Belfast lies snuggled into the rugged coast of Northern Ireland where the River Lagan flows to the sea. This Northern Ireland capital saw its earliest settlement in the early Middle Ages. At that time, a substantial stone fortress punctuated the horizon. Today, world travelers are eager to view her physical beauty and discover her renewed tranquility. Residents enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shop at trendy stores, and visit pubs lining The Golden Mile.

Discover Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, with its horse drawn tram and Victorian Era hotels lining the promenade. Delve into its rich Celtic history and lore. Ride the horse drawn tram to the island’s highest summit where you can see six Kingdoms: Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Heaven. Explore the beautifully transformed Villa Marina complex, first opened in 1931. Enjoy high end shopping while looking for uniquely Manx souvenirs of beautiful tartans, scarves, smoked kippers and locally made cheeses. Enjoy fish and chips and a famous Manx beer along the waterfront in this land of a bygone era.

A UNESCO City of Literature founded in 1592, Ireland’s capital and birthplace of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw has long been a stalwart of European culture. Lively, cosmopolitan and eminently walkable, Dublin’s complex history is told by medieval castles and cathedrals complemented by elegant, 18th-century houses built during the city’s prosperous Georgian era. Cruise the legendary River Liffey for spectacular views of the cast-iron Ha’penny Bridge and neoclassical Customs House. Wander the architectural gems of Trinity College, explore the cultural quarter of Temple Bar, visit a pair of medieval cathedrals (St. Patrick’s and Christ Church) and a bevy of museums before enjoying a perfect pint at one of Dublin’s cozy pubs.

Holyhead stands on the far side of Anglesey, which is technically an island separated from Wales by the narrow Menai Straits. The distant mountains provide an ever-present backdrop, enticing the visitor to investigate their beauty. The rural charm of North Wales is juxtaposed with some unexpected features, for, perhaps to the casual visitor’s surprise, this is an area that has participated in some of the great moments of our history.

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, in North West England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians and nicknamed “Scousers,” in reference to the local meal known as ‘scouse’, a form of stew. In 2004, Liverpool’s waterfront was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the city’s importance in the development of the world’s trading system and dock technology.

Formerly a small, quiet fishing village in southern County Cork, modern Ringaskiddy is a busy cruise port that offers access to cities like Cobh, Cork and Kinsale. Take a ferry across Cork Harbour to learn the story of Annie Moore, the first emigrant processed at New York City’s Ellis Island in 1892, at the Cobh Heritage Center. In historic and very walkable Cork, take in the graceful arch of the 19th-century Parliament Bridge, ornate Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and limestone facade of the Cork Courthouse before pausing to people-watch at a Castle Street café. Home to a magnificent naval base in the 17th and 18th centuries, Kinsale is a delightful city to sample Dublin Bay prawns, Galway Bay oysters or traditional Irish stew.

Explore this fascinating fortified town or discover the lovely medieval town of Dinan and its impressive clock tower and picturesque half-timbered houses. Drive along the rugged Brittany coast and savor the stunning view of mystical Mont St. Michel before wandering through its steep winding streets and the mazelike abbey passages.

Enjoy the scenic trip through the rolling French countryside to Paris and spend the day savoring it’s gardens, museums and historic sites. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Take a boat ride along the Seine and a stroll along the Champs Elysee. Or visit historic Rouen or the battlefields of Normandy.