Head north with your knowledgeable guide into the wilds of Scotland for a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the geology of this dramatic and beautiful area. At Knockan Crag you will have the opportunity to see the geological feature first identified right here - the 'Thrust' (in which enormous forces move rocks sideways) has since been recognized in rocks around the world, including the Himalayas and Alps. At Knockan Crag, the Moine thrust has resulted in an unusual situation where older Moine rock s have come to rest over much younger rocks. The rocks at and around Knockan Crag also record the last 3,000 million years of history for the landmass we now know as Scotland. Accompanied by an expert in the area's geology, you will learn about this fascinating natural feature, spend some time in the excellent visitor center and walk along the Thrust Trail where you can bridge 500 million years with your bare hands. For the less energetic, the 'Quarry Trail' allows a return before the short climb that rises to the thrust. There will be plenty of time for independent exploration on any of the trails. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.

Take a scenic drive north from Ullapool through the dramatic and beautiful mountain scenery of the Northwest of Scotland Geopark . On reaching Loch Assynt you will pass the atmospheric ruins of Calda House and Ardvreck Castle where you'll have a photo stop, before continuing along the banks of the Loch towards Lochinver. Lochinver is a busy little fishing port and boasts a truly stunning setting on Loch Inver with a backdrop of the dramatic mountains of Suilven and Canisp . Some free time here will give you the opportunity to explore at your leisure. Return through the beautiful countryside to Ullapool, stopping briefly at Knockan Crag for a photo opportunity. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your camera.

Departing Oban, your coach will take you through the picturesque scenery of the Pass of Brander and around the tip of Loch Awe with views of Kilchurn Castle before continuing to Tyndrum where a short stop will be made. The route climbs to Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. Your coach will take you into the majestic Glencoe - scene of the infamous 1692 massacre and now a center for serious mountaineering providing some of the finest climbing and walking in Scotland. A stop will be made at the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the history, geology and nature of this region. Leaving the visitor centre the route will continue along Loch Linnhe. You will see the islands of Lismore and Mull as you follow the shoreline of this sea loch. You will pass Castle Stalker, a tower house situated on its own islet set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains before arriving back in the coastal town of Oban. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing and bring currency/credit cards and your camera.

You will board your motor coach for the70-minute scenic drive from Oban to Inveraray, travelling along the shores of the narrow Loch Etive to Taynuilt, with its fine views. Drive over the Pass of Brander past Loch Awe and see the striking ruins of Kilchurn Castle before arriving at Inveraray in the wooded Glen of Aray on the shores of Loch Fyne. A short distance from the picturesque town of Inveraray stands the imposing castle. Enjoy a brief historic overview of the small town and local area before heading to the castle. Located in 16 acres of parkland, the imposing castle combines Baroque, Palladian and Gothic architecture and has been home to the Dukes of Argyll since it was built in the 18th century. Beautifully presented, the castle is home to a fine collection of family portraits and tapestries, French 18th century furniture and an impressive collection of arms and armor. The formal gardens have been recently opened to visitors and you may also visit these during your time at the castle. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing and bring currency/credit cards and your camera.

The North's largest city is an eclectic mix of charming Victorian and Edwardian buildings, engaging attractions and a grand history that's on display around every corner. Your tour will begin as your coach travels through stately Donegall Square in the heart of Belfast. Among the square's architectural treasures is City Hall. Completed in 1906, the 300-foot long main façade is topped with a copper dome that rises 173 feet. As you make your way around the city you'll see many more Victorian buildings with the same distinctive verdigris green domes. Also in the square stands Belfast's oldest library, the Linen Hall Library , which was established in 1788. Continuing on, you'll journey past Queen's University, renowned for its world-class achievements in cancer research and environmental research. Marvel at the thoroughly modern Waterfront Hall , a concert venue , housing development and hotel. Just 12 miles from Belfast in the historic village of Hillsborough sits the distinguished Hillsborough Castle . Built in the 1770s, the mansion is the official residence of the British Royal Family when they're visiting Northern Ireland. You'll set out on a guided tour through this lovely 2-story late Georgian manor adorned with beautiful furniture and master pieces of art. Visit the State Room, where all visiting dignitaries are formally welcomed. Next door is Candlestick Hall where the panels around the room, made in the early 19th century, are made from hand-painted wallpaper and depict scenes from Cervantes' Don Quixote. Visit the castle's two dining rooms: the Red Dining Room, which looks out over what is claimed to be the largest rhododendron bush in Europe, and the State Dining Room where official state dinners are served. You will also visit the Throne Room, where citizenship ceremonies are held; the State Drawing Room, which overlooks the Jubilee garden; and Lady Grey's Sitting Room. At the conclusion of the tour, feel free to meander through the lovely gardens or stroll to Hillsborough village before rejoining your coach for the ride back to your ship. Please note : It is recommended that guests dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes.

Depart the port of Belfast and drive 75 minutes inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim. Stop to photograph Dunluce Castle, a dramatic and picturesque ruin on a rocky headland. Next,you will arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Giant's Causeway Site . The Interpretative Centre there will allow you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway's 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely (or simply most interesting!). To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. You can board the "Causeway Coaster" minibus to bring you to the causeway itself. Enjoy lunch at a nearby hotel. Your return journey will take you along Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast Some of the worlds most spectacular and unspoiled scenery is to be found in the county of Antrim. A stop will be made for you to view Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge . Spanning a chasm some 80 feet deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by a two-hand railed bridge, the current cage bridge was installed during Easter 2000. Travel via the Coast Road to reveal an unrivaled seascape, towering cliffs, white sandy beaches, tranquil glens and lush forest parks. From the magnificent vantage point at Fair Head and Murlough Bay , on a clear day you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Scotland's Mull of Kintyre, as well as the wild and mysterious island of Rathlin just seven miles off the coast. Please note : Wear flat, comfortable shoes preferably with non-slip soles. Order of sights visited may vary. Bring your camera, local currency and a waterproof jacket.

This panoramic tour of Belfast will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland's largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. Your guide will provide insights as you see the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University, home to the Botanic Gardens. Located in these gardens is the Palm House - a superb structure of cast iron and curved glass panels. You will drive past Belfast City Hall - an impressive building with a 300-ft.-long façade of Portland stone. A stop here will allow you to photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues here - the marble figure of "Thane," commemorating the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic . Visit the Titanic Belfast, the signature building telling the story of Titanic that contains nine galleries with a variety of interpretative materials and media. Take a ride though the visual gantries where the Titanic was under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four high impact 'hull' shaped sections which house the experience. You will experience a thrilling ride through the re-construction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic. Rejoin your motor coach and guide for your return drive to the port and your awaiting ship. Please note : Wear flat, comfortable shoes preferably with non-slip soles. Order of sights visited may vary. Bring your camera, local currency and a waterproof jacket.

Depart the port for your journey to County Wicklow. Arrive and commence your visit to Powerscourt Distillery. This will include a tour of the operational distillery, where you will learn about and see the process of distilling whiskey in Ireland, including the impressive copper pot stills involved in the process. Your guided tour includes an introductory film. Afterwards, you will visit the manicured beauty of Powerscourt Gardens, a lavish estate set against the backdrop of the Wicklow Hills. Upon arriving at Powerscourt, you will 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 breath-taking venue. Here, you are free to explore the gardens 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, woollens, crafts and souvenirs, you're welcome to browse and shop, and purchase refreshments in the terrace restaurant. Depart for the journey back to port. Please note: Bring your Camera anlocal currency, Wear flat non-slip soles,and bring a waterproof jacket

Your tour today will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire. Your panoramic drive of the city takes you past Dublin Castle, City Hall and Christchurch Cathedral before a visit the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of the Guinness brewery in Dublin city. The tour of the Storehouse will be followed by an opportunity to t aste the world famous stout. In the Guinness Storehouse, you will discover what goes into making a pint of the "blackstuff" - the ingredients, the processes, the effort. It is a dramatic story that began over 250 years ago and will end in Gravity, the sky bar, which has astonishing views of Dublin. Often surprising, always entertaining, the adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant, pint shaped heart of glass. You'll "meet" Arthur Guinness and find out how the drink that carries his name has traveled around the world. You will also have the opportunity to spend some time in the Advertising Gallery in the Storehouse, where you will find a display of all Guinness advertising material past and present. At the end of the tour, discover how important it is to "pull the perfect pint " the way to hold the glass, the speed it enters the glass, the time for the pint to settle and the final touch that gives the pint a creamy head. Now sit back, relax and enjoy the Guinness and the view. Please note : Entry to the brewery itself is not permitted. Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera and sunscreen when necessary. Guests must be 18 or older to consume alcohol.

Depart from port and travel 75 minutes to west Wicklow passing through the cosy village of Blessington, renowned for its picturesque scenery and lakes. You will be stopping at Russborough House for a guided tour. Russborough House is a Palladian mansion offering one of the finest guided tours in Ireland. From art lovers to historians to the curious passer-by, this tour will leave you feeling fulfilled and inspired. There are so many items to admire on our tour from the beauty of the Lafranchini ceilings to a wonderful collection of world-class art and furnishings. Russborough House was built in 1741 and took 10 years to complete. Through the tour, you will get to know the Beits, a colorful couple who entertain with great flair. Friends and relations, people associated with the arts, the rich and famous from Jackie Onassis to Fred Astaire, the Churchills, and members of the Guinness family, were all recipients of their famous hospitality at Russborough. Following your memorable guided tour, you will get the chance to see the Wicklow cheviot sheep being managed by expertly trained sheepdogs. The sheep dog demonstration looks at the sheep herding and history of the collie dog in Wicklow and Ireland. The demonstrator invites all those brave enough to take part. Allow yourself a snapshot of a real Irish experience. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the grounds and café if you wish. All to soon your tour has come to an end, and you can enjoy a relaxing return drive to your awaiting cruise ship. Please note: Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera and sunscrren. Order of sites visited may vary.

Dublin's official date of establishment was in 988 A.D. although evidence of its existence dates back to the second century in which it was named Eblana. Norman Vikings were the first settlers of the city, and many artifacts, old walls and buildings are still present today. Departing from the pier, you will soon reach St. Patrick's Cathedral . A stop will be made to visit the Cathedral - founded in 1190. St. Patrick's is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean there from 1713 to 1745. The pulpit from which he preached can still be seen. A short drive will take you to Dublin Castle. Upon arriving at the Dublin Castle complex, you'll marvel at this imposing structure. A symbol of British rule over Ireland for seven centuries, the castle began as a 13th century Anglo-Norman fortress. Your guided tour takes you through State Apartments adorned with Killybeg carpets and Waterford chandeliers. Once home to the Viceroy, the apartments are now used for important state functions. Rejoin your coach and guide for return journey to port. Please note : Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera , local currency and a waterproof jacket.

Tender ashore to the island of Tresco for your self-guided exploration of the famed Abbey Gardens. Tresco is best known for its Abbey Gardens , laid out by the remarkable Augustus Smith - a wealthy merchant banker who purchased the islands from the Duchy of Cornwall in the mid-1830s. Work on the gardens commenced in 1834 on the site of the old Benedictine Abbey. By building tall wind-breaks, Smith channeled the weather up and over the network of walled enclosures he built around the Priory ruins. He also carved the three terraces from the rocky, south-facing slope looking towards St. Mary's. Tresco, shrugging off salt spray and Atlantic gales is host to 20,000 exotic plants, many of which would stand no chance on the Cornish mainland, less than 30 miles away. Yet even at the winter equinox more than 300 plants will be in flower. All in all, the garden is home to glorious species from 80 countries, ranging from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa. Subsequent generations have continued the development of the Garden, which is today a major attraction of the islands. Please note : Access is not a problem, the gardens are terraced but most have slopes that can be negotiated by a wheelchair although there are some steps. Wheelchair guests must be accompanied as the guide cannot undertake responsibility for them during the tour. Dress for the weather and comfortable sturdy footwear is recommended. If guests struggle to walk a distance there is a complimentary small shuttle bus from the pier to the gardens.

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of five inhabited islands and other small rocky islets situated 28 miles from Lands End, the most southwesterly point of the British Isles. With a total population of just over 2,000, an exceptionally mild climate, beautiful flowers and countless white sandy beaches, they are also known for their friendliness, birds, clear turquoise sea, and ancient sites and monuments. Your local guide will meet you at St Mary's quay and give a short introductory talk about the history of the Isles. Then venture off on foot to enjoy a scenic tour of the Garrison on the isle of St Mary's and look across to Bryher and Tresco, marveling that even though you can walk between them, they are so utterly different. Enjoy the beautiful views before ending up in Star Castle to enjoy a tea or coffee in the 16th Century Castle Dungeon Bar. Star Castle is now a hotel, but it was built as an impregnable fortress back in 1593 and gets its name from the shape of its eight-sided central keep, curtain wall and dry moat. Just to the right of the castle you'll see a campsite and just right of this a footpath branches right and takes you down to Steval Point Battery, which marks the island's most westerly point. On a clear day you'll enjoy fabulous views over to St Agnes and distant, lonely Bishop's Rock Lighthouse. Following refreshments return to the pier with your guide. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes. subject to the ship's tender schedule, after the tour, it may be possible for you to explore Hugh Town at your leisure which is the main and largest settlement on the Island, before returning to your ship.

First, you will be taken on a boat trip around the eastern Isles and hopefully spot local birdlife, seals, and sea life of the Scillys. Your boat skipper will give commentary on the local wildlife. Later you will arrive on St. Martin's , a quiet island with some of the best beaches and most spectacular views in the Scillys. You will visit two thriving local businesses on St. Martin's; first sample wine at the UK's most southwesterly vineyard. The owners will show you some of the vines and the wine making processes. Next you will visit Churchtown Farm which specializes in growing and mailing scented Narcissi and scented show pink flowers to the UK mainland year round. The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of five inhabited islands and other small rocky islets off Land's End -the most southwesterly point of the British Isles. With a total population of just over 2,000, an exceptionally mild climate and countless golden sandy beaches, Scilly is a beautiful haven of peace and tranquility loved by visitors and locals alike. Please note : Guests need to be fit walkers. It is recommended that you wear comfortable sturdy footwear as you will be required to walk uphill for about a mile with a steep incline for about 1/3 of the way. This tour is unguided, but guests will be escorted between venues. The boat skippers will give commentary with regards to the boat trip and the owners will meet the passengers at the quay on St. Martins to escort the group to each venue. Passengers travel together on the boat. On arrival to St. Martins the group will be split into 2 groups, and the order of visits on the island will vary due to size of vineyard and the churchtown farm.