Leave the pier and prepare to immerse yourself in a day of mystery and antiquity. We are heading to the circle of Stonehenge, one of the most intriguing and ancient sites in the U.K. Situated on a vast plain, the site is truly impressive; shrouded in magic and mystery, many believe this sacred site emanates a special atmosphere. Radiocarbon dating reveals this incredible monument was built around 5,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period. The question of who built Stonehenge remains largely unanswered although many attribute the monument to the Druids. Our guide will escort us around the circle, providing explanations and enabling us to view the impressive stones close up. You can remain steeped in the spell of ancient times as we continue our historic tour and journey to the medieval town of Salisbury whose lofty Cathedral spire can be seen from many miles around. Salisbury Cathedral is one of the finest medieval churches in Britain and dates back to the XIII century. Please note : the availability of this tour for the call on 22 June 2013 (MSC Opera) will be reconfirmed during your cruise.

Price per person $90.00 Adults $63.00 Children

   

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        The elegant city of Bath with its stately, honey-coloured Georgian architecture and which nestles amid quintessentially English rolling countryside, features among England’s most beautiful places to visit. The Romans transformed Bath into England’s first spa resort and it was revived as a chic spa town in the XVIII century. After leaving Southampton a 2-hour scenic coach drive will take you to Bath where you will admire the charming Pulteney Bridge, built 1769-74, the only bridge in England with shops on both sides and which features three arches and a central Venetian window. Do not miss the sweeping Royal Crescent, perhaps one of the most beautiful streets in England ! Your guide will point out key sights and provide an historic overview during the sightseeing tour. Free time scheduled for individual visits or to have lunch (not included). Please note: this tour is only available on calls from July 16th until September 24th 2013.

Price per person $101.00 Adults $71.00 Children

   

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        Enjoy a coach drive through the beautiful wooded New Forest which lies between the River Avon and Southampton to reach the picturesque village of Beaulieu. At the head of the Beaulieu River, the Cistercians constructed an imposing abbey, which, at the time was the largest in the country. Our guide will take us to Palace House, a stately home built on the ruins of the Abbey gateway in the XVI century; this site offers an insight into the past and is home to many fascinating treasures, portraits and photographs of Montagu family. Although much of the lovely XIII century Abbey was destroyed, its timeless beauty can still be seen in the arches of the Cloisters. One of the remaining Abbey buildings is now home to an exhibition that illustrates the daily life of the Cistercian Monks. Still in Beaulieu, our next visit will be the National Motor Museum – the collection here grew from a handful of classic cars in 1952 to more than 250 splendid vehicles and displays, which vividly illustrate the story of motoring. We can walk through a 1930’s street scene and see the shops, vehicles and tradesmen of the period or stroll at leisure through the extensive grounds of the Palace. Return to Southampton via Lyndhurst, a much admired and photographed village.

Price per person $101.00 Adults $71.00 Children

   

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          A 2.5-hour coach drive will take you to London where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour around one of the greatest cities of the world, the capital city of the United Kingdom. If you are new to the city, this day out is a great way to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of “The Big Smoke”, covering the main attractions in a grand sightseeing circuit. With its iconic red buses and friendly “bobbies”, magnificent churches and down-to-earth pubs, our excursion will take in the key attractions including Buckingham Palace, London Bridge and Westmister Abbey. Get some snaps of the neo-Gothic Parliament buildings located majestically on the banks of the River Thames and see the landmark clock tower of Big Ben. You will also have free time for lunch (not included) and world-class shopping opportunities. Return to Southampton. Please note: guides will stay in London after the tour; the transfer to the port will be unguided. This tour is only available on calls from July 16th until September 24th 2013.

Price per person $108.00 Adults $76.00 Children

   

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        Independent travellers will love this non-guided trip to London, which makes for a splendid day off the ship. Set your own sightseeing itinerary, discovering all the iconic spots that you always wanted to see, or go shopping in London’s many fabulous stores and indulge in a bit of retail therapy. Your trip to the UK’s vibrant capital begins with a 2.5-hour coach transfer to the city, where you will be dropped off in the centre close to the major shopping areas and main attractions. Take a spin on the London Eye, visit Oxford Street, explore Hyde Park, check out Covent Garden market, go cultural at London’s museums or art galleries or simply find a typical London pub and have yourself a good old British pint – the list of things to do is sheer endless in this marvellous city. Your tour ends with your return to Southampton in the afternoon. Please note: this tour is only available on calls from July 16th until September 24th 2013.

Price per person $90.00 Adults $63.00 Children

   

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      Leave the port and enjoy a scenic drive through the delightful countryside of Dorset County to the village of Corfe. Nearly all periods of history are celebrated in and around the village, which is unequalled in the UK. We will visit the ruins of Corfe Castle; the structure has been an important stronghold since before the time of William the Conqueror and was a royal castle during the medieval period. The dramatic ruins stand on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck hills where marble was once quarried. After visiting the castle you will have time at leisure to explore the charming little village of Corfe. Return to the port. Please note: this excursion includes walking on cobblestone with some steps and uphill paths; it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per person $88.00 Adults $62.00 Children

   

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          If one place lies at the centre of English history and embodies the romantic vision of an English heartland, it is Winchester. Leave the port for a coach drive to this beautiful city; here, among other monuments, we will visit the Cathedral, which dates back to the VII century when a Christian church was first built on this site. Since then it has played a fundamental part in the life of this ancient city and a key role in English history. Our tour will enable you to enjoy a unique experience of sacred architecture and art as well as providing an introduction to this important symbol of England. We will admire the choir stalls with their magnificent gabled canopies, elaborately carved flowers and plants, owls and monkeys, dragons and knights. Next we will have the opportunity to explore the centre of this ancient and royal city which still resounds to the echoes of its fabled past. Enjoy an independent visit to Winchester Castle and its XIII century Great Hall. The Hall is home to one of the best-known symbols of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table, which hangs in the Great Hall of King Henry VIII. Return to the port. Please note: conservative attire is recommended for visiting the Cathedral.

Price per person $66.00 Adults $46.00 Children

   

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        After leaving your ship, you will board a coach for a pleasant 2.5-hour drive from Southampton to London, one of the greatest cities in the world. Your subsequent sightseeing tour covers all the main sights that London has to offer. Look forward to the city’s iconic red buses, see if you can spot one of the friendly “bobbies” and enjoy views of London’s magnificent churches and buildings. The capital city of the United Kingdom offers visitors a plethora of wonderful places to see; so much so, in fact, that a man who is tired of London is said to be tired of life. Your scenic tour of London comes to a close with your transfer to Heathrow Airport. Please note: this tour operates on all calls, but is only for guests who are disembarking and booked on flights after 17:00 hours from Heathrow Airport. This tour is not for guests booked on flights from Gatwick Airport.

Price per person $93.00 Adults $65.00 Children

   

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          Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the important naval and commercial port of Portsmouth is home to The Historic Dockyard, a fascinating complex that charts 800 years of naval history. Amid the working docks and historical buildings, the tour includes a guided walk around HMS Victory, the Royal Navy's most famous warship. Highlights include the Great Cabin, the very spot where the Battle of Trafalgar was planned and Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson died, as well as the once crowded decks where more than 800 men lived, worked and fought. The tour also includes admission to The National Museum of the Royal Navy, one of the UK’s leading maritime museums and the only one devoted solely to Royal Navy ships and the men and women who served on them. Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the history of the Royal Navy and experience this rich collection of artefacts and award-winning permanent exhibitions. You will have sufficient time on your own to explore The Historic Dockyard, enjoy its array of cafés, restaurants and tea rooms as well as visit the themed souvenir shops.

Price per person $101.00 Adults $71.00 Children

   

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        The first leg of this all-day tour will take you on a 1.5-hour coach ride through scenic southern England to the pretty market town of Arundel and the imposing Arundel Castle. Founded in 1067, the castle later became the seat of the family of the Duke of Norfolk. Beautifully set in sweeping grounds and gardens, Arundel Castle is considered to be one of England’s great treasures, home to exquisite works of art and a priceless heritage. During the castle visit at around noon, you can first view the rich collection of armour, paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks as well as sculptures and carvings before exploring the Castle’s delightful grounds, which contain formal and kitchen gardens plus decorative floral displays. Other places of interest in the grounds include the 14th-century Gothic-style Fitzalan Chapel and the Norman keep, which you can access via 131 steps. The views of the surrounding area afforded from the top are well worth the effort. After a short return drive to Arundel, you can spend some time having lunch (not included in the price of the tour) or having a look around this delightful English town. Your return to the port and your ship brings this scenic tour to a relaxing close. Please note: the Castle visit does not include access to the bedrooms. Viewing the castle’s keep involves walking up/down 131 steps. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. This tour is only available on calls from July 16th until September 24th 2013.

Price per person $92.00 Adults $64.00 Children

   

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