Europe - British Isles

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. However, there is much more to be seen and appreciated. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Newhaven (‘New Harbour’) is a district in the City of Edinburgh, Scotland. Its port lies on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth (‘Estuary of the River Forth’), a fjord that opens to the North Sea. The town was originally established in 1504 to be a ship-building port for King James IV. Today it retains its character as a fishing village, with distinctive lighthouse (1869), fishmarket, and of special mention Victoria Primary School, established in the 1840s, an historic building in Newhaven Main Street. Read more about Newhaven (Edinburgh), Great Britain

Invergordon is a deepwater port near the entrance of Cromarty Firth, "the seaway to the Scottish Highlands." Inverness, where shopping is great and visitors can see tartans being made, is the capital of the Highlands, and is a half an hour drive from Invergordon. Loch Ness, home of the elusive monster, is just a few kilometres beyond. The town of Invergordon itself is small and modern, and now specialises in the construction of large offshore wind turbines. Invergordon also has a grain whisky distillery that produces many blended whiskies. Read more about Invergordon, Great Britain

The Orkney Islands, an archipelago of more than 70 islands, graced with temperate weather warmed by the Gulf Stream, feature some of the most dramatic coastal scenery. There are sea cliffs, some over 300m, descending to sooth white-sand beaches. Yet even more fascinating are the more than 1,000 prehistoric sites that have been found here. Amazingly, they constitute the greatest concentration of these sites in all of Europe. Read more about Orkney Islands, Great Britain

Greenock is a town located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland, that forms part of a continuous urban area with Gourock to the west and Port Glasgow to the east. Evidence of the wealth generated in its early days can be seen in the large villas of Greenock's west end, one-time home to ship owners, industrialists, and investors. The area is fronted by the 1.6 km sweep of the Esplanade with its views across the Clyde to Kilcreggan. Built on a hillside near the centre of Greenock, the Cemetery with historic grave stones in a lovely setting provides some of the fascinating history belonging to the people buried there. Read more about Greenock, Great Britain

This capital and largest city of Ireland is situated on the mid-east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin has more green spaces per square kilometre than any other European capital city, with 97% of city residents living within 300 meters of a park area. But Dublin’s greatest draw remains Dubliners themselves, both native-born and blown in. When at their ease, they are the greatest hosts of all, providing a life-affirming experience that will restore your faith in human nature. Read more about Dublin, Ireland

Holyhead is the largest town on the island of Anglesey, off the coast of Wales, and is perhaps known best for being a busy ferry port. It is also well known for offering easy access to some of the best attractions in the country. Subsequently, visitors typically spend the whole day on day trips through Wales to see, for example, the three nearby medieval castle towns, the more distant Snowdonia National Park and the Ffestiniog Steam Railway. However, visitors should also note that the town has a number of interesting attractions and is a bustling shopping and visitors' area in its own right. Read more about Holyhead, Great Britain

Dover, the world’s busiest ferry port, is located in the county of Kent, England, at the extreme SE corner of Britain. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, 35 km away across the Straits of Dover. Possibly best known for its lyrically famous ‘White Cliffs’, archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for peoples entering and leaving Britain, and this continues to this day. This goes some way to explaining why this region in Kent has more than its fair share of castles, stately homes and museums than any other coastal region in the UK. Read more about Dover, Great Britain

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. However, there is much more to be seen and appreciated. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands