Dover , What to do

[happy to be sailing]

I noticed in the MSC shore excursions that they do not have any for Dover.Any help out there as to what to see & how to see it?

[atleetalie]

First of all, don't worry. A cruiseline not offering you excursions would be mad. They can make lot's of money with them.

And as they are not quite innovative, most are offered on any sailing during the season. So, I copied a excursionlist from msccruises.co.uk for the port of Dover for a sailing to Sint-Petersburg the 16 of July. And that one is quoted below, you will be offered something like this. I sailed this summer on this sailing and the excursions were about the same. We took a tour to Canterbury, it was quite good. And at the end they were willing to drop us at Dover castle, so we didn't had to walk all the way back. And about the notice below that you ticket is not included: we were told the same, but our guide brought us there so we didn't have to pay! I think it will still be the same because you can hardly see it behind the gates.

 

But you can also go into Dover by yourself. Just outside the terminal there is a commercial shuttlebus located. This will bring you to the City Centre or to the top of the hill were Dover Castle is located (tickets for the castle are quite expensive 17 pound for an adult and about 40 for a family). The city centre is not that impressive, there is a small church and some other buildings that's it. Or you want to go shopping, there are plenty of shops. You could walk to the beach... About walking; it's quite a walk from the ship to the city centre but it's doable.

 

DOV01 - LONDON PANORAMA ( about 7 hours without lunch)

 

 

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of one of the greatest cities of the world, the capital city of the United Kingdom. This excursion will enable you to obtain an overall impression of London that welcomes you to its red buses and friendly “bobbies”, great churches, imposing statues, elegant pubs. Pass its most important momuments such as Buckingham Palace, Westmister Abbey, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, Houses of Parliament and London Bridge.

Note: lunch is not included in the price of the excursion and is at the guests’ expense.

 

DOV02 - CANTERBURY ( about 4 hours and a half )

 

 

Leaving Dover, you will travel to medieval Canterbury, one of England's most venerable cities, now a world heritage site, and the city of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. During your tour of Canterbury you will see how the medieval atmosphere blends with the modern amenities. Your guide will point out the main aspects of the Cathedral, dating to the XII century, before your individual internal visit. Free time at disposal before returning to the port.

Note: the entrance ticket to the Cathedral is included in the tour but the visit to the Cathedral is individual and with no guide.

 

DOV03 - MEDIEVAL RYE & COUNTYSIDE DRIVE ( about 4 hours and a half )

 

 

Leave Dover and commence a panoramic drive along rural country roads and through a succession of farming communities, small towns and villages. Pass Tenterden whose centre stretches along its broad High Street, lined with shops and houses, nearly all with their original façades dating from the XVI and XVIII centuries. Reach Rye, once surrounded by sea, now flourishing market town supported by fishing and pottery-making. Short visit to the Heritage Centre, to view the town model, a beautifully made replica of the town. Free time to explore giving you a chance to appreciate the medieval layout of Rye.

 

DOV04 - LEEDS CASTLE (about 4 hours and a half )

 

 

Your tour starts by taking a direct route to Leeds Castle, one of the most romantic and ancient castles in the Kingdom, “the loveliest castle in the world” as renamed by Lord Conway. A real plunge into nature as the castle is set in the middle of the lake and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Passing from room to room, you will have a glimpse of medieval furnishings, paintings, tapestries and treasures. Time at leasure, then return to Dover.

 

DOV06D - A VISIT TO CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL (about 5 hours and a half )

 

 

After leaving the port we will reach Canterbury. The city has preserved some of its medieval character and long stretches of the town walls, built on the XIII and XIV centuries on Roman foundations, survive. The Cathedral, dating from Norman times, dominates the city : its unique features include magnificent architecture and its fine medieval stained glass is among the finest in the country. Our specialist guide with knowledge of the Cathedral will take us on a guided tour of the main aspects of the building. The tour will end at Heathrow or Gatwick airports.

Note: this excursion code is foreseen only for disembarking guests with flights from 17,30 pm departing from Heathrow or Gatwick airports. The duration of the tour also include the time for the transfer to reach the airports.

 

DOV07D - LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR ( about 5 hours and a half )

 

 

Leave the vessel and enjoy a panoramic tour of London to have an overall impression of one of the most lively cities in the world. Our journey will take us, after leaving Dover, on an itinerary around the capital to view the highlights from the comfort of our coach. We will admire Westminster, Whitehall, the Parliament and the clock tower of Big Ben. Our guide will point out St. James Palace and the famous shopping streets. The tour will end at Heathrow airport.

Note: this excursion code is foreseen only for disembarking guests with flights from 17.30 pm departing from Heathrow airport. The duration of the tour also include the time for the transfer to reach the airport.

 

DOV08 - THE WHITE CLIFFS HIKE (4 hours and a half)

 

 

Doveris famous for its white cliffs standing guard at the gateway to England ; they have been immortalized in song, in literature and in art. Made up of millions opf small sea creatures and coral from the bottom of the sea the chalk is porous, soft and easily worn by the action of the waves so the cliffs are continuously erdoing. Our tour will first introduce us to the cliffs and surrounding coast with a visit at the White Cliffs visitor centre. Then a 1,5 hr walk along the downland path will assure us the best views and give us the possibility to take pictures. On a clear day you will be able to see the cliffs of the French coast. Our walk will take us to the South Foreland Lighthouse which we will visit. The best view – which is well worth the 73 step climb – is from the balcony of the lighthouse givinga great panorama of East Kent, the English Channel and the North Sea.

Note: the tour includes almost 3 hrs walking to and from the lighthouse on uneven and undulating ground; it is not advised to guests with mobility problems. Guiding in English only.

 

DOV09 - CANTERBURY & WALMER CASTLE (7 hours without lunch)

 

 

A short journey from Dover through the county of Kent, known to many as the “garden of England” will take you to the historic and picturesque city of Canterbury, famous for its Cathedral and a renowned Unesco world heritage site. The city is on the river Stour in one of the most attractive corners of rural Kent. The wealth of Canterbury was bought in by the pilgrims who, in mediaval tmes, flocked to the city to visit the shrine of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, who was murdered in the Cathedral. Enjoy a brief guided walk of the city before having free time to visti individually the imposing Norman Cathedral, to have lunch (not included) or to simply stroll around. Reboard your bus and drive to Walmer Castle. Originally built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe, Walmer Castle has evolved over time into an elegant residence. Visit the Castle and return to Dover.

Note: the entrance ticket to the Cathedral of Canterbury is not included in the excursion price.

[happy to be sailing]

Thanks atleetalie. This is very helpful.