Dublin, Ireland

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.

Douglas, Isle of Man

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.

Liverpool, UK

Liverpool lies on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary and has a long maritime heritage since its founding in 1207. Putting a fine point on the city’s romance with the harbor is the preservation work at Albert Dock, famous as a buzzing district in itself. Further along toward the Pier Head are the Three Grace buildings, part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, when in Liverpool you must walk in the footsteps of The Beatles. See where the Fab Four worked before becoming famous, drive down the famed Penny Lane and pass Strawberry Fields, where John Lennon attended garden parties as a child.

Waterford, Ireland

While the residents of Waterford are proudly Irish, Viking heritage runs deep as the Nordic people settled there as far back as 914 BCE. Visit the Waterford Museum of Treasures and Reginald’s Tower, a 13th-century Viking defensive tower that has been a military store, prison and mint, but is now home to artifacts such as the Viking Kite Brooch. Waterford is perhaps best known for its crystal of the same name. Admire the skilled craftsmanship of blowing, cutting and engraving, and visit the shop to bring home a special piece. Head toward the scenic fishing village of Dunmore East, one of five National Fishery Harbors, and indulge in fresh seafood. Visit local landmarks like The Haven Hotel, reputed to be haunted, and the Fisherman’s Hall.

Bantry, Ireland

Sitting amid the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way of West Cork, Bantry surrounds you with landscapes of rolling hills, lakes, woods and lush pastures. The 17th-century manor known as Bantry House exudes a stately essence, and the gardens on its grounds create a stunning, Edenic scene. Explore the city’s longstanding history with a visit to the ancient megalithic stone circle at Kealkill and Carraiganass Castle. Admire the architecture of the town’s churches at sites like St. Finbarr’s and St. Brendan The Navigator Church of Ireland. Bantry’s culture holds a great passion for equestrianism, making it an ideal destination for a pony trek across panoramic views. On Fridays, the Bantry Farmers & Craft Market comes alive with local vendors selling fresh produce, fish, eggs, honey and much more.

St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly), England

While you might think you’ve landed in the Caribbean, the gorgeous oasis of St. Mary’s is very much in England. The Isles of Scilly enjoy a climate that is among the mildest, warmest, and sunniest in the United Kingdom. And very few ships visit, making it an ideal remote getaway. Among the smattering of islands strung off the tip of Cornwall is the thoroughly enchanting St. Mary’s with a population of almost 1,800 and covering an area of about three-square miles, the largest island of the five and the gateway to the rest of the archipelago. While St. Mary’s is laid back, you’ll find you can still enjoy an active day, whether you rent a boat or go paddle boarding. Hugh Town, St. Mary’s central hub, holds plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries and cafés to spend a leisurely afternoon. Nearby lie three beaches – Porthmellon, Town Beach and Porthcressa – for a relaxing beach day.

Falmouth, England

Located along the south coast of Cornwall, Falmouth offers plenty of seaside views and charms. As a thriving university town, it is filled with pubs, restaurants, art galleries and independent book shops. The National Maritime Museum provides a comprehensive look at the town’s history as a major port in the 18th century. Spend a day on the fine, white sands of Gyllngvase Beach and search for the path behind it that leads to the Queen Mary gardens. In fact, Falmouth has various blooming grounds that invite you to take a leisurely stroll, like the Fox Rosehill Garden, filled with lemon, banana and eucalyptus trees. Dive into England’s proud military history at Pendennis Castle, an artillery fort built by order of King Henry VIII..

Poole, England

Located along the south coast of Cornwall, Falmouth offers plenty of seaside views and charms. As a thriving university town, it is filled with pubs, restaurants, art galleries and independent book shops. The National Maritime Museum provides a comprehensive look at the town’s history as a major port in the 18th century. Spend a day on the fine, white sands of Gyllngvase Beach and search for the path behind it that leads to the Queen Mary gardens. In fact, Falmouth has various blooming grounds that invite you to take a leisurely stroll, like the Fox Rosehill Garden, filled with lemon, banana and eucalyptus trees. Dive into England’s proud military history at Pendennis Castle, an artillery fort built by order of King Henry VIII.

London, England

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions, and countless hidden gems. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

London, England

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions, and countless hidden gems. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

London, England

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions, and countless hidden gems. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

At Sea

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

Honfleur (Paris/Normandy), France

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.
Known as the fashion capital of the world and the City of Lights, Paris has gained many monikers throughout its long history. 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.
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.

St. Peter Port,( Guernsey) Channel Islands

Legend has it that the enchanted land of St. Peter Port was invaded by fairies once upon a time. For proof, head west to the edge of the island to find a mysterious Fairy Ring known as Pleinmont, walk around it three times and make a wish. Aside from local lore, Guernsey is charmed as the second largest of the Channel Islands ideally situated in the bay of St. Malo, a mere 30 miles from the coast of France and 80 miles from the coast of England. Speaking of England, while Guernsey is considered part of the British Isles, it is not a part of the United Kingdom, as it constitutionally owes allegiance to the English Crown, but has its own separate legislature.

St. Malo, France

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).

At Sea

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

Bordeaux, France

There is no region in the world more closely associated with fabulous vineyards than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux. Located in the southwest of France, not far from the Bay of Biscay, Bordeaux offers about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux and 13,000 grape growers – more than you could possibly try. For an amazing overview of Bordeaux wine, journey up the Castles Route, which runs along the length of the Médoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous châteaux, including Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Julien. Not far off lies the mouth of the Gironde estuary, off the coast of Royan and the Grave headland, where you’ll catch the first glimpse of the famous Cordouan Lighthouse of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the oldest working lighthouse in France.

San Sebastian (La Gomera), Canary Islands, Spain

Sitting along the golden coasts of the Basque Country, San Sebastián offers a seaside allure that pairs beautifully with its culinary culture. Whether enjoying pintxo bar hopping for delicious tapas or savoring the flavors of oysters with txakoli, a lightly sparkling white wine, the local delicacies are sure to inspire and delight your palate. Explore Mercado de La Bretxa, where the vendors claim Spain’s top chefs source their ingredients. Head over to Playa de la Concha to watch the local surfers in the city’s favorite pastime. Ride the vintage funicular to the top of Mount Igueldo for breathtaking, panoramic views. Wander through the Old Town and Plaza de la Constitución to connect with the locals and San Sebastián’s rich history.

Santander, Spain

Within the historic region of Cantabria lies its capital, Santander, a port that’s believed to have been in existence since ancient times, dating as far back as the 11th century. For a glittering first impression, stroll along the famous Paseo de Pereda. Monarchs and fishermen alike both resided in this seaside town once upon a time. That history comes alive at the Magdalena Palace, built between 1908 and 1912 for the Spanish Royal Family. Heading into Puertochico, you come across Santander’s Old Town area, the original fishing pier. Although the Great Fire of 1941 destroyed most of it, there’s still much to see and experience.

La Coruna, Spain

A province of Galicia, La Coruña (also known as A Coruña) holds a great deal of history that attracts the intellectual traveler. Home of the Spanish Armada and second-biggest port town in the country, it’s a city that invites explorer spirts to rediscover all its lost secrets and hidden gems.

About an hour away lies Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful cathedral to which many make a pilgrimage spanning 500 miles across the top of Spain. If you seek the beauty of nature within the splendor of historic architecture, La Coruña offers the Garden of San Carlos and the Gardens of Mendez Nuñez with verdant patches of bushes and palm trees sprinkled throughout paved paths amid cultural landmarks.

Leixoes (Porto), Portugal

Along the Douro River in the north of Portugal lies Porto, the country’s second-largest city. It may be renowned for its port wine – the Ferreira Caves being one such famed cellar and one of the oldest port wine cellars in Portugal – but the city contains so much more for the explorer spirit to discover. Starting in the port of Leixões, your journey takes you to the Dom Luis I bridge, a direct link to Ribeira, Porto’s oldest district. One of Porto’s most significant sites, the Livraria Lello, is filled with historical, architectural, and literary importance, containing a world of books that any bibliophile traveler will find exciting.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers.
While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.