Type: Charming Town, Castle, History, Nature, Scenic Drive
Length: 7.5 Hours (traffic pending)
Walking: Easy
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Licensed Blue Badge Guide
Language: English

Dover Shore Excursion - The focus of this tour is the top sites located close to the port including the Dover Castle, the Roman Painted House and the famous White Cliffs of Dover.

After meeting your guide at the pier you depart for Dover Castle which sits above the famous White Cliff's of Dover and has protected English shores from invasion for over 20 centuries.

Upon arrival you enjoy a tour of the castle where you learn about the castle's dramatic past dating back to the 13th century and including the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. Today you see displays about the Second World War and visit the Secret Wartime Tunnels. A war time nerve center and anti-aircraft operation was located in the tunnels during WWII. Later the tunnels were prepared as an underground command center for the British Government in case of nuclear war. This history lesson is enjoyed by all ages.

In the Great Tower you find yourself in the royal court of King Henry II. Here you can see the glory of one of medieval England's most important castles as you're transported to a world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition. There are wonderful interactive displays and on some days live characters in costume. This portion of the tour is a highlight for the younger visitors.

Next you visit the Roman Painted House, the finest available to visitors in Britain. After twenty-five years of excavation across ancient Dover, there have been 50 major structures uncovered. The Painted House was the best preserved and is now a major attraction. Built about 200 AD, it formed part of a large mansion or official hotel, for travelers crossing the Channel. It stood outside the great naval fort of the Classis Britannica, but in 270 AD it was demolished by the Roman army during the construction of a larger fort. Three of its main rooms were then buried substantially intact under its ramparts.

Next you have free time in Dover to have lunch (meal not included) and do some shopping or self exploration.

Later this afternoon you visit the famous White Cliffs of Dover which have to be one of Britain's most instantly recognized natural landmarks. Rising out of the English Channel to over 300 feet high in places, they are a dramatic and inspiring sight from the sea and provide superb views out across the Channel towards France. The cliffs stretch for 10 miles between Folkestone to the west and Walmer to the east.

The White Cliffs is a place of great historical interest that has played a key role in Britain's history. You can enjoy pleasant walks with inspiring views out to sea, on a clear day you can see 21 miles across the Channel to France. And, along the cliff top there is an incredibly diverse plant and wildlife.

At the end of the day, you will be returned to your ship in Dover.