Edinburgh’s stirring Military Tattoo, one of Scotland’s greatest events, is followed by the kilts and bagpipes of the Highland Games in this cruise exploration of Scotland that also includes stays in Dublin and London.
‘Highland Flings and Irish Jigs’ from Worldwide Cruise Centres (worldwidecruisecentres.com.au) is a 16-day fly-cruise that starts with two nights in London and ends with two days in Dublin.
The ship involved is Fred Olsen’s Braemar – a serene home afloat with an English country club atmosphere, much favoured by Australian travellers.
‘Highland Flings and Irish Jigs’ includes return flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth or Cairns to London. The holiday costs from A$4849 twin share per person, valid at that rate until 31 March 2015 or until sold out, whichever comes first.
Departure is on 23 August 2015, letting you cast off Australian winter and head straight into northern hemisphere summer. Days in Scotland are wonderfully long in summer – August days give you an average of about 16 hours of daylight!
Summer days are long in London too. Your arrival in England’s capital at the start of ‘Highland Flings and Irish Jigs’ is followed by two London nights staying at The Doubletree by Hilton Westminster Hotel. After breakfast each morning, London is yours to explore. The Houses of Parliament and London Eye are nearby. Catch West End theatre, cross the Millennium Footbridge and view the Tate Gallery.
Then, south to Dover (see the famous White Cliffs) to board Fred Olsen’s Braemar for a 10-night ‘Highland Games & Edinburgh Tattoo’ cruise.
The cruise itinerary will take you in style to Scotland, visiting Leith, Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands and Greenock-Glasgow, then across the Irish Sea to Dublin.
When you’re not in port, there’s plenty to do aboard Braemar. Cascading decks at the stern provide plenty of space for enjoying the open air, while the vessel offers two open-air swimming pools with a poolside bar and twin jacuzzis. Braemar’s public rooms feature polished wood and gleaming brass fittings, while the five-deck high atrium gives the vessel a very light and spacious feel.
Braemar isn’t a “floating hotel” type of ship – it’s quieter and more intimate than that. Dine informally in Palms Cafe, or formally in the main Thistle Restaurant and the Grampian Restaurant. All shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) are included in the price.
First stop is Leith, gateway to Edinburgh and a fascinating place in its own right. Maybe visit the Royal Yacht Britannia to walk through the history of the Royal Family.
You’ll be in port for the last day of Edinburgh’s fabulous Military Tattoo. Thirteen million people have attended the Tattoo since 1950 – more than half of them being overseas visitors. This event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with a jubilant atmosphere that remains in the mind long after the last drumroll has sounded.
Braemar then sails on to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, influenced over the centuries by Nordic and Celtic culture and Christian monks. Kirkwall’s two impressive museums explain much of the history.
The ship sails around the Point of Sleat against a vast backdrop of blue and purple horizons against the copper-hued moors of Skye. Onward past Duart Castle en route to Fingal’s Cave in the Isle of Staffa.
Next port of call is Greenock, where you can head to both Cowal and Dunoon for the Highland Games, a rollicking, light-hearted festival of kilts, bagpipes and Scottish folklore – or alternatively you can venture to Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, filled with art, culture and goodwill.
Crossing the Irish Sea, two days and an overnight in Dublin provide a fantastic way to bring your cultural cruise to a memorable close. Dublin is a knockout – Georgian architecture, distinctive bridges, traditional pubs – some with jazz musicians inside and out. Historical points of interest include Dublin City Gallery, Bewleys Café, the eerie Kilmainham Gaol and Dublin Castle.
A pint of Guinness, or a shot or two of Irish whiskey, is in order before sailing back to Dover to disembark. From here, it’s a short journey to London and your flight back home to Australia.
To find your local Worldwide Cruise Centres agent, go to:
www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au
SOURCE: Worldwide Cruise Centres