In these days where the world seems to be
getting smaller and previously far-flung
destinations are now within reach, it is
surprising that many people only have a vague
awareness of what is on offer ‘on their own
doorstep’. Here is an opportunity to sail
around the entire British Isles discovering
the diverse charms of the Channel Islands,
Eire, Ulster, Scotland’s outlying islands and
her majestic capital, Edinburgh. Un petit peu
of Gallic flair prefaces this fascinating
cruise. On the estuary of the River Seine,
lies the delightful town of Honfleur. Perhaps
see Monet’s garden at Giverny, the Normandy
beaches or the Bayeux Tapestry. The relaxed
style of St Helier introduces you to
picturesque Jersey (and some duty-free
shopping!). Then it is over the sea to Ireland
and Cobh, formerly Queenstown of transatlantic
liner fame. Take in Cork and its lovely period
buildings, or Blarney Castle with its famous
Stone. Glengariff, at the head of Bantry Bay
retains an ‘olde world charm’ and offers
excursion opportunities to County Kerry and
the Beara Peninsula. Donegal beckons and
Killybegs, which boasts Ireland’s finest
natural harbour, is a bustling town that has
plenty for the visitor as well as being a fine
base for exploring the delightful north-west.
Belfast is a vibrant exciting city with
outstanding shops, restaurants and bars.
Hillsborough Castle and The Giant’s Causeway
are prime attractions. Remote Stornoway in the
Outer Hebrides and Kirkwall in the Orkney
Islands offer total contrasts to city life
with their Gaelic influences. Leith is the
home to the Royal Yacht Britannia and August
is the time of the spectacular Edinburgh
Military Tattoo. Finally, a day at sea and the
return to Tilbury.
Day 1:
London Tilbury
Marco Polo sails at 1800hrs.
Day 2:
Honfleur
his pretty little town, at the mouth of the
River Seine, makes a perfect finale to a
spectacular cruise. The old harbour and marina
are just delightful and the narrow streets and
alleys of the old quarter are little changed
since French medieval times. Claude Monet’s
famous garden at Givenchy, the Normandy
Landings beaches and even the Bayeux Tapestry
are all within reach.
Day 3: St.
Helier
St. Helier is the capital and by far the
biggest town on the island. It is overlooked
by two fortifications: Elizabeth Castle
withstood Oliver Cromwell and his army for
seven weeks in 1651, and was later used by the
occupying German forces during the Second
World War. Fort Regent is built on an outcrop
above the town and has now been converted into
a sports and leisure complex. Inside, there is
an aquarium, a postal museum, a funfair and
the old castle ramparts give excellent views
out across the town and the bay. Other in town
attractions include the award -winning Jersey
Museum, the new Maritime Museum and the
Occupation Tapestry Gallery. Very
popular for shopping, the best area in St.
Helier is in the King Street/Queen Street
precinct area. Most luxury goods are less
expensive than in the UK, as Jersey, although
VAT free, has low duties on items such as
alcohol, cigarettes, perfume, cosmetics and
electrical goods.
Day 4: Cobh
Cobh, formerly Queenstown of transatlantic
liner fame. Take in Cork, with its lovely
period buildings, and Blarney Castle and the
famous Stone. Tour oportunities could also
include a visit to the Old Middleton
Distillery.
Day 5:
Gkengariff
Glengarriff, set against the Caha Mountains at
the head of Bantry Bay retains an ‘olde world
charm’ and offers excursion opportunities to
County Kerry and the Beara Penisula
Day 6:
Killybegs
County Donegal beckons and Killybegs, which
boasts Ireland’s finest natural harbour, is a
bustling town that has plenty for the visitor
as well as being a fine base for exploring the
delightful north-west.
Day 7: Belfast
Belfast is a vibrant exciting city steeped in
history with outstanding shops, restaurants
and bars. Hillsborough Castle and The Giant’s
Causeway in Co. Antrim are prime attractions.
Day 8:
Stornoway
This history-rich outpost offers a tremendous
diversity of interests including the
pre-historic Callanish Standing Stones,
fabulous coastlines, beaches and wildlife.
Day 9:
Kirkwall
The capital and administrative centre of the
Orkney Islands, set on the principal island
known as Mainland. The Orkneys comprise 70 or
so islands, rocks and skerries that cover an
area of 376 square miles. You can still detect
the Norse influence and the Stone Age
settlement at Skara Brae, older than either
the Pyramids or Stonehenge, is fascinating.
Day 10: Leith
Leith is the home of the Royal Yacht Britannia
and of course August is the time of the
spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 11: At Sea
Cruising at sea
Day 12: London
Tilbury
Marco Polo arrives at 0900hrs
|
Cabin Type
CA/US$
|
|
Decks |
Fare |
|
DS Standard
Twin |
outer |
U |
5309 |
|
JS Junior
Suite |
outer |
M |
4579 |
|
DL Deluxe Twin |
outer |
M |
3849 |
|
12 Premium
Twin |
outer |
M |
3429 |
|
11 Superior
Twin Plus |
outer |
M |
3229 |
|
10 Single |
outer |
M |
4579 |
|
9 Superior
Twin |
outer |
P |
2909 |
|
8 Standard
Twin Plus |
outer |
SA |
2709 |
|
7 Standard
Twin |
outer |
SA |
2499 |
|
6 Standard
Twin |
outer |
SA |
2289 |
|
5 Single |
inner |
SA |
3429 |
|
4 Premium Twin |
inner |
M |
2289 |
|
3 Superior
Twin |
inner |
M |
2079 |
|
2 Standard
Plus Twin |
inner |
SA |
1789 |
|
1 Standard
Twin |
inner |
SA |
1559 |
|
