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British Isle Legends
HIGHLIGHTS
London Take a trip up to London and get a bird's eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.
Edinburgh Savor the old town's marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary's chambers. Visit St. Giles' Cathedral where John Knox once preached.
Invergordon Known as "Inverbreakie" until the early 18th century, Invergordon has long been recognized for its rich naval history and jewel of a harbor in the northern Highlands. Invergordon perches on the northern bank of the Cromarty Firth, a lengthy estuary that provides welcome sanctuary for a multitude of water birds and one of only two species of resident bottlenose dolphin in the British Isles. Venture into the Highlands, where the local clan castles perch on craggy hills and on the shores of lochs and firths. And there's always the chance to see the mysterious Loch Ness Monster.
Kirkwall This starkly beautiful island holds many ancient treasures like the enigmatic Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, amazingly discovered with furniture and indoor drains preserved. Visit the imposing trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl's Palace, and the earlier Bishop's Palace.
Portree The name Portree derives from Port-an-Righ, which means "King's Port" in Gaelic, which is still spoken throughout the Isle of Skye. The wildly scenic island remains fiercely traditional, even though life has changed since the Skye Bridge was erected in 1995, linking the island to the Scottish mainland. Known for its beautiful natural harbor and quaint, brightly painted shops and homes, Portree is a lovely setting and attracts those who enjoy seaside walks. A wee bit west, tour the phenomenal stronghold of Dunvegan Castle, which has been continuously occupied by MacLeod descendants for more than 800 years.
Belfast Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants' Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.
Dublin Visit historic Trinity College and gaze at the magnificently decorated Book of Kells. Tour majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift is buried, and stroll through lovely St. Stephen's Green, a beautiful city park immortalized by James Joyce in Ulysses.
Waterford Stroll through this 1,100-year-old Viking town and admire Rodney's Tower, still in use, and see the exquisite treasures in the museum. Visit the Waterford Crystal Visitors' Centre, where you can see how the artisans cut their famous designs. Or enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside as you pass majestic abbey ruins, stroll through quaint villages and see remnants of Viking heritage.
Cork Cheerful Cork sprawls about the River Lee in one of Ireland's most stunning settings. Bridges crisscross the city leading to landmarks like St. Anne's Church and the Old City Gaol, where you'll see the 19th century prisoners' graffiti. Make time to kiss the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle.
Fowey With a rich seafaring history dating back to the 14th Century, Fowey (pronounced Foy) in Cornwall is still one of England's busiest ports. The circular Hall Walk is quite popular and follows the banks of the estuary. In town stroll the Esplanade, visit St. Fimbarrus Church, and admire the view from St. Catherine's Castle, which was built during the reign of Henry VIII to protect the harbor. Blockhouses from the late 1300s stand on either side of the harbor, from which a chain was once hung to prevent undesirable ships from entering.
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