To discover Edinburgh, head to its historic heart with a walk down The Royal Mile. At the top, perched above the city, is Edinburgh Castle, home to the crown jewels and sweeping views. At the far end is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence when in Scotland. Buildings steeped in history line the route between the two, with most converted into shops, restaurants, and pubs.

A popular port of call, Invergordon combines a superb natural setting of mountains, tumbling waterfalls, rushing rivers, magnificent gardens, and serene lochs—including Loch Ness and its famous resident. Some must-sees include the castles Dunrobin and Cawdor (reportedly Macbeth’s castle), the flower displays of Beauly, Culloden Battlefield, Shin Falls, Inverness, and Glenmorangie Distillery.

Northern Ireland’s second largest city, Derry’s ancient walls hide a saga of strength and struggle. Today this emerging cosmopolitan city is complete with quaint restaurants, hearty pubs, and fantastic independent shops. Walk along river Foyle and take in the stunning Peace Bridge. Tour the city’s ancient walls and explore its historic buildings. Or, travel to the Counties Londonderry and Donegal for a bounty rolling hillsides and natural splendor.

Stroll along the slipways where the Titanic was built and explore a stunning new museum dedicated to the ship's famous, ill-fated journey. Set out from the city and explore the otherworldly landscape of the Giant's Causeway, with its hexagonal natural rock formations. Wet your whistle at the Bushmills distillery or settle into a classic pub for a pint of Guinness.

Glasgow is a lively and cosmopolitan city, making a name as a vibrant center of 21st century design, set against a background of exceptional Victorian architecture and state-of-the-art glass towers which house a growing financial services industry. The real Glasgow can be found in the pubs, where everything from the weather to solving the world’s problems are discussed over a pint.

Take a trip back in time when you arrive in Douglas on the Isle of Man. Horse-drawn trams guide travelers through scenic sea-front streets just as locals have been doing since 1876. Visit medieval fortresses, abandoned castles (haunted by a ghost dog, as the legend goes), and the village of Cregneash, where residents live in authentic thatched cottages that harken back to a bygone era.

A UNESCO World Heritage City, Liverpool combines contemporary and classic architecture, world-class golf, soccer, and horse racing, plus unique boutiques and shops that also make it one of England’s leading retail destinations. Stroll the famed waterfront, visit the Museum of Liverpool and the Walker Art Gallery, and pay homage to The Beatles at such iconic sites as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.

There’s a story waiting around every corner in Dublin. Spend time in Temple Bar and watch the city come alive, take a ghost tour to discover Dracula’s unnerving connection to Dublin, and behold a view you’ll never forget from the Observation Wheel. Of course, no Irish adventure is complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse where you’ll learn the history of Ireland’s most popular stout.

The Viking traders who founded Waterford in 914 were not the first to settle in this vicinity; Neolithic standing stones and megalithic tombs testify to much older cultures. A veritable march through the centuries continues with Norman forts, medieval abbeys, and numerous manor houses of 17th and 18th century vintage surrounded by primeval forests, and delightful gardens perfect for strolling.

Experience the best of England and France in Guernsey. Take in postcard-worthy views of brightly colored houses, idyllic gardens, and cliffside paths from St. Peter Port. When the sightseeing is over, stop at one of the many bistros for an unforgettable meal. Then, spend some time shopping in the up-and-coming boutiques for the perfect souvenir.

It was the departure point for the Mayflower in 1620, and for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912. The charms of London are not far away, but pray tarry in the south to explore other wonders, including Bath, with its natural hot springs and stunning architecture and the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, or venture all the way west to Lands End, and the wild moorlands and pirate haunts of Cornwall.