Amsterdam to Dover

Zeebrugge is the gateway to Bruges, the capital of the Belgian province of West Flanders. Bruges was a wealthy city during medieval times when trade with Baltic ports flourished. The Zwin River, connecting Bruges with the North Sea, slowly began to narrow, marking the end of the city's great trade period. Today, visitors flock to Bruges to enjoy the charming, well-preserved medieval architecture lining the old and narrow roads and canals and to see some of Western Europe's finest artistic masterpieces.

Le Havre is a major port in northern France's Normandy region, where the Seine River meets the English Channel. It's joined to the city across the estuary, Honfleur, by the Pont de Normandie cable-stayed bridge. Following WWII, Le Havre's heavily damaged city center was famously redesigned by Belgian architect Auguste Perret. Today it features many landmark examples of reinforced-concrete architecture.

Cork's history began in the 7th century with the founding of a monastery by St. Finbarr on a small alluvial island in the River Lee. The monastery and the settlement were later incorporated in the fortified base the Danes developed there. As a result of war and destruction throughout the following centuries, Cork has no medieval buildings left but boasts a few remains from the 18th century. The central area takes its architectural character from the early 19th century.

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, in North West England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians and nicknamed "Scousers," in reference to the local meal known as 'scouse', a form of stew. In 2004, Liverpool's waterfront was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the city's importance in the development of the world's trading system and dock technology.

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.

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.

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.

Made famous by its beautiful white cliffs, Dover is located on the Strait of Dover at England’s closest point to continental Europe. Steeped in history, Dover’s famous white chalk cliffs and its Medieval castle have guarded England from Roman to modern times. A tour of the castle offers views of the Secret Operations Room, the Communications Room, the Hospital and the Napoleonic casements. Stroll along the miles of National Trust countryside and coastline with its spectacular views of the white cliffs and the Dover Straits, and the landmark Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse. Visit the still working Crabble Corn Mill built in 1812 and the 3500 year old Bronze Age boat at the Dover Museum. Dover can be your gateway to London, with its exceptional museums, monuments, world-class shopping and restaurants.