14-Night London Roundtrip

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it's the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

Cowes is an English seaport town on the Isle of Wight. Located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, it faces the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. Enjoy a slice of great British history at Osborne, Queen Victoria's seaside residence. Stroll along her beach and enjoy the walled garden and Swiss Cottage. There are cultural museums, events and galleries to enjoy on both sides of the Medina. Stop by Cowes Castle, originally built by Henry VIII in 1539 to protect England against the threat of invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire.

Legend has it that the enchanted land of St. Peter Port was invaded by fairies once upon a time. For proof, head west to the edge of the island to find a mysterious Fairy Ring known as Pleinmont, walk around it three times and make a wish. Aside from local lore, Guernsey is charmed as the second largest of the Channel Islands ideally situated in the bay of St. Malo, a mere 30 miles from the coast of France and 80 miles from the coast of England. Speaking of England, while Guernsey is considered part of the British Isles, it is not a part of the United Kingdom, as it constitutionally owes allegiance to the English Crown, but has its own separate legislature.

Amid the Isles of Scilly lies the paradise of Tresco, most famous for its Abbey Garden. With thousands of exotic plants from about 80 different countries and a collection of shipwrecked figureheads on display, it's a stunning profile of what England has to offer. Still standing lookout atop a lush hill but now as a beautiful hotel, the Star Castle at the Garrison inspires the imagination with scenes straight out of a fairytale. At the island's northernmost point sits the Round Island Lighthouse, where landscapes of rugged boulders plunging into the sea invite you and your fellow explorers to unleash your adventurous spirit. Seaside cafes that look out on white-sand shores invite you and your new friends to sit for a respite and indulge in fresh seafood, such as Cornish scallops or Tresco gin and beetroot cured sea trout. After satisfying your appetite, feed your spirit with a day of sand and sea at one of Tresco's stunning beaches.

Ireland's capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe's liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital's colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James' Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.

Two-time gold winner of the "Britain in Bloom" small village award, the charming town of Heysham lures you in with stunning scenes of open grassland, deep rock pools, woodlands and sandy beaches. The vistas are so breathtaking, that in the 1790s, British painter JMW Turner captured the striking beauty of Heysham in an inspiring portrait. Overlooking Morecambe Bay, the stone ruins of St. Patrick's Chapel transport you back in time to an ancient past. Exploring further with your fellow travelers you will find the village holds a deep and rich Viking history and even dates as far back as the Stone Age. Gather a group to hike The Barrows, a set of cliffside trails where various artifacts, pottery and tools have been found, indicating a former burial ground. Take a break from your adventures at The Bookmakers Micropub, a beloved spot where locals and visitors alike gather, and where electronic devices are not permitted, so that everyone can enjoy a pint and a chat.

Sprawling scenes of green and rugged countryside combined with the bustle of a lively city make Llandudno a promising destination for exploration. Gather a group for a day spent sunbathing, parasailing or windsurfing at North Shore Beach. The Victorian-era pier here beckons with a colorful promenade filled with restaurants, bars and food stands. Savor traditional Welsh favorites like fish and chips or mushy peas and curry sauce as you stroll. Step into medieval times at Conwy Castle, a collection of high towers and barbicans that overlook the countryside. Journey further back with an exploration of the prehistoric copper Great Orme Mines, its narrow tunnels dating back to the Bronze Age. From there, take the Great Orme tramway for a ride through the picturesque Country Park and Nature Reserve. Tap into a sense of whimsey on a walk down the Alice in Wonderland trail, as Llandudno is the home of the girl who inspired Lewis Carroll's book.

Two-time gold winner of the "Britain in Bloom" small village award, the charming town of Heysham lures you in with stunning scenes of open grassland, deep rock pools, woodlands and sandy beaches. The vistas are so breathtaking, that in the 1790s, British painter JMW Turner captured the striking beauty of Heysham in an inspiring portrait. Overlooking Morecambe Bay, the stone ruins of St. Patrick's Chapel transport you back in time to an ancient past. Exploring further with your fellow travelers you will find the village holds a deep and rich Viking history and even dates as far back as the Stone Age. Gather a group to hike The Barrows, a set of cliffside trails where various artifacts, pottery and tools have been found, indicating a former burial ground. Take a break from your adventures at The Bookmakers Micropub, a beloved spot where locals and visitors alike gather, and where electronic devices are not permitted, so that everyone can enjoy a pint and a chat.

Anticipate a vibrant restaurant scene, award-winning architecture, and friendly locals as you make your way through the historic city of Belfast. Traipsing the city center calls for a stroll through Belfast's Botanic Gardens, 28 acres of green lawns and trees near Queens University. Emerge from the gardens at the Ulster Museum, a well-designed space with exhibits on Northern Irish history, art, and natural history. It's also the gateway to the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's most famous landmark deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Causeway was formed between 50 and 60 million years ago by an ancient volcanic eruption attracting visitors from far and wide to this corner of north Antrim to come marvel at its majesty and mystery.

The capital of the Isle of Mull, Tobermory, welcomes you with colorful shops, cafes and houses lined along the picturesque harbor. Sitting amid the Scottish Inner Hebrides, this old fishing village offers stunning landscapes, including golden eagles overhead and dolphins and minke whales in the water. Gather your fellow explorers for a trek along the bay in search of the town's namesake, Mary's Well (Tobermory in Gaelic), a stone structure marked with a Celtic cross dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Local history comes to life at the Mull Museum, but legend holds just as much allure with tales of a sunken Spanish galleon filled with gold and treasure lying below the harbor waves. Discover local artists and the art scene at An Tobar and Mull Theater, filled with exhibitions, workshops and activities that engage the senses. Raise a glass to the Scottish tradition of whisky with new friends at Tobermory Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest established in the 1790s.

Among Scotland's pristine Inner Hebrides, few others have the same depth of history as the island of Iona. It's here that it is believed Celtic Christianity was born in Scotland with the arrival of St. Columba. With just over 100 residents on the island, living within charming cottages in the main settlement called Baile Mor ("Big Town"), the landscape remains virtually untouched. Its most famous landmark, the 13th-century Iona Abbey, sits amid lush, green fields and is considered one of the oldest religious centers in Western Europe. Scottish kings are said to be buried on the site, including the famous Macbeth of Shakespearean renown. Legend also has it that Ireland's renowned Book of Kells may have been started on this island. Surrounded by beautiful beaches such as Columba's Bay and Martyr's Bay, the isle of Iona beckons you and fellow explorers to enjoy a stroll for a quieter, more introspective adventure.

The harbor town of Stornoway is your gateway for an unforgettable adventure. Steeped in history and culture, ranging back thousands of years, you'll find that Gaelic is spoken alongside English, and eagles and otters are as much residents as the locals. For a complete account of the social, cultural, archaeological, geological, and economic history of Stornoway, head to Museum nan Eilean. A drive along the west coast of the Isle of Lewis reveals the Neolithic standing stones at Callanish that are older and more impressive than Stonehenge. Comprising 19 monoliths, ending in a circle of 13 stones with rows of other stones radiating out in the shape of a cross, this site is fascinating.

When the sun shines on the Victorian buildings of Aberdeen, the facades sparkle with an allure that beckons you and other explorer spirits to discover its many charms. Once the world capital of granite (the reason for the buildings' sparkle), it has earned the nickname the Granite City. Amid old cottages and cobblestone streets, there are thousands of years of history to explore. Dive into the rich, seafaring past of the city at the Maritime Museum. The King’s College Chapel stuns with its awe-inspiring facade and stained-glass windows. Although renowned for its glittering silver hues and deep history, Aberdeen also offers bursts of color at Johnston Gardens, a collection of vibrant flowers like rhododendrons and ornate bridges. When you and your friends are ready for a respite, stop in at one of the local pubs for a bite and a pint, and maybe make new friends with some of the locals.

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is dynamic, but small enough to walk almost anywhere. The streets are busy, narrow, and lined with towering buildings once described as, "a dream in masonry" by Edinburgh-born novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. It's really two cities: Old Town and New Town, where Old Town is the network of medieval streets south of the castle and New Town is everything on the other side. What unites both and all of Scotland is its whisky, part of the true Scottish experience, as is a toast with scotch, of which you can partake in at Leith's Kaleidoscope Bar and Dining Room on Queen Street.

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is dynamic, but small enough to walk almost anywhere. The streets are busy, narrow, and lined with towering buildings once described as, "a dream in masonry" by Edinburgh-born novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. It's really two cities: Old Town and New Town, where Old Town is the network of medieval streets south of the castle and New Town is everything on the other side. What unites both and all of Scotland is its whisky, part of the true Scottish experience, as is a toast with scotch, of which you can partake in at Leith's Kaleidoscope Bar and Dining Room on Queen Street.

The seaside Yorkshire town of Whitby in northern England holds fame as an inspiration for Bram Stoker's classic novel, Dracula. It's easy to see how Stoker found a muse in the town with the impressive Gothic architecture of Whitby Abbey. Taking a journey of 199 steps, you will find yourself at the foot of St. Mary's Church, the scene for the dramatic ending to the horror classic. Beyond the atmosphere of literary shadows, the white, sandy shores of Whitby Beach invite you and your fellow explorers to spend a day enjoying ice cream, flying a kite or even a donkey ride. Discover a connection with Antarctic exploration at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, housed in the home where the famous explorer once lived. As Whitby sits near the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, it's the perfect opportunity to ride the railway, one of its stops even made famous by the Harry Potter movies.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it's the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.