We opted to take the Hop-On Hop-off bus around the city which provided an excellent overview. Many tourists took a tour of the Guinness and Jameson distilleries which did not interest us. Walking around the city was a treat and gave us the opportunity to eat at a pub and do some shopping. This was perhaps the least interesting port we visited.
Again we opted to go to the country rather than spend time in Liverpool. The trip to Wales and the small village of Langollen was so enjoyable. The subsequent stop in Chester, a Roman- settled typically English town was particularly memorable- we walked the wall and walked around the entire main area, soaking up the English atmosphere.
Lunch,which was included with this excursion, was a major disappointment. Rather than dining in a rustic English inn or pub, we ate in a windowless catering room at eh Crowne Plaza Hotel. We were served a Thanksgiving Meal replete with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce- what a downer!
We loved the trip through the Northern Ireland countryside and our visit to Giant's Causeway. This extraordinary natural phenomenon was breathtaking and unique in the world. We opted to walk back and forth from the visitor's center and truly enjoyed the narrated audio tour that complemented our visit.
Edinburgh was one of the highlights of the cruise. It's a beautiful city whose charm epitomizes Scottish urban life. It's so filled with history yet thoroughly modern. We took the Hop-on Hop-off bus around the city which offered an excellent overview of Edinburgh's highlights. A visit to Edinburgh Castle is a must. Be sure to buy your tickets online in advance or on the Hop-on Hop-off bus to avoid the lengthy lines at the main gate. This is a city I'd like to re-visit and spend more time.
More 
