Breathtaking UK & Irish Landscapes on Seven Seas Splendor

Your cruise begins in Southampton, a port city with a rich seafaring history and the departure point for such maritime icons as the Mayflower and Titanic. It's a fascinating heritage, which can be explored in detail at the superb SeaCity Museum and Titanic Story. These not-to-be-missed museums are conveniently located next to each other in the Cultural Quarter, an area that also boats everything from cafes and restaurants to art galleries and live music venues. Having taken some time to explore at your leisure, it's time to head to the docks to board Seven Seas Splendor, whose all-inclusive luxuries will provide your floating home from home for the next 12 nights.

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With a free day at sea, you'll have the perfect opportunity to acquaint yourself with the onboard delights of your luxury ship. And, there's much to enjoy, with 10 decks and a ratio of 750 guests to 542 crew ensuring superb service, space and comfort throughout. Indeed, from the all-balcony suites to the bars, restaurants and super-stylish spa, you'll be treated to one of the world's finest cruise experiences. What's more, with the exception of the spa, everything's included, from the immersive shore excursions to drinks, dining and entertainment, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. 

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

United by seven bridges Newcastle is an exciting and diverse city. This once shipbuilding city, is home to a vibrant nightlife, premium restaurants serving cuisine from around the world and fantastic galleries. Visit the Castle Keep, one of the country's finest examples of a Norman Keep. Or go to The Sage Gateshead for lively entertainment day and night. Choose from a huge range of free excursions, including explorations of Durham Cathedral, Hadrian's Wall and Alnwick Castle amongst others.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

Having sailed up the UK's North Sea coast, you'll arrive in New Haven, gateway to Scotland's capital – Edinburgh. Of course, there's the chance to take in the World Heritage wonders of the city's Old Town, with its imposing 12th-century castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse, connected by the iconic 'Royal Mile', home to an impressive array of galleries, restaurants, cafes and shops. Alternatively, take the chance to learn more about local Scottish cuisine with a chef-led tour to the Falkland Estate in the nearby Fife countryside. Here, you'll be treated to a cookery demonstration followed by the chance to create your very own lunch using the freshest local produce.  

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Arriving at Invergordon, you'll have a choice of six complimentary shore excursions to introduce you to the region's history and spectacular natural world. Perhaps take a trip to Loch Ness, travelling along scenic sea inlets to stroll the lake shore and visit atmospheric Urquhart Castle. Alternatively, the a trip to Cawdor Castle will see you unearth the region's medieval roots. There's also the option for scenic moorland drives and whisky tastings while at Dunrobin Castle you'll have the chance to explore some of the most beautiful gardens in the Scottish Highlands.

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Having sailed overnight, you'll arrive in Kirkwall, the largest town in the Orkney Islands. Enjoy a full day to explore, again with a choice of complimentary excursions. There are guided exploration of the island's north or south, taking in everything from neolithic villages to dramatic coastlines, or you might choose to take in Orkney's archaeological treasures, including the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Of course, there's also the chance to upgrade to a Regent Choice excursions, perhaps with a private tour of the island tailored to your own design.

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The harbour town of Stornoway is the portal to discovering a dramatic island landscape and it's the epicenter of Gaelic culture. Prehistoric standing stones dating back millenniums and Iron Age brochs are just some of the amazing sites you can take in. Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides and comes with plenty of charms of its own. Get introduced to Gaelic arts, literature and music and island traditions at the town's arts hub and at the new museum, or browse independent shops for locally-made crafts and unique gifts. See skilled islanders produce Harris Tweed, luxury hand-woven wool which has been crafted on the island for generations.

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Back across the Irish Sea, this time to Dublin, the capital of the Irish Republic. The city itself is a delight to explore, with its maze of cobbled streets, locals-favourite pubs and grander gems such as St Patrick's Cathedral, the imposing General Post Office and a host of immaculate 18th-century Georgian townhouses. Take it all in on a guided city tour complete with a river cruise and trip to the Guiness Brewery, or discover it for yourself with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, perhaps visiting Stephen's Green or pausing for a drink at the famous Temple Bar. Other options include a baking demonstration at Ballyknocken Country House & Cookery School and a summertime drive through the picture-perfect countryside surrounding the city.  

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Having sailed overnight across the Irish Sea, you'll arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland's captivating capital. Take the chance to explore the city's highlights, from the historic and artistic delights of the Cultural Quarter to the Titanic Quarter's impressive multimedia museum. And, don't forget to experience the city's culinary scene, showcased in artisan eateries and microbreweries dotted throughout the city centre. There's even the chance to explore Belfast's music scene with a cobblestone walk between two city-centre pubs, part of the famous Traditional Music Trail. 

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Discover Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, with its horse drawn tram and Victorian Era hotels lining the promenade. Ride the horse drawn tram to the island’s highest summit where you can see six Kingdoms: Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Heaven. Explore the beautifully transformed Villa Marina complex, first opened in 1931. Enjoy high end shopping while looking for uniquely Manx souvenirs of beautiful tartans, scarves, smoked kippers and locally made cheeses. Enjoy fish and chips and a famous Manx beer along the waterfront in this land of a bygone era.

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Formerly a small, quiet fishing village in southern County Cork, modern Ringaskiddy is a busy port that offers access to cities like Cobh, Cork and Kinsale. Take a ferry across Cork Harbour to learn the story of Annie Moore, the first emigrant processed at New York City’s Ellis Island in 1892, at the Cobh Heritage Center. In historic and very walkable Cork, take in the graceful arch of the 19th-century Parliament Bridge, ornate Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and limestone facade of the Cork Courthouse before pausing to people-watch at a Castle Street café. Home to a magnificent naval base in the 17th and 18th centuries, Kinsale is a delightful city to sample Dublin Bay prawns, Galway Bay oysters or traditional Irish stew.

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Your final port of call is Portland, a small island off England's scenic Dorset coast. The manmade harbour where you'll dock is the deepest of its kind on Earth and played a vital role in both the world wars. More recently, it hosted sailing events at the London Olympics in 2012. Today it serves as a picturesque base for exploring the  Jurassic Coast as well as for walks along the South West Coast Path, which loops around the island, taking in cliffs and beaches, and offering the chance to spot passing dolphins playing in the English Channel swells. With a full day here, you've plenty of time to relax or explore at your own pace. Or, perhaps head further afield, hopping across to the mainland for a private tour of Stonehenge. Now a World Heritage site, this iconic landmark was constructed around 2,500BC and a visit without the crowds makes for a truly remarkable experience.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor