Bask in the golden glow of Northern Europe’s summer sun as you dine on succulent North Sea seafood throughout this adventure from Iceland to the reclusive Faroe Islands and pristine Scottish moors. Quietly drift past the weathered Vestmanna sea cliffs as countless Faroe Island seabirds soar above you. Admire the innumerable hand-placed stones in Mousa Broch, the largest and best preserved Iron Age fortification of its kind, then explore Neolithic coastal settlements at the Jarlshof archaeological site near Lerwick, Scotland. Sip and sample 12-year-old malt whisky at the world’s northernmost distillery and savor crunchy battered cod paired with local ales at a Kirkwall pub. Stay out late shopping for tartan-patterned suits, scarves, dresses, and blankets before listening to bagpipes echoing off the stately walls of Edinburgh Castle during your overnight stay in Leith.

Dock within walking distance of Old Town and marvel at a place where people mow their roofs and 17th century buildings are considered young. Listen to echoes of Old Norse in the language of shopkeepers and passersby as you shop for warm knit sweaters made from the islands’ distinctive wool.

The Shetland Islands may only have one town, and it’s small, but as you already know, good things come in small packages. There are seabird colonies and sea mammals galore, along with a windswept beauty that’s refreshing in its simplicity. History buffs can investigate 400-year-old castles or Iron Age ruins. Or meet the tiny ponies that share the islands’ name.

Everything about Orkney is olde, from the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae (the “Scottish Pompeii”) to the peat-distilled whisky at Highland Park to the UNESCO site of the Ring of Brodgar, dating back to 2700 B.C. Even the local brogue hints at times past, accented by the area’s Viking legacy.

Here is your entry to Scotland’s spectacular Highlands. In Inverness, listen for the song of the Highlands in the sparkling gurgle of the River Ness as it winds through the town’s center. Look for a glimpse of the elusive Nessie in Loch Ness. And wait for whispers of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the fairytale setting of Cawdor Castle.

From the Firth of Forth, a UNESCO site, to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is steeped in history. Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Botanic Gardens. The UNESCO site of Old Town. The wonders of Edinburgh are never ending. From one of Europe’s best-preserved castles to the world’s longest herbaceous border, a riot of color and culture pervades. In this city as old as Scotland itself, you’ll find the perfect blend of historic tradition and natural beauty.

From the Firth of Forth, a UNESCO site, to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is steeped in history. Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Botanic Gardens. The UNESCO site of Old Town. The wonders of Edinburgh are never ending. From one of Europe’s best-preserved castles to the world’s longest herbaceous border, a riot of color and culture pervades. In this city as old as Scotland itself, you’ll find the perfect blend of historic tradition and natural beauty.