Regal
Treasures

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

In the county of Dorset sits Poole, a charming town surrounded by golden-sand beaches, nature reserves, quaint parks and gardens. Among the many treasures is Sandbanks Beach, considered one of the UK’s best for many years. Following the brass plaques of the self-guided Cockle Trail around the Old Town, you can dive into the city’s rich history. Dive further back in time with a trek to the Hartland Moore National Nature Reserve, where the former royal fortress of Corfe Castle sits. The estate at Compton Acres draws you in with lush scenes of Italian-style, Japanese and other garden themes. The woodlands of Upton Country Park include walking and cycling trails, so you can have an adventure at your pace.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. 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 is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. 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.