Newcastle: City of Culture
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port
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
Information Not Currently Available
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$110
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
The city of Newcastle takes its name from the New Castle built by Robert Curthose, eldest son of William the Conqueror. Surrounded by medieval town walls, Newcastle was a great provincial center that grew rich on trade in wool, cloth, fish and hide, and prospered even more after the discovery of the rich coal seams here in the 1600s. Today, Newcastle is a vibrant mix of the contemporary, cultural, stylish and historic and famed across the world for its warm welcome.
On the south bank of the River Tyne, visit the neighboring town of Gateshead whose 'The Sage' venue is an innovative live music center and a facility for music education. One of the newest landmarks on the River Tyne, it is the first performing arts venue designed by Norman Foster's architectural team.
One of the UK's leading modern art galleries, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art opened in 2002 in an old flour mill that has been wonderfully converted into an exhibition space. Take advantage of some free time here to explore the art spaces, or perhaps take a stroll across the stunning Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne. This beautiful footbridge allows tall ships to pass underneath by raising the sidewalk.
Rejoin your coach for the short transfer to St Nicholas' Anglican Cathedral -- a magnificent building that dates mainly from the 13th and 14th centuries. Its Lantern Tower has been a prominent landmark in Newcastle for centuries and is the Cathedral's most distinguishing feature. Despite all the developments in modern building, the tower remains the most daring architectural structure in Newcastle.
Re-boarding the coach, you'll head out of the city for a photo stop at the Angel of the North by Antony Gormley -- a wonderful steel sculpture with wings the size of a jet plane. It completely dominates the surrounding area.
Travel back to the ship, passing through countryside that was once one of the world's most productive coal mining areas.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Inside church visit(s) may not be possible if religious services are being held.