Scottish
Legends

Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.

Between Ireland and Great Britain in the Irish Sea, there’s a small dot of land called the Isle of Man. Douglas is the capital and your gateway to the incredible treasures that this lesser-known Crown Dependency holds. Not only is Isle of Man culturally and historically different from its surrounding islands, but also linguistically diverse, among the many languages Manx, a Gaelic language similar to some types of Irish Gaelic, but unique to the island. Douglas’ lovely seafront can be traversed by horse-drawn trams, but if you prefer speed, this town also delivers with winding roads made for a thrilling motorcycle adventure. After all, this is the home of the International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race.

Within the lush scenes of Northern Ireland’s County Down sits the seaside town of Bangor, close to the heart of Belfast. Delve into the story of the famous RMS Titanic at the Belfast museum and be transported back in time with interpretive materials, media, and a thrilling ride that takes you through recreated shipyards. Or head over to the Ulster Folk Museum, an eye-opening journey to the past that uncovers a way of life from over a century ago. Weave through the verdant counties of Down and Antrim toward the natural splendor of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, a dramatic coastal formation of interlocking basalt columns, the result of ancient volcanic fissure eruptions or, as legend has it, the handiwork of giants. Take the Belfast food trail, led by a knowledgeable guide, for an exploration of the city’s gastronomic hot spots, showcasing its colorful heritage. Back in Bangor, become enchanted by the local, rich history at Bangor Castle and its Victorian gardens..

The historic west end of Greenock boasts impressive Victorian buildings, in particular the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete. From there, journey to Glasgow to view the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for a glimpse of its world-class art collection. Toast to the world’s friendliest city with a Tennent’s lager at the historic Wellpark Brewery, where you can learn about the brand’s 450-year history and its passion for Scottish football. From Glasgow, discover the beauty of the Scottish countryside on a journey toward magnificent Stirling Castle, the home of the Stuart kings and birthplace of James II.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Welcome to a land where fairy tales spring to life among castles, lakes and heathered fields. Invergordon is your entrée to the Scottish Highlands and the capital of Inverness, a mere 30 minutes south. Not far from here you can enjoy an outing to Loch Ness, the famed Scottish lake hiding a legendary beast beneath its depths. On your explorations, you can take in the rugged mountains and deep blue lochs, perhaps spotting deer in the hills and eagles overhead. The brisk air, foggy mist and verdant peaks add a dash of mysticism unlike anywhere else - this is the land of Shakespeare’s Macbeth after all.

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is dynamic, but small enough to walk almost anywhere. The streets are busy, narrow, and lined with towering buildings once described as, "a dream in masonry" by Edinburgh-born novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. It’s really two cities: Old Town and New Town, where Old Town is the network of medieval streets south of the castle and New Town is everything on the other side. What unites both and all of Scotland is its whisky, part of the true Scottish experience, as is a toast with scotch, of which you can partake in at Leith’s Kaleidoscope Bar and Dining Room on Queen Street.

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is dynamic, but small enough to walk almost anywhere. The streets are busy, narrow, and lined with towering buildings once described as, "a dream in masonry" by Edinburgh-born novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. It’s really two cities: Old Town and New Town, where Old Town is the network of medieval streets south of the castle and New Town is everything on the other side. What unites both and all of Scotland is its whisky, part of the true Scottish experience, as is a toast with scotch, of which you can partake in at Leith’s Kaleidoscope Bar and Dining Room on Queen Street.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Near central London and just down the river from the iconic Tower Bridge lies the town of Tilbury. Its intricate circuit of moats and bastioned outworks ordered by Henry VIII give it that historic aesthetic perfect for exploration. Immerse yourself in the quintessential tradition of high tea served with thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and preserves, as well as tea cakes and pastries, making for a tasty afternoon. An hour south of Tilbury stands the charming Canterbury, the backdrop of Chaucer’s tales. View lofty houses overhanging the lanes that lead to the great Christ Church Gate, the main entrance to Canterbury Cathedral.

The capital of the Netherlands located along the banks of the Amstel River, its namesake, is considered among the greatest planned cities of northern Europe. It has played a critical role in the country’s development, having once been the center of world economy and now known as a destination of open-minded values. Since the 17th century, the Jewish culture and religion has influenced life here, and you can see hundreds of years of their history throughout the city. Amsterdam isn’t known for its beachfront scenery, but the Zandvoort aan Zee beach, formerly a fishing port established as far back as 1100, now stands as a popular seaside resort town.

The capital of the Netherlands located along the banks of the Amstel River, its namesake, is considered among the greatest planned cities of northern Europe. It has played a critical role in the country’s development, having once been the center of world economy and now known as a destination of open-minded values. Since the 17th century, the Jewish culture and religion has influenced life here, and you can see hundreds of years of their history throughout the city. Amsterdam isn’t known for its beachfront scenery, but the Zandvoort aan Zee beach, formerly a fishing port established as far back as 1100, now stands as a popular seaside resort town.