Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum

Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.

At sea

Savor the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached.

Treasure dazzling Aberdeen, where the handsome granite buildings literally sparkle due to the prominence of mica in the locally quarried stone. As you explore the compact Old Town, admire the ornate spires of the 1837 Marischal College and pause at the 17th-century Mercat Cross, which is adorned with ten medallions symbolizing the Stuart monarchs. In marvelous St. Machar’s Cathedral, gaze at the timbered ceiling to appreciate the colorful heraldic symbols and, in fascinating Provost Skene’s House, wander medieval rooms appointed with period pieces. Further afield, numerous fairytale castles dot the landscape, including the British royal family’s exquisite Balmoral Castle.

Known as “Inverbreakie” until the early 18th century, Invergordon has long been recognized for its rich naval history and jewel of a harbor in the northern Highlands. Invergordon perches on the northern bank of the Cromarty Firth, a lengthy estuary that provides welcome sanctuary for a multitude of water birds and one of only two species of resident bottlenose dolphin in the British Isles. Venture into the Highlands, where the local clan castles perch on craggy hills and on the shores of lochs and firths. And there’s always the chance to see the mysterious Loch Ness Monster.

The unspoiled Outer Hebrides is a world of its own, separated from mainland Scotland by more than water. The language is Gaelic, the attitude heavily self-sufficient and the wildlife uncommon. The capital of the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is tucked into a beautiful natural harbor on Lewis Island, which the Vikings repeatedly invaded. While renowned as a center for Harris Tweed, Stornoway is also home to the Neo-Gothic Lews Castle, the An Lanntair arts center and a multitude of northern birds such as the Arctic skua, golden eagle and corncrake.

Known for its beautiful natural harbor and quaint, brightly painted shops and homes, Loch Dunvegan is a lovely setting for a scenic getaway. As is true for the rest of the Isle of Skye, the town of Dunvegan holds strong to its ancestral roots, celebrating Nordic traditions and family lineage. The reverent grandeur of Dunvegan Castle tells the tale of more than 800 years of MacLeod family history. Diverse populations of seals may also be found just a boat ride away on the loch itself.

One of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Ireland, Londonderry traces its roots to the 6th century. Walls from the 17th century still fortify the city center where you will find St. Columb’s Cathedral, built in 1633. Take a stroll across the River Foyle on the newly constructed Peace Bridge, or enjoy gorgeous views of the Irish countryside on a visit to the Sperrin Mountains. The geological marvel known as the Giant’s Causeway lies just east of the city.

Offering some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK, Glasgow is a major center of commerce and culture. Glasgow Cathedral is one of the only cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the Reformation in tact and houses a celebrated collection of stained glass windows. The Burrell Collection showcases a range of work by major artists such as Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as examples of late medieval, Chinese and Islamic art. When exploring Scotland’s culinary culture, be sure to taste some of the famed single malt whiskies.

The capital of the Isle of Man, Douglas lies on a beautiful bay backed by wild moors and rugged glens. A horse-drawn tram ride is a great way to see the considerable sights. Don’t miss the fascinating collection of Viking artifacts in the Manx Museum.

Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants’ Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.