British Summer Finale Small Ship Cruise

As England’s northernmost major city, Newcastle upon Tyne is the gateway to Scotland. This lively student city impressively combines history and modernity: today a dynamic metropolis with galleries and contemporary architecture, but around 1,800 years ago, the site featured the Roman fortification Pons Aelius, part of the legendary Hadrian’s Wall. Then as now, the city’s appearance is dominated by the River Tyne, which is spanned by seven bridges, including the futuristic Millennium Bridge: an innovative mechanism allows it to rotate around its longitudinal axis – an elegant spectacle when the bridge opens to allow ships to pass through.

Edinburgh welcomes visitors with a fascinating contrast between its medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, where history meets vibrant urban culture. The impressive Scottish capital looks back over a long history and is famous for Edinburgh Castle, which sits proudly on top of Castle Rock where you can enjoy the expansive views. Princes Street Gardens are a great place to relax and wander around in the city centre, while the many pubs in the narrow, winding streets will tempt you to make a detour – after all, Edinburgh is one of the European cities with the highest density of pubs. It is also considered a literary centre: Joanne K. Rowling and Robert Louis Stevenson found inspiration in the uniquely special atmosphere of the city. The EUROPA will stay overnight – ideal for exploring Edinburgh at your leisure.

Invergordon is situated on the banks of Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Islands. This charming little coastal town has developed over time from an industrial centre to a place steeped in history and culture. The High Street with its little shops and historic post office is charming, and along the seafront promenade you will be able to see some colourful murals that bring the town’s past to life. The heaths and moors of the Highlands are full of myths and legends, including the mysterious sea monster Nessie in nearby Loch Ness. A special highlight for connoisseurs is the Invergordon Distillery, where you can try some of their finest whisky.

Kirkwall, the main town on the Orkney Islands, boasts historical charm and a rich history dating back to the eleventh century. Back then, it was still called Kirkjuvagr – “church in the bay” – and today the cityscape is still characterised by the impressive St Magnus Cathedral. The Orkney Islands, which stretch along the northern tip of Scotland, have a magical atmosphere that can be felt as you approach the harbour, when dozens of little green islands emerge out of the fog. Archaeological wonders such as the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, the mystical Ring of Brodgar or the Maeshowe chambered cairn provide deep insights into the historical heart of Scotland and draw history lovers under their spell.

Greenock, once an important centre for shipbuilding, is an ideal starting point for exploring Glasgow. Scotland’s largest city is as famous for the warmth of its residents as it is for its vibrant arts and culture scene, which earned it the title of UNESCO City of Music. If you want to explore the old town on foot, the best place to start is the magnificent George Square. Here, statues of famous British personalities are particularly eye-catching as well as the imposing buildings from the Victorian era. While architectural treasures such as the town hall, cathedral and venerable trading houses continue to guide visitors through Glasgow’s history, the works of modern artists adorn the Contemporary Art Trail that winds its way through the city centre.

Belfast combines tradition and modernity in a fascinating way. Known for its eventful industrial history, especially shipbuilding and the Titanic, the capital of Northern Ireland has developed into a cultural hotspot today. The murals or impressive wall paintings tell of its past and symbolise peace. Sights such as the Titanic Belfast Museum and St George’s Market attract visitors, while the magnificent City Hall adorns the historic city centre. Thanks to the long layover, you can soak up Belfast’s atmosphere well into the evening.

Welcome to the coast of Ireland’s capital! From Dun Laoghaire, the charming harbour town south of Dublin, you can easily set off on a tour of discovery through the home of pub culture. Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, combines the heritage of around 1,000 years of history with the inspiring energy of a modern metropolis. The possibilities for discovering Dublin as you wish are respectively diverse. History buffs explore the medieval streets around Christ Church Cathedral or the elegant streets of the Georgian Quarter. If you’re looking for inspiration from the latest trends, you’ll find trendy boutiques, galleries and bars around Grafton Street. The Irish way of life can still be felt today in the pubs of Temple Bar district. Thanks to the long lay time, you can enjoy Dublin’s flair until late in the evening.

Music history comes alive in Liverpool, the city at the mouth of the River Mersey: the legendary Beatles transformed this former industrial centre into a mecca for music lovers. Ever since Liverpool was 2008 European Capital of Culture, the city’s cultural life has truly blossomed – in addition to iconic places such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, important art galleries such as the Tate Liverpool have been established. Whether it’s Premier League football, the magnificent cathedrals or the port with its docks – the diversity of its highlights ensures that Liverpool will leave a lasting impression.

Named after the River Fal, Falmouth was already an important port in the 17th century and is now a popular fishing and holiday destination. With Bronze Age stone circles, holy wells, romantic manor houses and quaint pubs, it offers a cinematic backdrop in the heart of the Cornish countryside. The Gulf Stream ensures the region has a mild, subtropical climate, which is reflected in the lush vegetation. Particularly appealing places to explore include Bodmin Moor, the surrounding beaches and picturesque bays and the Coastal Path – at 430 km (267 mi.) long, one of the most beautiful coastal paths in Europe.

Portsmouth on the south coast of England in the county of Hampshire has a seafaring history stretching back over 800 years. The city has been an important marine base in England since the Middle Ages and today it is a symbol of maritime tradition – visitors to the Royal Marines Museum can learn some interesting facts about its eventful history. After the Second World War, many historic buildings, including both cathedrals, were lovingly restored. The Spinnaker Tower in the harbour dominates the city’s skyline: at 170 m (558 ft) tall, the tower offers amazing views over the bay and has been a proud landmark of the port city since it was opened in 2005.