Road Scholar : The British Isles by Sea: Ireland, Scotland and England - United Kingdom:England/Ireland/Scotland/Netherlands

The British Isles by Sea: Ireland, Scotland and England

Program Number:

20419RJ

Start and End Dates:


	6/15/2013 - 7/1/2013;

Duration:

16 nights

Location:

United Kingdom:England/Ireland/Scotland/Netherlands

Price starting at:

$6,146.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises

Meals:

43; 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners

Meal Options:

Vegetarian

Immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of modern Celtic communities as you journey along the coastlines of England, Scotland and Ireland on board the ms Prinsendam.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain and stairs.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

London (England), 1 night; aboard ms Prinsendam, 14 nights

Days 1-3:

Arrival London (England) / Embark MS Prinsendam

Explore London�s royal past with visits to the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Hampton Court Palace.

Days 4-5:

At Sea / St. Peter Port (Guernsey)

Delve into the history of Gastle Cornet � Guernsey�s ancient royal fortress that stands watch over the harbor of St. Peter Port.

Days 6-7:

Falmouth (England / Bristol (England)

Stroll the streets of Bristol and visit the City Museum. From Dunmore East, drive to the Kilkenny to take in the medieval architecture and explore the magnificent Kilkenny Castle.

Days 8-9:

Dunmore East (Ireland) / Dublin (Ireland)

Meet with students at Trinity College in Dublin for an exploration of the campus and viewing of the Book of Kells. In Greenock, join local rangers for an expert-led visit of the Brightwater Visitor Centre, to learn about the flora and fauna of Scotland�s northwest coast.

Days 10-12:

Greenock (Scotland) / At Sea

In Greenock, join local rangers for an expert-led visit of the Brightwater Visitor Centre, to learn about the flora and fauna of Scotland�s northwest coast. Explore the quaint fishing town of Killybegs.

Days 13-15:

Stornoway (UK) / Kirkwall (Scotland) / Edinburgh (Scotland)

On the Isle of Lewis, marvel at the Standing Stones at Callanish. Step back in time on the Orkney Islands with a visit to the stone village of Skara Brae. Climb the Edinburgh Castle for a view of historical city.

Days 16-17:

At Sea / Amsterdam (the Netherlands) / Disembark

Disembark in Amsterdam

ms Prinsendam

Designed expressly to explore the rare corners of the world, the Prinsendam accommodates fewer than 800 guests, offering the intimate feel of a yacht with the spaciousness of a large cruise ship

Meals and Lodgings
	Tower Hotel
		At Sea., UK:England	1 night
	MS Prinsendam
		At Sea., UK:England At Sea - Holyhead, UK:Wales At Sea., UK:England At Sea-Foynes (Ireland), Ireland At Sea - Dunmore East (Waterford), Ireland At Sea - Dublin, Ireland At Sea., UK:England At Sea - Rosyth, UK:Scotland At Sea., UK:England	14 nights

Tower Hotel
	Type:	Full Service Hotel
	Description:	Located on the River Thams in the heart of London, the Tower Hotel enjoys panoramic views of the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the River Thames and St Katherine Docks. Vibrant, contemporary and spacious, this non-smoking hotel feels relaxed and enjoys an abundance of natural daylight.
	Contact info:	St Katharine's Way London, E1W 1LD UK:England phone: +44 845 305 8335 web: http://www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/the_tower/index.html
	Room amenities:	Air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, flat screen LDC TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, mini bar, room safe, trouser press
	Facility amenities:	Air conditioning, gym, meeting rooms, restaurant with outdoor terrace, bar, wifi internet (for an additional charge)
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	TBD Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and bookings.
	Check in time:	2:00 PM

MS Prinsendam
	Type:	Cruise Ship
	Description:	Designed to explore the remote corners of the world in elegance and style, the ms Prinsendam is our most intimate ship. Accommodating just 835 passengers, she gives guests the feel of a classic yacht with the spaciousness of a cruise ship. The ms Prinsendam offers many cozy areas in which to find your favorite spot, most of her staterooms feature commanding ocean views and many have private verandahs. A special signature sculpture dominates the three-story atrium featuring etched fish, turtles and dolphins climbing a stunning cylinder of Bolle glass and lit with state-of-the-art fiber optics. Other works of art include a remarkable abstract marble sculpture of a Viking ship by contemporary Norwegian artist Nicholas Widerberg, a series of paintings by impressionist painter Neil Pinkett, and an outstanding collection of Roman Amphorae from 50 - 150 AD. The ms Prinsendam, or "Princes" ship, is truly a classic ship worthy of her name.
	Ship Information:	Ship's Registry: The Netherlands Passenger capacity: 835 Crew members: 470 Gross Tonnage: 37,983 grt. Length: 669 feet Beam: 106 feet Maximum speed: 22 knots
	Contact info:	300 Elliott Avenue West Seattle, WA 98119 USA phone: 206-281-3535 web: www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Prinsendam
	Room amenities:	With 25 percent more living space than any other ship in its category, enjoy elegant and refined details such as fine linens, fluffy Egyptian cotton towels and bathrobes, massage showerheads and flat-screen televisions.
	Facility amenities:	The ms Prinsendam boasts 22 spacious public rooms, features commanding ocean views in 93 percent of her staterooms and private verandahs in 67 percent of her staterooms. The two-tier La Fontaine Dining Room features impeccable service and an extensive wine list, and offers five-course menus, from continental cuisine to vegetarian and low-carb options. The intimate reservations-only Pinnacle Grill offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience and features premium hand-selected cuts of Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines rated "Excellent" by Wine Spectator - as well as distinctive Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens. The Lido Restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, is the setting for gourmet cooking demonstrations and interactive classes. The Queen's Show Lounge features Las Vegas-style productions, talented vocalists, illusionists, comedians and variety acts.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

Travel Details
	Start of Program: The program begins on day 2 with arrivals in London. You will be staying at Tower Hotel that night.
	End of Program: The programs ends with disembarkation in Amsterdam You will be staying at MS Prinsendam the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Holland America requires that you register online in order to receive your cruise documents. Please go to www.hollandamerica.com to register and click on the Register button at the top right of the page.
	Parking availability: N/A

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	To Start of Program
	Location:	At Sea.
	Transportation to site:	A group arrival transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air inclusive program and arrive on the group date. Independent travelers may take a taxi directly to the ship. There is also a designated group transfer available to independent travelers at no additional cost. This transfer will take place at 11:15 am on June 16th.

	From End of Program
	Location:	At Sea.
	Transportation from site:	A group departure transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air inclusive program and depart on the group date. Independent travelers make take a taxi directly to the airport. There is also a designated group transfer available to independent travelers at no additional cost. Departure transfer will take place at 9:00am.
		(Additional transportation information same as above)

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:

Depature from North America to London
(Saturday, June 15)

In Transit:

Overnight flights from North America to London.

Day 2:

Arrive in London
(Sunday, June 16)

Morning:	Arrive in London. Your group leader will meet the group at the London International Airport. Motorcoach departs the airport for transfer to the program hotel in London.
Dinner:	Join your group and group leader for a welcome dinner at the Tower Hotel
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	Tower Hotel
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 3:

Tower of London / Embark MS Prinsendam
(Monday, June 17)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the Hotel
Morning:	Enjoy a Road Scholar excursion: The Tower of London. We visit the Crown Jewels first, avoiding the crowds which come later. Then the White Tower, which was completed in 1100, and now houses an exhibition of armour and a range of fascinating artefacts connected with the history of the Tower and the Monarchy
Lunch:	Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:	Depart for Tilbury. Review ship activities en route to ship. Embark the MS Prinsendam
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship. Ship departs Tillbury this evening.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

At Sea
(Tuesday, June 18)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Enjoy a morning lecture by your study leader: Theme Maritime and Celtic History
Lunch:	Lunch onboard
Afternoon:	Enjoy an Exclusive Road Scholar Welcome Cocktail Party.
Dinner:	Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

St Peter Port, Channel Islands
(Wednesday, June 19)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Ship arrives in St. Peter Port. Coach departs from the ship. Dtailed Excursion Description:- 2.5 hours You will be met by your guide on the pier and enjoy a guided walk from the ship along the massive granite breakwater to the Castle Emplacement where you will enter the castle through the impressive portcullis entrance. Standing like a sentinel guarding the entrance to St Peter Port harbour, this Royal Fortress has witnessed many major events in British history. From protecting the island against invasion from the French in 1204 through to the English Civil War and to the Second World War, the Castle bears the scars of over 800 years of warfare. A short flight of steps leads to the lower gardens with original cannons facing out through the ramparts. Your guide will lead you through the narrow alleyways describing the chequered history of this iconic fortress. Entering the castle, built in the 13th century to defend the surrounding waters, you will begin to understand what life was like for those living in this imposing fortress. The deprivation, the dank stench from the dungeons, the constant danger of invasion and the many deaths within its walls are brought to life by the Guide?s narration. You will re-live the medieval myths, murders and manifestations which took place in this captivating fortress. During the tour there will be the opportunity to visit the museums housed within the castle walls - namely, The Story of Castle Cornet Museum which relates the castle?s role in the English Civil War and its occupation by German forces in 1940, the Maritime Museum which details all the naval history of the castle, from Pirates to the Royal Navy, the 201 Squadron RAF Museum (Guernsey?s adopted squadron and the only affiliated squadron museum of its kind in Britain open to the public,) and the Militia Museum which houses the uniforms and memorabilia of the Guernsey Light Infantry which fought in France in the First World War.
Lunch:	Coach returns to the ship. Lunch onboard
Afternoon:	Continue your exploration of St Peter Port, Channel Islands.
Dinner:	Ship departs St. Peter Port. Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Falmouth, England
(Thursday, June 20)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Lunch:	Lunch onboard
Afternoon:	Ship arrives in Falmouth, England. Lying on the southern coast of Cornwall, Falmouth is a seaside gem. Explore Pendennis and St. Mawes Castles, built in the 16th century by Henry VIII. Stop by the National Maritime Museum or visit the cathedral in nearby Truro. Wander the quaint streets to discover local eateries and shops, and walk along the area�s fine beaches.
Dinner:	Ship departs Falmouth, England. Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Bristol (Bath), England
(Friday, June 21)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	A major seaport and England's sixth largest city, Bristol is famous for its music and film industries, and was a finalist for the 2008 European Capital of Culture. Explore the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, take in a show, and stroll the streets while getting in your daily quota of sightseeing.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	In the Afternoon continue to enjoy your excursion of Bristol (Bath), England.
Dinner:	Ship departs Bristol, England. Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Dunmore East (Waterford), Ireland
(Saturday, June 22)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Perched on a cliff edge, Dunmore East is a classic cruise-port gem � a captivating fishing village. Guests may stroll the quaint and narrow streets, sampling local seafood and relaxing with a quiet pint or a bite to eat in one of the many charming restaurants and pubs. The village is steeped in history, as well as music and festivals, and golf, tennis, walking, water sports and more.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Continue your exploration of Dunmore East.
Dinner:	Motorcoach arrives at the ship. Ship departs Dunmore East. Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Dublin
(Sunday, June 23)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Ship arrives in Dublin. Motorcoach departs for excursion. Detailed Excursion Description: - 7.5 hours Dublin offers a fine introduction to Georgian mansions, with its wide streets and spacious squares. You�ll pass the Customs House on the north bank of the River Liffey and many mid-18th-century public buildings back in Dublin�s south side. Your sightseeing tour of the city continues, passing Merrion and Fitzwilliam squares, the National Gallery, St. Stephen�s Green, Dawson Street and the residence of Dublin�s Lord Mayor. You will pass Dublin Castle, City Hall, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick�s Cathedral�the latter founded in 1190 and best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was dean here from 1713 to 1745. At Phoenix Park, Europe�s largest enclosed public park, you will pass by the homes of Ireland�s president and the American Ambassador. Along the River Liffey, see the Four Courts, Ireland�s courts of justice. From here you will travel to Trinity College where you will visit the library that holds the famous Book of Kells�a hand-illuminated manuscript of the gospels. Trinity was founded just before the Tudor monarchy had completed the task of extending its authority over the whole of Ireland and the idea of an Irish university had been in the air for some time. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, it is Ireland's oldest university and is famous for its graduates such as Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. Your visit to Trinity College will not only include an opportunity to view the Book of Kells, displayed in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin from the mid 19th century, you will also enjoy an guided tour of the campus and an insight into university life in Dublin and the education system in Ireland.
Lunch:	Enjoy a delicious light lunch in a local Dublin pub.
Afternoon:	Free time to explore Dublin independently
Dinner:	Motorcoach arrives at the ship. Ship departs Dublin. Dinner at leisure onboard.

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland
(Monday, June 24)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Ship arrives Greenock, Scotland. Motorcoach departs for excursion. Located on the River Clyde, Greenock is on the steep west coast of Scotland, offering spectacular views to the mountains beyond. From the looming Victorian tower in Cathcart Square to the McLean Museum and Art Gallery on Union Street, you?ll find plenty to see and do. Head to Craig's Top for magnificent views from the summit of Lyle Hill, or head to nearby Glasgow to view its fine cathedral and art galleries.On arrival at Brightwater Visitor Centre, meet local rangers who will lead you on a guided walk to explain the local flora and fauna. Depending on final numbers, the group will be split into smaller groups where half will visit Gavin Maxwell's house/museum whilst the other half will visit the lighthouse and hides for watching the otters before rotating. Scottish naturalist and author Gavin Maxwell holds a special place, not only in Scottish literature, but also in the hearts and minds of animal lovers throughout the world. Probably most famous for "Ring of Bright Water" (1960) about how he brought an otter back from Iraq and raised it in Scotland, his book sold more than a million copies and was made into a movie starring Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna in 1969. The island and the surrounding water host a diverse range of wildlife. The flora ranges from coastal plants like sea pinks, to heathland varieties such as heather and tormental. On the island you may see voles, pine martens, rock and meadow pipits, while in the water around, shags and cormorants are regularly seen feeding, and eider ducks have appeared in large numbers. Porpoises and both harbour and grey seals are visitors, not to mention the resident otters!
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Dinner:	Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

At Sea
(Tuesday, June 25)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Enjoy your lecture by your study leader.
Lunch:	Lunch onboard
Afternoon:	Enjoy a lecture by your study leader.
Dinner:	Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:

Killybegs, Donegal, Ireland
(Wednesday, June 26)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Ship Arrives in Killybegs. Exploration of Donegal TBD.
Lunch:	Lunch aboard the ship.
Afternoon:	Afternoon Exploration of Donegal TBD.
Dinner:	Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:

Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), UK
(Thursday, June 27)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Ship arrives in Stornoway.Coach departs from the ship. Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Isle of Lewis has a rich history and rugged beauty. Explore the islands varied scenery from fjord-like lochs and dramatic sea-cliffs to barren peat moors and romantic heather covered uplands; marvel at the mysterious Standing Stones at Callanish, the most remarkable piece of antiquity in the Western Isles; and shop for famous Harris Tweed, hand-woven and uniquely dyed using indigenous plants.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship
Afternoon:	Continue your exploration of Stornoway.
Dinner:	Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14:

Kirkwall, Scotland
(Friday, June 28)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Ship arrives in Kirkwall. Coach departs for excursion. Located on the Orkney Islands in the remote northern reaches of Scotland, Kirkwall's history dates from 1046 and includes such characters as Sigurd the Powerful, St. Earl Magnus the Martyr, and Sigurd the Stout. Step back in time 5000 years and discover the stone village of Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Continue your exploration of Kirkwall, Scotland
Dinner:	Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15:

Rosyth (Edinburgh), Scotland
(Saturday, June 29)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Ship arrives in Rosyth. Coach departs from the ship. The brute igneous plugs of Scotland's Central Lowlands parted the retreating glaciers of the last ice age and became ideal places to build fortresses, with Castle Rock, and its Edinburgh Castle, premier among them. Cruise travelers can climb to the castle today and look out over a townscape of greenery and stone buildings, clustered tall and thin. Edinburgh's been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city not only honors its past, it parties with it at an annual festival of festivals that includes the Edinburgh Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Military Tattoo, the International Book Festival, and more.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Continue your exploration of Rosyth (Edinburgh), Scotland.
Dinner:	Dinner onboard

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16:

At Sea
(Sunday, June 30)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Enjoy a presentation by your study leader.
Lunch:	Lunch on board
Afternoon:	Afternoon lecture and program wrap up
Afternoon:	Dinner on board

Accommodations:	MS Prinsendam
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17:

Amsterdam, The Netherlands / Disembark / Departures
(Monday, July 1)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board. Ship arrives in Amsterdam
Morning:	Transfer to the airport for flights back to the US. Avoid Scheduling flights prior to 14:00

Meals Included:

Breakfast

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.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

15 nights accommodations
43 meals: 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 5
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 11
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Plus these special experiences...

Explore the port in Plymouth where the Pilgrims set forth from England on the Mayflower in 1620.
Wander through beautiful Beaumaris Castle in Wales, considered the most technically perfect example of a Medieval castle.
Marvel at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. With about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, it takes its name from the legend of Finn MacCool.
Enjoy a guided walk by a naturalist on the Isle of Skye learning about the flora and fauna on Eilean Ban, most noted for its otter population.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes