2014 - APT Europe River Cruising

11 Day British Isles Castles, Gardens, History & Birdlife Uniquely Themed Small Ship Expedition Cruise EX UN C CL IQ H U U A S E RT IV ER E England | Wales | Ireland | Scotland Perhaps visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle in Ireland EMBARK CRUISE IN EDINBURGH Day 1. Arrive London, Portsmouth, Embark Ship. On arrival in London, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the port of Portsmouth. Here, board your luxurious small ship, and tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board. Ten Night Stay: the MS Island Sky. D Small Ship Cruising with Botanica As you uncover the delights of the British Isles, you'll enjoy a truly intimate and unique small ship cruising experience aboard the MS Island Sky. Experience the opulence from the moment you step on board and relax knowing you only have to unpack once before unwinding in your spacious home-away-from-home. Only aboard a small-style vessel like the MS Island Sky can you properly discover the scenic beauty and remote landscapes of the British Isles. While taking in the spectacular coastal scenery of the British Isles you'll be joined by expert onboard lecturers, such as a dedicated Ornithologist, who will share their expertise on the many species of birds that call the British Isles home, as well as history and garden lectures. Freedom of ChoiceTM Inclusions 226 THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Day 2. Isles of Scilly, Tresco. Cruise today amid the beautiful Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off Great Britain's southwestern tip, and disembark on the island of Tresco. It is leased by the Dorrien-Smith family, who have created a wonderful sub-tropical garden near their Tresco Abbey home, where we'll enjoy a guided tour. Perhaps go for a stroll along the traffic-free lanes and wander along the white-sand beaches where the sea colour has more in common with the Aegean than the North Atlantic. BLD Day 3. Dunmore East, Freedom of Choice. Arrive this morning at the picturesque fishing village of Dunmore East in County Waterford. Travel to Mount Congreve Gardens, a vast and visually inspiring woodland garden set on the banks of the River Suir. Later, you might choose to drive to Kilkenny, one of Ireland's most historic and attractive cities. After lunch at leisure, visit Kilkenny Castle and the design centre before returning to Dunmore East. Your other option is to remain in County Waterford for a visit to Lismore Castle, which features the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland, followed by a tour of the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory. BLD Day 4. Dublin, Freedom of Choice. Your ship will arrive in Dublin Bay this morning and enter the mouth of the River Liffey. From here, you have a choice of two activities. Perhaps travel by coach into Ireland's Wicklow Mountains and visit the gardens of Powerscourt, with its charming walled garden, striking terraces, fine statuary, varied trees, carefully designed walking paths and more. Then travel to Mount Usher, a lovely romantic garden on the banks of the River Vartry. Alternatively, you may like to visit the private garden of botanical author, Helen Dillon, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore Dublin as you choose. BD WALES' GARDENS & VILLAGES Day 5. Portmeirion, Freedom of Choice, Bodnant Garden. This morning, cruise into Tremadoc Bay in the shadows of Snowdonia. Here, choose from a tour of Portmeirion village and its gardens, or perhaps visit the gardens of nearby Plas Brondanw, the family home of Williams-Ellis. After your activity, drive through the famous Snowdonia region to Bodnant Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in the United Kingdom. Spend the afternoon strolling through its terraces and lawns. BLD A TASTE OF NORTHERN IRELAND Day 6. Strangford Lough, Mount Stewart. Cruise the scenic waters of Strangford Lough this morning. Later, visit Mount Stewart, an 18th-century house and garden in County Down, Northern Ireland. A series of outdoor 'rooms' and vibrant parterres of many rare plants frame the garden, while the formal areas resemble an Italian villa landscape. Enjoy time

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