Hafen
Liverpool

Explore nearby Chester, marveling at its excavated Roman ruins and medieval city center before enjoying free time.

Enjoy a leisurely drive inland to Chester, a delightful city with archaeological treasures dating to its Roman occupation. Chester thrived as a major port until the River Dee silted up in the 17th century and Liverpool captured much of its trade, but the landmarks still stand as a testament to Chester’s grand past.

Follow your guide on a walking tour of its most historical areas, during which you will enjoy an up-close view of Chester’s red-sandstone defensive walls. Dating to 100 AD, they remain the most complete Roman and medieval wall system in the United Kingdom. The architectural treasures that the walls enclose are just as impressive.

Your guided walk takes you past the Norman cathedral (you may choose to go inside at the end of the guided walk if there are no services taking place). Throughout your visit you will constantly encounter living history, from the Roman cobblestones under your feet, to the myriad of genuine old black-and-white Tudor timber buildings on either side of you.

Later, during approximately one hour of free time, you might wish to further explore the city, and of course, there are also plenty of interesting shops to browse or places to pick up a bite to eat.

Cross into the rolling countryside of Wales for a delightful exploration of Llangollen and then return to England for a relaxing afternoon in Chester, which the Romans founded.

A scenic drive through the Merseyside Tunnel and south takes you into Wales, passing historical towns such as Ruthin, cross winding Horseshoe Pass.

Like many ancient Welsh villages, Llangollen is named for a saint, in this case Saint Collen, who founded a church here in the 7th century. The village is well-known for its 14th century stone bridge that has become a symbol of Llangollen. During free time here, you might shop, linger in a traditional pub, or watch horse-drawn boats slip through Llangollen Canal.

In time, you will return to England, stopping just over the border in Chester. Following lunch, you will have nearly 1.5-hours of free time to explore. There are abundant landmarks, none more famous than the red-sandstone defensive walls. Dating to 100 AD, they remain the most complete Roman and medieval wall system in the United Kingdom. The Chester Rows is another historical highlight. It’s a series of half-timbered shops above the ones on street level, and the reason they were constructed this way in the 13th century is still a mystery.

After reuniting with your guide, you will tour Chester Cathedral, a remarkable building supposedly built over a prehistoric Druid temple.

Take the ultimate Beatles tour to many of the places that helped shape the Fab Four and inspire their music, including their former residences and schools.

Follow the shores of the famed River Mersey, which inspired the hit song Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry and the Pacemakers. As popular as that Liverpool-based band was, they paled in comparison to the Beatles, the legendary rock group that also formed in Liverpool and played in its nightclubs in the early 1960s.

For an in-depth look at the lives and times of the Beatles, visit the Beatles Story, an extensive exhibition devoted to the Fab Four. You will learn about their childhoods, how the Beatles met, and how they led the British Invasion that introduced the world to the music of the United Kingdom decades ago. There are also plenty of early photographs of the Beatles that have just recently come to light.

Drive along Mathew Street, home to numerous shops with Beatles memorabilia, statues of the Beatles, the Beatles-themed Hard Day’s Night Hotel, and the Cavern Club, where the Fab Four performed more than 300 times in the 1960s. You will also see where the Beatles worked before becoming famous, drive down famed Penny Lane and pass Strawberry Field, where John Lennon attended garden parties as a child.

Admire the architectural treasures throughout Liverpool and enjoy a leisurely tour of the magnificent Anglican Cathedral and its original Lady Chapel. After departing from the pier, you will soon come upon Pier Head, an area on the River Mersey that was so significant as a trade center in the 18th and 19th centuries that it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the architectural highlights is the Royal Liver Building, an iconic landmark that was the world’s tallest building when constructed in 1911. Statues of mythical liver birds top the towers, from which the city derived its name.

Continuing into downtown Liverpool, you will pass the flagship Town Hall, where the Lord Mayor of Liverpool resides, and then enter the popular Cavern Quarter. The Beatles performed in its Cavern Club more than 300 times and musicians still play there nightly. More treasures for you to view lie ahead, including the illustrious Walker Art Gallery and the neo-classical St. George’s Hall, a cultural center built in the early 1800s.

Still, Liverpool’s famed Anglican Cathedral dominates the landscape, as it is the largest cathedral in the United Kingdom. Touring the interior, you will discover the castle’s storied history, how it survived two World Wars and near-crippling periods of recession. Its nave is particularly stunning.

You will also see the stadium where the Liverpool Football Club plays and historical Albert Dock, which opened in 1846.

Spend a pleasant day in North Wales and wander through a magnificent medieval castle and two enchanting villages that beckon to be explored. It is here in this idyllic region that quiet beauty lies within heather-clad hills and hidden river valleys. This is truly an area unspoiled by the ravages of time and abounding with legend and a rich cultural heritage. As you pass through the picture-perfect villages, you will notice that the road signs are written in English and Welsh.

After approximately 90-minutes, you will arrive at Conwy Castle, one of the finest medieval fortifications in the United Kingdom. Its two fortified gateways and eight stone towers sit on a rocky outcrop, making the castle look almost impenetrable. Although ruined now, remains dramatically striking as it stands by the River overlooking a somewhat peculiarly designed pair of bridges that bring the road and railway into the town. Built by Edward I in the 1280s, the castle is so extraordinary that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the castle runs the original medieval town wall which is 1400 yards long and has an average height of 30 feet. This was built at the same time as the castle and is the best example in Britain of the defense works introduced by Edward I. Conwy's old wall is virtually intact all around the town, fortified with 21 towers and 3 gateways. As a result, Conwy town center has never been over-run by modern development (all of which has happened outside the walls) and therefore, retains a wonderful ambiance.

The castle tour makes a fine introduction to your exploration of the village of Conwy. During free time, you may stroll through the atmospheric old town, walk the serene waterfront, or visit the red-painted Quay House, the smallest residence in Wales.

More scenic beauty awaits you on the way to Betws-y-Coed, where you will dine in a local venue before enjoying free time in the village. The main thoroughfare, Holyhead Road, is full of shops and galleries well worth a visit. Although not high above sea level, Betws-y-Coed seems alpine because mountains surround it.

Discover the architectural and artistic treasures in Port Sunlight, a beautiful 19th-century village that Soap King and philanthropist William Lever built for his factory workers.

Cross the River Mersey and follow it upstream to Port Sunlight, a village on the Wirral Peninsula, purpose-built in the late 1800s for the Lever Brothers soap factory workers. The village is named after Sunlight Soap, the company’s flagship product at the time, and is one of the finest examples of early urban planning.

As you walk through Port Sunlight, you will notice numerous architectural styles, the result of 30 different architects being employed over the course of 80 years to design the hundreds of buildings. Stop to visit the Lady Lever Art Gallery, which houses some of the finest decorative art in the United Kingdom. There are detailed tapestries, Wedgwood Jasperware, Chinese porcelains and priceless paintings from British artists such as Gainsborough and Turner.

Following your gallery tour, you will have the opportunity to relax over a pot of tea, fresh-baked scones, clotted cream and jam before its time to make your way back to Liverpool.

Enjoy a leisurely trip into Wales to explore the charming village of Llangollen, ride a vintage train and tour a medieval castle.

Settle in for a picturesque drive through the Merseyside Tunnel and south into Wales, passing historical towns such as Ruthin, cross winding Horseshoe Pass. Like many ancient Welsh villages, Llangollen is named for a saint, in this case Saint Collen, who founded a church here in the 7th century. The village is well-known for its 14th century stone bridge that has become a symbol of Llangollen. During free time here, you might shop, linger in a traditional pub, or watch horse-drawn boats slip through Llangollen Canal.

In time, you will board a restored passenger train and set off on the only standard-gauge heritage railway in North Wales. As you pass through Dee Valley, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the countryside will be absolutely idyllic. Following a seven-mile route, you may see grazing sheep, hikers along the river and limestone escarpments.

Arriving in Carrog, you will enjoy a traditional Welsh lunch as a prelude to Chirk Castle. Completed in 1310, the fortress is lavishly decorated with rich tapestries and period furnishings, especially in areas such as the Bow Room, where aristocrats gathered. You will also have the opportunity to stroll through the lovely gardens.

Founded in Liverpool, Boodles has grown from a regional county jeweller into a leading British fine jewellery brand. Still an independently owned, 6th generation family business, Boodles is respected for the skill of its creations the exceptional quality of its diamonds and precious gemstones, and the eye-catching beauty of its finished designs.

An important element of the Boodles design approach is Britishness. Most obviously, the natural landscape and flora of the UK, but there's also an inventive spirit and playful character feeding into Boodles design with hidden details and asymmetric quirks.

The intricacy of many Boodles designs place huge responsibility on the craftspeople tasked with turning the design ideas into reality. Skilled teams work closely together, creating jewellery designed to be enjoyed for many generations.

Discover more about Boodles, its iconic jewellery and exceptional gemstones during a private lunch at Boodles House, hosted by one of the Boodles directors, a family member and descendant of William Wainwright, the renowned watchmaker and founder of the company. An informal presentation from one of Boodles designers will follow and an explanation of the complexities of Boodles design and unique collections.

After a delicious lunch and an opportunity to try on some the beautiful pieces displayed at Boodles House, take the short journey to return to your ship.

Take this opportunity to explore the beautiful green spaces of Liverpool on an eco-friendly cycling tour. E-bike and safety helmet will be provided, and your local guide will show you some of Liverpool’s best kept secrets tucked away in the city’s parks and gardens.

Liverpool Waterfront

Cycle along Liverpool’s famous Waterfront passing the Three Graces, Pier Head, and the Royal Albert Dock and out of the city centre to glorious green spaces. As you glide along on your state of the art, pedal assist E-bike,  enjoy the benefit of a scenic cycle ride without the hard work.

Festival Gardens

At Otterspool Promenade see stunning views across the River Mersey and beyond. Pass through Festival Gardens, a former household refuse site which was transformed into the UK’s first ever International Garden Festival in 1984.  The festival was a concept designed to attract visitors to the city and during its five months of displaying an array of horticulture, a staggering 3.4 million people visited the site.

In recent years, a large section of the gardens was developed for residential housing, whilst the remaining gardens fell into disrepair. In 2010 work commenced to transform the gardens to a place for leisure and recreation with boardwalks and woodland trails. As you cycle through the gardens, look out for unique features including fine-looking  pagodas, a Moon Wall, ornamental lakes, waterways and waterfalls.  

Princes Park

Leaving the former Garden Festival site, cycle  through Princes Park, a historic public park covering 45 hectares and located in the South of Liverpool. Designed by the renowned architects  Sir Joseph Paxton and Sir James Pennethorne, and opened in 1842, Princes Park is Grade II Listed.

Arriving at the vast  Sefton Park, which appears as a natural landscape rather than a public park, admire the many features including a Statue of Eros and Victorian Band Stand, which is said to be the inspiration for The Beatles song, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Palm House

Taking pride of place in Sefton Park is the magnificent Palm House, a Victorian glass panelled structure erected in 1896 and more recently restored to its former glory. It contains over 200 plants, some of which are extremely rare. Enjoy a tour of the Palm House from one of the resident experts and relax a while with light refreshments in the Palm House Café.

During your cycle tour there will be frequent stops, photo opportunities and information from your guide about this fascinating city.

You tour will conclude at Cruise Liverpool.

See many of the iconic highlights of this unique city and hear how Liverpool survived two world wars and times of recession and decline to regain its place as a world-leading port and cruise destination.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

Visit Liverpool's famous iconic landmark, the Anglican Cathedral. Dominating the city's skyline from high on St James' Mount, the Cathedral is the largest in the UK and the fifth largest in the world. It took 74 years to build (completed in 1978) and was designed by the renowned architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.

The Cathedral has many fascinating features including the largest organ in the UK with 10,268 pipes taking, three years to build and install (1923 - 1926). There are 1,700 square metres of beautiful stained glass in the Cathedral and numerous memorials to celebrated heroes of Liverpool such as Kitty Wilkinson, Saint of the Slums and Thomas Henry Ismay, founder of the White Star Shipping Line, which merged with Cunard in the early 20^th century.

Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

In total architectural contrast, and at the opposite end of the aptly named Hope Street, take a photo opportunity at Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. This is the largest Catholic Cathedral in the UK and is beautifully obtrusive with its inimitable architectural style and stained-glass lantern tower.

St George's Quarter

There will be a stop at St George's Quarter, boasting some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK. See the Grade I listed St George's Hall, one of the finest examples of neo-classical design in the world. Completed in 1854 to house the Civil and Crown Courts and as a place to host prominent social events, this magnificent structure stands 169 ft (151.5 m) long and 74 ft wide (22.5 m).

Scenic Drive

As you become acquainted with the city, your guide will show you more of Liverpool's iconic sights such as, The Three Graces, Albion House, The Royal Philharmonic Hall and the beautifully restored Royal Albert Dock.

After an informative introduction to and orientation of Liverpool, return to the port and your ship.

Take a short journey out of Liverpool city centre to the famous Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool Football Club. Anfield was built in the 19^th century and today, the modern, hi-tech, stadium can accommodate over 54,000 spectators (soon to be expanded to 61,000 capacity) and is one of the largest football stadiums in England.

Gain an insight into the Club’s history and success as you go behind the scenes during an interactive and immersive Stadium Tour. Multimedia audio handsets are provided to give full and detailed information as you explore the ground at your own pace. There will also be knowledgeable tour guides at hand to answer questions.

Begin your tour at the highest level of the Main Stand and enjoy stunning views of the pitch and the city skyline. Experience how the stadium comes alive on matchdays and see where the players prepare for the big game in the new state-of-the-art Home Team Dressing Room. Touch the This is Anfield sign before walking down the new Player’s Tunnel to the sound of the Anfield roar.

After your tour, spend some time in The Liverpool FC Story, a museum which is showcasing the newest exhibition: The Boom Room: The Epic Story of Jurgen Klopp's Dream Team, a dedicated museum where you'll see over 125 years of history brought to life and is home to the 6 Champions League trophies that stand proudly on display.

At the conclusion of your tour, maybe pause for a photograph at the Bill Shankley statue before returning to your ship.

Liverpool is a small, compact city with a vast array of history, architecture, sporting events, museums, galleries and world-famous musical and theatrical heritage. All of these factors have contributed to its character, but it is the port that has given Liverpool its distinctive cosmopolitan identity.

Explore the heart of Liverpool on foot with your guide and experience the old and the new of this vibrant city.

Liverpool Waterfront

Beginning at the Waterfront, admire the beautiful Three Graces, constructed in the early 1900s and boasting Liverpool’s maritime and mercantile success. Crossing St. Nicholas Place, pass St. Nicholas Church. St. Nicholas has been rebuilt several times since its foundation in medieval times. It is also known as the Sailors Church as St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors.

Water Street

Walking away from the River Mersey and towards the historic part of the city, arrive in Water Street, one of Liverpool’s oldest streets, known for its collection of buildings connected with the legal profession. Next, see the Town Hall, a magnificent 18th century building, its high dome, adorned by a statue of Minerva, goddess of wisdom.

Cavern CLub

A tour of Liverpool would not be complete without a visit to Mathew Street, known world-wide as the location of the Cavern Club, where the Beatles played on almost 300 occasions in their early career.

City Centre

Continue through the city centre, visiting the Queen Anne splendour of the Bluecoat.  A short comfort stop will be made at The Bluecoat before progressing to the modern Liverpool ONE shopping centre, finally arriving at the rejuvenated and picturesque Royal Albert Dock, formerly dock warehouses and now the largest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings in Britain.

Pier Head

Your tour concludes at the Pier Head, this historic site encompasses the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, the Port of Liverpool Building as well as the iconic Beatles statues. There are several memorials here including that dedicated to the Stokers and Engineers who lost their lives at sea including those on the “Titanic” and “Lusitania”.  

On this picturesque full day excursions, take a leisurely journey from Liverpool over the border from England and into North Wales. Enjoy stunning scenery as you travel over the famous Horseshoe Pass in Denbighshire on your way to Plas Newydd, the enchanting home of 'The Ladies of Llangollen'. After your visit to this charming museum house with its splendid gardens, board a heritage train to explore the scenic Dee Valley.

Horseshoe Pass

The steady incline of 'The Pass' ascends to a height of 1,367 feet (417 m) and due to its elevation is frequently closed in winter as a result of heavy snowfall. Slate quarrying began here in the 17th century and remained a major industry until the quarries closed some three centuries later. Now, mostly filled with water, the quarries and their cliffs provide an environment for birdlife such as Welsh Ring Ouzels and Choughs to flourish.

Llangollen and Plas Newydd

On arrival in the charming town of Llangollen, visit Plas Newydd, the former home to the 'Ladies of Llangollen'. Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby left Ireland for a new life in Wales in 1778 and lived at Plas Newydd for the next 50 years.

The Ladies became celebrated throughout the country as the story of their friendship spread through Regency Society, indeed they received a stream of visitors to the unpretentious little cottage which, over the years, they transformed into a Gothic fantasy of stained glass and elaborately carved oak. Inside Plas Newydd you'll find collections some including the ladies' quirky possessions. You can stroll through the gardens and along the riverside much as Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott and the Duke of Wellington did before you.

Picnic Lunch

Packed lunches will be provided during your visit to Plas Newydd. These can be enjoyed on the train or later during your return journey to Liverpool.

Llangollen Heritage Railway

Leaving Plas Newydd take the short transfer to Llangollen Heritage Railway Station. The Llangollen main line was closed to passenger traffic in 1965 and to goods in 1968. The track, signalling and much of the infrastructure was removed or demolished at that time but the station buildings remained. The existing Llangollen Heritage Railway was established in 1975 by a group of enthusiasts who saw the potential for a scenic heritage line through the very scenic Dee Valley. Their vision grew into what you can see and delight in today.

Rail Journey along the River Dee

At Llangollen Railway Station board a heritage train and enjoy a glorious journey through this stunning area which has been designated as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB). Follow the banks of the River Dee ending your rail journey at the small, picturesque town of Carrog. The entire railway line is within this beautiful and protected area and the River Dee is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

At the conclusion of your heritage rail adventure re-join your coach to return to Liverpool.

Venture ‘over the water’ (cross under the River Mersey via the tunnel) to the fascinating industrial garden village of Port Sunlight, ‘the village built on soap’.

This utterly charming Victorian village was built in 1888 by William Hesketh Lever, later Lord Leverhulme, for the provision of housing for workers at his soap factory. Every house has a unique design as Lever employed around 30 different architects to ensure the diversity of buildings that not only provided attractive housing for his employees, but also their recreational areas and community services.  Even today, many residents of Port Sunlight are descendants of the workers or their families and known affectionately as ‘Sunlighters’.

A drive around the village will show you the sites of the old hospital, swimming pool, the school, church hall, Bridge Inn pub and the delightful Christ Church; W.H. Lever’s most personal gift to his cherished workforce.

After your orientation by coach of this Idyllic village, visit Port Sunlight Museum. The museum’s exhibits tell the history of Port Sunlight and its workers throughout the decades. An informative film, ‘Sunlight Spirit’ features characters that lived and worked in the village throughout the late 19^th and early 20^th century.  The museum also houses a special exhibition gallery that changes annually.

Next door to the Museum, find the Edwardian worker’s cottage. Step inside to see an original Port Sunlight home as it would have been in the early 20^th century.

Further exploration of early 20^th century Port Sunlight takes you to the Lady Lever Art Gallery. Opened in 1922 by Princess Beatrice, the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria.

View the collections at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, one of the most beautiful galleries in the country. Housing extensive and varied exhibits, it was built for, and dedicated to, W.H. Lever’s beloved wife, Elizabeth.  The gallery houses Lever’s renowned collection of Pre-Raphaelite works including masterpieces by Millais, Ford Madox Brown and Rosseti.  The art gallery is also home to magnificent collections of Wedgwood china, outstanding carved and inlaid 18th century furniture, rich tapestries, ancient Grecian urns, Roman statuary and Chinese porcelain as well as classical antiquities and memorabilia.

Bid farewell to beautiful Port Sunlight village and return to Liverpool.

Chester occupies a strategic site on the River Dee close to the Welsh border and was a place of significance even before the Romans arrived. The city has a wealth of archaeological and architectural treasures beautifully preserved from the time of the Roman occupation, when a large harbour, as Chester was then coastal, and its border position made it one of the finest outposts of the Roman Empire.

The Romans established a large settlement here around AD 70 and called it Deva after the Celtic name for the river. It was around this time that the splendid city walls were originally built, encircling the city for 3.2 kms (2 miles) and remaining the most complete ancient walls in Britain to date. The 20^th Legion (Valeria Victrix) were stationed here and according to some historians, were given the task of supressing the uprising led by the warrior queen, Boudica.

Your guided tour of this ancient Roman city, during which you can walk along ancient walls and see Roman remains, will give you a unique prospective of Chester.

Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman Amphitheatre at Chester is the largest ever to be excavated in Britain. It was used in Roman times for military training and entertainment, seating up to 7,000 spectators. Excavations have revealed the remains of two stone-built amphitheatres on this site.

Walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, medieval archers and elegant Georgian aristocracy, enjoying panoramic views of the city from the Roman walls. You’ll see the Water Tower that is no longer next to the water, the King Charles Tower and the renowned Chester Cathedral with its famous cloisters, regarded as the finest in England.

Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is an imposing structure of weathered red sandstone and is the most complete medieval monastic complex in Britain. It was originally an abbey and was one of the few to survive Henry VIII’s dissolution of monasteries in the 1540s. A place of worship for over 1000 years, parts of the Norman church began in 1092 and can still be seen in the present building, which reflects all of the Gothic architectural styles.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at one of Chester’s famed historical pubs, and then join your guide for a walking tour of Chester. See ‘The Rows’, black and white half-timbered structures that line Bridge Street at the centre of the city and the Eastgate Clock, one of the most famous time pieces in the world.

Conclude your Chester visit with some free time for independent exploration or maybe stroll in the historic cobbled streets lined with modern fashion boutiques.

Bid farewell to this ancient city and relax on the return journey to Liverpool.

Explore Liverpool at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Liverpool at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

The Beatles formed following a chance meeting between John Lennon and Paul McCartney at the Woolton Village fete in 1957. They released their first album, Please Please Me, in 1962 and went on to have 17 number one hits in the UK and huge success in the US charts.

This Beatles Experience will take you from 1950s Liverpool where it all began, to the modern-day celebration of the Beatles and their song writing.

Walk in the footsteps of the Beatles in places they frequented during their formative years in Liverpool. See well known places such as Penny Lane as well as lesser known places that were poignant in the Beatles inimitable story.

Strawberry Field

Your Beatles Experience will take you to Strawberry Field, immortalized in 1967 with the release of the Beatles Song, Strawberry Fields Forever. Today a heritage centre stands on the site of the former Salvation Army children's home where John Lennon found solace as a child playing in the grounds. Take a walk in the Peace Garden and an unprecedented insight into John Lennon's childhood with immersive multimedia and an exhibition depicting the early years of the Beatles.

Strawberry Field is a training/work placement hub for young people with learning disabilities and a place for spiritual exploration. Julia Baird, John Lennon's sister is Honorary President.

The Beatles Story

Conclude your Beatles Experience with a visit to the award-winning The Beatles Story. This is the world's largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of The Beatles' rise to fame. Located at the Royal Albert Dock, The Beatles Story will take you on a moving journey through the lives, times, culture and music of the fab four.

Hear the story unfold with audio guides as you browse through replicas of the Casbah, The Cavern and the streets of Hamburg and see rare exhibits and photographs of the Beatles and their extraordinary lives.

You'll be moved by John's recording of 'Imagine' in the mysterious white room, and a splendid 'Beatles Experience' is guaranteed for all. For fans of the Fab Four, or even for those who want to see what the fuss was about, the Beatles Story is a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Time permitting, return to Cruise Liverpool on foot at your leisure or with your guide by coach.

This exclusive tour will introduce you to some of Liverpool’s prominent, but lesser-known treasures.

Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation

Learn about the Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation, an Orthodox Jewish community, founded in 1750 and eventually establishing itself at the beautiful, Grade I listed Synagogue on Princes Road, which was consecrated in 1874. The robust brick building is a fine example of Moorish Revival or Saracenic style architecture, and inside, the painted and gilded décor is absolutely stunning!  

Princes Road Synagogue

The Synagogue houses a collection of precious items that showcase the Congregation’s history of over 230 years, including a Megillah (Book of Esther) scroll, choral manuscripts and numerous artefacts relating to the Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation. The most significant treasure is undoubtedly the ark where scrolls of the Torah are safely kept.

Your specialist guide, a member of the Old Hebrew Congregation, will introduce you to Princes Road Synagogue, its history and its collection of treasures.

St George’s Hall

At the City Centre, alight your coach at St George’s Quarter which boasts some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK. Visit the Grade I listed St George’s Hall, a superb example of neo-classical design, completed in 1854 to house the Civil and Crown Courts and as a place to host prominent social events.

A tour of St George’s Hall will take you to the Great Hall where you will see the tunnel vaulted ceiling supported by huge red granite columns and statues of heroes of its time, portraying qualities Victorian Liverpool aspired to, art, science, fortitude and justice. Beneath the floor of the Great Hall lies a Minton tiled floor of 30,000 mosaic tiles, laid when St George’s Hall was first opened but concealed in the 1860s to facilitate grand social functions, dances and other prestigious events. Since the floor was re-discovered in 1954, the public has occasionally been able to take a glimpse.

Your tour of this magnificent building will encompass the Concert Hall, the historical Crown and Civil Courts, the cells and ‘nooks and crannies’ of St George’s Hall that lay hidden for many years.

The Athenaeum

A short distance across the city, discover one of Liverpool’s best kept secrets, The Athenaeum, where a senior Proprietor will reveal to you its fascinating treasures.

The Athenaeum is a private members institution, founded in 1797, with the purpose of providing a library and newsroom where merchants and professional gentlemen could receive and share information, rather than having to frequent crowded coffee houses or the poorly stocked local library. Members of the Athenaeum are referred to as ‘Proprietors’ as they subscribe to a share.

A Mr Edward Rogers was inspired by the Newcastle Literary and Philosophical Society and saw the demand for such an institution in Liverpool. He proposed his idea at a meeting of prominent local figures including Mr William Roscoe, a businessman and anti-slavery campaigner, as well as an author, collector and scientist. The gentlemen produced a prospectus stating the aim to provide ‘a valuable repository of books in every department of useful knowledge.’

At the heart of the Athenaeum is its extraordinary library. The Library is the most important part of the Athenaeum and has a collection of over 60,000 volumes, many of which are rare and some unique, created from purchases and donations from proprietors. These include a Thirteenth Century copy of Magna Carta, and numerous very early printed books.

One of its most valuable pieces is ‘The Atlantic Neptune’; a colossal collection of charts, maps and drawings of the topography of the lands newly acquired by the British in Canada and Louisiana at the end of the French and Indian Wars (1754 – 63). The books were published in 1766 and presented to the Athenaeum by the Mayor and Corporation of Liverpool as a token of esteem. They are kept in secure storage but will be especially displayed for you.

During this visit there will be an opportunity to see rare and priceless pieces of historical material and original documents recording transactions relating to Liverpool’s infamous slave trade. The Athenaeum has several original documents related to this evil, including a book of handwritten records that belonged to Benjamin Heywood, a Banker known for his investments in slaving voyages.

In addition, the Library has maritime charts, maps and an extensive array of historical periodicals and journals as well as records of the Athenaeum organisation. It is the only surviving extensive collection in Liverpool that is still privately owned.

During your guided tour, of this example of a more gracious age, you can take the opportunity to view, closeup, some of its unique treasures. Your Athenaeum host will tell you about the ‘club’, its purpose and the importance of it to the City.

Conclude your visit with delicious refreshments, prepared by the chefs of the Athenaeum and served in the Newsroom.

Wir freuen uns, dass Sie mit Mein Schiff ® sowohl die landschaftliche Schönheit als auch die faszinierenden Metropolen, romantischen Schlösser und die kulturelle Vielfalt Großbritanniens entdecken möchten. So wie für viele andere Reiseziele gilt auch hier: andere Länder, andere Sitten.

Trotz der Nähe Großbritanniens zu deutschsprachigen Ländern stehen in vielen Häfen nicht genügend deutschsprachige Reiseleiter zur Verfügung. In diesem Fall werden Ausflüge in englischer Sprache durchgeführt. Wann immer möglich, werden auf Englisch durchgeführte Ausflüge von einem deutschsprachigen Mein Schiff ® Ausflugsexperten begleitet, der die wichtigsten Informationen des Reiseleiters sinngemäß ins Deutsche übersetzt.

Für jene Gäste, die Freude an der englischen Sprache haben und Informationen zu Land und Leuten gern in der Landessprache Englisch bekommen möchten, wird in den meisten Häfen ein Ausflug auf Englisch angeboten. Diese Ausflüge führt jeweils ein englischsprachiger örtlicher Reiseleiter durch - auf Übersetzungen ins Deutsche wird dabei bewusst verzichtet.

Obwohl einige Ausflüge bewusst in englischer Sprache angeboten werden, behält sich der örtliche Ausflugsveranstalter vor, auch andere Ausflüge des nachfolgenden Ausflugsprogramms auf Englisch durchzuführen.