Grand Voyage of Celebration and Commemoration
The Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and 68th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, this unique grand voyage celebrates and commemorates two important events etched in Britain's 20th century history. Landscapes that played starring roles in stirring epics, the homes where literary heroes penned immortal words, castles and splendid stately homes with verdant gardens illustrating Britain's romance between heritage and horticulture - the British Isles is a wonderful opening act! Act two takes you to 'Hitler's Europe' - Operation Overlord, the defence of the 'bridge too far', Dunkirk and the 'miracle of the little ships'! Today charming medieval towns, vibrant capital cities, and islands bestowed with the gifts of Mother Nature are your European headlines.
- 26 May 2012 - Portsmouth, England
- 27 May 2012 - Isles of Scilly, UK
- 28 May 2012 - Douglas, Isle of Man
- 29 May 2012 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
- 30 May 2012 - Oban, Scotland
- 31 May 2012 - At Sea
- 01 Jun 2012 - Port of Tyne, England
- 01 Jun 2012 - At Sea
- 02 Jun 2012 - Greenwich, England
- 02 Jun 2012 - Greenwich, England
- 03 Jun 2012 - Greenwich, England
- 04 Jun 2012 - Dover, England
- 05 Jun 2012 - Portsmouth, England
- 06 Jun 2012 - Cherbourg, France
- 07 Jun 2012 - St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
- 08 Jun 2012 - Rouen, France
- 09 Jun 2012 - Rouen, France
- 10 Jun 2012 - Dunkirk, France
- 11 Jun 2012 - Heligoland, Germany
- 12 Jun 2012 - IJmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands
- 13 Jun 2012 - Harwich, England
Portsmouth, England
Portsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city, which is mainly located on Portsea Island.
As a significant naval port for centuries, Portsmouth is home to the world's oldest dry dock still in use and also home to some famous ships, including the HMS Warrior and Lord Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory. Although smaller than in its heyday, the naval base remains a major dockyard and base for the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Commandos whose Headquarters resides there.
The Spinnaker Tower is a striking recent addition to the city's skyline. It can be found in the redeveloped former HMS Vernon, an area of retail outlets, restaurants, clubs and bars now known as Gunwharf Quays.
Isles of Scilly, UK
The Isles of Scilly form an archipelago of five inhabited islands and numerous other small rocky islets 28 miles off the southwestern tip of the Cornish peninsula of Great Britain. With a population of just over two thousand, an exceptionally mild climate, and countless golden sandy beaches, Scilly is a beautiful haven of peace and tranquility loved by visitors and locals alike.
Douglas, Isle of Man
Starkly beautiful hills, lush glens, rolling countryside, rugged cliffs and hidden coves, this ancient landscape shaped by man, the elements and restless force of the Irish Sea, holds clues to a fascinating past. Castle Rushen tells the story of English nobles who ruled over Mann for centuries. Lady Isabella - the world-famous Laxey Wheel, testifies to Victorian splendour. Douglas is the proud showcase of Manx National Heritage.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast - perhaps the best-known name but probably the least known of any major capital! Samson and Goliath - two mammoth cranes and signature silhouette of the birthplace of the Titanic. Murals around Shankill and Falls Road are poignant reminders of the recent 'Troubles' yet uphold Belfast's belief in its future. From the city with Celtic roots you can follow in the footsteps of St. Patrick whose mission was to convert Celtic Ireland to Christianity. Explore the delightful coasts and glens of County Antrim or uncover the myths and legends of a UNESCO world heritage site - the Giant's Causeway.
Oban, Scotland
The sweeping mountains of Lorn create the perfect backdrop to the picturesque town endorsed with Queen Victoria's Royal Seal of approval as 'One of the finest spots we have seen'. Oban - 'Gateway to the Western Isles', is gateway to the majestic highlands. A stunning landscape steeped in history where castles and ancient sites reflect a rich culture that revels in its past. As the sun sets dramatically over Oban Bay and McCaig's Tower lights up on the hilltop above the town enjoy this magnet for artists, authors, composers and poets.
Port of Tyne, England
Port of Tyne, a dynamic gateway to the vibrant cultural heritage of North East England. Step back in time at the amazing Beamish Museum. History lives on at medieval Alnwick Castle, its garden a modern landscape masterpiece. Visit Hadrian's Wall - Roman history etched into the landscape, or the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a 'Cradle of Christianity.
Greenwich, England
For over 400 years in the story of Britain's sea power, Greenwich has played a leading role. In 2012 it becomes the Royal Borough of Greenwich in recognition of the close links between maritime Greenwich and the Monarchy. Witness living history as London marks the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with celebration. Visit the atmospheric Tower of London where every time worn stone holds clues to legendary monarchs past. Look down on the pulsating capital of England from the lofty heights of the London Eye.
Dover, England
Official icon and one of the British Isles' most spectacular natural features, the White Cliffs steal the limelight as Discovery arrives in Dover - a portal on the garden county of Kent. One of the most internationally famous gardens of the 20th century, Sissinghurst captures the heart of every garden lover. Venture further to Bateman's, the beloved home of Rudyard Kipling. Explore Canterbury - a city steeped in tradition, and its magnificent Cathedral that attracted thousands of pilgrims, as told famously in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
Cherbourg, France
Follow in the wake of the Allied Armada towards Normandy where Operation Neptune saw more than 5,300 ships and 4,000 relay boats land some 156,000 Allied troops on Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah beaches. This morning Discovery sails along the coastline to remember the brave men, heroes, one and all, who took part in the D-Day landings on the 6th June 1944. Napoleon having 'resolved to recreate in Cherbourg the marvels of Egypt' ordered the construction of a first class dockyard. Thus, this important naval base since the 19th century, that welcomed the Titanic on April 10th, 1912, was in 1944 to become the world's most important harbour. Once witness to the scenes of bitter fighting, Fort du Roule now houses the Musee de la Liberation. Visit the beaches that were the target of the greatest amphibious military operation in history. Delightful Bayeux, an alternative to the historic sites of World War II, takes you back to the Middle Ages with its famous tapestry.
St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
Tucked into a lee of Normandy, Guernsey is a captivating blend of superb scenery and rich history. A patchwork of roofs rising from the harbour, atop Roman arches, coloured granite buildings and narrow medieval alleyways, its capital - St Peter Port, has a special charm thanks to its Anglo-French pedigree. Discover the island, explore the tiny neighbouring island of Herm, or visit Castle Cornet that for eight centuries has guarded the harbour and town, whose history is inextricably linked to the sea.
Rouen, France
Follow in the footsteps of Richard the Lion Heart, Joan of Arc, Pierre Corneille and Gustave Flaubert - some of many characters who have played a part of Rouen's rich history. The gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, St Ouen Abbey and Palais de Justice, and Renaissance-style Gros Horloge, Saint Maclou Ossuary and Bourgtheroulde Mansion, along with half-timbered houses are Rouen's architectural treasures. For your extended stay in this historic city choices include the sombre D-Day landing beaches, France's romantic capital and the heart of impressionism - Monet's Garden at Giverny.
Dunkirk, France
Dunkirk - the setting in 1940 for the greatest evacuation operation in all military history. Code-named Operation Dynamo, the dramatic rescue of Allied soldiers from the beaches is remembered as the 'miracle of little ships'. Discover how ordinary people in extraordinary times achieved triumph in the face of adversity. Criss-crossed with canals, cobbled streets and home to worldfamous chocolate and lace, charming Bruges is a relaxing alternative from the city where Flemish, French and Anglo-Saxon cultures meet.
Heligoland, Germany
Britain traded Heligoland for Zanzibar in 1890. She then bombed the important German naval base during World War II. Finally on April 18th, 1947, Britain's Royal Navy detonated 6,800 tonnes of explosives on the island. The 'British Big Bang' left a huge dent in the already crater-pitted landscape ' a poignant reminder of Heligoland's turbulent past. 'Below Heligoland' explore the bunkers that are a legacy of this 'hollow island's' fascinating past. Above ground the secrets of this rocky island of red sandstone with fringes of white dunes and rich vegetation cover lies in its myriad birdlife, flora and fauna.
IJmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands
Take a day out in Amsterdam, Holland's historic capital with its lacework of treelined canals, countless gabled 17th and 18th century townhouses, thousands of bicycles and wonderful flower markets. The city was occupied during the Second World War and the home of Anne Frank and Dutch Resistance Museum paint vivid pictures of this time. Alternatively visit Arnhem, the Rhine-side town forever associated with 1944's Operation Market Garden and the defence of the 'bridge too far.
Harwich, England
Harwich, Essex is located on the coast with the North Sea to the east. It is in the Tendring district. Nearby places include Felixstowe to the northeast, Ipswich to the northwest and Colchester to the southwest.
The town is believed to date from the mid-12th century. Harwich was the home town for Christopher Jones, the master and quarter-owner of the Mayflower, and was also a base for the ship.
Fares
| Cabin Type | Fare £ |
|---|---|
| 2 Bed Inside | SOLD |
| 2 Bed Outside | from 3199 |
| Suite | from 4809 |
Additional Information: Due to cancellations, selected cabins now back on sale.
To enquire about this cruise please contact Bawtry Travel by completing the Cruise Enquiry Form in the right hand column.