Day 1 - London (Greenwich)

Greenwich, England: About 8 miles downstream from central London, Greenwich stands as a significant borough in terms of global influence. It once served as the seat of British naval power and is home to the Old Royal Observatory, which dictates the world's time, and the Greenwich Meridian that splits the globe into two hemispheres. The journey to Greenwich can be an event itself; many opt for a scenic boat ride along the Thames, passing iconic sites like the Tower of London. Greenwich feels like an elegant coastal town steeped in history. The Old Royal Naval Hospital, designed by Christopher Wren, now serves as a popular visitor spot and a film location. The Queens House, built by Inigo Jones in 1616, is England's first classical building, housing fine art. The National Maritime Museum chronicles Britain's 500-year maritime history, featuring the coat worn by Admiral Lord Nelson. The 19th-century tea clipper Cutty Sark has been meticulously restored after a fire. Greenwich Park, London's oldest royal park, still shelters red deer, as it has since Henry VIII's time. The Royal Observatory allows visitors to straddle the Greenwich Meridian Line, while adventurous souls might climb the O2 dome. Those preferring refined excursions could explore Eltham Palace, a Tudor mansion transformed into an art deco masterpiece in the 1930s.

Day 2 - Dover

Dover, England: Known as the gateway to England, Dover is a global entry point, celebrated as the world's ferry capital and the UK's second busiest cruise port. This historic coastal town is home to the iconic White Cliffs and a castle with over 2,000 years of history. Its museum features the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the oldest known seafaring vessel. The cliffs, known for serving as the control centre during the Dunkirk evacuation, remain a symbol of welcome to cross-channel travellers.

Day 3 - Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cowes, Isle of Wight, England: The Isle of Wight is a charming microcosm of England, renowned for its picturesque bays and thatched villages. Once favoured by Queen Victoria, it hosts historic residences like Osborne House, designed by Prince Albert. Annually, Cowes hosts Cowes Week, a prestigious sailing event drawing crowds to this intimate seaside community. The island offers diverse landscapes, from rolling woodlands to dramatic cliffs. Cowes itself has a quaint harbour, while East Cowes is more industrial. Notable visits include the Needles and Alum Bay, famous for multicoloured sands. The island’s pubs and shops are local attractions.

Day 4 - Saint Mary's

Saint Mary's, Isles of Scilly, England: St Mary's, the largest island in the Isles of Scilly, serves as the gateway to this beautiful archipelago. Hugh Town, the island's main settlement, is a charming old town with its own beach, nature reserve, and historic church. Visitors can explore narrow streets filled with shops for unique souvenirs. St Mary's boasts stunning white sandy beaches and pristine landscapes, with rich archaeological sites and miles of scenic coastal and country trails.

Day 5 - Kinsale

Kinsale, Ireland: As a captivating and historic fishing port, Kinsale is renowned for its vibrant art scene and gourmet restaurants. Nestled along the banks of the River Bandon, it serves as the gateway to historic maritime explorations and features stunning 18th-century architecture. As one wanders the winding streets, a sense of its storied past is ever-present, complemented by the friendly community that welcomes explorers from near and far.

Day 6 - Holyhead

Holyhead, Wales: Historically a fortress against Irish raiders, Holyhead is now a key ferry port to Ireland. The town itself is small, but its history is rich, with ancient ruins evidence of millennia of settlement. The surrounding landscape, ideal for hiking, offers more historical sites amidst a backdrop of rugged beauty.

Day 7 - Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland: Originally a modest village under the O'Neill clan, Belfast evolved dramatically with the arrival of English and Scottish settlers in the 1600s. Its history spans from being a hub of linen production and shipbuilding—famed for the Titanic—to a city transformed post-Troubles. The city now flourishes with restored historic buildings, including museums, theaters, and renowned bars, and offers a rich tapestry of cultures and histories to explore on foot.

Day 8 - Tobermory

Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland: Welcomed by the vibrant facades of Tobermory's harbour, visitors find a charming town set within the dramatic landscape of the Inner Hebrides. Known from TV shows, the town also hosts rich marine life and a museum. Visitors can explore the folklore of a sunken galleon or indulge in local whiskey at the historic distillery.

Day 8 - Iona

Iona, Hebrides, Scotland: This small island near Mull is celebrated for its serene natural beauty and Iona Abbey, a significant site in Gaelic Christian history. With just a small community, the island’s landscape exemplifies the peaceful allure of the Hebrides, especially stunning under sunny skies.