Autumnal Legends of the British Isles 12 night Cruise Only - from £1419

<p>Just 22 nautical miles down river from the Tower Bridge in London, Tilbury is a popular turnaround port for cruises visiting Baltic and Northern European destinations.</p>

<p>St Mary&rsquo;s is the Isle of Scilly&rsquo;s largest island with a population of 1800 residents and an area of 6.58 square Kilometres; this is the gateway to the rest of the magnificent islands. Hugh town -a beautiful Old town with its own beach, nature reserve and church is the main attractions of St Mary&rsquo;s, with tiny streets brimming with shops to pick up the perfect souvenir. St Mary&rsquo;s is a hidden gem, with long stretches of white sandy beaches and a breath-taking untouched landscape. The coastline holds many archaeological sites along with miles of splendid walks along the coastal and country paths.</p>

<p>Cork City's nearby harbor district has seen plenty of history. Cork Harbour's draws include Fota Island&mdash;with an arboretum, a wildlife park, and the Fota House ancestral estate&mdash;and the fishing port of Cobh.</p>

<p>Vibrant Liverpool is steeped in maritime history and cultural vitality. Visit iconic sites like the Royal Albert Dock, walk in the foosteps of The Beatles on a Fab Four walking tour, and explore Liverpool's historic waterfront along the River Mersey.</p>

<p>Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called B&eacute;al Feirste ("sandbank ford") belonging to Ulster's ancient O'Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion&mdash;its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans&mdash;who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics&mdash;Belfast's growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname "Titanic Town." Having laid the foundation stone of the city's university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen's College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about "the Troubles." Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland's capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall&mdash;and even the glorious Crown Bar&mdash;spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast's city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it's about an hour's leisurely walk.</p>

<p>You'll always receive a welcome to remember, as the colourful cafes, houses and shops that line Tobermory's picturesque harbour salute your arrival. Located on the craggy Scottish Inner Hebrides, Tobermory serves as the capital of the Isle of Mull. There's a high chance you'll recognise the town&rsquo;s colourfully-daubed buildings, as their charming exteriors have featured in countless TV shows - most notably in the children&rsquo;s favourite, Balamory. There's always a new story to discover here &ndash; not least the legend that suggests there's a sunken Spanish galleon, brimming with lost gold, sitting just below the waves that roll around the harbour. Learn a little more of the area&rsquo;s history at the Mull Museum, or head out to enjoy some of the fabulous wildlife watching opportunities on offer on a boat tour. You can spot majestic birds like white tail and golden eagles circling in the skies, or turn your attention to the waves, where friendly dolphins and Minke whales are regular visitors. Treat yourself to a sample of one of the island's finest exports before leaving, as you drop in at the Tobermory Distillery for some whiskey tasting. Established in 1798, it&rsquo;s one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.</p>

<p>Lerwick, nestled in the Shetland Isles, whispers tales of Vikings and Scottish history. Take leisurely walks through its winding streets, learn the history of lighthouse-keeping at Bressay Lighthouse, and breathe in the salty North Atlantic breezes atop the Knab promontory.</p>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>London Tilbury, a key entry point to the UK capital, is nestled along the River Thames in Essex. Discover waterfront attractions like Tilbury Fort, which offers a window into the rich maritime history of this quintessential port town on the Thames Estuary</p> </div>

Invergordon, on Scotland's east coast, is rich in maritime history and Highland charm. Take a leisurely stroll along historic quaysides, explore coastal viewpoints, and experience the authentic Scottish atmosphere of this port town along the Cromarty Firth.