British Isles

It's still the headquarters for several of the British Army's Scottish regiments and, at noon each day, the sound of a cannon fired from the castle's battlements reverberates throughout the city.

The Orkney Archipelago, a collection of stark, treeless islands off Scotland's northern coast, is steeped in history dating back over 5,000 years.

Stornoway, which is located in the Scotland Western Isles, is a place of harmony and diversity. Both Gaelic and English is spoken, eagles live close to otters, both hint at the unity of the community. If you’ve ever listened to the famous UK shipping forecast, you’ll have heard the name Stornoway mentioned in the cryptic but soothing relay of crucial information to sea-farers. Embark on a cruise to Stornoway and you will enter one of the most scenic natural harbours in the Outer Hebrides. The town on the Isle of Lewis has earned its reputation for having a particularly welcoming port as it is deep and sheltered, justifying its name, which means “steering bay.” The pier was built on the original site of Stornoway Castle, which was destroyed by Cromwell’s forces in 1653. The beauty of the harbour belies its bustling energy and thriving businesses of freight, ferry and leisure traffic, as well as a busy fishing industry. Because the majority of the islanders live in the centre of Stornoway, there are vast, sparsely populated areas with small rural communities hugging the coastline. In the summer you will still see people cutting and stacking the peat to burn in the winter when it delivers a fragrant scent as peat smoke drifts in the air. The beaches nearby Stornoway are vast and unspoilt, protected in the main by the shifting sand dunes. If it is a sunny day they sparkle but, even when it is stormy, they possess a dramatic and mysterious character that cleanses the soul. There are many opportunities for visitors to explore the wildlife of the region with sightings of seals, porpoises and dolphins being common in the area. Keen bird watchers are treated to huge colonies of gannets, shag, black guillemots and kittiwakes. From Stornoway, the west and north coast are both less than an hour’s drive away, and there you will find many opportunities for scenic walks and photographs of stunning, windswept terrain. The people of Lewis are very welcoming. Traditional values are at the core of communities and there is a strong observance of the sanctity of Sunday when most businesses close in favour of family and rest. Gaelic heritage is also important and the traditional arts and crafts are celebrated in the nearby Ness Museum. Exhibits demonstrate and explain crafting, wool working, and other folk crafts. Locally produced food is part of the region’s traditional culture, with perhaps the most famous of the local food being Stornoway’s black pudding. This delicacy of blood and oatmeal can be seen on the menus of some of the world’s best restaurants as far away as New York, and is certainly worth a try. Surrounded by the deep clear waters of the Atlantic it is no surprise that seafood, caught off the islands shores, is also a staple of the local diet. Stornoway town centre even has its own smokehouse producing delicious fresh smoked salmon and kippers.

Enjoy the unseen sights of Scotland’s beautiful islands (weather dependent). From the Isle of Mull to the Sound of Jura, the Isle of Arran to Fingal’s Cave, bring your binoculars to take in the stunning scenery of Scotland’s islands.

Enjoy the unseen sights of Scotland’s beautiful islands (weather dependent). From the Isle of Mull to the Sound of Jura, the Isle of Arran to Fingal’s Cave, bring your binoculars to take in the stunning scenery of Scotland’s islands.

Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Founded in the 17th century, the city prospered becoming one of the world's leading industrial names. Despite its more recent political troubles, Belfast has emerged as a vibrant, alluring destination. Amidst its beautiful Victorian buildings you can shop in stylish boutiques, sip a Guinness in one its charming old pubs or take a scenic stroll in Barnett Demesne park.

Liverpool was the former home of Cunard Line. The Cunard Building, the Royal Liver Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building - all on Pier Head - are often described as the city's "Three Graces". Liverpool is vibrant and modern with a taste of the 60s! Take a ferry across the Mersey for stunning harbour views. Or embark on a Magical Mystery Tour commemorating the city's most famous sons.

Liverpool was the former home of Cunard Line. The Cunard Building, the Royal Liver Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building - all on Pier Head - are often described as the city's "Three Graces". Liverpool is vibrant and modern with a taste of the 60s! Take a ferry across the Mersey for stunning harbour views. Or embark on a Magical Mystery Tour commemorating the city's most famous sons.

In Cork you may hear the locals refer to the city as the ‘real capital of Ireland’. The country’s second city was the European Capital of Culture in 2005 and plays host to a thriving festival and Irish music scene.

The UK's premier passenger ship port, located in the picturesque English county of Hampshire, Southampton is a vibrant waterfront city, serviced by direct trains to London, an airport, and an international cruise terminal. Explore the city’s maritime heritage and links to RMS Titanic in the Sea City Museum, see contemporary British art in the Cultural Quarter, or walk the medieval walls in the Old Town. Further afield you’ll find The New Forest National Park, Winchester Cathedral, Stonehenge, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Isle of Wight, while the city’s thriving craft beer and culinary scene will leave you spoilt for choice.