Dover. A quintessential english port?

So, thought I'd do another of my Port reviews, but with a different twist. In the UK we are all well aware of the major Ports of departure, so I thought I'd talk about Dover, is it the quintessential English port?

Ships departing from Dover include ones from Fred Olsen, Oceania, Holland America, Crystal Cruises, Seabourn and Princess Cruises at various times during 2012, so there is plenty of choice. But do we just travel down and see the car park then get on ship?

Those of you who have read my blog from the beginning will remember the problems with our Christmas Cruise in 2009, bad snow and a long walk to the ship through snow drifts and dodging cars! Nice picture though, but Dover is not like that really, read on.

Lets start quickly with the car parking, as there is more to see than this. you can park either in the cruise port or use 1 of the out of town parks, either of which you are best to book in advance. Yes I can help if needed.

So what is there to do in Dover, well of course you can see 'The White Cliffs of Dover', a National Trust survey highlighted this as the most popular stretch of coastline in the UK.

Then there is the historic Dover Castle, which sits proudly atop the White Cliffs of Dover and overlooking the port.

The site of Dover Castle has been of vital importance since the Iron Age with the first castle at Dover most likely an Anglo-Saxon fortress until the arrival of William the Conqueror when its existing fortifications were improved.

Of course, you can motor down through the Kent countryside; known as the Garden of England for its rich farming and hop making heritage. Kent stretches from Dover's White Cliffs Country to medieval Canterbury in the east, elegant, Tunbridge Wells to the west and the historic Medway towns to the north.

So perhaps it is worth setting off a little earlier and getting off the drag of the M20 motorway to see some of the countryside or the town before heading to the cruise port.

Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

So you have also wanted to go to Machu Picchu, it was named one of the new wonders of the world on 7th July 2007, but never known how to get there.

Recently I organised a tour for a customer going on Holland America's Rotterdam on a round trip from Fort Lauderdale in April 2011. Because of the time it takes to get there to Machu Picchu  you will need at least 3 days in Lima, or start and end your cruise there, so this is not the only option to do the visit of a lifetime.

Machu Picchu is nestled 7,500 feet above sea level in the Andean mountain range above the Urubamba valley. Machu Picchu, is the lost city of the Incas, but the facts Machu Picchu uncover are really just educated guesses because so little is known about this ancient city.

It is a true expedition with a minimum of a 3 day trek, on leaving the ship you have to travel to Cuzco usually by air and aclimatise overnight before making a train journey to Machu Picchu itself, then you will return to Cuzco for a further overnight stay and return to Lima the following day.

But what a train journey, if you want the Luxury option you will travel on The Hiram Bingham which is an exclusive luxury Orient Express service operated by PeruRail, all service included where you will enjoy a full day of unforgettable experiences.

The service includes:

• Brunch and dinner on board.
• Exclusive Bus return to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour in the citadel.
• Afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu SanctuaryLodge  

Hiram Bingham wagons are distinguished by their blue and gold colors for its warm and cozy interiors that feature elegant upholstery. This service has four wagons, two dining wagon, an observation wagon with bar and a car, kitchen, besides being able to carry up to 84 passengers.

 

 What a view!

I have to be honest and sasy this is not the only option, there are other cruises and trains to do this journey. It is on my list of things to do, hope it get to the top soon!