Day 1 (MAY 29): Dover (London), England

Depart @ 6:00pm

Day 2 (MAY 30): Rotterdam, The Netherlands

The Netherlands’ second-largest city and Europe’s busiest port is home to some of the 20th and 21st centuries' most important architectural feats, which is particularly impressive when you consider that nearly all of Rotterdam was razed to the ground during World War II. Sometimes referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas,” the city lives up to its reputation as a forward-looking metropolis with fascinating design and some of the Netherlands' finest museums and most trendy shops.

Day 3 (MAY 31): Day at Sea

Day 4 (JUN 1): Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the post–WWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.

Day 5 (JUN 2): Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen greets visitors with striking gray stone architecture that gleams silver in the sun, earning it the nickname “The Granite City.” Nestled between the North Sea and the rolling hills of northeast Scotland, this historic port is rich in culture and natural beauty. Stroll the city’s elegant streets, relax in flower-filled parks like Duthie Park, or explore the coastal paths and golden beaches that line the shoreline.

Day 6 (JUN 3): Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse.

Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat.

Day 7 (JUN 4): Portree (Isle of Skye), Scotland

The Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, offers an intriguing and curious contrast of landscapes and cultures. Between the green rolling hills and the jagged mountain ranges, the Quiraing ridge dominates the north of the island, attracting wildlife watchers and hikers keen to test their abilities. The island’s rich with history, too—its Celtic, Norse and Scottish influences can be picked up in casual conversations (and more formally at the Aros cultural center), while Scottish Gaelic is enjoying something of a revival. Skye’s also home to 170-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, the 800-year-old Dunvegan Castle and the Talisker distillery which dates back to 1830.

Portree is the center of commerce and cultural life on the island, with a number of boutiques, cafés and pubs that belies the town’s size. The eye-catching harbor welcomes cruise ships and fishing boats bringing in the day’s fresh catch (which you can easily find at the many restaurants). If you choose to remain near the harbor, spend at least an hour wandering the narrow streets nearby.

Day 8 (JUN 5): Killybegs, Donegal, Ireland

This part of County Donegal is also home to a number of traditional industries and artisan workshops, where craftspeople specialize in carpet-making, weaving and knitting. Killybegs is surrounded by some of the most scenic landscape Ireland has to offer. As a stop along the 2,500-kilometer-long coastal route known as the Wild Atlantic Way, there are several stunning spots you can’t miss, including the white, sandy expanse of nearby Fintra Beach and the vertigo-inducing cliffs at Slieve League. Come here to soak up the small-town atmosphere and drink in the natural beauty that abounds.

Day 9 (JUN 6): Greencastle (Londonberry), Ireland

Step ashore at Greencastle, gateway to historic Londonderry. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, enjoy a scenic drive through the Inishowen Peninsula, and watch talented sheepdogs in action—all available through memorable shore excursions. Rich culture and coastal beauty await.

Days 10-11 (JUN 7-8): Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland

Greenock, only a stone’s throw from Glasgow, is the deepwater port for Scotland’s largest, and many would say most exciting, city. Today's Glasgow is a monument to Victorian architecture at its finest. It is worth a visit if only to have a look at its magnificent built heritage, though the city offers much more. Glasgow has reinvented itself many times over the years. Today, brushing aside its onetime reputation for grime and crime following rapid deindustrialization in the 20th century, it has become a cosmopolitan center of culture and a vibrant city of universities, art and music.

Day 12 (JUN 9): Holyhead, Wales

Wander through the ancient town center built around St. Cybi's Church, which is built inside one of Europe's only three-walled Roman forts (the fourth wall being the sea, which used to come up to the fort). Explore the Ucheldre Arts Centre, then relax with a pint or cup of tea at one of Holyhead's charming pubs.

Day 13 (JUN 10): Cobh (Cork), Ireland

Corkonians are fiercely proud of their hometown, so much so that it’s jokingly referred to as the People’s Republic of Cork. And there is a lot to love about Ireland’s second city. Hugging the banks of the River Lee, it takes its name fromcorcaigh, the Gaelic word for "marshy." With its origins in the 7th century, Cork enjoyed a flourishing period as a merchant center in the 18th and 19th centuries, with grand buildings like the elegant Cork City Hall bearing testimony to this status. On the north bank of the River Lee is the quaint neighborhood of Shandon with its landmark clock tower of St. Anne’s Church. The city’s heart is set on an island sandwiched between two channels of the Lee that open out into one of Europe's largest natural harbors at Cobh.

Day 14 (JUN 11): Day at Sea

Day 15 (JUN 12): Dover (London), England

Arrive @ 7:00am