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Depart the pier and drive through the city center towards Kadriorg Park, the central park of Tallinn, founded in the early 18th century by Peter the Great. The centerpiece of the park is the Castle, whose main hall is probably the best example of Baroque architecture in Estonia. Explore the castles and the surrounding gardens, which were designed by the Italian architect, Michetti, to resemble those of Versailles.
Continue to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, opened in 2018 and dedicated to those who were murdered, deported, and imprisoned by the Communist regime from 1940 to 1991. During this time, Estonia lost nearly 1 in 5 of their population to the terror imposed by the regime. The somber but beautiful memorial consists of two parts: the Journey, consisting of a walkway between two walls displaying the names of those who perished, and the Home Garden, with informational texts of where terror was carried out.
End with a drive to the Old Town for a walking tour. See all of the most important sites of the Upper and Lower Towns, including Toompea Castle, Nevsky Cathedral, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, a medieval Apothecary, and Town Hall. End with free time in the city center before returning to the pier.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Fort William is ideally situated to serve as a gateway to the Highlands. This panoramic tour provides a taste of some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer.
First, stop at Banavie to visit a architectural masterpiece, Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.
Continue to the village of Glenfinnan for an interesting visit of the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. Observe the renowned monument remembering fallen Jacobite clansmen, which is framed by breathtaking Highland countryside. Raise your hat to the lone, kilted highlander perched atop the monument. Enjoy the panoramic views of Loch Shiel, the spectacular highlands, and the Glenfinnan viaduct.
Your knowledgeable guide will impart information on the monument and viaduct, as well as the history of the area, before you have free time to explore as you wish.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Fort William, sometimes referred to as the "outdoor capital of the UK" because of its proximity to the Nevis Range Mountain Resort, is a major center for outdoor activities year-round—skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing and hiking. It is also known for its panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands, which are the focus of this excursion.
A short drive brings you to the base of Aonach Mor, where a cable car transports you to an elevation of 2,100 feet, about two-thirds of the way to the summit. The 15-mnute ride in the gondola offers stunning vistas of the surrounding area, and at the top, you will find walking trails that offer a variety of outlooks in different directions—a view of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and of the Great Glen, a massive fault line that cuts across Scotland to form the series of lochs for which the Highlands are famous. On a clear day, it may even be possible to see the Isle of Skye to the northwest. Also at the top of the gondiola is the Snowgoose Restaurant and Bar, serving home cooking and fresh baked goods made from local produce. You will have ample time to do some hiking, have a tea or coffee, or simply enjoy the views.
On the return trip to Fort William, stop at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of locks on the 60-mile-long Caledonian Canal that connects the west coast of Scotland to the east, following the path of the Great Glen. Built by engineer Thomas Telford in the early 19th century, the eight locks that form the staircase allow passage between Loch Linnhe and Loch Ness by raising boats a total of 64 feet in the space of a quarter mile.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Scottish Highlands encompass some of the most romantic and storied landscapes in the world. Famous for their rugged beauty, they are also home to a vigorous Gaelic pride and the site of many battles in the struggle for autonomy from England. This program provides an introduction to all of these aspects of Highland culture, as well as a tasting of local whisky, without which any visit to the region is incomplete.
Day 1 – Disembark | Glasgow, Scotland | Inverness
After breakfast aboard and disembarkation, board your motorcoach for a leisurely journey to Inverness.
Drive northwards through the beautiful scenery of Trossachs National Park to Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Britain, where your guide will regale you with stories of Rob Roy, the 17th-century Scottish outlaw made famous by Sir Walter Scott. Continue to picturesque Glencoe, situated in a steep-sided valley known for its waterfalls and impressive mountain peaks, where you pause for lunch, before visiting the award-winning Glencoe visitor center to learn more about the history and geology of this region.
As you continue northward through the wonderfully scenic Great Glen, you pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and stop briefly at the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks. Follow the route of the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, pausing at the small town of Fort Augustus, on the southern tip of Loch Ness, before continuing along the shores of this legendary home of the Loch Ness Monster to Inverness.
On arrival in Inverness, check-in to the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Inverness
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor's Center, a powerful memorial to the final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Then, a short drive across the Moray Firth and through the countryside brings you to the Glen Ord Distillery, where the famous Singleton single malt whisky is made. A guided tour of the facility and a nosing and tasting led by an experienced whisky sommelier is followed by time to explore the distillery's exhibition area or browse their gift shop.
Returning to Inverness, enjoy a guided walking tour of this 'capital of the Highlands'. Explore Inverness Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, and stroll along the River Ness toward the city center, for splendid views of Inverness Castle. Your guide will explain the legend of the encounter between a saint and a water monster that continues to attract visitors to the region, and as you walk up Church Street, lined with many grand buildings, you will also learn about the Jacobite uprising and its end in 1746 at the battle of nearby Culloden Moor.
Reaching the top of Castle Hill, you will enjoy a brilliant view of the River Ness and hear the history of the castle, of Mary Queen of Scot's visit to Inverness, and of Flora MacDonald, the Highland heroine who saved the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie by disguising him as a maid.
Your walking tour ends at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, where you can discover more of the fascinating history and culture of the city of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands as you browse the museum's exhibits celebrating Highland life. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with an independent lunch and dinner.
Day 3 – Inverness | Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa is a 4-star hotel where Victorian elegance meets modern comfort in the heart of the Highlands. Set on the banks of the tranquil River Ness, just across from Inverness Castle, the hotel offers stunning views and a prime location, only a short stroll from the city center. Guests can unwind in the stylish spa and leisure club, complete with heated pool, sauna, and a fitness suite.
Your program includes:
· 2 nights at the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa (or similar)
· Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on disembarkation day
· Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
· Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
· Lunch on Day 1
· Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
· Local English-speaking guides
· Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
· Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
· Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
· It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
· Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
· The official currency is the British pound. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
· This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
· Program is offered on a space available basis.
· Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
8 Ness Walk
Inverness IV3 5NG
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1463 223243
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