As capital cities go, Amsterdam is small in comparison. It has a reputation for free-spirited and very liberal lifestyles. Some might call it Europe’s most “radical” city, but one cannot deny the beauty of Amsterdam and its rich history. Amsterdam is a cultural center of Europe, as exemplified in its more than 140 art galleries and 40 museums. In addition, it is famous for its baroque architecture, canals, and cobblestone streets where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.

It could be a shimmering piece of evening wear you can’t wait to show off at dinner or something perfect for someone back home. Our shops sparkle with carefully picked selections of designer garments, fashionable accessories and smart gifts. Stop in and be enticed by a wide range of items – from upscale handbags to exclusive fragrances to fine jewelry – in an unhurried setting.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s bustling capital city, renowned for its culture and traditions. At the center of the city, explore the World Heritage Site of Old Town and its historical area known as `Royal Mile` as you pass delightful multi-storied houses and quaint side streets. You may also visit the impressive St. Giles Cathedral, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, and known for its famous crown spire. Discover the Palace of Holyrood House, Scotland’s primary Royal Palace. Dating from the late 15th century, it is the official Scottish residence of the Queen.

Invergordon has a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars. Ideally situated in the center of the eastern Highlands, Invergordon received its name from Sir William Gordon, a landowner of the 18th century. For centuries the estate on which Invergordon now stands was known as Inverbreakie, or “the mouth of the Breakie.” The Breakie presumably is the stream which enters the Firth at Rosskeen Bridge, near the old parish church west of the present Town.

With a population of 1,500, Ullapool is a small port town but would be considered large compared to many villages in the Scottish Highlands. Situated on the banks of Loch Broom surrounded by mountains, Ullapool is fronted by rows of whitewashed, black-roofed façades that invite you to spend a pleasant day learning the town’s history, shopping for locally made gifts and feasting on hand-dived scallops. Set out from Ullapool in almost any direction and you’ll find yourself amid the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands, where you can follow a river to a 30-foot cascading waterfall or head to the coast for a splendid day at the beach.

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off the coast of northern mainland Scotland. Kirkwall is one of the most attractive and well-preserved small towns in Scotland. Apart from the main historical buildings, there are many 17th-18th century houses and other structures in the local vernacular style. Kirkwall also has the most northerly of the English speaking world’s Carnegie libraries, which was visited and opened by Andrew Carnegie and his wife in the early years of the 20th century.

In Scotland, arrive in Stornoway and begin an unforgettable Hebridean adventure. The harbor town is the portal to discovering a dramatic island landscape and it’s the epicenter of Gaelic culture. Prehistoric standing stones dating back millenniums and Iron Age brochs are just some of the amazing sites you can take in. Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides, and it’s a harbor town which comes with plenty of charms of its own. Get introduced to Gaelic arts, literature and music and island traditions at the town’s arts hub and at the new museum, or browse independent shops for locally-made crafts and unique gifts. See skilled islanders produce Harris Tweed, luxury hand-woven wool which has been crafted on the island for generations.

Founded as a fishing village in the 1500s, this port city in western Scotland serves as an excellent jumping off point for day trips to some Scottish classics. From coach trips to the wilds of northwest Scotland and Loch Lomond to local ferry island hopping jaunts, playing through on one of four local golf courses to forays to one of the major shopping centers, Greenock offers something for everyone. Stroll around the city and take in the architectural delights of Charles Rennie Mackintos, then drop by a local eatery for a cup of cock-a-leekie soup, roast Aberdeen Angus beef and some Blaeberry pie.

Holyhead stands on the far side of Anglesey, which is technically an island separated from Wales by the narrow Menai Straits. The distant mountains provide an ever-present backdrop, enticing the visitor to investigate their beauty. The rural charm of North Wales is juxtaposed with some unexpected features, for, perhaps to the casual visitor’s surprise, this is an area that has participated in some of the great moments of our history.

Discover Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, with its horse drawn tram and Victorian Era hotels lining the promenade. Delve into its rich Celtic history and lore. Ride the horse drawn tram to the island’s highest summit where you can see six Kingdoms: Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Heaven. Explore the beautifully transformed Villa Marina complex, first opened in 1931. Enjoy high end shopping while looking for uniquely Manx souvenirs of beautiful tartans, scarves, smoked kippers and locally made cheeses. Enjoy fish and chips and a famous Manx beer along the waterfront in this land of a bygone era.

An absolute can’t-miss culinary experience aboard Seven Seas Grandeur™, Chartreuse conjures the foodie fantasy of discovering a chic, fine-dining restaurant while strolling the backstreets of Paris. Savor ‘new’ flavors to Chartreuse like frog legs in a garlic cream sauce with rutabaga or bite into the tender veal rack of loin with caramelized endive, grape chutney and the earthy tones of a walnut veal jus sauce.

Enjoy the scenic trip through the rolling French countryside to Paris and spend the day savoring it’s gardens, museums and historic sites. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Take a boat ride along the Seine and a stroll along the Champs Elysee. Or visit historic Rouen or the battlefields of Normandy.

Enjoy the scenic trip through the rolling French countryside to Paris and spend the day savoring it’s gardens, museums and historic sites. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Take a boat ride along the Seine and a stroll along the Champs Elysee. Or visit historic Rouen or the battlefields of Normandy.