Dublin to Reykjavik

Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.

The historic west end of Greenock boasts impressive Victorian buildings, in particular the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete. From there, journey to Glasgow to view the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for a glimpse of its world-class art collection. Toast to the world’s friendliest city with a Tennent’s lager at the historic Wellpark Brewery, where you can learn about the brand’s 450-year history and its passion for Scottish football. From Glasgow, discover the beauty of the Scottish countryside on a journey toward magnificent Stirling Castle, the home of the Stuart kings and birthplace of James II.

The harbor town of Stornoway is your gateway for an unforgettable adventure. Steeped in history and culture, ranging back thousands of years, you’ll find that Gaelic is spoken alongside English, and eagles and otters are as much residents as the locals. For a complete account of the social, cultural, archaeological, geological, and economic history of Stornoway, head to Museum nan Eilean. A drive along the west coast of the Isle of Lewis reveals the Neolithic standing stones at Callanish that are older and more impressive than Stonehenge. Comprising 19 monoliths, ending in a circle of 13 stones with rows of other stones radiating out in the shape of a cross, this site is fascinating.

In Lerwick, explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors, and the rugged Scottish Highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies and Nordic heritage, Lerwick will leave a lasting impression. Beginning in the town center, Commercial Street, or ’Da Street’ as it’s known, is the hub of Lerwick life. For a better understanding of the history of this strategic port city, look no further than Fort Charlotte, a fort that has served as accommodation to the town’s bachelors and has also been a prison, coastguard station and armory. Expand your knowledge of the town’s strong ties to Norway with a visit to The Shetland Museum and Archives, an extensive collection that encapsulates the fascinating story of Shetland’s heritage and culture.

The 18 major islands making up the archipelago of the Faroe Islands lie between the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway. Here, a mix of Nordic and Danish architecture amid lush, grass scenery creates a quaint image of a picturesque destination. Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands capital city, holds a competitive tradition and spirit of sporting events, including housing the largest football stadium in the district. But the city also contains an artsy energy with the annual Tórshavn Jazz Festival that takes place every August. Among the many natural treasures of the Faroe Islands is the Bøsdalafossur waterfall, a cascade that flows from the Sørvágsvatn/Leitissvatn lake into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a glassy surface amid the rugged cliffs of the falls

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Say halló to volcanoes, lava fields, caves, and mountains in the fascinating island of Heimaey – literally translated as Home Island. Part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago (Westman Islands), this destination offers views of lush cliffsides and classic Icelandic architecture that will take your breath away. Built around the remains of an excavated home buried by ash during Eldfell’s eruption you’ll find the Eldheimar Museum, which offers an excellent audio guide that takes you through the home and describes the history and events before, during and after the eruption. One of the most iconic landmarks of Vestmannaeyjar, Elephant Rock, lies just off the south coast of Iceland. And there’s no need to squint to see it, because from every angle, you can see a gargantuan elephant in the middle of the sea.

Newly formed from volcanic eruptions in the 1960s, the island of Surtsey’s pristine environment has earned a place among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Only open to scientists as a natural laboratory to study plants and animals, few expeditions get the chance to navigate around the young island. Summer brings flocks of puffins to the island, as well as other migratory birds like eiders. Seals consistently make their home on Surtsey throughout the year, which brings orcas to the nearby waters. The flourishing wildlife around the region makes this a dream destination for the explorer spirit.

In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever.Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill..