Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers.
While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.

Leixoes (Porto), Portugal

Along the Douro River in the north of Portugal lies Porto, the country’s second-largest city. It may be renowned for its port wine – the Ferreira Caves being one such famed cellar and one of the oldest port wine cellars in Portugal – but the city contains so much more for the explorer spirit to discover. Starting in the port of Leixões, your journey takes you to the Dom Luis I bridge, a direct link to Ribeira, Porto’s oldest district. One of Porto’s most significant sites, the Livraria Lello, is filled with historical, architectural, and literary importance, containing a world of books that any bibliophile traveler will find exciting.

La Coruna, Spain

A province of Galicia, La Coruña (also known as A Coruña) holds a great deal of history that attracts the intellectual traveler. Home of the Spanish Armada and second-biggest port town in the country, it’s a city that invites explorer spirts to rediscover all its lost secrets and hidden gems.

About an hour away lies Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful cathedral to which many make a pilgrimage spanning 500 miles across the top of Spain. If you seek the beauty of nature within the splendor of historic architecture, La Coruña offers the Garden of San Carlos and the Gardens of Mendez Nuñez with verdant patches of bushes and palm trees sprinkled throughout paved paths amid cultural landmarks.

At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly), England

While you might think you’ve landed in the Caribbean, the gorgeous oasis of St. Mary’s is very much in England. The Isles of Scilly enjoy a climate that is among the mildest, warmest, and sunniest in the United Kingdom. And very few ships visit, making it an ideal remote getaway. Among the smattering of islands strung off the tip of Cornwall is the thoroughly enchanting St. Mary’s with a population of almost 1,800 and covering an area of about three-square miles, the largest island of the five and the gateway to the rest of the archipelago. While St. Mary’s is laid back, you’ll find you can still enjoy an active day, whether you rent a boat or go paddle boarding. Hugh Town, St. Mary’s central hub, holds plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries and cafés to spend a leisurely afternoon. Nearby lie three beaches – Porthmellon, Town Beach and Porthcressa – for a relaxing beach day.

Cobh (Cork), Ireland

Cobh (pronounced Cove) is a favorite destination among history enthusiasts, especially those who have an interest in the world-famous Titanic. It’s also the gateway to wondrous County Cork, a land filled with rich heritage. A visit to Blarney Castle requires a quick kiss as here is where the famous Blarney Stone is set in the wall. Whiskey lovers can rejoice, as Cork is the site of the Old Jameson Distillery, a beautifully restored and self-contained industrial complex taking you right to the heart of the cherished whiskey making tradition. Near Cork lies the picturesque sailing town of Kinsale with vibrant streetscapes and delicious restaurants.

Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland

A small town located in County Down, Northern Ireland, Warrenpoint is situated on the northern shores of Carlingford Lough. It’s a gateway to Belfast and Dublin, the capitals of Northern Ireland and Ireland, respectively.
Among the lovely sites to enjoy is Narrow Water Castle, located in an idyllic setting overlooking Carlingford Bay. Belfast Castle, built by the Normans in Belfast city center in the late 12th century, sits on a prominent position in Cave Hill Country Park, offering spectacular views out across the lough and the city. South of Warrenpoint, you can venture into Ireland’s capital, Dublin to explore the Georgian architectural elegance, the robust pub culture and some wonderful museums and galleries.

Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.