When Sir Walter Raleigh thought about a bustling port town in the South East of England he came to one conclusion: "No promontory town or haven of Christendom is so placed by nature and situation both to gratify friends and annoy enemies," and he said exactly this to Queen Elizabeth I regarding "[her] Majesties Town of Dover."

Throughout history Raleigh's pronouncement has rung true. For its enemies, Dover has presented a generous target, both for air fire, and for long-range guns. Hitler repeatedly smashed the town, turning it from a massive port to not much more than rubble. Amazingly, Dover has since rebuilt itself as both a port, and a center of interest. And the recent addition of the Chunnel (the underwater train from England to France) has only increased that interest.

But the other half of Raleigh's famous sentence has proven true as well. Generation after generation of traveler or native entering England via Dover has been astounded by the natural beauty of the chalk cliffs, which hang suspended above the sea like phantom white sheets or flags protecting the land.

The contrast of white on green is especially stunning from the sea, but a walk on the cliffs lends a deeper perspective on the scenic beauty of both the cliffs, and the town itself. Unfortunately, that perennial cynic Charles Dickens had a less flattering view of the region, likening the town to a marine ostrich, hiding its head in the cliffs.

But it is Shakespeare, as usual, who presents the final literary position on this coastal town. He wrote, in King Lear, "Drive towards Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet welcome." And lest the cruise goer think that all there is to see in Dover is literature and history, Shakespeare's promise of a warm welcome is kept dear to Dover resident's heart, and their sense of genuine hospitality is sure to provide you with pleasant memories to add to the stunning show that nature has created in this coastal town.

As far as attractions go, a "walk on the chalk", as hikers call a cliffside stroll, is one of the very biggest draws in the area. If you can make it for a post-dinner jaunt, as the sun is slowly setting over England and the light is casting its final golden rays across the sea, a hike will summon up the kind of romantic feeling that only a sea breeze and blue skies and sea can provide.

Perhaps, though, it is the white cliffs at dawn - rosy-fingers encompassing the white and changing it - that stuns and amazes the most. But don't worry; no matter when you see it, these cliffs are bound to impress you. If you do have a little extra time, however, the Dover Castle and the supposedly haunted Maison Dieu House are both worth checking out.

To see the best that Dover has to offer, and experience this site the way it was meant to be seen-from the sea, book your travel with Carefree Travel and Cruises today, and enjoy the cruise of a lifetime.

Call your Cruise Vacation Specialists
(361) 994-8747 or 1-800-727-4874