Mind’s Eye Travel
Enriching the lives of people who are visually impaired or blind
BRITish isles explorer
15 Days, 12 Guided Tours, 6 Countries, All Meals
April 5-19, 2024
Introduction
Immerse yourself in the British Isles, with overnight stays in Bergen, Norway, and Greenwich, England. Discover Scotland’s legendary Highlands and Western Isles and the capital, Edinburgh. Visit the Shetland and Orkney Islands, and Ireland and Northern Ireland, and contrast modern Belfast with traditional Dublin. Witness Welsh culture in Snowdonia. In England, visit maritime Liverpool, see historic Dover, and enjoy a tour of London. A guided tour is included in each port with many optional excursions to choose from
Prices starting at $9,990 per person with one sighted guide for two passengers.
Airfare starting at $999.
Please Call 207-542-4438 to check availability for this trip.
Itinerary
DAY 1, April 5
bergen, Norway
When you arrive in Bergen, encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, you’ll quickly understand how its setting inspired the Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can easily stroll along its waterfront once you’ve settled in to your veranda stateroom. This evening mingle with the locals as we will be spending the night in port.
DAY 2, April 6
Bergen, Norway
Take in more of Bergen’s Norwegian charms this morning. You’ll see the beautiful 18th-century wooden houses and visit the Hanseatic Museum on your included tour. Or, take an excursion to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s famous composer Edvard Grieg, or a trip to the peak of Mt. Ulriken to savor an Ulriken bun (a cinnamon pastry) at the mountaintop restaurant.
Day 3, April 7
Shetland Islands (Lerwick), Scotland
Admire the rugged beauty of one of Scotland’s remote island outposts today. Set out to explore the island and meet its famous residents—Shetland ponies. Perhaps visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof—evidence of a thriving Viking presence. Or, sail the seas onboard a replica Viking longship and try your hand at rowing for a true Viking travel experience.
Day 4, April 8
The highlands (Invergordon), Scotland
Call today on Invergordon, on the doorstep of the mountainous, heather-covered Scottish Highlands. One of Europe’s most sparsely populated regions, the famed Highlands provide a fascinating glimpse into the days of warring clans. Enjoy a scenic drive into their splendor, stopping to view Loch Ness, legendary home of the elusive monster, and the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s largest, perched on a ledge overlooking the famous lake.
day 5, April 9
Edinburgh (New Haven Harbour), Scotland
Today, you’ll take in the medieval and neoclassical beauty of Scotland’s capital, gracefully set among rocky hills and gracious green ribbons of park. On an included tour, browse the Royal Mile—the famed avenue connecting the hilltop Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You might elect to explore Edinburgh Castle more closely, including a visit to the Crown Jewels. Or, venture to medieval St. Andrews, birthplace of golf.
day 6, April 10
Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Scotland
Today, immerse yourself in the rich history of the Orkney Islands, ruled by the Vikings from the 9th to 13th century. See the Standing Stones of Stenness, a 5,000-year-old circle of stones, and explore this ancient monument. Visit the well-preserved Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae, or for a true taste of Scotland, take a trip to the world’s most northern whisky distillery.
day 7, April 11
The Highlands (Ullapool), Scotland
Cruise through the stunningly scenic Western Isles and anchor in the pristine waters of Loch Broom to explore Ullapool, situated in a spectacularly remote area of the United Kingdom. Dramatic mountain peaks pierce the sky here, dwarfing this former herring port village. You will disembark for a tour that takes you deep into the village-dotted Wester Ross landscape, passing pristine lakes, craggy massifs and tranquil castles.
day 8, April 12
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Explore Belfast, a hidden gem of the British Isles and capital of Northern Ireland. This historic city has undergone a renaissance that has bolstered its economy and its culture. During a tour, witness a unique blend of British-influenced Victorian flair in its stately public buildings and an authentic Irish charm in its pubs and shops. See the quaint Cathedral Quarter, the majestic City Hall, bustling St. George's Market and the poignant murals recalling its past turbulence. If you wish, you may visit the nearby Giant's Causeway, a spectacular seaside formation of 40,000 conjoined basalt columns.
day 9, April 13
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.
day 10, April 14
Holyhead, Wales
Soak up the Welsh ambiance of Holyhead, a cozy coastal enclave on the northwestern tip of Wales. This fascinating town is contained within one of the few three-walled Roman forts in Europe, protected on the fourth side by the sea. You will see the historic St. Cybi's Church at the fortress's center and visit the Holyhead Maritime Museum, chronicling local seafaring history. You will also have time to explore the bustling waterfront.
day 11, April 15
Dublin, Ireland
Discover Dublin, the Republic of Ireland's charismatic capital on the Liffey River. Founded as a Viking settlement, today it is one of Europe's most significant cultural hubs. A panoramic tour takes you to Trinity College; its library is the city's repository of some five million volumes. You will also see the soaring St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral, two major centers of the country's religion, and pass by neoclassical City Hall and the sprawling Dublin Castle.
day 12, April 16
scenic Sailing: English Channel
Cruise the Irish Sea into the Celtic Sea. Along with a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean to the west of the British Isles, these waters were known simply as “Western Approaches” as recently as the mid-20th century. You will round the southern shores of Wales and England and enter the English Channel, making your way to the Strait of Dover. Enjoy your ship’s many amenities as you cruise, perhaps indulging in a massage at The Spa, taking high tea in the Wintergarden and closing your day with fine cuisine at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant.
day 13, April 17
Dover, England
Call today on the city of Dover, its importance as a port dating back to the Bronze Age. You can journey to the medieval city of Canterbury, made famous through Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, to visit the shrine of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. Or, immerse yourself in natural beauty at Sissinghurst Castle and Garden, an Elizabethan-era mansion which showcases a classic English country garden.
day 14, April 18
London (Greenwich), England
Discover the celebrated Royal Borough of Greenwich—part of which, Maritime Greenwich, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. London is just a short drive away, so you can take in the regal city and all its splendor. See the Tower of London, Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Or venture into the countryside to visit Windsor Castle, one of the royal residences. Alternately, step off the ship to tour Greenwich, its excellent National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory from where the world’s clocks are set.
day 15, April 19
London (Greenwich), England
This morning you’ll transfer to the airport for your flights home.
The Details
Pricing Excluding Optional Activities:
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These prices include 1 sighted guide for 2 passengers.
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Veranda $9990, double occupancy.
Please Note
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A $1500 deposit per person is required to hold space; the balance will be due March 31, 2023 after which fees will no longer be refundable.
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Price is for double occupancy and does not include airfare, alcoholic beverages, personal items or any gratuities.
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Mind’s Eye Travel recommends trip insurance.
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Our trips are non-smoking and not combinable with any other offer.