Capitals of the British Isles | EF Educational Tours Capitals of the British Isles 10 or 12 days Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, London, extension to Paris Gain a deeper understanding of the British Isles’ fascinating geographical, political and social history by exploring four of its renowned capital cities: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh and London. Step inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle, behold the natural wonder of Giant’s Causeway, and keep an eye out for royalty at Buckingham Palace. Day 1: Fly overnight to Ireland Day 2: Dublin Meet your Tour Director at the airport Take a walking tour of Dublin With your Tour Director you will see: Grafton Street Take a guided tour of Dublin With your expert local guide you will see: Georgian squares Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral See the Book of Kells at Trinity College Day 4: Dublin • Belfast Take a guided tour of Belfast With your expert local guide you will see: Lower Falls Visit the Titanic Belfast Museum Day 5: Belfast • Derry Take an excursion to Derry Visit Giant’s Causeway Take a guided tour of Derry With your expert local guide you will see: St.

Columb’s Cathedral Day 6: Belfast •Cairnryan • Alloway • Edinburgh Travel by ferry to Cairnryan Travel via Alloway to Edinburgh Explore on your own or Add this in-depth excursion: Scottish Ceilidh Kick up your heels and sample traditional Scottish cuisine at this evening’s optional ceilidh! Before the days of bars and dance clubs, people would gather for a ceilidh to dance, sing, or engage in lively discussions. Professional performers will teach Scottish dances set to pipe music. Enjoy traditional sword dancing and try local fare like haggis, neeps and tatties. Day 7: Edinburgh • London Take a guided tour of Edinburgh Visit Edinburgh Castle Explore Edinburgh on your own Travel by train to London Day 8: London Take a guided tour of London With your expert local guide you will see: Big Ben and Houses of Parliament Piccadilly Circus Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if scheduled) Visit a Knightsbridge Museum Take a walking tour of London With your Tour Director you will see: Strand Explore London on your own Explore on your own or Add this in-depth excursion: Windsor Castle This is your invitation to the Royal Family’s retreat, Windsor Castle!

Join a local guide on your half-day excursion to Windsor, built by William the Conqueror in 1070. Priceless objects are found in the State Apartments, from paintings by Rubens to Henry VIII’s sword and suit of armor. You will also see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of many monarchs. Day 10: Depart for home Add 2 more days Travel by Eurostar train to Paris Take a guided tour of Paris With your expert local guide you will see: Place de la Concorde Take a walking tour of the Latin Quarter Visit the Louvre Day 12: Depart for home Interested in learning more about this tour? Day 1: Fly overnight to Ireland Day 2: Dublin Meet your Tour Director at the airport Take a walking tour of Dublin With your Tour Director you will see: Grafton Street Take a guided tour of Dublin With your expert local guide you will see: Georgian squares Visit St.

Patrick’s Cathedral See the Book of Kells at Trinity College Day 4: Dublin • Belfast Take a guided tour of Belfast With your expert local guide you will see: Lower Falls Visit the Titanic Belfast Museum Day 5: Belfast • Derry Take an excursion to Derry Visit Giant’s Causeway Take a guided tour of Derry With your expert local guide you will see: St. Columb’s Cathedral Day 6: Belfast •Cairnryan • Alloway • Edinburgh Travel by ferry to Cairnryan Travel via Alloway to Edinburgh Explore on your own or Add this in-depth excursion: Scottish Ceilidh Kick up your heels and sample traditional Scottish cuisine at this evening’s optional ceilidh! Before the days of bars and dance clubs, people would gather for a ceilidh to dance, sing, or engage in lively discussions. Professional performers will teach Scottish dances set to pipe music. Enjoy traditional sword dancing and try local fare like haggis, neeps and tatties.

Day 7: Edinburgh • London Take a guided tour of Edinburgh Visit Edinburgh Castle Explore Edinburgh on your own Travel by train to London Day 8: London Take a guided tour of London With your expert local guide you will see: Big Ben and Houses of Parliament Piccadilly Circus Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if scheduled) Visit a Knightsbridge Museum Take a walking tour of London With your Tour Director you will see: Strand Explore London on your own Explore on your own or Add this in-depth excursion: Windsor Castle This is your invitation to the Royal Family’s retreat, Windsor Castle! Join a local guide on your half-day excursion to Windsor, built by William the Conqueror in 1070. Priceless objects are found in the State Apartments, from paintings by Rubens to Henry VIII’s sword and suit of armor. You will also see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of many monarchs.

Day 10: Depart for home Add 2 more days Travel by Eurostar train to Paris Take a guided tour of Paris With your expert local guide you will see: Place de la Concorde Take a walking tour of the Latin Quarter Visit the Louvre Day 12: Depart for home Interested in learning more about this tour? 59 reviews Avg. rating: (4.4) Capitals of the British Isles Reviews are compiled and evaluated by an independent third party, BazaarvoiceTM, the No. 1 provider of customer reviews. Refer a friend or colleague to EF and we’ll thank you with $1,000. Learn more Your experience includes Round-trip flights on major carriers; Comfortable motorcoach; Night train; Eurostar high-speed train with extension Hotels 7 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (9 with extension); 1 night couchette accommodation Regional-style meals European breakfast and dinner daily Guided sightseeing 5 sightseeing tours led by expert, licensed local guides (6 with extension); 1 sightseeing tours led by your Tour Director; 2 walking tours (3 with extension) Entrances Book of Kells at Trinity College Library; St.

Patrick’s Cathedral; Titanic Belfast; Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center; Edinburgh Castle; Museum of London; With extension: Louvre; Notre Dame Cathedral Full-time Tour Director Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics. Expert Local Guides Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours. weShare—Online Engagement Our digital learning space engages students before, during and after tour, with the option to create a final, reflective project for academic credit. Continuous Support Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour. Worldwide Presence EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too. 24-hour Emergency Service British Isles Archives - Cruise International British Isles British Isles Although the whole concept of cruising for leisure was born in Great Britain, in the Shetland Islands in 1835, the idea of sailing round the British Isles is relatively new. American visitors, however, find the idea fascinating and British passengers wanting to learn more about their homeland are becoming increasingly interested in cruising at home.

The idea of not flying, no long periods at sea and no borders to cross is appealing to many and the ports of call are becoming well equipped for receiving hundreds of visitors on a day's excursion ashore. Most itineraries include a call at St Peter Port on the Channel Island of Guernsey , where tax free shopping is possible whilst at the same time giving the ship duty free status. The islands off the coast of Scotland provide the chance to view wildlife such as otters, seals, dolphins and even whales. In addition, some of the British Isles' most culturally rich attractions may be seen in Dublin, Edinburgh and Cobh (Cork). Occasionally, an additional French port of call may be offered, usually Honfleur or Cherbourg. Fred Olsen Line promotes itineraries from Greenock and Liverpool aboard Black Prince. These give passengers the opportunity to visit Cornwall, the Channel Islands, Ireland and London in one holiday. Such a small ship is able to dock in Greenwich or Chatham, in order to facilitate relatively short transfers to the capital. Those interested in gardens and gardening are rarely disappointed on a British Isles cruise and there are often lecturers on board who provide lively introductions to the places to be seen.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of ships calling in at Belfast in Northern Island. From the port, both Stormont Castle and the Giant's Causeway are in easy reach. Highlights The British Isles: England, Ireland & Wales | EF College Study Tours The British Isles: England, Ireland & Wales 9 or 11 days Killarney, Dublin, North Wales, Birmingham Region, London In the British Isles, the bindings of culture and history are as strong as King Arthur’s sword. As you zip across the landscapes that knights spent centuries battling for, it all comes into focus. Try not to blink as you see where ties were broken and kingdoms were defended. English works everywhere you go, but your jam-packed adventure will leave you fluent in everything British Isles. Day 1: Fly overnight to Ireland Day 2: Shannon + Killarney Take an excursion to the Ring of Kerry Visit the Bog Village Museum Day 4: County Kerry + Dublin Travel to Blarney See the Rock of Cashel Continue on to Dublin Enjoy a Guinness stew dinner Day 5: Dublin Take a guided tour of Dublin with your Local Guide Georgian squares See the Book of Kells at Trinity College Visit St.

Patrick’s Cathedral Day 6: Dublin + North Wales Take a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead Visit a Welsh castle Day 7: Stratford + Oxford + London Take a tour of Stratford Visit Shakespeare's birthplace Enjoy free time in Stratford Enjoy lunch Take a tour of Oxford Travel to London Take a guided tour of London with your Local Guide Big Ben Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if included) Add this in-depth excursion: Windsor Castle Sometimes you just need 13 acres of castles, towers and gardens to really unwind—or at least you do if you're a member of the royal family. Wander onto this tremendous retreat favored by the Royal Family for the afternoon, and explore what is essentially a small town. Behind the walls of its exquisite architecture you’ll find treasures that date back to its origins in 1070—from original Da Vinci sketches to the royal remains of monarchs past. Enjoy a fish and chips dinner Day 9: Depart for home Add more days Day 11: Depart for home Interested in learning more about this trip?

Day 1: Fly overnight to Ireland Day 2: Shannon + Killarney Take an excursion to the Ring of Kerry Visit the Bog Village Museum Day 4: County Kerry + Dublin Travel to Blarney See the Rock of Cashel Continue on to Dublin Enjoy a Guinness stew dinner Day 5: Dublin Take a guided tour of Dublin with your Local Guide Georgian squares See the Book of Kells at Trinity College Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral Day 6: Dublin + North Wales Take a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead Visit a Welsh castle Day 7: Stratford + Oxford + London Take a tour of Stratford Visit Shakespeare's birthplace Enjoy free time in Stratford Enjoy lunch Take a tour of Oxford Travel to London Take a guided tour of London with your Local Guide Big Ben Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if included) Add this in-depth excursion: Windsor Castle Sometimes you just need 13 acres of castles, towers and gardens to really unwind—or at least you do if you're a member of the royal family. Wander onto this tremendous retreat favored by the Royal Family for the afternoon, and explore what is essentially a small town.

Behind the walls of its exquisite architecture you’ll find treasures that date back to its origins in 1070—from original Da Vinci sketches to the royal remains of monarchs past. Enjoy a fish and chips dinner Day 9: Depart for home Add more days Day 11: Depart for home Interested in learning more about this trip? Ready to lead a program? Avg. rating: (4.5) The British Isles: England, Ireland & Wales Reviews are compiled and evaluated by an independent third party, BazaarvoiceTM, the No. 1 provider of customer reviews. Your price includes round-trip airfare for your whole group Accommodations 7 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms; 9 with extension On-tour transportation Light breakfast daily, 1 local lunch and 3 local dinners End-to-end support Your team helps to secure administrative approval and academic credit, provides recruiting tools and helps establish your program's ongoing presence on campus. Curriculum integration Your academic vision remains present wherever you travel. Tell us your ideal study abroad experience, and we'll help connect your curriculum to EF's extensive connections abroad. Full-time Tour Director Your Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all program logistics.

Expert Local Guides Your expert Local Guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and enhancing teaching moments wherever your curriculum takes you. Guided sightseeing Gain insider knowledge and cultural perspective from licensed local guides who join your group for select experiences on tour. Entrances Bog Museum, Blarney Castle, Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Welsh Castle, Shakespeare’s birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s cottage; with extension: Stonehenge, Roman Baths Worldwide support, safety and security EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide. We provide 24-hour emergency support service along with a comprehensive $50 million liability policy that covers you and your institution while abroad. Flexible payment options Give more students the opportunity to study abroad by offering them two different payment plan options, along with our TripFunder website to help fundraise for the program. START PLANNING THIS PROGRAM Dinner Day 4 Coventry–York–Newcastle Leave the Midlands and head north to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles.

Stop for the night in Newcastle, once an important center for the wool trade and coal mining and now a vibrant, modern city. Breakfast Dinner Day 5 Newcastle–Berwick-Upon-Tweed–North Berwick, Scotland–Edinburgh On your way to Scotland, drive along the picturesque coastline to Berwick-upon-Tweed, situated just south of the Scottish border. This peaceful town suffered a turbulent past, and its Elizabethan walls, built to keep invading Scots from entering the town, could tell a colorful tale. Stop for photographs of the Firth of Forth in pretty North Berwick before arriving in Edinburgh. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which was once the perfect royal residence for glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For departure numbers July 30 through August 20, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO. Breakfast Day 6 Edinburgh A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital.

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out, with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. Breakfast Day 7 Edinburgh–St. Andrews–Dundee–Perth–Pitlochry–Culloden Moor–Inverness–Strathpeffer A day of memorable sightseeing. Take the elegant Forth Road Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing, then cross the Firth of Tay and via Dundee and Perth, head into the Highlands, with a stop in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then via Inverness, head for your Highland destination. Breakfast Dinner Day 8 Strathpeffer.

West Coast Excursion More spectacular Scottish scenery: Dornoch Firth, the Kyle of Sutherland, the Mountains of Assynt, and Knockan Crag. Then, follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote fishing harbor on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. Our recommendation for this afternoon: join the optional Loch Ness Experience, which includes a cruise on the loch, followed by supper. Breakfast Day 9 Strathpeffer–Isle of Skye–Fort William–Glasgow More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye. The route back to the mainland is by FERRY across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig, then breathtaking scenery all the way to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow, Scotland’s great cultural city.

Breakfast Dinner Day 10 Glasgow–Alloway–Belfast, Northern Ireland On this morning’s orientation drive through Scotland’s largest city, see the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares, built by wealthy tobacco barons. Later, stop at Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, before boarding the FERRY for the Irish Sea crossing to Belfast. Breakfast Day 11 Belfast–Giant’s Causeway–Derry–Belleek–Drumcliff, Ireland–Sligo Take the scenic route along the Antrim Coast to awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, then let the province’s story unfold as you head for the city of Derry. Later, visit BELLEEK POTTERY, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian china. At Drumcliff, see the grave of native son and poet W.B. Yeats before arriving in Sligo, tonight’s destination. Breakfast Dinner Day 12 Sligo–Galway–Cliffs of Moher–Ennis Travel south to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan center with colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture.

Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot CLIFFS OF MOHER. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. Breakfast Day 13 Ennis–Dingle Peninsula–Killarney Via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer for the FERRY across the Shannon estuary. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon arrival in Killarney, your destination for the next two nights. Breakfast Dinner Day 14 Killarney. Ring of Kerry Excursion At Killorglin, join the road known as the RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive featuring sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney. Then, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Later, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre.

Breakfast Day 15 Killarney–Blarney–Dungarvan–Tramore More scenic splendor as you head into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Finally, pass Dungarvan and travel along the Copper Coast to the seaside resort of Tramore. Tonight, maybe join an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel. Breakfast Dinner Day 16 Tramore–Waterford–Avoca–Glendalough–Dublin Highlights on your northbound journey: Waterford, famed for its exquisite crystal; Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a visit to Ireland’s oldest HANDWEAVING mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a center of Irish Christianity, founded by St. Kevin. Afternoon arrival in Dublin—top off the day with an optional Irish cabaret evening including dinner, dance, song, and laughter.

Breakfast Day 17 Dublin A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Ireland’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Dublin at leisure. This evening’s optional dinner excursion is to the famous Guinness Storehouse. Breakfast Day 18 Dublin–Wrexham, Wales Take the FERRY across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting names. Enjoy the best of North Wales on a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, including spectacular Llanberis Pass. Then, on to Llangollen, home of an annual national competition for poets and musicians, before arriving in Wrexham. Later, why not join an optional excursion by barge along the Llangollen Canal? Breakfast Dinner Day 19 Wrexham–Builth Wells–Brecon–Cardiff A day dedicated to Wales as you head south through the ancient market town of Builth Wells and Brecon Beacons National Park, land of salmon rivers and the Welsh mountain pony.

In Cardiff, an orientation drive takes in Cathays Park with its splendid civic buildings and Cardiff Castle. Tonight’s optional excursion is an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner. Breakfast Day 20 Cardiff–Bath, England–Glastonbury–Widecombe–Plymouth Across the Severn Bridge to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics. Into the West Country via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur, and wild and romantic Dartmoor with a visit to the picture-book village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Upon arrival in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. Breakfast Dinner Day 21 Plymouth. Looe Excursion Today’s excursion takes you to the pretty fishing village and former smuggler’s port of Looe. Then, follow in the footsteps of Drake, Raleigh, and the Pilgrim Fathers on an optional cruise on Plymouth Sound, one of the world’s greatest natural harbors. Breakfast Day 22 Plymouth–Stonehenge–Brighton An interesting day heading into Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and a visit to intriguing, prehistoric STONEHENGE.

Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. Via Arundel, dominated by the Duke of Norfolk’s huge castle, continue on to the seaside resort of Brighton for an overnight stay. Breakfast Dinner Day 23 Brighton–Royal Tunbridge Wells–London A leisurely last day on the road, with time this morning for a seafront promenade stroll or to browse along The Lanes, a quaint area of narrow streets renowned for its antique shops. Finally, take the scenic route to Royal Tunbridge Wells and pause for lunch in this picturesque spa town before returning to London about 3 pm. How about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? Breakfast View 43 cruises British Isles and Northern Europe Cruises A British Isles cruise offer a unique way to explore and contrast the home nations, whose rugged coastlines embrace historic ports. Often these itineraries include visits to our closest European neighbours to create fascinating discoveries in Cunard luxury. Experiences Cruises around the British Isles often feature the history and royalty of Edinburgh, Glasgow’s grand industrial architecture, Belfast’s links with the sea and ever-captivating Dublin.

Cruises to the continent may reveal the canals and museums of Amsterdam, France’s enduring appeal, the chocolate box charm of Bruges, and Germany – not least Hamburg, a scenic city on water that’s home to more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined. History Thanks to centuries of migration, trade and invasion, many common traits extend between the countries of the British Isles and Northern Europe. Today, there is even a continent-wide identity, stemming from the European Union. Yet while languages and customs overlap, they also differ greatly. Nothing reveals these subtle differences like a British Isles cruise or a northern European cruise, when you awake in a new place to explore almost every morning. Culture Despite being close neighbours, each country in North West Europe has its own attitude, distinctive traits and a rich culture – which is evident in its buildings, its music and its arts. Of course, you’ll notice some similarities, yet what it is most fascinating is to see how nationalities in such close proximity have so proudly held on to their own culture. Cuisine The cuisine of the British Isles and North West Europe reflects the variety of cultures that can also be found.

This extends from the staples of roast beef and fish and chips in England, and neeps and tatties in Scotland, to the artistry of French cuisine and the heartier stews and cooked meats of the more northerly European countries. Location Featured cruises to the British Isles and North West Europe Featured Cruise Sat 1 Jul to 14 Jul 2017 Arts and Literary Tour of the British Isles Queen Elizabeth Sat 12 May to 25 May 2018 British Isles Sun 15 Jul to 29 Jul 2018 British Isles British Isles & North West Europe When would you like to go? Available cruises: 6 British Isles Cruise Tips - Cruise Critic British Isles Cruise Tips Subscribe By Jeannine Williamson, Cruise Critic contributor Despite their small size, the British Isles provide a varied cruise experience. Beautiful coastlines are punctuated by gateway ports that lead to castles and stately homes rich in culture and heritage, rolling green countryside, the dramatic mountain landscapes of Scotland and north Wales, traditional pubs and exciting capital cities like London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. First, what's in a name?

The British Isles is the geographical term that includes Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and all the offshore islands, including Ireland. (This only refers to geography, not nationality.) Outlying islands include diverse destinations like the Isle of Man, off northwest England; the Outer Hebrides, the Orkney Isles and Shetland Isles, off Scotland; and the Channel Islands, self-governing British Crown dependencies near France. A cruise offers a hassle-free and enjoyable way of seeing some of the British Isles' best features, eliminating the need for lengthy and tiring road and rail journeys or domestic and short-haul flights with baggage weight restrictions. Unlike many other cruising destinations, the compact nature of the British Isles means you'll never have more than two sea days on longer cruises, with a maximum of one day at sea on shorter itineraries. This leaves plenty of time onshore to explore the ports of call. Best Time for British Isles Cruises Britain is a year-round destination with four distinct seasons. Spring (March, April and May) is generally mild and a beautiful time to see the countryside in full bloom and to visit towns and attractions when they're less crowded.

Summer (June, July and August) is the peak vacation period with the warmest weather. Days are long from May until late summer, with darkness falling well after 9 p.m. Fall (September, October and November) sees the countryside lit up with orange, red and yellow tints, and winter (December, January and February) may be the coldest season but still offers Christmas markets and seasonal events at many tourist attractions (plus good-value January sales in the cities). Summer temperatures can reach 90 degrees F but generally average 70F. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing with some snow, mostly in northern England and Scotland, although the average temperature is around 38F. British Isles Cruise Lines Midsize and small ships dominate the British Isles cruise market. Southampton, Britain's largest cruise terminal, offers the widest choice of itineraries and is home to Cunard Line and P&O Cruises , which offer a classic British cruise experience. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also operates a large number of cruises from Southampton. Other main departure points include Dover and Tilbury, the latter just 25 miles from London.

A small number of ships sail from the River Thames in the heart of London, offering a spectacular embarkation point. Thomson Cruises offers U.K. itineraries at the value end of the market, while upscale lines include Hebridean Island Cruises , specializing in luxury small-ship sailing around Scotland and the Scottish isles, and Silversea , which offers a round-Britain voyage. Other lines operating cruises around the British Isles include Celebrity Cruises , Cruise & Maritime Voyages , Saga , Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery . British Isles Cruise Itineraries Typically covering 14 nights, a round-Britain cruise will appeal to passengers making the cruise the main focus of their vacation. For those looking to add a cruise to a land-based stay in Europe, or a visit to friends and family in the U.K., there are shorter itineraries starting from three nights. Northern Mini-cruises: Lines like Thomson offer three-night voyages departing from Liverpool, sailing around the north of Scotland to Rosyth or Leith for an excursion to the capital Edinburgh, before continuing down to England and disembarking at Newcastle.

Scotland: It's famous for dramatic landscapes of lochs, mountains and moorland, coupled with a fascinating history. Seven-night Scotland trips with companies like Hebridean Island Cruises take in inspiring destinations, including the Isle of Jura, where the 200 residents are outnumbered by more than 5,000 deer, and Skye, famous for its connection with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Round-Britain: Most of the lines offer eight- and nine-night itineraries that circumnavigate Britain and include a visit to one or more outlying islands. For example, Saga's cruise from Dover takes in Ireland and Wales with ports of call at Dublin, the lively Irish capital with attractions like the Guinness brewery; Northern Ireland's Belfast, with its maritime history; and Holyhead, on the Isle of Anglesey off the tip of Wales, where Prince William and Kate Middleton used to live. The majority of weeklong cruises visit the Channel Islands, which are closer to France than England and have a very distinctive character of their own. Similarly, the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea, has its own currency and Manx language (although everyone speaks English).

British Isles: A 13- or 14-night itinerary, generally departing from Southampton or Portsmouth, covers all the highlights. Following the east coast, cruises sail north to Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, which are home to fabulous castles, before moving to the Orkney Islands and Glasgow on the west coast. Sailing south to Liverpool, these itineraries will then take in Dublin and Cork, where passengers can kiss the legendary stone at Blarney Castle to be blessed with the gift of eloquence. Cruises often continue to outlying islands like the Isles of Scilly, a cluster of islands off the Cornish coast that have some of the highest concentrations of prehistoric remains in Britain. Other itineraries include the Channel Island of Guernsey, with its charming capital St. Peter Port, and the fascinating small sister island of Sark, which is free of traffic, apart from tractors and the horse-drawn carriages that provide its main form of transport. British Isles Cruise Port Highlights Encapsulating the diversity of the British Isles, ports of call range from major cities on the U.K. mainland to small islands with villages fit for a picture postcard. Belfast, Ireland .

Famous as Titanic's birthplace, the spectacular Titanic Belfast is a six-story visitor attraction next to the slipway where the liner was built. A tour can be combined with a visit to SS Nomadic, Titanic's tender and the world's last remaining White Star Line ship. Shore excursions visit the Giant's Causeway, a geological phenomenon caused by volcanic eruptions (although some say the coastal basalt columns were the work of a giant called Finn McCool). Back in Belfast, see the murals on the Belfast peace wall, and have a drink in the ornate Victorian Crown Liquor Saloon. Edinburgh, Scotland . A UNESCO World Heritage Site, split between the medieval old town and the Georgian "new town," the capital of Scotland is overlooked by imposing Edinburgh Castle. (Every day, except Sunday, listen for the "One O'Clock Gun," first fired in 1861 as a time signal for ships on the Firth of Forth.) The grand Royal Mile leads to Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official Scottish residence, and shore excursions include visits to the beautiful royal yacht Britannia, now permanently birthed in Edinburgh's historic dockyard. Glasgow, Scotland.

Culture-rich Glasgow, with its legacy of buildings by renowned Art Nouveau Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, has more than 20 museums and galleries, including the new Riverside Museum, housing a world-class transport collection. You'll also find the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Scotland's most popular free attraction. A landmark of Glasgow's shipbuilding past is the giant Titan crane on Clydeside, where visitors can enjoy spectacular views from the 150-foot-high viewing platform. Liverpool, England. It's the home of The Beatles, where fans of the Fab Four can take a tour around famous locations that include the Cavern Club, where they once played. Albert Dock, on the waterfront, is part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the U.K.'s largest group of Grade I listed heritage buildings, including the iconic Liver Building at Pier Head. Attractions include the Merseyside Maritime Museum, thought-provoking International Slavery Museum and Tate Liverpool art gallery. London, England . Royal palaces, world-class shopping and colorful districts packed with character are just some of the things that make London great.

Many of the top museums and galleries, including the British Museum, National Gallery and Tate Modern are free, and the poignant Imperial War Museum underwent a huge redevelopment to coincide with the First World War centenary. A Thames river cruise is a wonderful way to see all the main sights, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visitors can hop on and off at Greenwich, home of the Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper. Newcastle, England . In recent years Newcastle, on the north bank of the River Tyne, and Gateshead, on the south bank, have been transformed into a single cultural and cosmopolitan visitor destination. The twin cities are linked by seven bridges, including the pioneering Millennium Bridge, known locally as the "blinking eye bridge" because of the way it tilts to allow ships to pass. From Newcastle, cruise passengers can also visit "The Angel of the North," Britain's largest sculpture, which stands 66 feet tall with a wingspan of 177 feet. Orkney, Scotland. Lying off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney is an archipelago of about 70 islands renowned for a wealth of archaeological sites and birdlife.

Of the 20 inhabited islands, Mainland Orkney is home to the majority of the population. The capital, Kirkwall, has Britain's most northerly cathedral founded by the Vikings, a whisky distillery and attractive arts and craft shops. Orkney's geological marvels include "The Old Man of Hoy," a 450-foot sea stack formed by cliff erosion. Southampton, England . One of Britain's most historic ports, the SeaCity museum traces Southampton's connection with all things maritime, including the Titanic, which set sail from the port on its doomed maiden voyage in 1912. The old town includes the 800-year-old Bargate, once the main entrance to the town, and 15th-century Tudor House, a timber-framed medieval merchant's home. When it's time to shop, WestQuay is a modern mall overlooking Southampton's tidal estuary. Tilbury, England . Located on the River Thames, Tilbury is the principal port for London and just 25 miles from the city center.

While the majority of cruise passengers head straight to the capital, Tilbury has an impressive fort that was built in the 16th century to defend London from an attack by sea. It was there that Queen Elizabeth I rallied her army to face the Spanish Armada. From Tilbury, visitors can go on a Downton Abbey daytrip, stopping off at Bampton in Oxfordshire, which poses as Downton village on the TV show, before visiting Highclere Castle, the main filming location. Tobermory, Scotland. Built as a fishing port in the late 18th century, Tobermory is now the main town on the Scottish Isle of Mull. The waterfront is lined with brightly painted cottages, and whisky enthusiasts can visit the distillery, founded in 1798, which produces a single malt. Mull is a premier wildlife-watching destination, and visitors might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of rare golden and white-tailed eagles. Cruise passengers can also take boat trips to spot whales, dolphins and seals, which feed in the seas off the island. British Isles Cruise Tips Pack for the weather. British weather can be unpredictable.

Whatever the season, there's always the chance of a rain shower, so don't forget to pack an umbrella or purchase an inexpensive one upon arrival. Onboard dress codes -- casual by day and more formal in the evenings with some lines, such as Cunard -- will be advised by the line. For shore excursions, pack layers, an outdoor jacket and comfortable shoes. Consider school holidays. If you prefer to travel in the company of other adults, check out British school vacation and half term dates in advance. While holiday dates can vary slightly from school to school, the main summer vacation time is July and August. Alternatively, book with adult-only lines like Saga. Child-free ships include P&O Cruises' Oriana and Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Marco Polo. Hebridean Island Cruises does not accept children under the age of 9, and Swan Hellenic, which specializes in an in-depth cultural experience, naturally tends to attract adults and has no facilities for children. On-land tipping isn't expected in the U.K. Cruise lines will advise on the onboard policy, but on dry land, tipping isn't the same way it is in the U.S.

It's not customary to pay a gratuity for fast food, self-service or a takeout meal. In coffee shops, tipping is not usual, although you can leave £1, or your change, in appreciation. In restaurants, it's customary to leave 10 to 15 percent of the bill. However, check your tab carefully as some restaurants automatically add a 12.5 to 15 percent service charge, and if you don't spot this you'll end up tipping twice. Bartenders in pubs and bars don't expect to be tipped. However, if you've developed a rapport with the bartender or have received exceptional service, you can show your appreciation by saying "and one for yourself," which is an offer to buy him or her a drink. Usually the bartender will take the money as a gratuity, rather than pouring a drink. Know the onboard currency. Depending on the heritage of your cruise line, onboard currency could be the British pound or the U.S. dollar. For instance, folks cruising on a British line like P&O or Thomson will find onboard charges reflected in British pounds. Those sailing on American lines, such as Celebrity or Silversea, will pay bills in U.S. dollars.

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Question: In which capital of the British Isles would you find the Royal Canal?
Answer: Dublin