Wild British Isles: UK & Ireland with History Channel from Rotterdam, 7 August 2027 (14 nights)

One of Rotterdam's most well-known landmarks is the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). These residential sets of buildings, created by Dutch architect Piet Blom, stand out because each home is cube-shaped. A unique place to visit whilst in Rotterdam, you can learn ore about the cube houses by visiting the Show Cube Museum.

Designed by architect Maaskant, this 185-metre tower is one of the tallest buildings in Holland. Step into the elevator and head up the tower to enjoy breathtaking views over Rotterdam; and if it’s a clear day, you can even see the city of Antwerp in the distance.

An iconic landmark in Rotterdam, the Erasmusbrug Bridge was constructed in 1986 and connects the north and south of the city. A striking feat of engineering, it’s surrounded by cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Sitting atop Castle Rock – an area that has been inhabited by humans since the Iron Age – Edinburgh Castle, in some form, has overlooked the Edinburgh area since the 11th century. Starting out as a royal residence for Malcolm III, the castle eventually became a military garrison from circa 1633, and has since become an important part of Scotland’s national heritage. It played an active role in the Wars of Scottish Independence throughout the 14th century, the siege to free James III of Scotland in 1482, and the Lang Siege from 1571 to 1573 – while also being an important site during the Jacobite rising of 1745, among other Scottish conflicts. Now a tourist attraction with historical displays, several shops and cafes, and some sensational views of the city, a visit to Edinburgh Castle is not to be missed.

This hill in central Edinburgh is home to a number of important landmarks and monuments, making it a fantastic place to visit when you’re in Edinburgh. Standing over 150 ft high over the Scottish capital, you’ll find the following monuments on this UNESCO World Heritage Site: the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument, and the City Observatory. With some of these monuments as old as the 18th century, there’s a lot to learn about Edinburgh and Scotland’s history just from this one hilltop – that, and some stunning views of the city surrounding you.

A stunning Victorian Gothic monument in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens, an area where you can see Edinburgh Castle atop Castle Rock rising in the distance, the Scott Monument honours Scottish novelist, poet, and historian Sir Walter Scott – who authored Rob Roy (1817), Waverley (1818), and Ivanhoe (1819), among others. At over 200 ft tall, it’s the second-tallest monument to an author in the world after the Jose Marti Monument in Havana, Cuba. While breathtaking to see from street level, you can also climb up this intricate tower monument to enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh from viewing platforms. Inaugurated in 1846, the monument itself is adorned with visages of Scottish writers, poets, and other notable figures.

Stretching around 23 miles in the Great Glen southwest of Inverness, Loch Ness is the second-largest Scottish loch by surface area and the largest loch by volume in Great Britain – though, it’s undoubtedly the most famous thanks to the infamous Loch Ness Monster, and Urquhart Castle. Overlooking Loch Ness, this castle is one of the largest in Scotland; built throughout the 13th century to the 16th century, these ruins offer incredible views of the surrounding Loch and a unique insight into the history of the Highlands. As for Nessie, this mysterious creature was reportedly first spotted in the 6th century, with the most recent spotting reportedly captured by drone footage in 2021.

Overlooking the River Ness in the heart of Inverness, Inverness Castle is the latest in a succession of fortifications that have stood on this elevated site since 1057. Constructed in a similar style to the original Inverness Castle using the same red sandstone, the current Inverness Castle dates back to 1836 – which still makes the condition it’s in today an impressive feat. Now home to the Inverness Castle Experience, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the landscape, heritage, and culture of the Scottish Highlands on an interactive journey through the castle and its grounds.

Dedicated to St. Andrew, an apostle of Jesus and the patron saint of Scotland, Inverness Cathedral is a Gothic Revival cathedral in the heart of Inverness; it was constructed between 1866 and 1869. Interestingly, this makes Inverness Cathedral the first Protestant cathedral to be completed in Great Britain since the Reformation. An impressive church in sight of the River Ness, this site adds to the rich culture found in Inverness and stands nearly opposite Inverness Castle – which only adds to the impressive views.

One of the most iconic sights in the village is the beautiful colourful houses. And from the viewpoint that’s within easy walking distance of the centre, you can admire them in all of their beauty. An enchanting photo opportunity, it’s a must see whilst in Portree.

A short journey away from the centre is the Lealt waterfall. Arguably one of the most beautiful in the UK, the waterfall lies within a picturesque gorge. 90 metres tall, to get to this impressive waterfall there is a short hike. But once you reach it, you’ll be in awe of its beauty.

Whilst in Portree, you should try and visit the Old Man of Storr. An iconic landmark on the Isle of Skye, it towers above the landscape and has a unique rock formation that’s often photographed. The best view of the area can be seen from this viewpoint, 719 metres above the valleys.

Any visitor to Belfast must see the Titanic exhibition, the largest of its kind in the world. The Titanic Slipways, the Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices, and the Hamilton Graving Dock are nearby Titanic Belfast; this is the exact location where Titanic was conceived, constructed, and launched in 1911. From the Titanic's conception in Belfast in the early 1900s through its building and launch, through its maiden voyage and subsequent position in history, Titanic Belfast narrates the tale of the world-famous ship.

Belfast City Hall, one of the city's recognisable attractions, was constructed in August 1906 and serves as the city's municipal centre. Self-guided tours are also offered around it, showing the stained glass window collection, artwork, and antiquities.

A free attraction in Belfast, the Dome offers unparalleled 360’ views of the city. A must-visit attraction, this unique structure is located within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Opened in 1901, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an impressive museum housing exhibits and collections on natural history, Scottish history, Egyptian antiquities, medieval arms and armour, the history of Glasgow, and more. You’ll also find one of Europe’s great art collections here, with fine and decorative arts from around the world calling this gallery home. With 22 galleries displaying over 8,000 objects, there’s a lot to learn and even more to appreciate when you visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

A modern museum housing several important exhibitions of both national and international importance, the Riverside Museum boasts an impressive collection of locomotives from around the world, a variety of historic road vehicles, several-hundred ship models, and more. You’ll also find an immersive recreation of Glasgow’s streets, with authentic artefacts and historic interiors from the 1890s to 1830s – among other state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. A unique museum giving you a taste of modern Scotland’s history, a trip to Glasgow isn’t quite complete without checking this out.

Largely an all-day affair when docking at Greenock, a trip to Stirling Castle is well-worth considering if you’re interested in Scottish history. Among the largest, most important castles in the country, Stirling Castle – located in Stirling, which is just over an hour’s drive from Greenock – sits on an intrusive crag with steep cliffs on three sides; positioned overlooking the last downstream crossing of the River Forth (until the 1890s), this fortification was in a strategic location and a strong defensive position. While the castle itself dates back to the early 12th century, most of the buildings we see today were built between circa 1490 and 1600 by James IV, James V, and James VI. An impressive castle both inside and out, this is one of the best places in Scotland to learn more about the Scottish monarchy and Wars of Scottish Independence; like other hill-top castles, you’ll also enjoy fantastic views from the walls of Stirling Castle.

A vibrant waterfront with a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, shops and other attractions, the Royal Albert Dock is situated in the heart of the city. The ultimate destination to visit when in Liverpool, it’s also host to an array of events throughout the year that’s suitable for all the family.

A beautiful 235 acre, Grade 1 historic nature park with breathtaking scenery, Sefton Park is a popular, award-winning attraction that features statues, caves, a bandstand, and a large greenhouse amongst other attractions.

An art gallery and museum, the Tate Liverpool has a large collection of artworks and events throughout the year. Located in the Royal Albert Dock, this attraction is well worth a visit for those that love art; from contemporary to classic pieces.

Once the fermentation plant for the Guinness Brewery, and the first multi-storey steel-framed building to be built in Ireland, the Guinness Storehouse is an immersive attraction dedicated to Ireland’s most iconic export. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the history of Guinness, how the ruby-red stout is brewed, and admire the city of Dublin from a panoramic bar on the top floor – with a freshly-poured pint to savour. A fun experience where you’ll learn a lot more than you think, this isn’t one to miss while in Dublin.

A vibrant riverside neighbourhood in Dublin city centre, which is home to a variety of busy pubs and restaurants, Temple Bar is the beating heart of Dublin’s nightlife and celebrated for supporting underground artists for several decades. Home to incredible live music, delicious drinks, and some of the best craic in Ireland, this is a great way to have a good time while in Dublin.

A former prison in the heart of Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol is a unique museum with an important history. Many of the most famous Irish revolutionaries were held, and then executed here, throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with it being the site of numerous important strikes and social movements throughout its history. Interestingly, there was also no segregation of prisoners; men, women, and even children, were incarcerated up to five in each cell, with the youngest prisoner reportedly just seven years old.

A small island sitting in Cork Harbour, Spike Island is a strategic landmass dominated by Fort Mitchel – an 18th century bastion fort that has been used as both a defensive fortification and prison over the years. Once home to a monastic settlement, with ruins reported in 1774 dating back to the 7th century, the unique star-shaped prison here is one of Europe’s leading tourist attractions and offers visitors a unique insight into the history of both County Cork and Ireland as a whole.

A historic medieval stronghold in Blarney, a town within Cork, Blarney Castle towers roughly 90 feet above the rest of the city; currently consisting of a main castle keep and a semi-ruinous tower, both dating back to the 15th century, Blarney Castle is famous for housing the Stone of Eloquence – also known as the Blarney Stone. Built into the fortifications over a sheer drop, legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone will grant you the gift of gab – meaning great eloquence, or flattery, as blarney has come to mean ‘clever flattering or coaxing talk’.

A short distance from Cork, Killarney National Park was the first national park in Ireland, created in 1932, and is known for its diverse ecology and the Lakes of Killarney. It’s also home to the only red deer herd on mainland Ireland and some of the most extensive covering of native forest in the country. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna beyond this, Killarney National Park is a tranquil trip away from the bustle of Cork that offers a rewarding experience to all that visit.

Perhaps the most iconic landmark in the port city of Dover, Dover Castle was built in the 11th century and is Grade I listed. A key defensive castle, it’s operated by English Heritage and offers several events throughout the year, including pirate shows and canon displays.

For incredible views out towards France, head to the White Cliffs of Dover. Reaching 350 feet, this prominent attraction is popular with tourists and locals alike due to the fantastic walking trails. Within easy reach of the castle and port, its striking appearance makes it a must see when stopping off or cruising from Dover.

Alternatively, you can head inland to Connaught Park; a spacious park that has lots of trails, a playground, tennis courts and breathtaking views out towards Dover and the channel. On sunny days, cruise ships can be seen docked at the port.

One of Rotterdam's most well-known landmarks is the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). These residential sets of buildings, created by Dutch architect Piet Blom, stand out because each home is cube-shaped. A unique place to visit whilst in Rotterdam, you can learn ore about the cube houses by visiting the Show Cube Museum.

Designed by architect Maaskant, this 185-metre tower is one of the tallest buildings in Holland. Step into the elevator and head up the tower to enjoy breathtaking views over Rotterdam; and if it’s a clear day, you can even see the city of Antwerp in the distance.

An iconic landmark in Rotterdam, the Erasmusbrug Bridge was constructed in 1986 and connects the north and south of the city. A striking feat of engineering, it’s surrounded by cafes, restaurants and hotels.