Amsterdam delivers a sensory overload – from its welcoming gezellig Dutch spirit to the clinking of bicycle chains and tulips of every colour. This is where 17th-century Golden Age estates meet gritty Red Light District alleys, all woven together by an elaborate system of canals. Stand amidst the bustle of Dam Square and pick fresh blooms at Bloemenmarkt. See where celebrated painter Rembrandt once worked and admire his masterpieces at Rijksmuseum. Nibble on Gouda amid the greenery of Vondelpark – or relax in one of the city’s quirky coffee shops. Here it’s easy to let go and give in to romantic adventures.

The Scottish Highlands are home to famous battles, historic castles and to an even more famous legendary sea monster: Nessie of Loch Ness. Explore Inverness’ picturesque riverside on foot. You’ll pass by the 18th-century Old High Church and the Castle of Inverness, built of red sandstone in 1863 on the site of an 11th-century fortress. Join a Loch Ness cruise to explore Culloden Battlefield, a windswept moor where the Jacobite’s last stand took place in the 1760s. Seeking even deeper roots? See a 4,000-year-old burial site built by neolithic farmers at the Clava Cairns. Before you depart, toast your adventure with a wee dram of single-malt Scotch whisky, savoring its distinctive peaty aromas.

Heralded as one of the world’s friendliest cities, Glasgow is Scotland’s cultural capital. It’s also Scotland’s biggest city, surpassing even Edinburgh. Glasgow experienced a cultural boom from the 18th to 20th century, giving birth to the ornate Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture you see here today. With your Glasgow, Scotland cruise check out Killingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the city’s West End. You’ll encounter everything from the remains of prehistoric mammals to mind-bending Dali paintings. Explore the city’s deeper history in the East End, where you’ll find Glasgow Cathedral, a monument of 12th-century Gothic design. Glasgow is also a UNESCO City of Music — stop into one of the 130 music events that are held here each week at venues like the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Belfast is a thriving, fast-growing metropolitan centre that’s full of surprises. The city played a key role in the 19th century’s Industrial Revolution, when it was the world’s biggest linen producer. It also had a reputation for ship-building – the Titanic was built here. Learn more about this claim to fame when you visit the Titanic Quarter and the city’s Titanic Belfast attraction. Then, grab lunch on the terrace overlooking Edwardian City Hall, one of the best examples of Belfast’s great architecture. Ireland cruises offer you the opportunity to walk amongst exotic trees in the botanical garden, and reinvent your idea of Irish cuisine at one of the city’s upmarket, seafood-focused eateries.

The largest town on the isle of Anglesey in Wales, Holyhead is all about outdoor adventures and ancient history. Separated from mainland Wales by a narrow channel, the town’s international port is just a short two-hour ferry ride from Dublin. Cruise to Wales and stroll through Holyhead’s ancient town centre, built around Saint Cybi’s Church, which dates back to 550 AD and was built on the site of the Roman fort Caer Gybi Roman. Walk along the still-standing fort walls, or head just outside town for some coasteering – an adventure along the sea cliffs that involves light rock climbing, sea cave exploration and (for the brave) even a dive into the waves.

The United Kingdom’s fourth largest city, Liverpool has been a major port for centuries. This shows in its vast variety of architectural styles, including Tudor, Georgian and Victorian. Liverpool is also a cultural capital with much to offer.

The real capital of Ireland – that’s what the locals call Cork, a university city in the country’s southwest. In the city centre, situated on an island in the River Lee, you’ll find one of Ireland’s best foodie scenes, with lanes and streets filled with local watering holes and high-level restaurants. Cruise to Ireland to check out the prison-turned-museum Cork City Gaol, visit Blarney Castle and kiss its eponymous stone and sample local culinary specialities in the English Market. Cork is just a 25-minute drive from Cobh, Ireland’s only dedicated cruise terminal and the final port of call for the Titanic before it set sail for the United States.

Dover is England’s place of poetry. Immortalized in Matthew Arnold’s “Dover Beach,” this port town in County Kent holds remnants of England’s ancient past. See Richborough Roman Fort — founded after the Romans invaded Britain in 43 A.D., it became a shore fort when the Saxons took it over in the year 277. Check out Dover Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century, where you can see the Roman Lighthouse or climb the Great Tower. Cruise to Dover, England and be sure to explore the White Cliffs of Dover — an iconic piece of the British landscape that witness both the Roman invasion and the return of forces from Dunkirk in World War II.

Amsterdam delivers a sensory overload – from its welcoming gezellig Dutch spirit to the clinking of bicycle chains and tulips of every colour. This is where 17th-century Golden Age estates meet gritty Red Light District alleys, all woven together by an elaborate system of canals. Stand amidst the bustle of Dam Square and pick fresh blooms at Bloemenmarkt. See where celebrated painter Rembrandt once worked and admire his masterpieces at Rijksmuseum. Nibble on Gouda amid the greenery of Vondelpark – or relax in one of the city’s quirky coffee shops. Here it’s easy to let go and give in to romantic adventures.