Greenwich is home to several iconic maritime institutions. Royal Naval College is a major symbol of Britain’s seafaring heritage and the architectural centerpiece of Greenwich. It opened as a hospital for sailors in 1712 and served as the Royal Navy’s educational institution from 1873 to 1998. Today, its hallowed halls whisper of the days when Britannia ruled the waves. The National Maritime Museum is the world’s largest, chronicling England’s seafaring endeavors in its compelling collection of art, maps and countless memorabilia, including the first marine chronometer.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.Videos
Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper
Join Karine and Finse as they explore the world of bees with Mike Withers, a thirty-year member of the Highclere staff, whose passion for these hard-working, misunderstood insects spans 60 years.
Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle
Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.
Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin
Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey”; Wolf Hall’s Broughton Castle; and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.
Churchill’s Britain
Discover the remarkable life and times of revered British statesman Sir Winston Churchill. During this 5-night London extension with Viking, gain Privileged Access to Cabinet War Rooms; visit Churchill’s private Chartwell estate and his birthplace at Blenheim Palace; learn how the British broke the Nazis’ secret code at Bletchley Park and much more.
Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”
Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.
Highclere Castle
Join Karine at the “real Downton Abbey,” the historic and renowned Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter
Meet Pat Withers, one of the castle’s favorite, most colorful characters, who came to Highclere as a teenager and never left. As the longest serving staff member at Highclere, she’s worked for three generations of the Carnarvon family.
Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”
The friendly, very personable, longtime owners of Chavenage House, welcome you into this quintessential English estate, tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds.
