Scotland &
France Odyssey

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.

Anticipate a vibrant restaurant scene, award-winning architecture, and friendly locals as you make your way through the historic city of Belfast. Traipsing the city center calls for a stroll through Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, 28 acres of green lawns and trees near Queens University. Emerge from the gardens at the Ulster Museum, a well-designed space with exhibits on Northern Irish history, art, and natural history. It’s also the gateway to the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Causeway was formed between 50 and 60 million years ago by an ancient volcanic eruption attracting visitors from far and wide to this corner of north Antrim to come marvel at its majesty and mystery.

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.

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.

Steeped in history and tradition, Dover is famed for its iconic white cliffs, a striking welcome to a land that has long been a beacon of resilience and heritage. From the historic Dover Castle, often dubbed the "Key to England," to the mystical depths of the Secret Wartime Tunnels, take a journey through millennia of tales and triumphs. This regal fortress has stood guard since medieval times and saw the country through WWII. Stroll through the charming streets of Dover, where modern-day life gracefully entwines with tradition. Uncover treasures at the vibrant local markets or indulge in delightful fish and chips at a cozy seaside inn. Immerse yourself in local folklore through charismatic storytelling, reliving legends as old as the land itself. A stone’s throw away from Dover lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture adorned with intricate stained glass and a storied pilgrimage history. Dover is more than a destination; it’s your gateway to discovering England’s rich landscape and beyond.

Along the shoreline of the Seine sits a quintessentially French port, Rouen. Filled with Gothic architecture, Norman houses and a wealth of history that dates back to the 10th-century Vikings and Romans, it is a destination that invites you and your fellow explorers to let your imagination run wild. The enchanting spires of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen may strike a chord, as they often appeared in the paintings of the city’s most famous resident, Claude Monet. Gather with newfound friends to sip on a Bénédictine, a French liqueur blended with honey and saffron that gives notes of citrus fruit, herbs and spices. Indulge your sweet tooth with an abundance of treats from so many confectionaries throughout Rouen. Take about a two-hour drive to Paris for all the highlights of the City of Lights. Or instead, make the drive to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic art and architecture.

Along the shoreline of the Seine sits a quintessentially French port, Rouen. Filled with Gothic architecture, Norman houses and a wealth of history that dates back to the 10th-century Vikings and Romans, it is a destination that invites you and your fellow explorers to let your imagination run wild. The enchanting spires of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen may strike a chord, as they often appeared in the paintings of the city’s most famous resident, Claude Monet. Gather with newfound friends to sip on a Bénédictine, a French liqueur blended with honey and saffron that gives notes of citrus fruit, herbs and spices. Indulge your sweet tooth with an abundance of treats from so many confectionaries throughout Rouen. Take about a two-hour drive to Paris for all the highlights of the City of Lights. Or instead, make the drive to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic art and architecture.

Along the shoreline of the Seine sits a quintessentially French port, Rouen. Filled with Gothic architecture, Norman houses and a wealth of history that dates back to the 10th-century Vikings and Romans, it is a destination that invites you and your fellow explorers to let your imagination run wild. The enchanting spires of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen may strike a chord, as they often appeared in the paintings of the city’s most famous resident, Claude Monet. Gather with newfound friends to sip on a Bénédictine, a French liqueur blended with honey and saffron that gives notes of citrus fruit, herbs and spices. Indulge your sweet tooth with an abundance of treats from so many confectionaries throughout Rouen. Take about a two-hour drive to Paris for all the highlights of the City of Lights. Or instead, make the drive to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic art and architecture.

Located along the southern bank of the Seine River, the charming port city of Honfleur is characterized by its picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, a captivating aesthetic that has been many the subject and inspiration for painters through history. While France is world-renowned for its cuisine, Normandy stands out as a foodie destination. Local Camembert, Livarot and Neufchatel cheeses are delicious enough to entice travelers to stay, but a trip to Normandy is not complete without sampling the tripes à la mode de Caen, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider and apple brandy. From Honfleur, you could choose to make a trek to the City of Lights, Paris, the fashion capital of the world. Iconic tourist attractions like the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower make it easy to see how the city has enjoyed such lasting power in the minds of wanderers and locals alike, but its smaller neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais are where everyday life truly shine.

The charms of Normandy have an undeniable allure and the port of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Cherbourg for short, is a prime example of why. Serene scenes such as the lush gardens of Jardin Public de Cherbourg-Octeville create the perfect backdrop for a leisurely adventure. A grand example of architecture on the outside and housing a fascinating array of exhibits and displays on the inside, the museums of La Cité de la Mer beckon explorer spirits to learn more about the City of the Sea. From the Titanic sailing into port before its infamous Atlantic crossing to German occupation during World War II to its role as a naval port during the Napoleonic Wars, Cherbourg’s maritime history holds a rich depth ready for explorers to journey to the past. Sitting within the Manche region, the cuisine offers plenty of local favorites to sample, such as prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel, a specialty lamb prepared with garlic sauce and potatoes.

With a history dating back to the first century BCE, Saint Malo, France has a deep and profound past that has stood the test of time. From the monolithic menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic era to the Celtic influences and traditions running through its music, festivals and language, this city holds a fascinating story that every explorer can appreciate. Famous for its remarkable ocean tides, the view of the difference between high and low tide in St. Malo cannot compare. Just outside the city limits are the captivating Rochers Sculptes, sculpted rocks carved by deaf and mute French artist Adolphe Julien Fouéré, hugging the cliffs of the Emerald Coast. The city’s Brittany heritage runs strong in its local fare and you can indulge in a helping of moules frites - steamed mussels and chips (fries).

Amid the Isles of Scilly lies the paradise of Tresco, most famous for its Abbey Garden. With thousands of exotic plants from about 80 different countries and a collection of shipwrecked figureheads on display, it’s a stunning profile of what England has to offer. Still standing lookout atop a lush hill but now as a beautiful hotel, the Star Castle at the Garrison inspires the imagination with scenes straight out of a fairytale. At the island’s northernmost point sits the Round Island Lighthouse, where landscapes of rugged boulders plunging into the sea invite you and your fellow explorers to unleash your adventurous spirit. Seaside cafes that look out on white-sand shores invite you and your new friends to sit for a respite and indulge in fresh seafood, such as Cornish scallops or Tresco gin and beetroot cured sea trout. After satisfying your appetite, feed your spirit with a day of sand and sea at one of Tresco’s stunning beaches.

Welsh hospitality exudes from family-owned gift shops, antique stores, cafes, galleries and pubs throughout the charming town of Fishguard. Sitting within North Pembrokeshire’s sweeping valleys, cliffs that plunge into the sea, the rolling Preseli Hills and ancient standing stones, the landscapes inspire a sense of exploration with fellow adventurers. Serene waters call out for a kayaking experience while green paths beckon for a hiking excursion. Strolling through the picture-perfect Lower Town Harbor, you walk the paths that Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole did when they filmed the 1970s movie Under Milk Wood. Quayside cottages make Fishguard appear as if no time has passed at all, inviting you and other explorers to connect with local communities and discover the culture of Wales. The Royal Oak Pub, standing for over 200 years, is one of the best places to take in the local color with newfound friends.

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.