Where Are We Going?
Thursday, September 14 - LONDON (SOUTHAMPTON), ENGLAND
Protected from the frequent storms of the English Channel by the Isle of Wight, Southampton has survived a turbulent history to serve as a principal port of the United Kingdom today. Pay homage to one of the most famous ships to sail these shores at the Mayflower Memorial. Visit the stoic walls of Bargate and the Tudor House Museum.
Friday, September 15 - EDINBURGH (NEWHAVEN), SCOTLAND
Make sure you pack your walking shoes for Edinburgh. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary's chambers. Savor the old town's marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture. Marvel at the impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Visit St. Giles' Cathedral where John Knox once preached. Leave enough time to rest your legs at one of Edinburgh's seaside restaurants to enjoy fresh salmon, scallops, lamb, and prime Angus beef.
Saturday, September 16 - INVERNESS (INVERGORDON), SCOTLAND
Inverness is a city in the glorious Scottish Highlands. Teeming with bagpipe players and enthusiasts thanks to the city's annual Northern Meeting in September, Inverness also boasts a diverse music scene. Gaelic was the native language until the turn of the 19th century.
Sunday, September 17 - KIRKWALL, ORKNEY ISLES, SCOTLAND
This starkly beautiful island holds many ancient treasures like the mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, which was discovered with the furniture and indoor drains preserved. Make sure to visit the striking trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl's Palace, and Bishop's Palace. After touring, stop in a pub to chow down on salmon and lamb dishes with the locals. And ask them about the wide range of Kirkwall's specialty items, which includes cashmere, whisky, and crafts.
Monday, September 18 - BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
Exploring Belfast is a treat for urban fans. The city is rife with trendy cafes, restaurants, and nightlife, yet it also boasts a lovely historical district. The city center is compact, and many areas are off-limits to automobiles, so it's a pleasant city to walk through. Belfast has charming architecture-as you walk, be sure to look up at the buildings, where you'll see ornate carvings ranging from faces to figurines.
Tuesday, September 19 - LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM
Located in northwest England, Liverpool is a bustling maritime city. Dating back to the 13th century, Liverpool boasts some of the country's best museums, galleries, and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to a well-known symphony orchestra and two world-class professional football (soccer) teams. And, of course, every Beatles fan knows Liverpool as the hometown of the world-famous band.
Wednesday, September 20 - DUBLIN (DUN LAOGHAIRE), IRELAND
Discover the storied history of Ireland's largest city, Dublin. Take a whimsical walk along Dun Laoghaire's iconic East Pier or make your way up to the crest of Killiney Hill to experience the most majestic views of the capital. Treat yourself to a pint of Irish stout after exploring the history of beer at the Guinness Storehouse to imbibe a little Irish whiskey at one of the many historic pubs. Then stroll through St. Stephen's Green in the center of the city before surveying the selection of shops along Grafton Street.
Thursday, September 21 - CORK (COBH), IRELAND
Set on an island in Cork Harbor, on the country's south coast, Cobh was Ireland's main port of emigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The first transatlantic steamship sailed from there in 1838. Cobh was also the last port of call of the Titanic and the place where survivors of the Lusitania were taken ashore.
Take a picturesque stroll along the waterfront promenade and into the town center. Behind the Lusitania Monument, walk up Westview Street past the terrace of brightly coloured Victorian homes known as the "Deck of Cards." Visit St. Finn Barre's Cathedral, a wonderful, triple-spired example of French-gothic architecture, and spend some time on The Old Gaol, where original 19th-century cells tell some fascinating tales.
Friday, September 22 - PORTLAND, ENGLAND
Located along the English Channel, Portland is a peninsula that is connected to the Dorset mainland by a strip of beach. It's divided into two areas: north and south. The south end is famous for its "Portland stone," which is limestone from local quarries that have been mined for centuries. Unique to the city is the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which hosts world sailing championships.
Saturday, September 23 - LONDON (SOUTHAMPTON), ENGLAND
Protected from the frequent storms of the English Channel by the Isle of Wight, Southampton has survived a turbulent history to serve as a principal port of the United Kingdom today. Pay homage to one of the most famous ships to sail these shores at the Mayflower Memorial. Visit the stoic walls of Bargate and the Tudor House Museum.