Dover, England
July 12. Embark Saga Pearl II and depart at 1700.
Dover is situated at the mouth of a valley in the chalk uplands that form the famous white cliffs. A pre-Roman settlement existed on the site and, as Dubris, the place was important for Roman traffic with the European mainland.
Bombed and shelled during World War Two, the shattered seafront was subsequently redeveloped after the war and is now the foremost passenger port in the United Kingdom.
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
July 14. Arrive 0800, depart 2200.
Like so many British islands, the Orkney Islands are fiercely independent. In summer, the islands cliff-tops are awash with beautiful scenery, as the green meadows blessed by the long days’ warmth and light.
The town of Kirkwall is huddled around St Magnus Cathedral and has unusual, quietly impressive architecture and a gentle, unhurried atmosphere.
Scrabster (for Thurso), Scotland
July 15. Arrive 0800, depart 1700.
The busy town of Scrabster is one of the most important fishing ports in Britain. At one time it was the main port for trade with Norway and Denmark, and it has many interesting buildings and relics from its past, including the tiny gargoyles which guard the harbour.
From here you can visit Thurso, the most northerly town on the Scottish mainland, or Castle May, which was the property of the Queen Mother from 1952 to 1996.
Invergordon, Scotland
July 16. Arrive 0800, depart 1700.
Invergordon is a deepwater port near the entrance of Cromarty Firth, the seaway to the Scottish Highlands. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is nearby, as well as Loch Ness.
Ancient Inverness was regularly burned by marauding clansman and little remains from its tumultuous past. A castle was originally built here by Macbeth, but was destroyed by Malcolm Canmore in 1057. Today, the same site hosts an impressive fortress built in 1835 to house the Sheriff’s Court and Police Department, a function it still performs today.
Loch Ness is the most popular attraction in the area and has a larger volume of water than any other Scottish loch. The Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie as the creature is more affectionately known, was originally ’spotted’ in 1933. Since then, the story has refused to die away and visitors still come to the loch hoping to spot the elusive beast.
Peterhead, Scotland
July 17. Arrive 0800, depart 1700.
Often referred to as the ‘Blue Toon’, Peterhead’s history has always been closely linked with the sea. Founded in 1587, Peterhead soon established itself as one of the largest ports on the north-east coast of Scotland.
You can discover its fascinating history in the Arbuthnot Museum and Peterhead Maritime Museum, or visit the Ugie Salmon Fish House to watch salmon being smoked in the traditional way in the oldest building in the town.
St Andrews, Scotland
July 18. Arrive 0800, depart 2100.
St Andrews holds a special place in Scotland’s history, and takes its name from the Apostle whose relics, legend tells us, were brought here by St Rule. Scotland later adopted St Andrew as its patron saint, and before the Reformation, the town was the centre of religious life in medieval Scotland.
This charming city is also famous as a place of learning and the university, founded in 1410, is one of the oldest in Britain. For many visitors though it’s golf that draws them here as St Andrews is the home of golf, and has been played here for over 600 years.
Your visit coincides with the 2010 British Open Golf Championship which gives you a unique opportunity to see the last day of play. Alternatively shop for souvenirs along Market Street and South Street.
Dover, England
July 20. Arrive 0700 and disembark Saga Pearl II after breakfast.
Dover is situated at the mouth of a valley in the chalk uplands that form the famous white cliffs. A pre-Roman settlement existed on the site and, as Dubris, the place was important for Roman traffic with the European mainland.
Bombed and shelled during World War Two, the shattered seafront was subsequently redeveloped after the war and is now the foremost passenger port in the United Kingdom.