12-Day Iceland & British Isles Cruise Cruise on Carnival Miracle from Dover

Dover

Today Dover is a major port town facing into the English Channel and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. What makes Dover so special is its impressive location with miles of beautiful, un-spoilt coastline and its internationally famous White Cliffs dominated by Dover Castle, known throughout the world. Dover is the town in Kent which is geographically closest to the continent and, as the world´s busiest ferry port, many justifiably describe as ´the gateway to England´. The cliffs are popular with tourists and offer the opportunity for wonderful walks and superb views out towards the English Channel. Or you may simply choose to simply gaze at them from the beach.

Belfast

Belfast Harbour (also the Port of Belfast) is a major maritime gateway in Northern Ireland, It is increasingly popular with cruise liners. Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. Situated at the mouth of the River Lagan on Belfast Lough, Belfast is surrounded by low hills. After years of violence, its center has been polished up making it great to walk through the pedestrian streets, shop in its arcades and spend some time in its pubs or dine in its excellent restaurants. Belfast city centre is focused on Donegall Square and Belfast City Hall in its centre. The City Hall is the grand centerpiece of the city and the orientation point for your exploration of Belfast. Running north from the centre of Donegall Square is Donegall Place, a broad and bustling shopping street, which will lead you towards the Cathedral Quarter and the Arts School. Bedford Street, becomes Dublin Road, which, leads south to the University Quarter, area where you´ll find the Botanic Gardens, art galleries and museums. Belfast is home to a wide range of parks and open spaces, making it one of the greenest cities in Ireland. The Golden Mile is the area around Great Victoria Street beyond Bradbury Place and it is considered the city´s best address for restaurants and pubs. The famous I.R.A. and Protestant murals are just to the west of the city center and it´s perfectly safe to go there and take photos.

Seydisfjordur (Iceland)

A place of waterfalls and nature, Seydisfjordur is a town ful of creativity and rich in history. Inhabited by about 700 people the town acts as one big friendly family. Experience the flourishing art scen and try the delightful hiking trails and enjoy the local cuisine. Seydijofordur is surrounded by mountains with most prominent Mt. Bjólfur to the West (1085m) and Strandartindur (1010m) to the East. The fjord itself is accessible on each side from the town. The townis well known for its old wooden building and has a vibrant cultural scene with an arts centre, a Technical Museum and local heritage museum. The LungA art festival takes place in July and world-renowned artist Dieter Roth had a residence and art studio here. There are several waterfalls in the town. A popular hiking path starts at the town center, following the East bank of the Fjardará, the river that flows through the center of town. Further up the river there are 25 waterfalls.

Akureyri (Iceland)

Akureyri is a town in northern Iceland. It is Iceland's second largest urban area (after the Greater Reykjavík area) and fourth largest municipality (after Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður, and Kópavogur). Nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre. The area has a relatively warm climate due to geographical factors, and the town's ice-free harbour has played a significant role in its history. Sites that have been cited as areas of interest include various museums, churches, and the Botanical Gardens. Local museums include the Akureyri Museum, Akureyri Art Museum, Nonni house or Jón Sveinsson Memorial Museum, for the writer, David's house or Davíð Stefánsson Memorial Museum, for the poet), Akureyri Museum of Industry, a motorcycle museum,[and Aviation Museum. The most northerly botanical gardens and the most northerly 18 hole golf course in the world are in the town.The Nature Museum was is in the grounds of the Botanical Gardens.The Botanical Gardens are located in Spítalavegur. Large churches include the The church of Akureyri and The church of Glerá. Sundlaug Akureyrar is a swimming pool in Akureyri.

Grundarfjordur (Iceland)

Grundarfjörður is a small town, situated in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland. The town had 938 inhabitants in 2004 and 974 inhabitants in 2005. The town is situated in front of an impressive mountain range which has a slightly alpine look. On the sea side, there is a mountain called Kirkjufell, a diverted piece of the mountain strip Mýrarhyrna. The mountain forms a small peninsula.The town received the right to do commerce in 1786. Around 1800, French merchants came to Iceland and lived in Grundarfjörður, where they constructed a church and a hospital of their own. The town has become rich through the fishing industry, and this wealth shows in the style of the original, luxurious houses being built. The road to nearby Stykkishólmur crosses a big lava field, called Berserkjahraun. This is partially warm, so that even in winter, there is not snow everywhere. The name of the lava field comes from the Eyrbyggja saga, according to which two Berserkers were slain here by their master, because one of them fell in love with his master´s daughter. Twin towns Sister cities

Reykjavik (Iceland)

Iceland is the second biggest isle of Europe and it is known as the land of ice and fire. In the capital Reykjavik, you will find a very cosmopolitan city and adapted to the times. With so much touristic variety that it will be hard to decide between glaciars or thermal waters. A city full of contrasts where you will find typical constructions and futuristic buildings, in one of the youngest countries in the world.

Heimaey (Islandia)

Kirkwall (Orkney islands)

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands archipelago, 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland. Founded around 1035, the City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall is the capital and administrative centre of Orkney. The name comes from the Old Norse, which means church-bay and refers to a church older than the present day Cathedral. Some of the places you can visit are the Bishop's Palace & Earl's Palace, Highland Park Distillery, the Orkney Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral.

Dover

Today Dover is a major port town facing into the English Channel and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. What makes Dover so special is its impressive location with miles of beautiful, un-spoilt coastline and its internationally famous White Cliffs dominated by Dover Castle, known throughout the world. Dover is the town in Kent which is geographically closest to the continent and, as the world´s busiest ferry port, many justifiably describe as ´the gateway to England´. The cliffs are popular with tourists and offer the opportunity for wonderful walks and superb views out towards the English Channel. Or you may simply choose to simply gaze at them from the beach.