NEW! British Isles & Viking Shores

Discover the sights of Edinburgh during a narrated drive and see the historic setting of Holyroodhouse. Board your motor coach and set out through the elegant Georgian-style New Town—once a residential neighborhood for Edinburgh’s upper-class, today it is a cultural hub and thriving commercial district. Discover the striking contrast of the Old Town’s medieval streets, then continue past iconic landmarks that reveal the history of the city, such as the Royal Mile. As you travel through the city, you will see Edinburgh Castle, the peak of Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano that rises above the city), and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, one of the King’s official Scottish residences. Disembark your coach for a short orientation with your guide, followed by free time to explore the palace’s surroundings at your own pace before returning to your awaiting ship.

Gain insight into Scottish history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland and stroll the famed Royal Mile. Board your motor coach and set out for the National Museum of Scotland, home to thousands of objects housed across dozens of galleries, each of which focuses on a different specialty. Upon arrival, walk through its expansive halls and explore its many exhibits on your own. Discover an array of specimens in the Natural World galleries and delve into important scientific discoveries in the Science and Technology wing. See creativity and innovation on display in the Art, Design and Fashion rooms and visit the Scottish History and Archaeology galleries for insight into the nation’s past. You may also choose to take a short walk to the nearby Royal Mile, where you can explore Scotland's capital on foot. Later, you will return to your ship.

Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the world’s most famous ships and a former vessel of the royal family. You will drive to the port of Leith with your local guide. This is the home of the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating home of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family. Over its 43 years of service, Britannia hosted state and official occasions. Follow your self-guided audiophone and see the working deck, officer’s mess, sick bay and engine room. Learn about Britannia’s fascinating past through a series of exhibits, displays and photographs before continuing to the Royal Apartments to delve deeper into the vessel’s history. Tour the Queen’s and Duke of Edinburgh’s cabins, impressive formal dining room, admiral’s suite, crew’s quarters and more—hundreds of original items remain in the Apartments and can be viewed at your leisure. After, return to your ship.

Explore the fascinating Rosslyn Chapel and learn about the history and legends associated with it. Built in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair, the chapel was planned as part of a larger cross-shaped building, but construction ended with the death of St. Clair. It is a captivating building that became a place of pilgrimage thanks to its strong links with the once powerful and mysterious Knights Templar; it gained renewed fame after featuring prominently in Dan Brown’s book, The Da Vinci Code. Some speculate that its musty, undisturbed vaults may contain fantastic holy relics, including early Gospels, the real Stone of Destiny and the Ark of the Covenant. Upon arrival, take a self-guided tour of this intimate church, maybe choosing to admire its colorful stained-glass windows or searching for hidden codes among the chapel’s multitude of fascinating and intricate carvings.

Enjoy an authentic Scottish experience during a whisky tasting and bagpipe workshop. Though bagpipes have been played since ancient times, they are most closely associated with Scotland, and widely considered to be its national instrument. Let the fun begin with a three-dram whisky tasting hosted by a Scotch Malt Whisky Society ambassador. Then, get welcomed to your workshop with a tune played by your instructor, Louise Marshall. One of Scotland’s best-known female pipers, Marshall has played for many of Scotland’s most luminous visitors, such as the late Queen Elizabeth II. During your workshop, learn basic chanter techniques, how bagpipes work and their history. Marshall will also bring out colorful Scottish attire for you to try on, including glengarries, feather bonnets, plaids and kilts. Afterward, you will receive a small gift to take with you.

Uncover the history of Stirling Castle during a guided visit and embark on a panoramic drive through Edinburgh. A one-hour drive by motor coach takes you to this historic castle, one of Scotland’s most important royal fortresses. Set atop a volcanic rock overlooking the River Forth and known as the “Key to the Kingdom,” it has controlled one of the main routes between the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands for centuries. Tour the castle’s key sites, including the Chapel Royal and the Prince’s Tower, and learn about the Scottish kings and queens who have been baptized, crowned and died here. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your coach and set out through the streets of Edinburgh. See the Georgian-style New Town, the medieval Royal Mile and travel along Princes Street, nestled in the heart of the city. After free time to explore more on foot, return to your ship via coach.

Visit Scotland’s most iconic fortress, a former royal residence and one of Europe’s oldest fortified sites. Begin with a panoramic drive by motor coach through the city, passing through the Georgian-style New Town, Princes Street and the famous medieval Royal Mile to reach Edinburgh Castle, situated high atop Castle Rock. Over the centuries, this historic stronghold has served as a royal residence, an arsenal and a prison. Explore inside its ancient walls, visit the famed Crown Jewels, some of the oldest in Britain, and glimpse the blend of architectural styles, from medieval fortifications to modern adaptations which reflect the castle’s long and complex history. Call at St. Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh's oldest building, and listen as your guide shares stories of royal intrigue and legendary battles. At the end of your excursion, return to your awaiting ship.

Discover the whisky heritage of this vibrant port town and sample spirits at the UK’s first vertical distillery. Drive by motor coach to Leith, once a bustling maritime neighborhood and now a cultural and gastronomic hub, celebrated for its array of restaurants, pubs and craft breweries. Along the way, you will hear stories about Leith’s maritime heritage and its whisky industry, which dates back to the 18th century. Upon arrival at the Port of Leith Distillery, the UK’s first vertical distillery, you will have a guided tour of the facility. See state-of-the-art equipment and learn about the different stages of the distillation process, the importance of quality ingredients and even create your own miniature bottle of newmake spirit—unmatured whisky—as a memento of your trip. Cap your visit with a tasting of some of the distillery’s spirits before returning to your ship.

Embark on a guided walk through St. Andrews, famed for its golfing legacy, ancient university and rich history. During the Middle Ages, St. Andrews was one of Scotland’s most important religious centers, a legacy symbolized by the famed St. Andrews Cathedral, once Scotland’s largest church. Begin with a journey by motor coach to this historic town, nestled along Scotland’s east coast, then set out on foot to discover its local landmarks with your guide. Also known as the “Home of Golf,” the iconic Old Course can be found here—it is credited as the oldest golf course in the world, with play recorded as early as the 15th century. The town is also home to the University of St. Andrews; founded in 1413, this internationally renowned institution is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. After your walk, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then return to your ship.

Embark on a guided walk through Edinburgh’s culinary scene to discover its vibrant blend of old and new. Meet your guide and venture into the heart of the city, ready to experience authentic Scottish flavors infused with contemporary flair. Visit the Grassmarket, a historic square with views of Edinburgh Castle, where you will find a range of bars, restaurants and cafes showcasing local cuisine. Continue through winding alleys and narrow streets to reach the Royal Mile, the city’s main thoroughfare, a haven of boutiques and specialty stores. As you walk the cobbled streets, your guide will share insights about Edinburgh and its long history. Make stops at some of the eateries that you pass to hear stories of the city’s culinary heritage and sample dishes highlighting quality Scottish produce. Later, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Delve into the story of the Scottish monarchs during visits to Scone Palace and the Perth Museum. Board your motor coach and depart the pier for Scone Palace, the ceremonial heart of the medieval Scottish kingdom. Generations of Scottish kings were crowned here on the Stone of Destiny, a coronation stone which stood on the site until the late 13th-century before its removal to England by Edward I. Upon arrival at the palace estate, you will see a replica of the stone and enjoy a guided tour of the present residence, a red sandstone mansion featuring period furnishings, portraits and more. After your visit, continue to the Perth Museum, which houses the original Stone of Destiny. Learn more about the significance of this symbol of Scottish history, then cap your day with a walk through the historic heart of Perth before returning by coach to your awaiting ship.

Explore the East Neuk of Fife and discover Scotland’s fishing legacy with visits to several seaside villages. Board your motor coach and set out through this scenic coastal region, which has been shaped by centuries of fishing and trade. Your first stop is Elie, where you will disembark your coach and set out on foot with your guide. Then, continue by coach to Pittenweem, pausing along the way for photos in picturesque St. Monans, known for its whitewashed cottages and striking harbor views. Upon arrival in Pittenweem, call at the Pittenweem Chocolate Company, an artisan, family-operated chocolatier which sources fine chocolates from around the world. After your visit, head to Anstruther, once a leading Scottish fishing port, where you will enjoy a traditional fish and chips lunch. Cap your day with a stroll through historic Crail, then return to your ship.