Icelandic Fjords & Celtic Origins: Scottish Highlands from Rotterdam, 11 July 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.

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.

The largest in the Seydisfjordur Fjord, the breathtaking Gufufoss waterfall will take your breath away the moment you see it. Not only is this landmark surrounded by beautiful scenery, but accessible walking trails including one that takes you behind the waterfall itself!

The centre for visual art, it’s an independent art organisation that was founded in 1998. Built within a timber house that dates to the early 20th century, it showcases a variety of local art that captures the beauty of the area.

Located within a 1,250 acre nature reserve, the Skalanes Nature and Heritage Centre is an independent field centre that gives visitors the chance to learn about the captivating history and nature of the area.

Opened in 1957, the Akureyri Botanical Gardens is situated within the Eyjafjord, and has an array of greenery, from trees to perennials and shrubs. A beautiful park to wall around, it’s ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing activity during your stop off in the port town.

Within easy reach of the centre, the Akureyri Museum portrays the life of past inhabitants of the area, from photographs to artefacts. Offering two permanent exhibitions showcasing the ‘early times’, this extraordinary museum will transport you back in time and immerse you into the culture of Iceland.

If you’re looking for an activity that’s exhilarating from start to finish, look no further than the zipline. An activity that takes up to 2 hours, you’ll soar over the rustling river and steep cliffs, taking in the incredible surrounding scenery. Also giving you an opportunity to enjoy a light hike, this fun activity is any adrenaline-seeker’s dream!

Showcasing the captivating maritime heritage of the town, within this quaint museum you’ll learn about the fishing industry and the life of the hardworking fisherman in the town. A fascinating insight into the culture of the town, it makes for a unique experience during a stop-off.

A picturesque micro brewery that’s a family business, it’s one of the most popular attractions to visit whilst in Isafjörður. Producing a wide selection of local craft beer, you can toast to your holiday whilst visiting this extraordinary brewery.

Accessible from May to September, Vigur Island is a fantastic place to visit whilst in Isafjörður. Available to visit through a range of tours, you can head out on a boat to the island and discover the rare Arctic birdlife including puffins and razorbills, whilst taking in the picturesque scenery.

Step back in time in this fascinating museum located in the heart of the city. Built in 1863, it’s home to a variety of exhibitions showcasing the enthralling history of Iceland, from its maritime past to artefacts capturing the life of original settlers within the country.

Situated in the centre of the city, Harpa is an extraordinary concert hall that features a distinct design with coloured glass surrounding its exterior. Host to a range of concerts, conferences, plays, opera performances and more, it’s a must-see when in the city.

Arguably one of the most beloved attractions in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. Located less than 45 minutes from the city, it has a geothermal spa that’s bright blue. Onsite there is also a cafe, a massage room, restaurants and more to enjoy throughout your time there.

In 1973 the town was devastated by a volcanic eruption, and everyone on the island had to evacuate and leave their homes. The events of this historic eruption have been remembered within the Eldheimar Museum, which showcases buildings that were destroyed, facts about the eruption and other fascinating information.

Overlooking the town, Eldfell Mountain was created due to the aforementioned eruption. Now, you can hike to the top of this picturesque mountain and take in views out over 720 ft. With many trails to choose from, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover the beauty of the island and see the remains of several buildings that were destroyed by the lava.

The Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary is situated in Klettsvik Bay. You can visit the sanctuary by taking a boat trip from the main harbour. Home to two rescued beluga whales, you can learn about their past and what it takes to care for these incredible creatures.

Opened in 1968 and run by the Orkney Islands Council, the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland, formerly known as Tankerness House Museum, chronicles the history of the Orkney Islands from the Stone Age through the Picts and Vikings to the present.

If you love whiskey, learning the history of it and how it’s made, take a trip to the Highland Park Whiskey Distillery. A 18th century, malt-whiskey distillery, you’ll find out all about the drink with a knowledgeable guide.

St. Magnus Cathedral, also known as the "Light in the North," was built in 1137 by the Viking earl Rognvald in memory of his uncle St. Magnus, who was crucified in Kirkwall, the main city of the Orkney Islands.

Despite technically being known as New Slains Castle, in order to distinguish it from Old Slains Castle, Slains Castle is a 16th-century ruin in Cruden Bay, just a short drive from the city of Aberdeen itself. Built by the 9th Earl of Erroll, the castle itself is featured in Bram Stoker’s The Watter’s Mou and The Mystery of the Sea, and it’s believed that parts of the castle provided a visual palette for Stoker’s Dracula – an octagonal hall, particularly, features in the novel.

The oldest surviving town hours in Aberdeen, Provost Skene’s House – which was first constructed circa 1545 – is a museum on local history and prominent figures in popular culture who were born, lived, or worked in Aberdeen. While it was remodeled slightly in the mid-18th century, this is a fantastic example of Aberdeen’s unique burgh architectural style and offers an interesting insight into the period.

In Old Aberdeen, St. Machar’s Cathedral was founded as a site of worship in around 580 – with a Norman cathedral replacing the original church circa 1131 before being rebuilt and repaired numerous times over the years. The current church, which is actually a high kirk (not a cathedral), is primarily 17th century, but remains an important cultural landmark and a stunning structure. Reportedly, the left quarter of William Wallace was buried in the walls of the cathedral following his execution in 1305.

An iconic single cantilever railway bridge stretching across the Firth of Forth, connecting South Queensferry with North Queensferry, Forth Bridge is an UNESCO World Heritage Site widely considered one of the best man-made wonders in Scotland; a symbol of the nation, and an impressive feat of human engineering, the bridge was completed in 1889 after seven years of construction. It spans over 8,000 feet across the waterway and was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world at the time of completion; this remained until 1919, where it was bested by Quebec Bridge in Canada. It remains the second-longest single cantilever bridge in the world, though, and an impressive sight to see first-hand.

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.

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.