British Isles Cruise - from Southampton - 131639

Southampton is the largest port in Great Britain. It is from here that the Mayflower set sail for the New World, as commemorated by the Mayflower Memorial. The town's landmark is the 'Bargate', a city gate built by the Normans. Southampton is also known as the entertainment capital on the South coast. Cinemas, theatres, museums, bars and pubs, art galleries and all kinds of watersports attract thousands of visitors.

Cobh is one of the islands in the harbour of Cork. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it represents an important part of Irish history. It was from there that two and a half million of the six million Irish emigrants who were forced away during the potato famine of 1848 to 1850 left from. Only a few returned. But Cobh was also the port for the rich - this was the Titanic's last port of call before she set off across the Atlantic to her fate. Following a visit by the Queen in 1849, Cobh was re-named "Queenstown" but got its old name back in 1921. Sights include St. Coleman's cathedral, Queenstown/Cobh Museum, the Wildlife Park, the Botanic Gardens and the Golf Club.

The port of Waterford is in the south of the Emerald Isle. Two cathedrals, various exhibitions at the town hall and interesting glassworks await visitors to this small Irish town.

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.

Kirkwall is the capital of the northern Scottish island council area of Orkney, where visitors can expect to find a landscape made up mainly of craggy cliffs and strange sandstone formations. The pretty capital and business centre is famous primarily for its whisky distilleries and St. Magnus Cathedral. The cathedral dates from the 12th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Norman architecture in the British Isles. Other sights include: Tankerness House, a 16th century town house that houses the local history museum of the Orkney Islands, and the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, which is more than 5,000 years old.

Leith is the name of Edinburgh's port. Proud Edinburgh Castle, where visitors can view the regalia of the Scottish kings, stands tall over the city. From here you can go down the Royal Mile to the medieval old town with its impressive houses. This fine street leading from the castle is a real "high" street. Well-preserved medieval buildings line the cobble stoned streets, so steeped in history, that lead down to Holyrood Castle. St. Giles cathedral lies on the way, the cathedral of John Knox and "Kill Joy", the great Scots of the Reformation. It was here that Knox preached his "Book of Discipline", which became one of the foundations upon which the Scots presbyterian church was built.

Leith is the name of Edinburgh's port. Proud Edinburgh Castle, where visitors can view the regalia of the Scottish kings, stands tall over the city. From here you can go down the Royal Mile to the medieval old town with its impressive houses. This fine street leading from the castle is a real "high" street. Well-preserved medieval buildings line the cobble stoned streets, so steeped in history, that lead down to Holyrood Castle. St. Giles cathedral lies on the way, the cathedral of John Knox and "Kill Joy", the great Scots of the Reformation. It was here that Knox preached his "Book of Discipline", which became one of the foundations upon which the Scots presbyterian church was built.

The Venice of the North! Along the canals and waterways and in the winding streets between the stepped gable houses, Amsterdam has a cosy but cosmopolitan flair. Idyllic pavement cafés, lively flea markets, the Anne Frank House, the Rijks- or Van-Gogh-Museum and many, many galleries and shops selling products designed and made by young designers and artists.

Copenhagen is not only the capital of Denmark, but also the most multifaceted city in Scandinavia. A quarter of all Danes live in and around Copenhagen and yet the city remains, essentially, clearly laid out and easy to navigate. The massive bridge over the Bresund connecting Denmark with Sweden means Copenhagen has become an even more important hub in Scandinavia in the new millenium. Visitors from all over the world come to Copenhagen to have fun at Tivoli, to see the mermaid, the changing of the guard at the Queen's castle and much much more besides. Sights include: Vor Frelser Kirke (Our Saviour's Church), the round tower, the town hall, the little mermaid, Tivoli, the commodity exchange, Denmark's Royal Library, Thorvaldsen Museum, Amalienborg castle, and Tycho Brahes Planetarium.

The medieval capital of the island of Bornholm is steeped in history. Even today, there are many relics that remind us of the age of the Vikings. Pearly beaches in the South and the craggy coastline of the North, made entirely of granite, shape the Danish island in the Baltic sea. Bornholm's landmark are the four round fortified church towers dating from the 12th century. The cityscape of Rönnes is characterised by the large number of well-preserved half-timbered houses, which are a must-see. Shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants can be found all around the busy squares of Lille Torv and Store Torv. At the Bornholm Museum, visitors can discover the history of the farmers, sailors and fishermen and gain an insight into their many longstanding traditions.

The port of Gdynia is famous for its large wharfs and the vibrant streets lined with many designer boutiques, bars and cafés. The town is built atop seven hills and is bordered by the long North Sea beach and the forests of Poland. The cultural capital of Poland hosts the international jazz festival "Gdynia Summer Jazz Days" in June and the Polish Film Festival at the end of September. It also holds frequent sailing regattas during the summer months. Sights include: the pier at "Skwer Kosciuszki", the war ship "Blyskawica" (which has been converted into a museum), the frigate "Dar Pomorze" and the Oceanographic Museum.

The Latvian capital of Riga has been restored to its former glory. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old merchants' houses, the National Opera and splendid Art Nouveau buildings have been renovated and restored and now adorn the broad avenues and boulevards. The symbol of Latvian freedom and the town's landmark is the statue "Milda", which sits enthroned on a magnificent obelisk. Latvian specialities are on offer in the five lively market halls. At night, the old town, which is a car-free zone, reverberates with life. Wide white beaches are also a part of Riga's city area. Sights include: the old town, St. Peter's church, "Blackheads' house", the new guild hall, the town hall and the cathedral.'

Stockholm with its fantastic location at the mouth of the Mälaren at the Baltic Sea is a mixture of illustrious beauty and regal splendour, a vibrant modern city with a historical charm. Built over 14 islands, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. Opulent buildings, park areas, an inner city with countless old alleyways and historic sites and a rich cultural heritage are what make Stockholm so special. In addition, the water in Stockholm is so clean that you can even go swimming and fishing in the middle of the city! The old town is surrounded by beautiful old houses and the royal palace, which has been the home of the Swedish kings and queens since the 12th century. Sights include: Stor Church and Riddarholm Church, the old town, the castle, the parliament building, the town hall, Drottningholm castle, the Wasa Museum with the wreck of the "Wasa" ship and the outdoor museum at Skansen.