12 Night British Isles

Amsterdam is an eclectic mix of old and new, historical charm and cosmopolitan flair. It's a blend of cultures, but still quintessentially Dutch. The people-watching is rewarding, and the quest for rich history is even more so. Take a boat tour along the canals to enjoy the distinct and beautiful personalities of the many bridges you'll see.

The coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire is popular for strolls on the East Pier, and locally caught fish and chips. The National Maritime Museum of Ireland has nautical art and artefacts inside a 19th-century sailors’ church, while the harbour is a busy hub for fishing, water sports and cruises. Nearby Sandycove is home to the James Joyce Tower and Museum, as well as the sheltered beach and bathing spot at Forty Foot.

Belfast has undergone an enormous transformation in recent years and thanks to a focus on expansion and regeneration, the city is now experiencing a tourism renaissance. Today, free from the mayhem that once was, this major Northern Ireland city has done a terrific job in both disassociating from her past and creating a thriving positive public perception. With new cultural quarters—the Cathedral Quarter, the Gaeltacht Quarter, the Queen’s Quarter and the Titanic Quarter—the former linen and shipbuilding epicenter is a flourishing community that blends industry with culture. Here, where the Titanic was so carefully built, you can see beautifully restored Victorian architecture, indulge retail therapy at a fabulous shopping center, and enjoy the quintessentially Irish experience at the lively waterfront, which is a friendly hub of live music, overflowing pubs and modern art.

With a history that dates back more than 800 years, Liverpool has been a major port for centuries. The awe-inspiring architecture, and amazing restaurants are just the beginning of this exciting city. The art scene is probably best known for the Beatles, and you can visit where it all began for them. The amazing galleries, theatres and museums make Liverpool a cultural capital.

Located in the northernmost part of the British Isles, cruises to Shetland Islands provide travelers with an easy way to access this remote and rugged part of Scotland that’s made up of nearly 100 small islands. European cruises visiting this fascinating destination stop in Lerwick, the only town in the region. Lerwick offers a lively and welcoming ambiance with plenty to see and do, and it’s just a short boat or ferry ride away from some of the more remote islands. While exploring the Shetland Islands, you’ll find miles of pristine beaches surrounded by towering cliffs, where bright blue waves crash around impressive rock formations. The archipelago is unlike anything you’ve seen before, making cruises that stop in the Shetland Islands a great way for travelers to get off the beaten path.

Inverness is the Scottish Highland'’ major city. Literally it means "mouth of the River Ness," and this is the 'urban' hub for international visitors who come hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous—yet elusive—Loch Ness Monster. While you are here, be sure to take a cruise down the Loch and a stroll along the riverbank to take not only take in this picturesque spot but work up an appetite for dinner in one of the city’s excellent restaurants, too.

Amsterdam is an eclectic mix of old and new, historical charm and cosmopolitan flair. It's a blend of cultures, but still quintessentially Dutch. The people-watching is rewarding, and the quest for rich history is even more so. Take a boat tour along the canals to enjoy the distinct and beautiful personalities of the many bridges you'll see.