Portsmouth is the United Kingdom's only island city and is located on Portsea Island in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England.
A luxurious boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Journey is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for—plus some unexpected extras. Watch the world go by, and drink in hand from any of Azamara’s bars, lounges, and gathering spaces. Dine in luxury and elegance from the music that makes your heartstrings sing to the best of Broadway, specialty restaurants. Plus, a little shopping as a bonus.
Jun 08, 2027 - Portsmouth, UK
Portsmouth is the United Kingdom's only island city and is located on Portsea Island in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England.
Jun 09, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 10, 2027 - Edinburgh (Rosyth/Leith)
Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or you could venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.
Jun 11, 2027 - Edinburgh (Rosyth/Leith)
Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or you could venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.
Jun 12, 2027 - Dundee
Dundee is a City of Discovery. The city's textile heritage provides inspiration for one of its principal tourist attractions - Verdant Works. Its clean air renowned to be low in pollution and "sunshine hours" way up on many areas in the south - provides a breath of fresh air for visitors. The city center is a shopper's paradise, where major department stores co-exist with specialist shops tucked away in side streets. The high percentage of students in the city make Dundee a buzzing place to be by night, with a lively pub and club scene. Sport remains an activity close to the heart of many Dundonians. The city has a close association with the sea and is home port of the Royal Research Ship Discovery, today a floating museum. Stroll along the quayside from Discovery Point to come across the HM Frigate Unicorn, the oldest British-Built ship afloat. Discover Dundee - one of Scotland's best kept secrets, and you will find an exciting city which really is "The City of Discovery".
Jun 13, 2027 - Aberdeen
An extraordinary symphony in grey, almost everything in Aberdeen is built of granite - even the roads. When drenched with sun and rain, the silvery stone has a fairy-tale shine; when under a cloud it can be a wee bit depressing. Brimming with civic pride, Aberdeen services one of the world's largest offshore oilfields.
Jun 14, 2027 - Invergordon (Inverness/Loch Ness)
The northern part of Scotland, known as the Highlands, ranks as one of the world’s most magnificent scenic spots. Among the main attractions is a landscape of dramatic mountains and forested hills. Invergordon is the port for Inverness and capital of the Highlands. The surrounding countryside offers such famous attractions as the Battlefield of Culloden, Loch Ness, the villages of Tain and Cromarty, numerous historic castles and old established whisky distilleries. Enjoy the picture-perfect scenery and an opportunity to chat with a Highlander eager to introduce you to his fabled land and its rich heritage. Inverness Castle is a predominantly 19th-century edifice perched high above the Ness River. Today’s remains house the Sheriff’s Office. The exhibits of Inverness Museum and Art Gallery may be worth viewing as they provide a good overview of the development of the Highlands. Located 14 miles southwest of Inverness the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition tell the legend of the monster from 565 A.D. to the present.
Jun 15, 2027 - Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
The Orkney Islands are different from mainland Britain and reflect the original 9th century Viking settlement. In addition to Norse heritage are remains of prehistoric monuments such as Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets winding around medieval St. Magnus Cathedral. A museum featuring Orkney artifacts is housed in 16th-century Tankerness House. Other attractions include Maes Howe, Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the stone-age village Skara Brae. Rock circles, cairns, standing stones, ancient tombs and prehistoric villages are scattered about, gaining these islands international recognition. Only the walls and tower of the 12-century residence, Bishop's Palace, stand. The top of the tower affords a great view of the cathedral and across Kirkwall rooftops. Earl's Palace dates from 1600. Its style blends medieval fierceness with elements of French Renaissance architecture - featuring dungeons, massive fireplaces and magnificent central hall. A good mile south of town is Highland Park - the "most northerly legal distillery in Scotland."
Jun 16, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 17, 2027 - Greenock
Greenock - a town slightly west of Glasgow - has a waterfront surrounded by hills and is composed of a bustling industrial area and a residential area with a 19th-century flavor. Glasgow's top attraction, the Burrell Collection, was amassed by wealthy industrialist Sir William Burrell before it was donated to the city and is now housed in a prize-winning museum in Pollok Country Park. This collection includes everything from Chinese porcelain and medieval furniture to paintings by Renoir and Cézanne. Visit the granite cross above town, a proud memorial to French sailors who fought in the Battle of the Atlantic and lost their lives. Enjoy a short ferry ride to the Scottish Highlands. Explore the statue, scientific library, museum, and the Watt School of Engineering, Navigation, Radio, and Radar that commemorate James Watt (discoverer of steam power) who was born in Greenock. Travel to Glasgow and visit George Square, Glasgow's oldest public square. Shortbread is a traditional recipe of Scotland and should not be missed.
Jun 18, 2027 - Douglas (Isle of Man)
Douglas has been the capital, principal port, and ferry terminal of the island since 1869, the island itself having become a Crown possession in 1828. It gets its name from the Dhoo and Glass Rivers. Douglas, which developed around smuggling, now has light industry, tourism, the seat of the island's parliament, the Tynwald and House of Keys (oldest parliament in the world). Douglas boasts Castle Mona (1804), and the Tower of Refuge (1832), as well as the impressive Manx Electric Railway (1893) and Douglas horse-drawn trams (1876), both of which are still in service. Located along the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man and its wooded hills and jagged coastline offer some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. The island was once occupied by Celts who left behind Iron Age forts and huts. Though Romans never settled here, it is believed Celtic Christianity was introduced by St. Patrick and flourished from the fifth century to eighth century when Vikings conquered the island. On the island visit the Calf of Man bird sanctuary, and Castle Rushen at Castletown, the former capital.
Jun 19, 2027 - Dublin
Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.
Jun 20, 2027 - Dublin
Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.
Jun 21, 2027 - Belfast
Belfast is popular with travelers who come to discover the city’s physical beauty and renewed tranquility. Enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shopping along trendy Donegall Place and visiting numerous pubs along The Golden Mile. St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is the principal church of the Anglican Church of Ireland and contains stones from every county in Ireland. Located next to Europa Hotel, the Grand Opera House boasts an impressive mix of large productions of opera, ballet, musicals and drama. Known as the Big Ben of Belfast, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower was built in 1869 to commemorate the Prince Consort. Built in 1849 as one of Queen Victoria’s colleges, Queens University is one of the foremost universities in the British Isles. The classical-style building of Stormont, erected in 1928-32 to house the Parliament of Northern Ireland, stands 3.5 miles outside the city. The Prince of Wales Avenue is exactly one mile long and is bordered by rose beds containing 600 of the famous Korona roses noted for their scarlet blooms.
Jun 22, 2027 - Belfast
Belfast is popular with travelers who come to discover the city’s physical beauty and renewed tranquility. Enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shopping along trendy Donegall Place and visiting numerous pubs along The Golden Mile. St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is the principal church of the Anglican Church of Ireland and contains stones from every county in Ireland. Located next to Europa Hotel, the Grand Opera House boasts an impressive mix of large productions of opera, ballet, musicals and drama. Known as the Big Ben of Belfast, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower was built in 1869 to commemorate the Prince Consort. Built in 1849 as one of Queen Victoria’s colleges, Queens University is one of the foremost universities in the British Isles. The classical-style building of Stormont, erected in 1928-32 to house the Parliament of Northern Ireland, stands 3.5 miles outside the city. The Prince of Wales Avenue is exactly one mile long and is bordered by rose beds containing 600 of the famous Korona roses noted for their scarlet blooms.
Jun 23, 2027 - Killybegs
Killbegs offers visitors a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. The majestic mountains surrounding the town offer great hiking, and walking trails. While culture lovers can visit the Maritime and Heritage Center, and Clachan Folk Village Museum. Killbegs is also an excellent area for water sports, including surfing, diving, kite-surfing, and water skiing. Killybegs is famous for its carpets and tapestries, which are hand-knotted in the Turkish style. Carpets from Killbegs adorn the White House, the Vatican, and Buckingham Palace.
Jun 24, 2027 - Galway
Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows.
Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs.
Photo used with permission
from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net
Jun 25, 2027 - Foynes
Foynes is know for it's aviation history where Foynes was the landing site of Pan Am's first commercial passenger flight from the USA to Europe in 1939. At the flying boat museum visitors can see an amazing replica of this plane and learn more about aviation history. In August, Foynes holds an aviation and Irish Coffee festival in the yachting and watersports center. Of archaeological interest to visitors are the ruins of a medieval church look out from the hill of Knockpatrick, south of Foynes, and 5 miles to the southeast is the 13th century Old Abbey convent of the Augustinian Canonesses.
Jun 26, 2027 - Bantry
Jun 27, 2027 - Waterford
Nestled in southeast Ireland, Waterford combines low farmland and sandy coastlines with rugged landscape typical of County Cork. The town is an ancient Viking settlement whose roots go back to the 8th century. Even today there is a medieval feel about Waterford with its ancient fortifications, 18th century cathedrals, and fine Georgian houses, particularly around The Mall, George's Street and O'Connell Street. While the town is charming, it regained world recognition with the re-opening of the crystal factory offering once again the famous, exquisite glassware of the town's name. Take a walking tour of Historic Waterford to get an understanding of Waterford's complex history. The 70-foot Reginald's Tower was built in the 11th century. Climb the stone spiral staircase for a great view of the city. The ruins of French Church are part of a Dominican monastery built in 1240 AD given to Huguenot refugees in the 17th century. The Theater Royal and City Hall are considered architectural masterpieces by John Roberts.
Jun 28, 2027 - Cobh
Cobh’s landmark Cathedral clings miraculously to the town’s steep slopes as they sweep down to the sea of Cork Harbour. That was also the last bit of Irish soil millions of Irish had under their feet before emigrating from here across the oceans in the last century. This tragic part of the nation’s history as well as Cobh’s historic and maritime story is brought alive in the splendid Interpretative Centre.
Jun 29, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 30, 2027 - Portsmouth, UK
Portsmouth is the United Kingdom's only island city and is located on Portsea Island in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England.