As capital cities go, Amsterdam is small in comparison. It has a reputation for free-spirited and very liberal lifestyles. Some might call it Europe’s most “radical” city, but one cannot deny the beauty of Amsterdam and its rich history. Amsterdam is a cultural center of Europe, as exemplified in its more than 140 art galleries and 40 museums. In addition, it is famous for its baroque architecture, canals, and cobblestone streets where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.

South Queensferry, originally a Royal Burgh in West Lothian, is now our gate to the City of Edinburgh, Scotland. Because of its rugged setting and vast collection of Medieval and Georgian architecture including numerous stone tenements, Edinburgh is often considered one of the most dramatic cities in Europe. Tourism is an important economic mainstay in the city. As a World Heritage Site, tourists come to visit such historical sites as Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Georgian New Town.

Invergordon has a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars. Ideally situated in the center of the eastern Highlands, Invergordon received its name from Sir William Gordon, a landowner of the 18th century. For centuries the estate on which Invergordon now stands was known as Inverbreakie, or “the mouth of the Breakie.” The Breakie presumably is the stream which enters the Firth at Rosskeen Bridge, near the old parish church west of the present Town.

Ullapool is a village of around 1,500 inhabitants in Ross and Cromarty, Scottish Highlands, located around 45 miles north-west of Inverness. Despite its small size it is the largest settlement for many miles around, and an important port and tourist destination

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off the coast of northern mainland Scotland. Kirkwall is one of the most attractive and well-preserved small towns in Scotland. Apart from the main historical buildings, there are many 17th-18th century houses and other structures in the local vernacular style. Kirkwall also has the most northerly of the English speaking world’s Carnegie libraries, which was visited and opened by Andrew Carnegie and his wife in the early years of the 20th century.

In Scotland, arrive in Stornoway and begin an unforgettable Hebridean adventure. The harbor town is the portal to discovering a dramatic island landscape and it’s the epicenter of Gaelic culture. Prehistoric standing stones dating back millenniums and Iron Age brochs are just some of the amazing sites you can take in. Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides, and it’s a harbor town which comes with plenty of charms of its own. Get introduced to Gaelic arts, literature and music and island traditions at the town’s arts hub and at the new museum, or browse independent shops for locally-made crafts and unique gifts. See skilled islanders produce Harris Tweed, luxury hand-woven wool which has been crafted on the island for generations.

Founded as a fishing village in the 1500s, this port city in western Scotland serves as an excellent jumping off point for day trips to some Scottish classics. From coach trips to the wilds of northwest Scotland and Loch Lomond to local ferry island hopping jaunts, playing through on one of four local golf courses to forays to one of the major shopping centers, Greenock offers something for everyone. Stroll around the city and take in the architectural delights of Charles Rennie Mackintos, then drop by a local eatery for a cup of cock-a-leekie soup, roast Aberdeen Angus beef and some Blaeberry pie.

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.

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.