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Viking British Isles Explorer 2024

British Isles tour with Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England highlights

Por CHRIS OWEN

23 de July de 2024

LONDON

After boarding the cruise and settling into our stateroom we enjoyed two full days in Greenwich, London. Home to the Royal Observatory, this borough was the point of origin for global longitude and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). We explored the Cutty Sark, a historic clipper ship turned museum. The journey continued upriver to London, where iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey awaited. The city's vibrant cultural scene, renowned for its artistic and architectural innovation, from Shakespeare's Globe Theater to the West End musicals, provided a captivating experience.

GREENWICH

London's Greenwich was a treasure trove of maritime history. The Royal Naval College, a major symbol of Britain's seafaring heritage, served as the architectural centerpiece of the borough. It opened its doors in 1712 as a hospital for sailors and later became the Royal Navy's educational institution. Its hallowed halls echoed with stories of the days when Britannia ruled the waves. Nearby, the National Maritime Museum, the world's largest, showcased England's seafaring endeavors through a compelling collection of art, maps, and memorabilia, including the first marine chronometer.

DOVER

Most famously known for its dramatic white-chalk towering cliffs, Dover is the nearest city to France across the English Channel. Its strategic location as a doorway into England has earned it the moniker “Key to England.” As the port was under constant threat because of its location, the massive Dover Castle overlooking the channel grew over the centuries to become the nation’s largest edifice and remains so today. Dover also served as a bastion and command center during World War II.

SCENIC CRUISING THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

About 350 miles long, the English Channel separates southern England from northern France. William the Conqueror crossed these waters to become king of England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The most triumphant crossing unfolded on D-Day, when Allied troops landed on Normandy’s shores. The channel’s narrowest point stretches about 20 miles between Dover and Calais. Dover’s famed cliffs can be seen from a distance as a long white strip resting on the horizon.

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN

We were originally scheduled to visit Dublin, Ireland on this day but too many ships in port forced us to Douglas on The Isle of Man.

Douglas, the vibrant capital city of the Isle of Man, boasts a rich history and a blend of modern attractions. Nestled on a sweeping bay on the island's east coast, Douglas offers stunning views of the Irish Sea. The city's heart lies along the picturesque promenade, where visitors can stroll past charming Victorian buildings, enjoy horse-drawn tram rides, and soak up the sun on Douglas Beach. Douglas's cultural scene thrives with the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre complex, hosting diverse performances and events.

The Manx Museum unveils the island's intriguing past, from Celtic and Viking heritage to its unique political system. For nature enthusiasts, nearby hills and glens offer hiking trails and breathtaking scenery. Douglas is also a hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife, with a wide array of options to cater to all tastes. Whether exploring historical sites, indulging in outdoor activities, or simply relaxing by the sea, Douglas promises a delightful and memorable experience for every visitor.

HOLYHEAD, WALES

Holyhead is a cozy coastal enclave on the isle of Anglesey off the northwestern tip of Wales. This region boasts the greatest concentration of ancient burial chambers and standing stones in Britain. Holyhead is contained within one of the few three-walled Roman forts in Europe, protected on the fourth side by the sea. The historic St. Cybi’s Church lies at the fortress’s center and the excellent Maritime Museum chronicles local seafaring history. Locals are as likely to speak Welsh as English; almost two-thirds of the youth speak this fascinating tongue.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND

Liverpool is celebrated as the “World Capital of Pop;” 56 musicians born and bred here have had #1 singles. Most notably, the legendary Beatles—John, Paul, George and Ringo—hailed from this port city. But it is more than music that has put Liverpool on England’s cultural map. Long an important center for maritime commerce, its storied waterfront is home to many buildings of historic, architectural and cultural significance, including a spectacular trio of palatial, early 20th-century buildings known as the “Three Graces,” and the revitalized Royal Albert Dock.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

A major port heralded for its shipbuilding heritage, Belfast has undergone a cultural and architectural renaissance unrivaled in the rest of Europe. The influence of Britain is everywhere in this polished capital of Northern Ireland. Some of its most striking buildings exude Victorian flair and cosmopolitan elegance amid its famous Irish charm. Along the Golden Mile, high-end boutiques are reminiscent of those found in Paris, and the opulent Grand Opera House stands as a hub of Belfast culture.

The Highlands (Ullapool), Scotland

Ullapool enjoys one of the most remote settings in the United Kingdom on the pristine shores of Loch Broom. This tiny town, dotted with distinctive New Zealand cabbage trees, is the largest community for miles surrounded by the stunningly scenic Western Isles, dramatic mountain peaks piercing the sky and unspoiled wilderness. Ullapool’s beauty lies in its tranquility. A launchpad for ferries to the stunning Western Isles, this former herring port village is also a popular gateway for walkers, adventurers and nature lovers.

Scrabster, United Kingdom

Scrabster, a small yet significant settlement on the northern coast of Scotland, serves as a vital gateway to the Orkney Islands and beyond. Its harbor, nestled within Thurso Bay, is a bustling hub for the fishing industry and ferry services. Despite its modest size, Scrabster boasts a rich maritime history dating back to the Viking era, with its sheltered location making it an ideal haven for seafarers throughout the ages.

The village itself exudes a quaint charm, with colorful houses lining the waterfront and a welcoming atmosphere that greets visitors arriving by sea. While Scrabster might not offer a plethora of tourist attractions, its natural beauty more than compensates. Dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and sweeping views of the Pentland Firth provide a stunning backdrop for coastal walks and wildlife watching.

For those seeking a taste of local culture, Scrabster's proximity to Thurso offers opportunities to explore museums, historical sites, and traditional pubs. Whether embarking on a journey to the Orkneys, indulging in outdoor pursuits, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Scrabster provides a unique blend of history, nature, and maritime heritage

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, despite the fact that the Union of the Crowns moved it to London in 1603. There is no capital quite like Edinburgh, with its gorgeous setting on green rocky hillocks and splendid views of the sea. Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and countless medieval treasures, overlooks the city from Castle Rock. The Royal Mile unfurls Edinburgh’s architectural gems in all their finery, from the Canongate to St. Giles’s Cathedral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of British royalty.

Invergordon, The Highlands, Scotland

Invergordon lies in the mountainous, heather-covered Scottish Highlands amid a patchwork of farmland. The small community celebrates itself with a series of stunning murals painted by local artists; a walking trail leads visitors to them all, passing colorful window flowerboxes along the way. Whisky is another mainstay here, produced in a local grain distillery. This charming port is the gateway to a breathtaking region that provides a fascinating glimpse into the days of warring clans, and into the legend of “Nessie,” the fabled monster of Loch Ness.

Shetland Islands (Lerwick), Scotland

The Shetland Islands are characterized by cultural traditions and dramatic landscapes. An incredibly scenic land, this archipelago is one of Scotland’s most remote island outposts. Lerwick is a gateway to some of the Shetland Islands’ most beloved residents—the Shetland pony. These diminutive equines can grow up to 46 inches in height and are distinguished by their short, shiny coat in the summer, and thick double coat in the winter, with a long mane and tail. These delightful ponies can be seen grazing and roaming freely throughout the archipelago.

BERGEN NORWAY

Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

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