Edinburgh is to London as poetry is to prose, as Charlotte Brontë once wrote. One of the world's stateliest cities and proudest capitals, it's built—like Rome—on seven hills, making it a striking backdrop for the ancient pageant of history. In a skyline of sheer drama, Edinburgh Castle watches over the capital city, frowning down on Princes Street’s glamour and glitz. But despite its rich past, the city’s famous festivals, excellent museums and galleries, as well as the modern Scottish Parliament, are reminders that Edinburgh has its feet firmly in the 21st century.Nearly everywhere in Edinburgh (the burgh is always pronounced burra in Scotland) there are spectacular buildings, whose Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian pillars add touches of neoclassical grandeur to the largely Presbyterian backdrop. Large gardens are a strong feature of central Edinburgh, where the city council is one of the most stridently conservationist in Europe. Arthur's Seat, a mountain of bright green and yellow furze, rears up behind the spires of the Old Town. This child-size mountain jutting 822 feet above its surroundings has steep slopes and little crags, like a miniature Highlands set down in the middle of the busy city. Appropriately, these theatrical elements match Edinburgh's character—after all, the city has been a stage that has seen its fair share of romance, violence, tragedy, and triumph.Modern Edinburgh has become a cultural capital, staging the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival in every possible venue each August. The stunning Museum of Scotland complements the city’s wealth of galleries and artsy hangouts. Add Edinburgh’s growing reputation for food and nightlife and you have one of the world’s most beguiling cities.Today the city is the second most important financial center in the United Kingdom, and the fifth most important in Europe. The city regularly is ranked near the top in quality-of-life surveys. Accordingly, New Town apartments on fashionable streets sell for considerable sums. In some senses the city is showy and materialistic, but Edinburgh still supports learned societies, some of which have their roots in the Scottish Enlightenment. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, for example, established in 1783 "for the advancement of learning and useful knowledge," remains an important forum for interdisciplinary activities.Even as Edinburgh moves through the 21st century, its tall guardian castle remains the focal point of the city and its venerable history. Take time to explore the streets—peopled by the spirits of Mary, Queen of Scots; Sir Walter Scott; and Robert Louis Stevenson—and pay your respects to the world's best-loved terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. In the evenings you can enjoy candlelit restaurants or a folk ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, a traditional Scottish dance with music), though you should remember that you haven't earned your porridge until you've climbed Arthur's Seat. Should you wander around a corner, say, on George Street, you might see not an endless cityscape, but blue sea and a patchwork of fields. This is the county of Fife, beyond the inlet of the North Sea called the Firth of Forth—a reminder, like the mountains to the northwest that can be glimpsed from Edinburgh's highest points, that the rest of Scotland lies within easy reach.

We head north to ‘clan country’, for an overnight stay in its heartland: Inverness. The Highlands of Scotland invite us to explore Scotland’s own monarchy, with an en-route stop at the royal Scottish city of Stirling and the battlefields of Culloden. 

Perched atop Castle Hill, Stirling Castle stands as a symbol of Scotland’s rich history and royal heritage. This grand fortress, once a favoured residence of Scottish kings and queens, played a pivotal role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. It was the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and witnessed her coronation. The castle was central to the reigns of the Stewart monarchs, particularly King James VI of Scotland, who became King James I of England, uniting the two thrones for the first time. This union eventually led to the Jacobite uprisings and the demise of the clan way of life. Among other sites within the castle, we explore the magnificent Great Hall, Royal Palace, and Chapel Royal, all beautifully restored to reflect its regal past, while discovering the people and events that have shaped both the castles and Scotland’s history. 

Our second stop today offers an insight into the clash of the clans and their British rulers, brought alive this afternoon by our local guides. Scottish clans played significant roles in Scotland’s history and politics. Their relationship with the British crown was complex, marked by alliances and conflicts. The clans often supported different royal factions, notably during the Jacobite uprisings in the 17th and 18th centuries, when many clans backed the Stuart claim to the British throne. The defeat of the Jacobites at the notorious Battle of Culloden marked the end of the clan’s power. Subsequent British policies, including the Highland Clearances, dismantled the clan system, by banning tartan, the Gaelic language, bagpipes, and the communal style of living that the clans had enjoyed for centuries. By integrating Scotland more fully into the British state, English rule diminished the clan influence. Today, the clans’ legacy lives on in Scotland’s culture and heritage, with clan gatherings and tartans celebrated worldwide. 

Our guided visit to the battleground of Culloden offers a poignant reminder of the bitter feud between the clans and the crown. The Battle of Culloden, fought on 16 April 1746, was the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising, with the fighting resulting in a decisive defeat for the Jacobite forces led by Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) at the hands of the British government troops commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. The estimated number of casualties varies, but it is generally accepted that around 1,500 to 2,000 Jacobites were killed or wounded during the battle, with those who survived being either imprisoned or executed. In contrast, the heavily armoured British government forces suffered significantly fewer casualties, with around 300 killed or wounded. Standing on the ground where the battle was fought affords us an insight into the brutal manner of 18th-century warfare and its everlasting legacy. 

Our overnight stop is in the Highland capital of Inverness. Deeply intertwined with Scotland’s rich clan culture, Inverness is the spiritual home to clans such as the MacDonalds, MacLeods and Frasers, who played pivotal roles in shaping the region’s history and identity. From battles fought to alliances forged, these tight-knit family groups lived a feudal lifestyle, with dedication to their ‘laird’ upmost in their minds. Inverness itself served as a strategic clan stronghold and hosted gatherings that defined Highland life, with annual celebrations such as clan reunions and the Highland Games, celebrating traditional sports and music, keeping alive the legacy of Scotland’s vibrant clan culture. 

We gather tonight for dinner, where our host will enthral us with tales of past clan clashes and how they continue to influence ‘the highlands’ 21st century lifestyle. 

Accommodation: Inverness Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Pack your camera this morning, as we may encounter an elusive creature. Not men in kilts, but something nearly as Scottish. Undoubtedly Scotland’s most famous freshwater lake, Loch Ness forms part of the Caledonian Canal, which connects the east and west coasts of Scotland. Extending 37 kilometres in length and dropping to a depth of 227 kilometres, its dark, deep waters are the perfect hiding place for its most mysterious resident. The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, often referred to as ‘Nessie’, dates to the 6th century, when the Irish monk St Columba is said to have encountered a large beast in the River Ness. However, it was not until the 19th century the legend truly captured the world’s imagination, when locals reported seeing a large creature in the water, sparking a series of alleged sightings and numerous expeditions to find the elusive monster. Photographs, sonar readings and various pieces of anecdotal evidence have fuelled speculation and mystery, even though scientific proof of Nessie’s existence remains elusive. We skirt Loch Ness and stop briefly for our own opportunity to see the mysterious beast lakeside. 

On arrival at Glasgow, we stop to try a ‘wee dram’. Scottish whisky, or Scotch, is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of Scotland’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. Distilled for centuries, Scotch embodies the country’s rugged landscapes and meticulous traditions. Each sip tells a story, from the peat bogs of Islay to the crystal-clear waters of Speyside. It is thought that Scots consume around 40 million bottles of whisky annually, reflecting its integral role in their daily lives and celebrations. To be officially classed as Scotch whisky, it must be produced in Scotland and matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years. Visiting a distillery offers a glimpse into this age-old process, where you’ll witness the alchemy of malted barley, pure water, and patient ageing. Tasting the whisky, you’ll appreciate the distinct flavours – smoky, sweet, or spicy – which reflect Scotland’s diverse regions. For Scots, whisky is a proud emblem of their cultural identity and history. Join us on a distillery tour to experience this national treasure firsthand, savour its unique character, and understand its significance to Scotland and its people. 

We board Douglas Mawson at the Glasgow port of Troon. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening, meet your crew and Aurora Expeditions team as we sail west to the United Kingdom’s enclave of Northern Ireland.

Nestled behind lofty city walls, Londonderry is a destination of culture, which boasts an increasingly envied reputation. This Northern Irish city is still riding on the momentum of a fantastic 2013, when it was named as UK City of Culture, and singled out as one of Lonely Planet's top 5 destinations to visit. The wonderfully preserved city walls are perhaps Londonderry's most treasured charm, and they encircle 1,450 years of history, and are over 400 years old. The walls came to the fore of the city's history during the Siege of Derry, back in 1688 - when King James's forces attacked, causing mass starvation and suffering over 105 days of stalemate. It takes approximately an hour to wander the entire circuit of the walls, and see their seven gates, and you’ll absorb a feast of information along the way. View the mighty cannons that boomed during the siege, or stop into one of the plentiful cafes, should you need a little refreshment before continuing your journey. St. Columb’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1633, towers over the walled city, and is one of the city's most significant historic sites. Its dreamy spire contains a set of bells that have peeled out melodies here since 1638, making them Ireland's oldest.

Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste ("sandbank ford") belonging to Ulster's ancient O'Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast's growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname "Titanic Town." Having laid the foundation stone of the city's university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen's College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about "the Troubles." Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland's capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast's city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it's about an hour's leisurely walk.

The village of Heysham, located on the northwest coast of England, serves as our gateway to the historical town of Lancaster and the ever-popular Lake District today. Situated near Morecambe Bay in Lancashire, Heysham has been a vital port for fishing and maritime trade since the Viking era. Its working harbour and historical lighthouses reflect its rich seafaring heritage. Nearby, Lancaster Castle, a medieval fortress steeped in history, overlooks the city of Lancaster, just a short distance from Heysham. The castle’s imposing presence highlights the region’s historical significance, serving as a symbol of power and authority through centuries of English history. Heysham’s proximity to the Lake District National Park adds to its allure, offering visitors easy access to the stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures of one of England’s most beloved natural reserves. 

Once a northern defense post against Irish raiders, Holyhead later became best known as a ferry port for Ireland. The dockside bustle is not matched by the town, however, which maintains just a small population. Nonetheless, thousands of years of settlement have given Holyhead rich historical ruins to explore, with more in the surrounding hiking friendly landscape.

The largest town in the Southeast and Ireland's oldest city, Waterford was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century and was taken over by Strongbow, the Norman invader, with much bloodshed in 1170. The city resisted Cromwell's 1649 attacks, but fell the following year. It did not prosper again until 1783, when George and William Penrose set out to create "plain and cut flint glass, useful and ornamental," and thereby set in motion a glass-manufacturing industry long without equal. The famed glassworks closed after the 2008 financial crisis, but Waterford Crystal has triumphantly risen again from the flames in a smaller, leaner version, opened in 2010 and now relocated to the Mall.

The British colonial influence is everywhere in pretty English Harbour. And yet, located on Antigua’s south coast, you are just minutes away from some of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean. With its long ribbons of white sandy shores including the superbly named Rendez-Vous Bay Beach, the cold English drizzle and chimes of big ben have never been farther away! English Harbour is how the Caribbean is meant to be. Beautifully restored, the area still retains much in the way of its rich historic past. Nelson’s dockyard is absolutely not to be missed; a working dockyard that dates from the 18th century, this is part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site (Nelson’s Dockyard and National Park) which also contains Clarence House and Shirley Heights. Perhaps one of the best examples of British colonial development, the dockyard is named after the famous Admiral who lived on the island in the 1780’s. The fascinating naval history is palpable in all the buildings of this historic site and just a little further along you find beautifully restored warehouses that are now home to enchanting restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and hotels, all proudly stating their historic credentials on prominent, easy to read signs. Venturing beyond the “town” and you’ll find nature trails for all levels of fitness. Famous for having 365 different beaches, it is unsurprising then that a lot of Antiguan life takes place on its sandy shores. Beaches here offer all things to everyone so whether you want to rekindle the romance, indulge in some adrenaline fueled water sports, swim, snorkel or sail your way around the island, you’re sure to find you’re your own personal paradise here.

Best known as the port from which Sir Francis Drake and the port which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from, Plymouth is awash with history. Walk down its cobbled streets, step back in time and discover the historical landmarks and sites.

The 147-square-mile island with its pretty bays and thatched villages is like a miniature England. A well-preserved Victorian character dates from no other than Queen Victoria herself, who favored the island as her summer residence and made it her permanent home after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Several other great names have close associations with the Isle of Wight, such as Tennyson, Dickens and Keats. The small port of Cowes at the northern tip of the island hosts every year in August Britain’s most prestigious sailing event – Cowes Week, often called “the yachtsman’s Ascot.”This is when the cozy and laid-back island bursts with visitors from all over, who fill the ranks of the island’s retired folk. Apart from being a haven for sailing craft, the world’s first hovercraft made its test runs here in the 1950s. For a place of relatively small size, the Isle of Wight packs a startling variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, ranging from a terrain of low-lying woodland and pasture to open chalky downland fringed by high cliffs. In addition, there are a number of historic buildings and a splendid array of well-preserved Victoriana. The town of Cowes is bisected by the Medina River, with West Cowes near the harbor being the old, pretty part, while East Cowes is more industrialized. Outside the suburbs stands Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favorite residence. The grand mansion was largely designed by Albert, and the interior has been left very much as it was in the Queen’s lifetime. Around the island, some of the highlights include the Needles, three tall chalk stacks beneath the cliffs at the far west end of the island. The small village of Shanklin is known for its golden cliffs and a scenic steep ravine whose mossy, fern-filled woods have been embellished with tiny lights and thatched tea shops. The port of Yarmouth features an attractive fortress and quaint pubs in the main square. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Cowes. Guests will be taken ashore via ship’s tender. Walking distance to the town center is approximately 5 minutes. Taxis are generally available for trips around the island. Shopping Shops in the town center of Cowes carry maritime items and yachting attire, local glassware and the famous Isle of Wight colored sand. Normal opening times are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The local currency is the pound. Cuisine Not surprisingly, seafood is a good choice as well as other popular English fare. If you fancy lunch ashore, you may want to give the Amadeus Restaurant in Cowes a try, or stop in one of the local pubs for a quick meal and a cold beer. Other Sites Most of the island’s sights are covered in the organized excursions. Additionally, at the far west end of the island is the site of The Needles, a cluster of three tall chalk stacks beneath steep cliffs. The drive there takes about 45 minutes each way. Nearby is Alum Bay. The oxidized sandstone cliffs are popular for their multicolored sands, which are collected and arranged in diverse glass bottles, making popular souvenirs. Private arrangements are not encouraged in this port.

Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England, and is unusual as most of its built-up area occupies Portsea Island, linked to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Although there is a Roman fort at nearby Portchester, occupied later by the Saxons and Normans, there was no settlement on the site of Portsmouth at the time of the 1086 Domesday Book. The town developed in medieval times and received its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I; soon afterwards it became a major naval base. It has the world’s oldest dry dock, and is home to several famous ships, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, raised from the Solent in 1982. Portsmouth remains an important naval base and is home to a large proportion of the British service fleet. The waterfront area is now dominated by the Spinnaker Tower, 560 feet high, the United Kingdom’s tallest building outside London. Other things to see in the city include the house where Charles Dickens was born, and the City Museum, which contains a permanent exhibition devoted to another famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived in the town.

London is an ancient city whose history greets you at every turn. If the city contained only its famous landmarks—the Tower of London or Big Ben—it would still rank as one of the world's top cities. But London is so much more. The foundations of London's character and tradition endure. The British bobby is alive and well. The tall, red, double-decker buses (in an updated model) still lumber from stop to stop. Then there's that greatest living link with the past—the Royal Family with all its attendant pageantry. To ice the cake, swinging-again London is today one of the coolest cities on the planet. The city's art, style, and fashion make headlines around the world, and London's chefs have become superstars.