STORNOWAY (SCOTLAND) - September 24, 2011

Lewis & Callanish Stones
Excursion Code: E-SYY1
Duration: approx 3.5 hrs / morning
Level:  easy
Price: $67
You’ll drive from Stornoway, the only town, and across the center of the island of Lewis through a landscape of rolling moorland, low-lying hills and innumerable tiny lochs, to arrive at the fishing village of Garynahine. Beyond is Loch Roag, an inlet of the Atlantic, and slightly to the north are the Standing Stones at Callanish. They form the most remarkable antiquity in the Western Isles, being exceeded in importance only by Stonehenge. It is a dramatic place, set in moor-land overlooking the loch and surrounded by hills. It was not until 1857, when five feet of peat was dug away, that the original height and extent of the stones was seen. You continue along the coastal route to Arnol and a visit to the Black House Museum, housed in a typical cottage of the islands. It has walls six-feet thick, with a roof of thatch over turf, weighted with ropes and stones. A peat fire burns in the centre of the floor, and there is no chimney. The museum gives a splendid example of how crofting families lived, with exhibits of implements and simple furnishings, until as recently as the Second World War. The dominant feature of Lewis is the dark, undulating central peat moor, scattered with hundreds of shallow lochs. Peat is still used extensively in the heating of homes, and you’ll pass areas where it is cut and gathered as your circular route continues. The cutting takes place in the early summer, when the moor becomes alive with families engaged in this work. Later, when the cut peat has dried, it is carried away from the banks in sacks, barrows, car boots and modified tractors and trailers to be used as fuel.

Note: Easy walking with only few steps. The itinerary may be reversed to avoid congestion at points of interest.

Black House Village & Carloway Broch
Excursion Code: E-SYY2
Duration: approx. 3 hrs / morning
Level:  moderate
Price: $62
The Black House village is found amongst the unique string of sites of special heritage interest on the west side of the Isle of Lewis.  On this exposed Atlantic coast of the Isle of Lewis the black house village of Gearrannan lies steeped in history and sited in an environment of outstanding physical beauty. Since 1989 a local community trust has been painstakingly restoring the once derelict properties and croft land to recreate an authentic settlement. Traditional methods have been used to recreate the dry-stone masonry and thatched roofings of the original croft houses. A typical `blackhouse` was a long rectangular building. All the corners in the outside walls were rounded, and great care was taken to ensure that the outer walls, which were of undressed stone, had a slight slant to allow the rain to drip off and not seep into the interior. You will see how generations lived together, all entirely Gaelic speaking. The present village landscape dates from late 18th century.
Just a short distance along the rugged coastline on Loch Carloway, stands the well-known and exceptionally well preserved Carloway Broch - a 2,000 year old circular, dry-stone built, fortified tower. You make a brief stop here to view the broch standing on a hillside overlooking the sea. Continuing our circular itinerary will take us along the west coast which at certain times of the year becomes pounded by the unbroken force of the North Atlantic, and you then head across the moor of the central area returning towards Stornoway.

Note: The itinerary may be reversed to avoid congestion at points of interest. English speaking guide only. Translation into German by ship team. No access for wheelchairs at Black House Museum.

Hebridean Splendor
Excursion Code: E-SYY3
Duration: approx 8 hrs. / full day with lunch
Level:  easy
Price: $129
You’ll come ashore at Stornoway on Lewis, with its moorlands, and travel south to Harris, with its mountains. Your full day tour will give you a unique opportunity to visit what is arguably the most scenic and atmospheric area of the U.K. It is remote, wild and awesome; it is picture postcard scenery.
Once away from Stornoway, the itinerary travels in sections along a single track road which rises and falls, through Passes and valleys, and passing boulder strewn landscapes. The narrow road winds around the head of lochs between the sides of steep and craggy mountains offering dramatic views, before coming to Tarbert, the largest village on Harris. Here North Harris is separated from South Harris by the narrow neck of land, where two sea lochs almost cut the island in two. Continuing into South Harris, your scenic itinerary continues to the far southerly point of Rodel with its small harbour built in the 16th century. It is overlooked by the famous St. Clements Church.

One of the most desirable wool textiles in the world, Harris Tweed, is produced in the Outer Hebrides. Harris Tweed can only be sold as such if it is made in the Outer Hebrides from virgin Scottish wool, woven on hand looms in the weavers` own homes. You have the unique opportunity of visiting one of these small workshops near the village of Plocrapool. Here Mrs. Katie Campbell will demonstrate spinning and weaving in her loom shed. This is not a large scale factory unit and you should be aware space is restricted. To reach the loom shed it will be necessary for the tour bus to park on the main road and it is then a walk of approximately four minutes. You’ll be enjoying a relatively simple luncheon menu at a small country hotel in either the small township of Harris or the village community at Rodel.


OBAN (SCOTLAND) -  September 25, 2011

Highland town of Inveraray
Excursion Code: E-OBA1
Duration: approx. 4.5 hrs. / morning
Level:  moderate
Price: $94
This excursion is combinable with E-OBA2.

You’ll leave the picturesque fishing port of Oban and follow the narrow sea loch of Loch Etive to Taynuilt with extensive views taking in Ben Cruachan 3,689 feet. The route takes you through the Pass of Brander overlooking Loch Awe, which is now part of Scotland’s largest hydro-electric scheme. There are fine views of the ruins of atmospheric Kilchurn Castle and you continue to Cladich and the delightful wooded setting of Glen Aray, before arriving into the Royal Burgh of Inveraray. Situated on the shore of Loch Fyne, Inveraray stands in an area of spectacular and unspoilt natural beauty combining the ruggedness of highland scenery with the sheltered tidal loch 90 miles from the open sea. It is a small, 18th century town with an air of slightly privileged graciousness. You’ll visit the 18th century Castle which is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, the head of the Clan Campbell. The Castle, one of the great bastions of natural heritage, is amongst the earliest examples of gothic revival in Britain; its fairy-like interior belies the grandeur of its gracious interior which reflects many fascinating tastes of the family through the years. Inside, the castle contains a fine collection of family pictures, fine French furniture and superb tapestries set in rooms of outstanding beauty. Returning through the extensive parkland, you will then have a short time to browse in the small shops of Inveraray, or to take a stroll along the loch’s shore line, before commencing the return drive to Oban.

Seil Island & Easdale
Excursion Code: E-OBA2
Duration: approx 3 hrs. / afternoon
Level:  easy
Price: $77
This excursion is combinable with E-OBA1.

Shortly after leaving the bustle of Oban you are able to enjoy the views across fertile valleys and you see the first of the sea-lochs and islets which provide a safe haven for colourful yachts sheltering from the Atlantic ’s might. As you leave the main road, you come to the small community of Clachan Seil, with its fine old humpbacked stone bridge from 1792. Described as "the only bridge over the Atlantic," it has an elegant high arch to permit sailing ships to pass below it. The village of Clachan Seil borders the narrow sound south of the bridge, in a sheltered and attractive position. You pause here briefly for a photo stop enabling you to capture a picture post-card of your own. You continue further south on Seil island, first settled as early as 5,000 BC. The island is approximately five miles long and there are a number of villages, a long interesting coastline, and numerous small farms set in peaceful countryside. In the 19th century, Seil was part of a great Estate, and the slate industry, established several centuries earlier, was a source of employment and prosperity. That industry declined at the end of the century, leaving a fascinating industrial heritage, and the picturesque village at Easdale. In more recent years, Seil has been seen, unknowingly, by several million viewers with film makers using locations here. At Easdale, with its pleasing collection of neat white cottages, you stop for you to take a stroll around this charming setting. You will see Easdale is a tiny village, but it is uniquely attractive in its isolated position. Our return journey takes us back along the narrow twisting roads, parts of which are single track and you continue to enjoy the many different landscapes and views of this western Scottish scenic drive.

Majestic Scotland
Excursion Code: E-OBA3
Duration: approx. 7 hrs. / full day with lunch
Level:  easy
Price: $161
Your full day tour will take you through some of the most hauntingly beautiful scenery of the British Isles. Leaving Oban behind, you follow the road along Loch Awe with moorland and mountain slopes stretching in all directions. Then through the Pass of Brander with its atmospheric scenery of glens and moorland. Your route then takes you along the steadily climbing scenic road to Rannoch Moor. Over the years, hundreds of writers have waxed eloquent in their descriptions of Glen Coe. Glen Coe is staggeringly beautiful, with creaming burns and falls, glistening rocks and hidden lochs and glens. You’ll stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre, where the exhibition `Living on the Edge` will enable you to better understand the story of the glen and its poignant history. You’ll see the scenery is outstanding as the road twists and turns through glen and moor, with the ranges of mountains on either side your ever present companion. You reach Fort William where there is time to browse for souvenirs or Scottish woolen goods in the array of small shops in the town center. Continuing towards Ballachulish you’ll enjoy luncheon served at one of the small charming hotels that face Loch Linnhe. Your afternoon drive will follow the line of Loch Linnhe, and around the head of Loch Creran. The dramatic mountain peaks and glens are left behind as the scenery becomes more pastoral and wooded. Then there is the dramatically situated Castle Stalker sitting in splendid isolation on a small island. You head across a narrow neck of land to reach Loch Creran and through a wooded valley heading towards Connel and then returning to Oban.


BELFAST (NORTHERN IRELAND) - September 26, 2011

Belfast – Past, Present & Future
Excursion Code: E-BFS1
Duration: approx. 3.15 hrs. / morning
Level:  easy
Price: $59 
This excursion is combinable with E-BFS3.

Each phase of the city’s past has left its mark. This tour reflects the drive, determination and pride Belfast undoubtedly has and you will see the landmarks that have played their part in the colourful development.

You’ll see and hear about a city which has the best known name, but is the least well known, of any major capital. The only city in Ireland to experience the full force of the Industrial Revolution, and a city brought to world-wide attention by `The Troubles` - thirty years of conflict leading up to the cease-fire of 1994. Today Belfast is a peaceful place, and you’ll travel around the areas which made prominent news headlines but which today form part of an interesting and popular visitor experience. The Murals - now a permanent part of the Belfast scene are a popular attraction. The wealth created by Belfast’s industrial past of ship-building, linen, rope-making and tobacco industries is characterised by the imposing banks, churches and other public buildings which you will see on your tour today. Much of the hope and aspiration for the future lies in the new Northern Ireland Political Assembly and you’ll journey outside of the city centre to view the Parliament Building of Stormont. Designed to house the Northern Ireland Parliament, the building made of Portland stone and Mourne granite stands elegantly at the end of a majestic avenue, one mile long, bordered by parkland.

Giant`s Causeway
Excursion Code: E-BFS2
Duration: approx. 6.5 hrs. / afternoon
Level:  moderate
Price: $111
Tour to the lunar landscape of the Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site. The sheer strangeness of this place and the bizarre regularity of its basalt columns have made the Giant’s Causeway the subject of numerous legends. The Causeway proper is a mass of basalt columns packed tightly together. The tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. Altogether there are 40,000 of these stone columns, mostly hexagonal, but some with four, five, seven and eight sides. The tallest are about 40 feet high, and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 90 feet thick in places. On arrival at Giant’s Causeway, your tour coach will park at the cliff top. The columns are situated at sea level, approximately three quarters of a mile away. You’ll have the option of walking along the paved pathway, which is steep in parts, leading down to the bottom of the cliffs, or taking the shuttle-bus to and from.

During our route along around the Antrim coast, you’ll stop to admire Dunluce Castle - a romantic ruin clinging to a crag almost surrounded by water, and watching over the magnificent coastline; it is one of Ireland’s most atmospheric castles. At White Park Bay, the unspoiled beauty of the wide expanse of beach, where the Atlantic washes the white sands, can be enjoyed from a vantage point along the coast road. Whilst at the Giant’s Causeway, there are small gift and souvenirs for sale in the Visitor Centre and the National Trust shop.

Coast & Glens of Antrim
Excursion Code: E-BFS3
Duration: approx. 4 hrs. / afternoon
Level:  easy
Price: $91
This excursion is combinable with E-BFS2.

This leisurely and panoramic scenic drive is particularly suitable for those guests not wishing to negotiate lengthy walking or internal venue visits. You will be travelling through a region of coast and glens designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. Traveling across country from Belfast to Larne you join the Antrim coast road which snakes around the coastal contours offering fine views out to seaward as well as to the encircling tree-clad hills rising gently in the distance. You travel through small villages and towns where attractive sturdy houses with neatly trimmed flower filled gardens face out to sea. Nature has indeed been kind to this area of Northern Ireland and you turn-off the coast road to travel through part of the Glens of Antrim, completely unspoiled by commercials intrusions. Travelling through the glens, you enter the Glenariff Forest Park, an area to which visitors have been coming for over a hundred years. Glenariff, the "Queen of the Glens," is considered to be the most beautiful of the regions nine glens. The diversity of woodland and habitats found within the Forest Park provide superb natural beauty and spectacular views. You stop for refreshments of coffee and freshly baked scones with cream and jam at the delightfully situated Glenariff Tea House. Here is also a small shop selling a selection of souvenirs. Continuing with our leisurely drive you descend through tranquil countryside, passing rural communities and fertile farmlands. The countryside reaches almost to the outskirts of Belfast where you join the main highway for our return to the port.


DUBLIN (IRELAND) - September 27, 2011

Dublin Highlights
Excursion Code: E-DUB1
Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs / morning
Level:  easy
Price: $73
May be combined with excursion E-DUB5

Dublin, Ireland’s capital, has a wealth of attractions. There are spacious streets, fine buildings and friendly people. Few capitals are so beautifully situated. Dublin is so compact - it has been described as a capital in miniature. The most conspicuous reminders of Georgian Dublin are the beautiful squares and terraces. Many of the buildings still have their original features, including doorknockers, fanlights and wrought-iron balconies, which you will see. Your panoramic sightseeing will show you the old Parliament House (now the Bank of Ireland), St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Ireland’s largest church which was founded beside a sacred well where St. Patrick is said to have baptised converts around AD450, and Dublin Castle, for seven centuries a symbol of English rule, ever since the Anglo-Normans built a fortress here in the 13th century. Overlooking the River Liffey, you’ll see the Four Courts, a majestic structure commenced in 1785, and now the home of the Irish Law Courts, and the Customs House, built between 1781-1791, epitomizing the great era of prosperity and elegance that Dublin knew in the latter half of the 18th century. Cross O’Connell Bridge under which the River Liffey flows, and pass along the main thoroughfare of O’Connell Street flanked by fine buildings and modern shops. You’ll then see Leinster House, the stately mansion now housing the two chambers of the Irish Parliament. It was originally built for the Duke of Leinster in 1745. The Kildare Street facade resembles that of a large town house. However, the rear, looking on to Merrion Square, has the air of a country estate complete with sweeping lawns.

Note: The traffic in the center of Dublin is always busy on weekdays.

Powerscourt Estate & Dublin
Excursion Code: E-DUB4
Duration: approx. 8.5 hrs / full day with lunch
Price: $146
Level:  moderate
At lovely Powerscourt Estate, the House provides a superb setting for the Gardens with their generous areas of green which interact with the formal hedges, colorful flower beds, herbaceous borders and romantic stretches of water. After one hour bus drive you will arrive at Powerscourt Estate. The elegant avenue of stately beech trees, planted more than 200 years ago, leads from the estate entrance to the House, gardens and terraces. In atmospheric settings you can take an independent stroll around the exhibition which traces the evolution of the Powerscourt Estate from 1534 to the 18th century until today and its Owners. The gardens at Powerscourt are probably the finest in Ireland, both for their design and their dramatic setting at the foot of Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. Time to stroll around the beautiful garden. You then continue to Dublin – where our panoramic city sightseeing will show us this delightfully compact city where the major sights are within a short distance of each other. Passing along O’Connell Street, The Four Courts, home to Ireland’s highest courts and the Custom House and Georgian Squares including St. Stephen’s Green.

You will visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, bearing the name of the patron saint of Ireland, the only Irish cathedral to maintain its complete medieval cathedral close, church buildings, deanery close, and library. Near to the pedestrianised Grafton Street you pass the well-know statue of Molly Malone, heroine of a 19th century music-hall ballad. In this same area you see the outside of Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, this is the oldest university in Ireland.  Directly across the street from Trinity College lies the Parliament House, now occupied by the Bank of Ireland. During our time in Dublin you will enjoy lunch served at a typical Irish pub, with a glass of beer. There will also be time for some shopping before returning to Dublin port.

Malahide Castle & Irish Pub
Excursion Code: E-DUB5
Duration: approx. 3.45 hrs / afternoon
Level:  moderate
Price: $89
May be combined with excursion E-DUB1

Ireland is steeped in intriguing history of both troubled and splendid times. The dimensions of this can be explored in the cathedrals, elegant buildings and, of course, the many castles that were homes to generations of families, who were all a part of that ever-evolving history. Near the seaside dormitory town of Malahide stands a huge castle set in 250 acres of grounds. The castle’s core dates from the 14th century but later additions, such as its rounded towers, have given it a classic fairy-tale appearance. Originally a fortress, the building served as a stately home for the Talbot family until 1973. The Talbot family took up residence at Malahide Castle in 1185, in the year Richard Talbot received the Lordship of Malahide from Prince John of England. When the last Lord Talbot de Malahide died in 1973, the castle and parkland were sold and a family connection stretching back to the Norman invasion was broken. It is one of Ireland’s oldest castles and now under the care of Dublin tourism. Your visit will show you superb examples of Irish craftsmanship and period furniture. You’ll have time to browse in the small castle gift shop, where all items are of Irish origin, before continuing the tour to Malahide Village. Here you will make a stop at a typical Irish pub to enjoy an Irish coffee - that wonderful combination of whiskey, double cream, strong black coffee and a heaping tablespoon of sugar.

Departing Malahide, you will drive past Portmarnock, over the Hill of Howth with its panoramic vista of sweeping Dublin Bay, and on along the coastal drive. The opportunity to explore such an historic and interesting Irish castle as Malahide, coupled with your visit to an Irish pub, is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Note: Not recommended for wheelchairs.


COBH (IRELAND) - September 28, 2011

The ”Titanic” Walking & Heritage Trail
Excursion Code: E-COB1
Duration: approx. 3 hrs / morning
Level:  more difficult
Price: $71
May be combined with excursion E-COB2

Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown is a harbor town that boasts centuries of seafaring and maritime tradition. Its history is entwined with great ships, majestic liners and adventurous tales of the sea while emigrants left from here in their millons. The town was also the last port of call of RMS “Titanic” which anchored at the mouth of the harbor on April 11, 1912. It was from here that the great ship weighed anchor for the last time and sailed westward towards her tragic fate in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. 123 passengers left from Cobh, only 44 of them survived. Your walking tour will help you make a carefully planned journey around the town of Cobh. Sites, buildings and streets that have direct connections with the “Titanic” and with many other elements of Irish social, military and maritime history will be revealed to you. Your walk takes you to Cathedral Walk where years ago departing emigrants' families would have climbed the steep streets in order to gain a better vantage point from where to see the departing ships and wave goodbye to their loved ones.  Accompanied by knowledgeable historian and guides, you will walk the same streets that the “Titanic” passengers and millions of other emigrants walked prior to their departure.

A typical Irish pub is celebrated for its convivial atmosphere, friendly locals and genial bar staff. During your walk, you’ll stop off at a pub where you’ll enjoy seeing a demonstration of how Irish coffee is made – and of course you’ll have to sample one. Irish coffee is a wonderful combination of contrasts: hot and cold, black and white and alcoholic! It was first dreamed up in the early part of the last century and is today a delightful Irish experience.

Note: Sections of the walk entail negotiating steep slopes and stairs and steps. Not recommended for wheelchairs.

Cork City & Irish Whiskey
Excursion Code: E-COB2
Duration: approx. 4 hrs / afternoon
Level:  moderate
Price: $93
May be combined with excursion E-COB1

Its reign as European Capital of Culture 2005 may have come to a close, but Cork is still without a doubt one of the most welcoming cities in Ireland. Since its birth as a small harbour settlement, Cork has grown rapidly and now flourishes as Ireland’s premier southern city. Cork’s unique blend of modern day culture and deep-rooted Irish heritage ensures all who visit cannot fail to be impressed by the city’s endearing charm. Your panoramic tour of Cork will take you past all the important landmarks and sights that have contributed in creating its modern day identity and your experienced local guide will explain how the city has grown from humble beginnings into what you see today.
You then drive to the nearby town of Midleton for an introduction to Irish Whiskey at the Jameson Heritage Centre.Your visit begins with an audio visual presentation on the history and making of Irish Whiskey. Small scale production in the earlier years became part of the Irish way of life, but in the 17th century, the English introduced a licensing system and started to close down stills. In the 19th century, post famine poverty and the Temperance movement combined to lower demand. The result was that Scotch whisky (with no `e`) stole an export march on the Irish, but in more recent years, thanks to lower production costs, improved marketing and the rise in popularity of Irish coffee, sales have been increasing. Your guided tour of the distillery itself will show you the various historical buildings that comprise the Heritage center. Many of the artifacts of Old Midleton remain, along with wonderful displays, photographs and superbly restored machinery and dramatic recreations. During your visit at the Old Midleton Distillery you will have time to browse in the gift shop.

Best of Ireland
Excursion Code: E-COB3
Duration: approx. 8 hrs / full day with lunch
Level:  moderate
Price: $150
On this leisurely full day tour, you will first travel along the line of the River Lee as it makes its way towards the city of Cork. There is an introduction to rural communities with neat houses and colourful gardens as our tour bus travels along the country roads towards Kinsale. Situated on the approach to Kinsale Harbour is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of a 17th century fortification – Charles Fort. You then visit Kinsale one of the prettiest small towns in Ireland, it has had a long and chequered history. An important naval base in the 17th and 18th centuries, Kinsale today is a popular yachting centre. Continuing through gentle rolling farmland and along the estuary of the River Bandon, the scenic road climbs out of Kinsale and there are splendid views of the River Bandon as it threads its way through the valley below, a wide shimmering waterway, and whose beauty is enhanced by the picturesque ruins of several castles. You’ll enjoy lunch in or near Blarney village, after which you will transfer to Blarney Castle. Visitors from all over the world flock to this ruined castle to see the legendary Blarney Stone. Kissing the stone is a long-standing tradition, intended to confer a magical eloquence. There are great photo opportunities and the castle is seen in all of its evocative splendour from the encircling parkland. Adjacent to the castle is the Aladdin’s Cave of Blarney Woollen Mills, a treasure house of quality goods and a paradise for shoppers.

Note: There is a lot of walking involved at Blarney Castle, and the steps leading to the Blarney Stone are narrow and steep. Not recommended for wheelchairs.


ISLES OF SCILLY - September 29, 2011
Important Note: Tendering by Polarcirkel Boats from the ship to Isles of Scilly (we recommend to wear rain trousers).

There are no organized excursions planned for Isles of Scilly.


PORTSMOUTH (ENGLAND) - September 30, 2011 

The Stone Circle of Stonehenge
Excursion Code: E-PME1
Duration: approx. 4.15 hrs
Level:  moderate
Price: $94
You travel from Portsmouth through English countryside scenes to Stonehenge. One piece of magic that never fails to cast a spell over visitors is the awe inspiring sight of Stonehenge. This mighty symbol of pre-history is a wonder of the world drawing thousands of visitors each year. Situated in a vast plain, surrounded by hundreds of round barrows, or burial mounds, the Stonehenge site is truly impressive, and all the more so, the closer you approach. It is a place where much human effort was expended for a purpose you can only guess at. Some people see it as a place steeped in magic and mystery, some as a place where their imaginations of the past can be fires and others hold it as a sacred place. In its first phase, Stonehenge was a large earthwork; a bank and ditch arrangements called a henge, constructed approximately 5,000 years ago. The question of who built Stonehenge is largely unanswered, even today. From the bus park, you walk through the short tunnel and onto the field site. The actual stones are fenced off to protect their fabric, but your Guide will accompany you along the encircling pathway for close up views, and will describe what has been concluded from observations and archaeological evidence about the builders, their beliefs, tools and methods. You leave the unsolved mysteries of silent Stonehenge to the mists of time and commence our return drive to Portsmouth.

Historic Winchester & Cathedral
Excursion Code: E-PME2
Duration: approx. 4 hrs
Level:  moderate
Price: $89
If one place lies at the centre of English history and embodies the romantic vision of an English heartland, it is Winchester – a beautiful city surrounded by water meadows and rolling chalk downland. After one drive our visit to Winchester will take us first to the Cathedral which has its origins in the 7th century when a Christian Church was first built on this site. Since then it has played a fundamental part in the life of this ancient city and a role in English history. The current building, begun in 1079 in the Romanesque style is at the heart of a diocese which once stretched from London`s Thames to the Channel Islands. Winchester Cathedral is considered to be one of the world`s great buildings and our visit enables us to enjoy a unique experience of sacred architecture and art as well as an introduction to an important facet of English history. You then have the opportunity to explore the centre of this ancient and royal city, which still resounds to the echoes of its famous history. The city`s compact friendly streets are perfect for browsing and exploring amongst the attractive range of merchandise.