Taste of the British Isles: Fowey to London

Nestled in the mouth of a wooded estuary, Fowey (pronounced Foy) is still very much a working china-clay port as well as a focal point for the sailing fraternity. Increasingly, it's also a favored home of the rich and famous. Good and varied dining and lodging options abound; these are most in demand during Regatta Week in mid- to late August and the annual Fowey Festival of Words and Music in mid-May. The Bodinnick and Polruan ferries take cars as well as foot passengers across the river for the coast road on to Looe.A few miles west of Fowey are a pair of very different gardens: the Eden Project, a futuristic display of plants from around the world, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a revitalized reminder of the Victorian age.

An ancient port city of Cornwall, Fowey is known for its quaint narrow streets, picturesque quays and bustling harbour. Discover the magic of this charming destination before you are warmly greeted by the crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. Enjoy a glass of champagne, meet your butler and get familiar with your spacious suite, admiring the city from your private verandah.

Please note: You will be under own arrangements upon arrival in Fowey, and must make your own way to Scenic Eclipse II for embarkation.

Please book your flight to arrive into Fowey prior to 02:00 PM.

Cobblestone streets, blooming floral displays, and tiny churches welcome you to this wonderfully pretty harbour. The town of St Peter Port is as pretty as they come, with glowing flower displays painting practically every street corner and window-ledge with colour. As the capital, and main port of Guernsey, St Peter Port puts all of the island’s gorgeous beaches, wonderful history and inspiring stories at your fingertips. Feel the gut punch of the midday gun firing at Castle Cornet, which stands guard over one of the world's prettiest ports. This 800-year-old, Medieval castle offers staggering views of the harbour from its imposing, craggy island location, and you can look out across to the looming shorelines of the other Channel Islands from its weathered battlements. With four well-tended gardens, and five museums offering a rich overview of Guernsey's history, you’ll want to leave a few hours aside to explore the many treasures that lie within the castle’s walls.

Sitting just off the coast of France, Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands and has its own unique blend of British and French cultures. Explore the cobblestone streets of the capital, St. Peter Port, lined with Georgian and Regency architecture and adorned with vibrant floral displays. Dive into the island's maritime legacy at the Guernsey Museum and Aquarium, showcasing shipwrecks and marine life. Ascend to the medieval Castle Cornet, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the harbour and beyond. The charming Hauteville House, once home to French writer Victor Hugo, and the tranquil Candie Gardens, a botanical haven, are also must-sees.

The pretty seaside resort of Poole in Dorset is known for having Europe’s largest natural harbour and a rich maritime heritage. Explore this bustling quayside, where colourful boats bob gently at anchor, or stroll along its golden sandy beaches and breathe in the fresh sea air. Wander through the old town, where stone buildings date back to the 16th century, sample delicious seafood at waterfront restaurants, and browse quaint shops for local treasures.

Poole is also the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast, where the magnificent landscape is home to dramatic rock formations and ancient fossils.

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

Nestled on the Normandy Coast, where the Seine River meets the English Channel, Honfleur’s harbour is considered one of the prettiest in France. Admire the charming waterfront lined with colourful buildings dating back to the 17th century, now housing quaint boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The town was the birthplace of Impressionism, and you can wander the streets once graced by artists like Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin, who captured its beauty on canvas. Explore the Museum Eugene Boudin to immerse yourself in their masterpieces and those of their contemporaries. Honfleur is also the gateway to iconic destinations like Paris, Rouen and Giverny.

Ostend is a gem on the Flemish North Sea coast, a charming seaside resort lined with grand Belle Epoque buildings. Stroll along the bustling promenade, where lively cafes and chic boutiques line the waterfront. Explore the historic streets, admiring the eclectic architecture and extensive collection of street art, then savour the flavours of traditional moules marinière (mussels).

Ostend is also famous for its pristine beaches. As you’ll be visiting at the height of summer, when pop up bars and Ibiza-style beach clubs will spring up along the golden sand. Make the most of a late departure with a refreshing Belgian beer at sundown.

About 8 miles downstream—which means seaward, to the east—from central London, Greenwich is a small borough that looms large across the world. Once the seat of British naval power, it is not only home to the Old Royal Observatory, which measures time for our entire planet, but also the Greenwich Meridian, which divides the world into two—you can stand astride it with one foot in either hemisphere. Bear in mind that the journey to Greenwich is an event in itself. In a rush, you can take the driverless DLR train—but many opt for arriving by boat along the Thames. This way, you glide past famous sights on the London skyline (there’s a guaranteed spine chill on passing the Tower) and ever-changing docklands, and there’s usually a chirpy Cock-er-ney navigator enlivening the journey with his fun commentary. A visit to Greenwich feels like a trip to a rather elegant seaside town—albeit one with more than its fair share of historic sites. The grandiose Old Royal Naval Hospital, designed by Christopher Wren, was originally a home for veteran sailors. Today it’s a popular visitor attraction, with a more glamorous second life as one of the most widely used movie locations in Britain. Greenwich was originally home to one of England's finest Tudor palaces, and the birthplace of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I. Inigo Jones built what is considered the first "classical" building in England in 1616—the Queen's House, which now houses a collection of fine art. Britain was the world’s preeminent naval power for over 500 years, and the excellent National Maritime Museum> details that history in an engaging way. Its prize exhibits include the coat worn by Admiral Lord Nelson (1758–1805) in his final battle—bullet hole and all. The 19th-century tea clipper Cutty Sark was nearly destroyed by fire in 2007, but reopened in 2012 after a painstaking restoration. Now it’s more pristine than ever, complete with an impressive new visitor center. Greenwich Park, London's oldest royal park, is still home to fallow red deer, just as it has been since they were first introduced here for hunting by Henry VIII. The Ranger's House now houses a private art collection, next door to a beautifully manicured rose garden. Above it all is the Royal Observatory, where you can be in two hemispheres at once by standing along the Greenwich Meridian Line, before seeing a high-tech planetarium show. Toward north Greenwich, the hopelessly ambitious Millennium Dome has been successfully reborn as the O2 and now hosts major concerts and stand-up comedy gigs. More adventurous visitors can also go Up the O2 on a climbing expedition across the massive domed surface. Meanwhile, those who prefer excursions of a gentler kind may prefer to journey a couple of miles south of the borough, farther out into London’s southern suburbs, to the shamefully underappreciated Eltham Palace. Once a favorite of Henry VIII, parts of the mansion were transformed into an art deco masterpiece during the 1930s.

After one final crossing of the English Channel, Scenic Eclipse II will sail inland along the famed Thames River, where the historic landmarks of London unfold before your eyes. Cruising gracefully through the heart of the city, marvel at the majestic architecture of Tower Bridge, the towering spires of St. Paul's Cathedral, and the regal beauty of the Houses of Parliament. Glide past the bustling waterfronts and quaint riverside neighbourhoods, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of England's capital. The voyage culminates at Greenwich, a World Heritage-listed site steeped in maritime history and cultural significance.

About 8 miles downstream—which means seaward, to the east—from central London, Greenwich is a small borough that looms large across the world. Once the seat of British naval power, it is not only home to the Old Royal Observatory, which measures time for our entire planet, but also the Greenwich Meridian, which divides the world into two—you can stand astride it with one foot in either hemisphere. Bear in mind that the journey to Greenwich is an event in itself. In a rush, you can take the driverless DLR train—but many opt for arriving by boat along the Thames. This way, you glide past famous sights on the London skyline (there’s a guaranteed spine chill on passing the Tower) and ever-changing docklands, and there’s usually a chirpy Cock-er-ney navigator enlivening the journey with his fun commentary. A visit to Greenwich feels like a trip to a rather elegant seaside town—albeit one with more than its fair share of historic sites. The grandiose Old Royal Naval Hospital, designed by Christopher Wren, was originally a home for veteran sailors. Today it’s a popular visitor attraction, with a more glamorous second life as one of the most widely used movie locations in Britain. Greenwich was originally home to one of England's finest Tudor palaces, and the birthplace of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I. Inigo Jones built what is considered the first "classical" building in England in 1616—the Queen's House, which now houses a collection of fine art. Britain was the world’s preeminent naval power for over 500 years, and the excellent National Maritime Museum> details that history in an engaging way. Its prize exhibits include the coat worn by Admiral Lord Nelson (1758–1805) in his final battle—bullet hole and all. The 19th-century tea clipper Cutty Sark was nearly destroyed by fire in 2007, but reopened in 2012 after a painstaking restoration. Now it’s more pristine than ever, complete with an impressive new visitor center. Greenwich Park, London's oldest royal park, is still home to fallow red deer, just as it has been since they were first introduced here for hunting by Henry VIII. The Ranger's House now houses a private art collection, next door to a beautifully manicured rose garden. Above it all is the Royal Observatory, where you can be in two hemispheres at once by standing along the Greenwich Meridian Line, before seeing a high-tech planetarium show. Toward north Greenwich, the hopelessly ambitious Millennium Dome has been successfully reborn as the O2 and now hosts major concerts and stand-up comedy gigs. More adventurous visitors can also go Up the O2 on a climbing expedition across the massive domed surface. Meanwhile, those who prefer excursions of a gentler kind may prefer to journey a couple of miles south of the borough, farther out into London’s southern suburbs, to the shamefully underappreciated Eltham Palace. Once a favorite of Henry VIII, parts of the mansion were transformed into an art deco masterpiece during the 1930s.

Your journey concludes this morning in Greenwich in the historic heart of London. Disembark right into the centre of this ancient capital, surrounded by legendary educational and scientific institutions.

Savour one last sumptuous breakfast on board, reminiscing on the unforgettable moments shared during your journey. Bid farewell to your fellow guests and the Scenic Eclipse II crew, then disembark to continue your travels or begin your journey home.

Please book your flight to depart out of London after 12:00 PM.

+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost. 

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.