British Isles Cruise - from London - 109708

London, a world city with a population of 7.1 million is the capital of the United Kingdom and a city of many faces. Next to the office blocks you can see street musicians who know exactly how to keep passers-by entertained. London boasts many famous museums, such as the Cabaret Mechanical Museum, as well as world-class musicals and some truly unique individuals. This is just as typical of the city by the Thames as the fog, the scandals surrounding the royal family and Buckingham Palace. The range of cultural activities on offer in London is huge and diverse and includes theatres, renowned orchestras and opera perormances. Sights include: the world-famous bell tower "Big Ben", St. Paul's Cathedral, high-end shops in Bond and Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, "Madame Tussaud's" waxworks, shopping at Harrods and Portobello Market, Covent Garden, and the futuristically modern glass palaces.

The port of Dover is just 28 km from France. 14 million passengers pass through here on the journey between the British Isles and the French mainland. But what Dover is most famous for is its beautiful white cliffs, upon which, hardly visible, stands the largest fort in England. Other sights include: Dover Castle and the lighthouse.

The small harbour village Kinsale with its charming little streets and good restaurants is especially popular among tourists during summertime. In October the village and its 4.000 inhabitants invite its guests to the annual Kinsale Gourmet Festival. Athletic and active people will enjoy the possibilities to go sailing or golfing as well as the hiking tracks along the coast and the horse rides that are offered. By bus or during a little hike the Charles Fort can be visited. It invites its guests to learn about the history of the region during a guided tour.

The capital of the Isle of Man is Douglas, home to around a third of the island's population. The highlight in this harbour town is the beautiful Victorian "Gaiety Theatre". The Isle of Man has been in English hands for 650 years, but is politically independent, with its own government, its own parliament and its own judicial system. The island also has its own language, based on the Celtic language of Manx. It seems almost as if time has stood still on this island, above all if you look at the untouched countryside. The streams run clear, the landscape is unspoiled and the beaches are clean. The Isle of Man is home to a huge variety of insects and birds. Looking at the Victorian housefronts of Douglas is like stepping back in time. Life on the island still centres around agriculture.

The Scottish port of Greenock is just a kilometre from Glasgow with views of the Scottish Highlands. Greenock has excellent shopping facilities in the form of the Braehead Shopping Centre and the large Ikea store. Sights in Glasgow include: the Gallery of Modern Art, the Cathedral, the Police Museum, the Mitchell library, the Transport Museum, Tollcross Park, and the Scotland Street School Museum.