9 Night Cruise sailing from Tilbury roundtrip aboard Marco Polo.

Cruise Overview:
Experience the beauty and heritage of our islands by visiting some of the more interesting, but remoter, parts of the British Isles together with contrasting calls in Dublin and Honfleur. Walk among peaceful hills, view ancient monuments and wander through historic streets. At each port of call you can be as busy or relaxed as you wish, with an exciting programme of optional excursions. A wonderful discovery full of memories to bring home.

Sail north to Invergordon, lying between peaceful hills and forests and the calm waters of the Cromarty Firth, gateway to the Scottish Highlands, historic castles, Culloden battlefield and Loch Ness. From Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, discover the bountiful wildlife and visit the pre-historic Callanish Stones. Picturesque Tobermory presents a truly delightful frontage of colourful hotels, shops and houses which wrap around the scenic bay. Perhaps visit the tiny Isle of Iona, the cradle of Scottish Christianity. Time now for a complete contrast as you visit the famous bustling streets of Dublin and enjoy some great sightseeing. On to St. Peter Port on Guernsey, where you can indulge in a well-earned tax-free shopping spree. In pretty Honfleur, with its delightful old harbour and marina, explore the narrow streets that are little changed since medieval times. It makes a perfect finale to a wonderful cruise.

Highlights of this cruise:

Tilbury
Tilbury is located on the north bank of the River Thames, in the borough of Thurrock in England, at the point where the river suddenly narrows to about 740 metres in width. Tilbury is a modern town, which is home to one of Europe's largest container ports, together with a international cruise terminal.

To the west of Tilbury is the popular Lakeside shopping complex, and the Queen Elizabeth II bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe.To the East is St. Catherine's Church which is possibly on the site of one of the first Christian monasteries developed in the 7th C. Henry VIII built riverside block houses at East and West Tilbury, these later becoming Coalhouse and Tilbury Forts.

Invergordon
Invergordon is a small port town in the northeast highlands of Scotland, situated on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, approximately 70 km's north of Inverness. The town itself has developed into a major port of call for cruise liners, thanks to its sheltered deep water and excellent on shore facilities. It serves as a central point for visitors who go on to visit places to the north and south.

Invergordon is a modern well laid out town, with a double width high street and has many shops, places to visit and things to do. There is an art centre, leisure centre, go-karting, and golf. You can also visit the naval museum and the heritage centre. Popular shore excursions include visits to Loch Ness, nearby castles and distilleries.

Dublin
Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland, near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin Region. Founded as a centre of Viking settlement, the city has been Ireland's capital since mediæval times.

Dublin is a vibrant city known for its nightlife and tourist attractions. It is the third most visited capital city in Europe (after Paris and London) with over four million visitors a year.

St Peter Port
St Peter Port is the capital of Guernsey and has been described as the Channel Island's most beautiful town. It is located in the Channel Islands southeast of the English Channel. Guernsey is a lush garden of flowers and vegetables, with about 300 miles of roads and lanes. The island has retained its natural beauty and the coastline has remained unspoilt. Dotted around the island you will see occasional crumbling ruins, and herds of the golden Guernsey cows.

St. Peter Port is an elegant and charming little town with lines of Regency and Victorian buildings and numerous cobbled streets. Steep stairways and alleyways weave their way up and down between houses and there is a mass of boats in its harbour.

Shopping in St Peter Port is an unmissable experience. Electronic and photographic equipment, jewellery and perfume are all good, low duty buys, along with wines, spirits and tobacco and of course the famous Guernsey jumper. Small boutiques offer exclusive clothes, shoes and leather goods, whilst the Old Quarter is the place to find antiques.