrived and prospered, but many died on the journey in the terrible travelling conditions of the time. On the quayside there is a memorial to the victims of the Lusitania, many of whom are buried in the old church cemetery. The ship was sunk off Kinsale in 1915 by a German submarine, an action which was responsible for bringing the United States of America into the Great War, the survivors were brought back here. Another unhappy association is with the Titanic, 'the safest liner in the world'. Queenstown was her last port of call on her fateful maiden voyage. The Queenstown Story is based in the disused portions of the railway station at Cobh. This highly imaginative visitor attraction tells the story of emigration from Cobh in the period of the famine in 1845 up to the era of the great Liners in the 1950s. The historical role which Cobh harbour has played as a port is also illustrated.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Ship departs Cobh 6:00pm. Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Galway, Ireland
(Friday, August 17)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: Arrive to Galway for a field trip to Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara region. Prior to Kylemore becoming an Abbey, it was built as a Castle and the first stone was laid in 1867. In 1920, Kylemore became an Abbey and is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. The Community of nuns, who have resided here for 189 years, have a long history stretching back almost three hundred and forty years. Since the 70’s, the Benedictine Community have opened their Abbey and Estate to the public and now Kylemore has become known as a must see when visiting the West of Ireland. enter the Abbey where four rooms have been sympathetically restored. Visitors can experience the character and atmosphere of the castle and enjoy the breathtaking views the large picture windows which capture and frame the majestic landscape.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Donegal
(Saturday, August 18)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: Field trip to Donegal Town and the Slieve League, Ireland's highest sea cliffs on the Atlantic coast of Donegal. Less well known than the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve are three times the height.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activity.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Oban, Scotland. Inverary Castle and Gardens.
(Sunday, August 19)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: A field trip explores scenic Argyllshire and magnificent Inverary Castle and Gardens, ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell set on the shores of Loch Fyne since 1400. In the 1700s a modern, baroque, Palladian and Gothic style was designed by Robert Morrris and Robert Adam and completed by the younger Adam brothers. View the State Dining Room, Tapestry Drawing Room, the Saloon, the collections in the Clan Room and paintings and artefacts belonging to the family including Rob Roy's Sword, a statue of Robert the Bruce and the Armourey.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: 6:30pm ship departs Oban. Shipboard activtities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.
(Monday, August 20)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: Lecture by Geoff Morgan.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Arrival Skye 12:00pm. Field trip to the Isle of Skye-the Misty Isle-to view the astounding landscape where under foot is 500 million years of history. See the stark and jagged Cuillin Ridge. Continue on to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is one of Scotland's most iconic sites. 6:00pm ship departs Portree.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Northern Highlands and the Castle of Mey
(Tuesday, August 21)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: 7:00am ships arrives Scrabster. Field trip to the Scottish Northern Highlands, including Caithness, Wick and the Queen Mother's lasting legacy, the Castle of Mey. The castle is situated on the north coast of Caithness, in the parish of Canisbay, about 15 miles east of Thurso and six miles west of John O'Groats. It stands on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands.
 Lunch: Taken out.
 Afternoon: The field trip continues.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Shipboard activities. The ship departs Scrabster at 11:00pm.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Orkney
(Wednesday, August 22)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: 7:00am ship arrives Kirkwall. Explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site including one of the oldest stone circles in Britain, the four megaliths comprising the Standing Stones of Stenness and the henge monument, the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. The ship departs Orkney at 12:30pm.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Lecture by Geoff Morgan.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Edinburgh Castle and the Military Tattoo
(Thursday, August 23)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: Ship arrives Rosyth for Edinburgh 8:00am. Take a panoramic coach field trip around the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh and see the Georgian New Town and medieval Old Town. Discover the majestic landmark Edinburgh Castle which dominates the city skyline perched atop an extinct volcano . After passing Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh, go through the extensive Royal Park and travel to Arthur's Seat for breathtaking views of the city.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Free time in Edinburgh.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: See the spectacular displays of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo set in Edinburgh Castle.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Edinburgh
(Friday, August 24)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: Visit Her Majesty The Queen's beloved Royal Yacht Britannia. Explore the five decks of this floating Royal Palace including the State Apartments, the Sun Lounge, Engine Room and on board garage. See inside her Majesty's bedroom.
 Lunch: On board.
 Afternoon: Round up lecture.
 Dinner: On board.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: M/V Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Disembarkation Harwich
(Saturday, August 25)
   
 Breakfast: On board.
 Morning: Disembark Harwich. Coach to the Heathrow hotel via Colchester.
 Lunch: Taken out near Colchester
 Afternoon: The transfer continues with an excursion to Colchester Castle Museum.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17:
(Sunday, August 26)
   
 Morning: Take the Hoppa bus from outside the hotel to Heathrow Airport for departure flights to North America.

Free Time Opportunities
  
  London Heathrow Airport Central London
There are endless possibilities for an evening in London: The theater, a walk along the South Bank, guided walks, historic pubs, trend-setting restaurants, a stroll through SoHo. For additional information, visit www.timeout.com/london/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


. The Scottish Nation: 1700-2000


Author: T.M.Devine


Description: The Scottish Nation examines the social, political, religious and economic factors that have shaped modern Scotland. Drawing on the latest research, Devine places Scotland firmly within an international context and provides a key focus for the ongoing debate regarding Scotland's future. This new edition brings the reader up-to-date with Scotland's recent history, from the high politics of the devolved parliament to the everyday effects of huge and growing levels of social inequality.



Concise History of Scotland


Author: Sir Fitzroy Maclean


Cornwall's Maritime Heritage


Author: A. Kitteridge


Ireland : The Emerald Isle and Its People


Author: Mark Morris and Anthony Cassidy


Myths and Legends of Cornwall


Author: Weatherhill and Devereux


Description:



Scottish Highlanders-A People and their Place


Author: Jim Hunter




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