A Journey from Historic Coast to the Majestic Landscapes of Iceland

Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.

Wander through this striking city within stone walls and the imposing towers of Edinburgh Castle. Explore narrow passageways and hidden staircases that lead to stately Georgian terraces and historic landmarks; museums, tall townhouses, art galleries, fabulous shopping, iconic festivals and the crown jewels. Listen for the one o’clock gun fire and then head for some haggis. Tread the royal mile to Arthur’s Seat, taste whisky at a distillery, visit the royal chambers and a city zoo, take a ghost tour, have your own kilt made and listen to the emotive Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Head out to the Scottish Highlands for wild beaches, highland cows, deep lochs and rugged castles. And as night falls, watch the city come alive from traditional inns, underground bars and sophisticated whisky lounges. There’s no escaping the history, romance, culture and art at the core of the enchanting Scottish capital.

Orkney’s capital and most southern isle is blessed with architectural wonders. Capture the true Viking spirit in the ‘Church on the Bay’; visit grand sandstone seafront buildings, visit St Magnus Cathedral and smaller churches, the enigmatic Standing Stones of Stenness and other ancient sites. Play Ba, eat cream teas, shop local boutiques and watch fishing fleets depart the bay. Previously claimed to be the most beautiful Scottish high street, soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere and splendour of this royal Scottish Burgh.

Slowly explore this tiny harbour town surrounded by rugged Scottish terrain and native wildflowers. Wander to historical ruins, archaeological sites, the Shetland Croft House Museum and step back in time in the ancient capital, Scalloway. Amble along Da Street for local boutiques and listen to Celtic music where fiddlers tell tuneful tales. View the stunning Shetland archipelago as you spot porpoises, otters and seals. And then there’s the ponies – animated short-legged, long fringed caricatures – like Lerwick, they’re hardy yet gentle.

Feel the magnetic lure of adventure at the world’s northernmost capital. Mystical landscapes promise dramatic snow-capped volcanoes, ice fields and mountains for thrilling quests; explore by helicopter, ride Icelandic horses, zip through lava tunnels on super trucks and rocket across glaciers on snow scooters. Then slow down to visit a geothermal-fired bakery and greenhouse, soak in wellbeing springs, the blue lagoon or refresh at the nearby face mask bar. And as the nightlife beckons under the sun that barely sets, drink black death schnapps as a poetic reminder of Reykjavik’s exhilarating activities.