Jun. 8th, 2011 | 11:30 pm
I thought Princess Cruises offered free wi-fi in the room. Turns out, that's all in my head. No freebies, just an expensive internet cafe. Booooo...hissss. Not sure if I can still bring the laptop; as Mom will end up carrying it. I'd like to bring it so I can at least document my adventures in Word, my mind will be racing with thoughts, feelings and overall impressions and I don't want to miss capturing any of it, but given that I can't carry my fair share, we'll have to see how it plays out.
Anyway, I'm going to put the descriptions for each of my excursions here as a starting point.
Rouen (France)
Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, 1 1/2-hour drive through the Norman countryside on the motorway, heading inland to Rouen.
You'll disembark near the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen to begin your walking tour though the old section of Rouen, down narrow cobbled lanes lined with ancient, timbered houses. Rouen boasts over 700 of these medieval structures.
You'll continue down the bustling Rue Saint Romain and the Rue du Gros Horloge, passing Rouen's old fortified clock tower and law courts, housed in a Renaissance building.
You'll visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a superb example of French Gothic architecture that took 300 years to complete. The cast iron spire is the largest in France and the central portal features an elaborately painted "Tree of Jesus." Your guide escorts you into the interior, which features a Lady Chapel, the tombs of Rouen's archbishops, secure behind wrought iron gates, and impressive 15th-century stained glass windows.
Next on your itinerary is a photo stop at the Place du Vieux March, the Old Marketplace, the site where the English burned Joan of Arc at the stake. Today, the square boasts the Great Cross of Rehabilitation erected in tribute to the Maid of Orleans, a daring modern church is dedicated to her memory.
Before departing for the ship, you'll have approximately an hour in the city center to shop and browse. You'll find an eclectic mix of gifts and souvenirs, as the busy streets are lined with boutiques, jewelers, perfumeries and modern department stores such as Le Printemps and Nouvelles Galeries.
Edinburgh on Our Own
Board your motorcoach and take a scenic drive to Edinburgh's city center. Scotland's capital delights all who visit and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in history and culture. Disembark at Charlotte Square, a central point for shopping and sightseeing and spend the day (approximately 5 1/2 hours) seeing all of the city's key points of interest. Enjoy lunch on your own in one of the many wonderful restaurants and cafes. A city map will be provided for your convenience.
For those interested in shopping, the finest stores are located around Princes Street or along the Royal Mile. There's something for everyone and the variety ranges from funky clothing and souvenirs to traditional wares, elegant fashions and excellent cashmere.
When it is time to refresh, the abundance food and beverage choices are sure to please every palate. Head over to George Street if you are seeking a stylish bistro or if you prefer a true pub atmosphere, Old Town has a variety of them, each with their own story to tell.
History buffs will enjoy a stroll down Royal Mile flanked with historical monuments and landmarks. Edinburgh Castle, home to the Crown Jewels looms over the city at one end and famed Holyrood Palace, the Royal Family's home while in Scotland, stands proudly at the other. Both offer tours of the inside rooms and grounds.
No matter what your interest, Edinburgh is a delightful and easy city to explore on your own. Just make sure to exchange your currency onboard the ship or at a currency exchange as British Pounds are required for entrance fees to popular attractions.
Invergordon (Scotland) --Home of the Lochness Monster---Here Nessie! I've come to find you!
Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach for the scenic ride through the heather-covered hills of the lush Scottish Highlands on your way to Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle found on British soil.
On a sleety day in April 1746, the fates of the Stuart dynasty and the Highland clans were sealed with the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Culloden Visitor Centre features a beautifully scripted video that recounts the battle. You'll find plaques on the moor explaining the battle's progress as 6,000 weary Highlanders clashed with 9,000 well-trained British troops. At the edge of the battlefield lies the Well of the Dead, where wounded Highlanders were slain as they sought water to quench their thirst.
After your time on the moor, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, on your way to a delicious lunch.
Refreshed, continue alongside the dark waters of Loch Ness, The Loch is 24 miles long, one mile wide and 740 feet deep. Its waters are stained a dark brown from peat. But you'll want to be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenery, and perhaps catch rare glimpse of "Nessie," the legendary creature said to live in the Loch.
Next, you'll stop at, Drumnadrochit, nearby the Loch, where you'll have time for perusing the quaint shops for the perfect mementos. Your scenic drive continues through the glens and across moorland to Beauly and returns to Invergordon.
Kirkwall Scotland
Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach at the pier for a scenic drive that passes through fertile farmland. Continue on less traveled roads through the moorland. Take in picturesque views of the lochs and distant cliffs. Keep an eye out for a rich diversity of birdlife, as more than 300 species have been recorded in the Orkneys. There is also an abundance of wildflowers, including summer heather that dots the moors.
Arriving at Skara Brae, you'll step back in time. In 1850, a fierce winter storm uncovered this immense archeological find, revealing an amazingly well-preserved site from prehistoric Europe. Stroll the ruins at your own pace, walking along grass paths to view the various one-room stone houses, the workshop and courtyard. Covered passages once connected all the buildings. The lack of wood dictated the exclusive use of stone for the buildings and household items, from beds to tables and tools.
Skaill House stands in the dunes near Skara Brae. Considered the finest mansion in the Orkneys, Skaill House's unusual architecture is a blend of styles spanning four centuries. Take a tour of the interior, which features simply decorated rooms filled with family memorabilia.
En route back to Kirkwall, you'll travel along the shore of Scapa Flow where the Royal Navy's Home Fleet was based during two World Wars. See the narrow causeway that connects the Loch of Haray and Loch of Stennes. Don't miss a photo opportunity of the Stones of Stennes, a prehistoric monument of erect stones that are over 4,000 years old.
Glasgow
Begin your leisurely, half-day exploration of the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond at your pier where you will board a comfortable motorcoach. Accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable guide you will set forth on a scenic drive through the ruggedly beautiful Scottish landscape.
During your journey, be sure to have your cameras at the ready as you cross Erskine Bridge with distant views of Glasgow. Visit the picturesque village of Luss located on the west shore of Loch Lomond. In Gaelic, "lus" means plant or herb, and the village in spring and summer is a riot of color from roses and wildflowers. Stroll through the village to view its stone cottages and enjoy the opportunity to peruse its quaint shops for souvenirs. Or walk out onto the pier to marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Loch Lomond, the second largest freshwater lake in Scotland.
Your scenic drive continues as you travel along nearly the entire length of this breathtaking loch, famed in song and legend and renowned for its loveliness and tranquility. Take in the wonder of this pristine lake dotted with islands on its southern end, resembling a fjord at its northern end and offering picture postcard views around every corner.
Enjoy a brief stop to take in the stunning panoramas of Highland Glens and Mountains at Rest and Be Thankful overlook, so named for the words inscribed on a nearby stone by soldiers who built the military road in 1753.
From Loch Lomond travel along the glistening waters of Loch Eck and Holy Loch en route to the village of Hunters Quay where you will board a ferry and cross the River Clyde. From there you will complete you journey of discovery with a brief drive to Greenock and to your Princess ship in the harbor there.
Invergordon (Scotland) --Home of the Lochness Monster---Here Nessie! I've come to find you!
Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach for the scenic ride through the heather-covered hills of the lush Scottish Highlands on your way to Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle found on British soil.
On a sleety day in April 1746, the fates of the Stuart dynasty and the Highland clans were sealed with the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Culloden Visitor Centre features a beautifully scripted video that recounts the battle. You'll find plaques on the moor explaining the battle's progress as 6,000 weary Highlanders clashed with 9,000 well-trained British troops. At the edge of the battlefield lies the Well of the Dead, where wounded Highlanders were slain as they sought water to quench their thirst.
After your time on the moor, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, on your way to a delicious lunch.
Refreshed, continue alongside the dark waters of Loch Ness, The Loch is 24 miles long, one mile wide and 740 feet deep. Its waters are stained a dark brown from peat. But you'll want to be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenery, and perhaps catch rare glimpse of "Nessie," the legendary creature said to live in the Loch.
Next, you'll stop at, Drumnadrochit, nearby the Loch, where you'll have time for perusing the quaint shops for the perfect mementos. Your scenic drive continues through the glens and across moorland to Beauly and returns to Invergordon.
Belfast (Ireland)
Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic drive on the old Antrim Coast Road to the Glens of Antrim.
The old Antrim Coast Road runs from Larne to Ballycastle. As it snakes around the coastal contours, it offers breathtaking views out to sea, as well as to the encircling tree-clad hills. You'll travel through small villages and towns where attractive, sturdy houses with neatly trimmed flower-filled gardens face out to sea.
You'll pass the town of Larne, the most modern and the most ancient of places. The name Larne is believed to have derived from a prince called Lathar, son of an ancient Irish king, who was granted the lands by his father. Today, the town combines a historical past with modern port, shopping and leisure facilities. You'll also drive past the fine harbor of Carnlough bustling with yachts and pleasure boats.
Turning off the Antrim Coast Road, you'll witness part of the Glens of Antrim and marvel at its unspoiled natural beauty. The landscape is dominated by a high plateau cut by deep glens, which sweep eastward to the sea. Above it all it is an area of contrasts. Gentle bays are separated by blunt headlands, exposed moorlands give way to gentle valleys, wide vistas to enclosed farm lands.
You'll make a stop for complimentary coffee or tea, served with freshly baked scones with cream and jam, at the ideally situated Glenariff Tea & Craft Shop in Forest Park. With diverse woodland and habitats, and superb natural beauty and spectacular views, Glenariff Forest Park is considered the "Queen of the Glens."
Your leisurely drive descends through tranquil countryside reaching the outskirts of Belfast, passing the towns of Broughshane, named the best kept small town in Ireland, and Ballyclare, before you join the main highway back to the pier.
Dublin on Our Own
Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a narrated drive through the outskirts of Dublin to Powerscourt in the Wicklow Mountains.
You'll drive through County Wicklow, famed as the "Garden of Ireland," and encounter the wild heather-covered glens and tranquil landscapes for which the Irish countryside is famous. Soon you'll be traveling into the green and uncrowded Wicklow Mountains with their rounded summits and lush valleys.
Upon arriving at Powerscourt, you'll marvel at the superbly landscaped formal Italian and Japanese gardens. The gardens, originally begun by Richard Wingfield, the Viscount Powerscourt, in the 1740s, are set against the background of the Wicklow Hills, a truly breathtaking venue.
You'll enter the estate along an avenue lined with 200-year-old beech trees. Here, you're free to explore the gardens, tour the new exhibition rooms in the house, and view a video on the history of the estate. As the 18th-century house incorporates an array of specialty shops selling high-quality linens, woolens, crafts and souvenirs, you're welcome to browse and shop, and purchase refreshments in the terrace restaurant.
Your tour continues with a panoramic drive to Dublin where bustling shops invite you to shop 'til you drop. You'll stroll to Grafton Street and smaller side streets that specialize in crafts and gifts, and venture across the bridge into O'Connell Street to view the stores on the adjacent streets. Don't miss Temple Bar, a trendy part of the city, offering eclectic shopping in its many boutiques and music stores. Along the way, feel free to stop in a local pub for lunch and a pint of Guinness.
After a delightful day on your own in Powerscourt and Dublin, you'll enjoy a relaxing drive back to the pier.
Holyhead Wales--Crazy railway ride--I'll be pulling my heart of my throat. See video in earlier entry. I'll be going though Anglesee to visit Will/Kate. I expect a dinner invite.
Attention rail buffs: this unique full-day excursion features a railway experience you'll be talking about for years! Step aboard the historic Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway, one of the oldest independent railways in the world, for an unforgettable trip through North Wales, the home of spectacular Snowdonia National Park.
Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832, the train was built as a gravity and horse drawn line to transport slate from the quarries in the mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog. Steam locomotives debuted in 1864 making history on the first narrow gauge line in Britain to offer a passenger service. Some of the Victorian era "bug boxes" and "bowsiders" survive as part of the Railway's valued heritage.
Begin your adventures in Holyhead with a scenic motorcoach drive. Take in the sights from the Britannia Bridge and Anglesey, to the Menai Strait and Beddgelert, one of the prettiest villages in all of Wales.
Upon arrival in Porthmadog, a bustling port built on the slate trade, you'll have time to browse the shops along the town's main street. Soon you'll be boarding the train for the 90-minute journey up steep grades and around tight horseshoe bends.
You'll be glued to the edge of your seat as the engine negotiates the amazing Ddualt spiral and the New Moelwyn Tunnel and then pulls into the railway depot at Blaenau Ffestiniog, located in the mountains of Snowdonia.
Here you'll say goodbye to the train and continue your adventure via motorcoach. Take in the sights as you travel through the northern core of Snowdonia National Park. After a photo stop at Dolwyddelan Castle, you'll disembark in the charming town of Betws-y-Coed.
This stunning village, situated amid conifer-clad crags, historic bridges and waterfalls for a distinctly alpine atmosphere, is the setting for a bountiful lunch at a typical Welsh Hotel. Afterwards, your journey continues back to the ship through fertile valleys and passing picturesque farms enclosed by quaint Welsh dry-stone fences.
St Peter's Port--London
Back in London. This ia a tiny island and most of the excursions are bike tours. Seeing as I can't ride a bike, this is the port where Mom will most likely try to ditch me. (ha, ha --I think!) Anyway, a girlfriend of Mom's is originally from here, and if all goes well, we will take a tour in her brother's tiny car, motoring around from end to end in no time flat. Apparently, this oasis is lined with swaying palm trees, unexpected in England but likely, a welcome sight.
Lots of scenic countryside bus touring. This could be my undoing as I have been known to suffer from some pretty severe motion sickness. I'll be plenty drugged up, and this could lead to another potential ditching by my travel partner!
Laying this all out, it seems like a lot of hours sitting around in a moving vehicle--probably better if I didn't look at it so much. :-) Oh well. I'm all-in now, one day at a time, and if I have to stay back from an excursion or two, at least I'll have gigantic room service chocolate chip cookies to keep me company any time I want them!
Anyway, I'm going to put the descriptions for each of my excursions here as a starting point.
Rouen (France)
Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, 1 1/2-hour drive through the Norman countryside on the motorway, heading inland to Rouen.
You'll disembark near the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen to begin your walking tour though the old section of Rouen, down narrow cobbled lanes lined with ancient, timbered houses. Rouen boasts over 700 of these medieval structures.
You'll continue down the bustling Rue Saint Romain and the Rue du Gros Horloge, passing Rouen's old fortified clock tower and law courts, housed in a Renaissance building.
You'll visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a superb example of French Gothic architecture that took 300 years to complete. The cast iron spire is the largest in France and the central portal features an elaborately painted "Tree of Jesus." Your guide escorts you into the interior, which features a Lady Chapel, the tombs of Rouen's archbishops, secure behind wrought iron gates, and impressive 15th-century stained glass windows.
Next on your itinerary is a photo stop at the Place du Vieux March, the Old Marketplace, the site where the English burned Joan of Arc at the stake. Today, the square boasts the Great Cross of Rehabilitation erected in tribute to the Maid of Orleans, a daring modern church is dedicated to her memory.
Before departing for the ship, you'll have approximately an hour in the city center to shop and browse. You'll find an eclectic mix of gifts and souvenirs, as the busy streets are lined with boutiques, jewelers, perfumeries and modern department stores such as Le Printemps and Nouvelles Galeries.
Edinburgh on Our Own
Board your motorcoach and take a scenic drive to Edinburgh's city center. Scotland's capital delights all who visit and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in history and culture. Disembark at Charlotte Square, a central point for shopping and sightseeing and spend the day (approximately 5 1/2 hours) seeing all of the city's key points of interest. Enjoy lunch on your own in one of the many wonderful restaurants and cafes. A city map will be provided for your convenience.
For those interested in shopping, the finest stores are located around Princes Street or along the Royal Mile. There's something for everyone and the variety ranges from funky clothing and souvenirs to traditional wares, elegant fashions and excellent cashmere.
When it is time to refresh, the abundance food and beverage choices are sure to please every palate. Head over to George Street if you are seeking a stylish bistro or if you prefer a true pub atmosphere, Old Town has a variety of them, each with their own story to tell.
History buffs will enjoy a stroll down Royal Mile flanked with historical monuments and landmarks. Edinburgh Castle, home to the Crown Jewels looms over the city at one end and famed Holyrood Palace, the Royal Family's home while in Scotland, stands proudly at the other. Both offer tours of the inside rooms and grounds.
No matter what your interest, Edinburgh is a delightful and easy city to explore on your own. Just make sure to exchange your currency onboard the ship or at a currency exchange as British Pounds are required for entrance fees to popular attractions.
Invergordon (Scotland) --Home of the Lochness Monster---Here Nessie! I've come to find you!
Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach for the scenic ride through the heather-covered hills of the lush Scottish Highlands on your way to Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle found on British soil.
On a sleety day in April 1746, the fates of the Stuart dynasty and the Highland clans were sealed with the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Culloden Visitor Centre features a beautifully scripted video that recounts the battle. You'll find plaques on the moor explaining the battle's progress as 6,000 weary Highlanders clashed with 9,000 well-trained British troops. At the edge of the battlefield lies the Well of the Dead, where wounded Highlanders were slain as they sought water to quench their thirst.
After your time on the moor, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, on your way to a delicious lunch.
Refreshed, continue alongside the dark waters of Loch Ness, The Loch is 24 miles long, one mile wide and 740 feet deep. Its waters are stained a dark brown from peat. But you'll want to be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenery, and perhaps catch rare glimpse of "Nessie," the legendary creature said to live in the Loch.
Next, you'll stop at, Drumnadrochit, nearby the Loch, where you'll have time for perusing the quaint shops for the perfect mementos. Your scenic drive continues through the glens and across moorland to Beauly and returns to Invergordon.
Kirkwall Scotland
Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach at the pier for a scenic drive that passes through fertile farmland. Continue on less traveled roads through the moorland. Take in picturesque views of the lochs and distant cliffs. Keep an eye out for a rich diversity of birdlife, as more than 300 species have been recorded in the Orkneys. There is also an abundance of wildflowers, including summer heather that dots the moors.
Arriving at Skara Brae, you'll step back in time. In 1850, a fierce winter storm uncovered this immense archeological find, revealing an amazingly well-preserved site from prehistoric Europe. Stroll the ruins at your own pace, walking along grass paths to view the various one-room stone houses, the workshop and courtyard. Covered passages once connected all the buildings. The lack of wood dictated the exclusive use of stone for the buildings and household items, from beds to tables and tools.
Skaill House stands in the dunes near Skara Brae. Considered the finest mansion in the Orkneys, Skaill House's unusual architecture is a blend of styles spanning four centuries. Take a tour of the interior, which features simply decorated rooms filled with family memorabilia.
En route back to Kirkwall, you'll travel along the shore of Scapa Flow where the Royal Navy's Home Fleet was based during two World Wars. See the narrow causeway that connects the Loch of Haray and Loch of Stennes. Don't miss a photo opportunity of the Stones of Stennes, a prehistoric monument of erect stones that are over 4,000 years old.
Glasgow
Begin your leisurely, half-day exploration of the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond at your pier where you will board a comfortable motorcoach. Accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable guide you will set forth on a scenic drive through the ruggedly beautiful Scottish landscape.
During your journey, be sure to have your cameras at the ready as you cross Erskine Bridge with distant views of Glasgow. Visit the picturesque village of Luss located on the west shore of Loch Lomond. In Gaelic, "lus" means plant or herb, and the village in spring and summer is a riot of color from roses and wildflowers. Stroll through the village to view its stone cottages and enjoy the opportunity to peruse its quaint shops for souvenirs. Or walk out onto the pier to marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Loch Lomond, the second largest freshwater lake in Scotland.
Your scenic drive continues as you travel along nearly the entire length of this breathtaking loch, famed in song and legend and renowned for its loveliness and tranquility. Take in the wonder of this pristine lake dotted with islands on its southern end, resembling a fjord at its northern end and offering picture postcard views around every corner.
Enjoy a brief stop to take in the stunning panoramas of Highland Glens and Mountains at Rest and Be Thankful overlook, so named for the words inscribed on a nearby stone by soldiers who built the military road in 1753.
From Loch Lomond travel along the glistening waters of Loch Eck and Holy Loch en route to the village of Hunters Quay where you will board a ferry and cross the River Clyde. From there you will complete you journey of discovery with a brief drive to Greenock and to your Princess ship in the harbor there.
Invergordon (Scotland) --Home of the Lochness Monster---Here Nessie! I've come to find you!
Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach for the scenic ride through the heather-covered hills of the lush Scottish Highlands on your way to Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle found on British soil.
On a sleety day in April 1746, the fates of the Stuart dynasty and the Highland clans were sealed with the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Culloden Visitor Centre features a beautifully scripted video that recounts the battle. You'll find plaques on the moor explaining the battle's progress as 6,000 weary Highlanders clashed with 9,000 well-trained British troops. At the edge of the battlefield lies the Well of the Dead, where wounded Highlanders were slain as they sought water to quench their thirst.
After your time on the moor, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, on your way to a delicious lunch.
Refreshed, continue alongside the dark waters of Loch Ness, The Loch is 24 miles long, one mile wide and 740 feet deep. Its waters are stained a dark brown from peat. But you'll want to be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenery, and perhaps catch rare glimpse of "Nessie," the legendary creature said to live in the Loch.
Next, you'll stop at, Drumnadrochit, nearby the Loch, where you'll have time for perusing the quaint shops for the perfect mementos. Your scenic drive continues through the glens and across moorland to Beauly and returns to Invergordon.
Belfast (Ireland)
Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic drive on the old Antrim Coast Road to the Glens of Antrim.
The old Antrim Coast Road runs from Larne to Ballycastle. As it snakes around the coastal contours, it offers breathtaking views out to sea, as well as to the encircling tree-clad hills. You'll travel through small villages and towns where attractive, sturdy houses with neatly trimmed flower-filled gardens face out to sea.
You'll pass the town of Larne, the most modern and the most ancient of places. The name Larne is believed to have derived from a prince called Lathar, son of an ancient Irish king, who was granted the lands by his father. Today, the town combines a historical past with modern port, shopping and leisure facilities. You'll also drive past the fine harbor of Carnlough bustling with yachts and pleasure boats.
Turning off the Antrim Coast Road, you'll witness part of the Glens of Antrim and marvel at its unspoiled natural beauty. The landscape is dominated by a high plateau cut by deep glens, which sweep eastward to the sea. Above it all it is an area of contrasts. Gentle bays are separated by blunt headlands, exposed moorlands give way to gentle valleys, wide vistas to enclosed farm lands.
You'll make a stop for complimentary coffee or tea, served with freshly baked scones with cream and jam, at the ideally situated Glenariff Tea & Craft Shop in Forest Park. With diverse woodland and habitats, and superb natural beauty and spectacular views, Glenariff Forest Park is considered the "Queen of the Glens."
Your leisurely drive descends through tranquil countryside reaching the outskirts of Belfast, passing the towns of Broughshane, named the best kept small town in Ireland, and Ballyclare, before you join the main highway back to the pier.
Dublin on Our Own
Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a narrated drive through the outskirts of Dublin to Powerscourt in the Wicklow Mountains.
You'll drive through County Wicklow, famed as the "Garden of Ireland," and encounter the wild heather-covered glens and tranquil landscapes for which the Irish countryside is famous. Soon you'll be traveling into the green and uncrowded Wicklow Mountains with their rounded summits and lush valleys.
Upon arriving at Powerscourt, you'll marvel at the superbly landscaped formal Italian and Japanese gardens. The gardens, originally begun by Richard Wingfield, the Viscount Powerscourt, in the 1740s, are set against the background of the Wicklow Hills, a truly breathtaking venue.
You'll enter the estate along an avenue lined with 200-year-old beech trees. Here, you're free to explore the gardens, tour the new exhibition rooms in the house, and view a video on the history of the estate. As the 18th-century house incorporates an array of specialty shops selling high-quality linens, woolens, crafts and souvenirs, you're welcome to browse and shop, and purchase refreshments in the terrace restaurant.
Your tour continues with a panoramic drive to Dublin where bustling shops invite you to shop 'til you drop. You'll stroll to Grafton Street and smaller side streets that specialize in crafts and gifts, and venture across the bridge into O'Connell Street to view the stores on the adjacent streets. Don't miss Temple Bar, a trendy part of the city, offering eclectic shopping in its many boutiques and music stores. Along the way, feel free to stop in a local pub for lunch and a pint of Guinness.
After a delightful day on your own in Powerscourt and Dublin, you'll enjoy a relaxing drive back to the pier.
Holyhead Wales--Crazy railway ride--I'll be pulling my heart of my throat. See video in earlier entry. I'll be going though Anglesee to visit Will/Kate. I expect a dinner invite.
Attention rail buffs: this unique full-day excursion features a railway experience you'll be talking about for years! Step aboard the historic Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway, one of the oldest independent railways in the world, for an unforgettable trip through North Wales, the home of spectacular Snowdonia National Park.
Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832, the train was built as a gravity and horse drawn line to transport slate from the quarries in the mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog. Steam locomotives debuted in 1864 making history on the first narrow gauge line in Britain to offer a passenger service. Some of the Victorian era "bug boxes" and "bowsiders" survive as part of the Railway's valued heritage.
Begin your adventures in Holyhead with a scenic motorcoach drive. Take in the sights from the Britannia Bridge and Anglesey, to the Menai Strait and Beddgelert, one of the prettiest villages in all of Wales.
Upon arrival in Porthmadog, a bustling port built on the slate trade, you'll have time to browse the shops along the town's main street. Soon you'll be boarding the train for the 90-minute journey up steep grades and around tight horseshoe bends.
You'll be glued to the edge of your seat as the engine negotiates the amazing Ddualt spiral and the New Moelwyn Tunnel and then pulls into the railway depot at Blaenau Ffestiniog, located in the mountains of Snowdonia.
Here you'll say goodbye to the train and continue your adventure via motorcoach. Take in the sights as you travel through the northern core of Snowdonia National Park. After a photo stop at Dolwyddelan Castle, you'll disembark in the charming town of Betws-y-Coed.
This stunning village, situated amid conifer-clad crags, historic bridges and waterfalls for a distinctly alpine atmosphere, is the setting for a bountiful lunch at a typical Welsh Hotel. Afterwards, your journey continues back to the ship through fertile valleys and passing picturesque farms enclosed by quaint Welsh dry-stone fences.
St Peter's Port--London
Back in London. This ia a tiny island and most of the excursions are bike tours. Seeing as I can't ride a bike, this is the port where Mom will most likely try to ditch me. (ha, ha --I think!) Anyway, a girlfriend of Mom's is originally from here, and if all goes well, we will take a tour in her brother's tiny car, motoring around from end to end in no time flat. Apparently, this oasis is lined with swaying palm trees, unexpected in England but likely, a welcome sight.
Lots of scenic countryside bus touring. This could be my undoing as I have been known to suffer from some pretty severe motion sickness. I'll be plenty drugged up, and this could lead to another potential ditching by my travel partner!
Laying this all out, it seems like a lot of hours sitting around in a moving vehicle--probably better if I didn't look at it so much. :-) Oh well. I'm all-in now, one day at a time, and if I have to stay back from an excursion or two, at least I'll have gigantic room service chocolate chip cookies to keep me company any time I want them!
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