Star Collector: Irish Cliffs, Scottish Castles & Norwegian Fjords

This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17^th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.

Aalborg is found in the Jutland region of Denmark on the shores of Limfjord. This university city is full of Viking history, 21st century architecture and a quaint medieval center. This is a small port that only allows one cruise ship at a time. Visit Skanse Park with its stunning view of the city and the fjord. Grab a drink at Jomfru Ane Gade, a charming street packed with locals frequenting the bars and restaurants there.

<div>Until recently, this beautiful hamlet was Norway&rsquo;s secret, keeping its picturesque white-painted houses and sheltered coves tucked away and quietly hidden. It is best discovered by small ship, giving you access to the town with its lush green forests and majestic inlets.&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Here&rsquo;s a day for exploration. Your ship will dock in the very city center near the oldest part of town. A short stroll will take you to Stavanger Cathedral, the best preserved medieval cathedral in Norway, the city center and cobblestone pedestrian streets. Just an hour&rsquo;s boat trip away is the 2,000-foot-high Pulpit Rock with its magnificent views of the lovely Lysefjord.

A tiny town of only 500 residents, yet people have been traveling here from all over since the end of the 19th century. You&rsquo;ll understand why when you arrive. Take one of the world&rsquo;s most breathtaking railroad journeys up the mountain to gasp at the fjord below.

The pleasant small village of Olden is located at the inner end of the 66-mile long Nordfjord, the sixth longest fjord in Norway.&nbsp;&nbsp; Long known for tourism and industry, it is now also famous for contemporary design.&nbsp; With fewer than 500 inhabitants Olden is an ideal destination for people who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, and is the gateway to Jostedal, the largest glacier on the European mainland. If you can, find a bottle of Olden Mineral Water, as close as you will get to a glacier on tap.

Visit tiny goat villages to sample homemade cheese. Take a RIB boat out on the spectacular Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy yourself a mango ice cream cone and absorb all the beauty around you.

Colorful Bryggen, Bergen&rsquo;s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.

Colorful Bryggen, Bergen&rsquo;s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.

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&rsquo;s best-preserved castles to the world&rsquo;s longest herbaceous border, a riot of color and culture pervades. In this city as old as Scotland itself, you&rsquo;ll find the perfect blend of historic tradition and natural beauty

Here is your entry to Scotland&rsquo;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&rsquo;s center. Look for a glimpse of the elusive Nessie in Loch Ness. And wait for whispers of Shakespeare&rsquo;s Macbeth in the fairytale setting of Cawdor Castle.

Everything about Orkney is olde, from the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae (the &ldquo;Scottish Pompeii&rdquo;) 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&rsquo;s Viking legacy.

The scenic fishing town of Ullapool is nestled on the shores of Loch Broom and is the gateway to the Northern Highlands. The North Atlantic Drift passes by here bringing moderate temperatures. Described as an outdoor paradise, Ullapool was voted one of the UK&rsquo;s top 10 outdoor destinations. It offers a delightful choice of varied walks and footpaths. Nearby is the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, home to pine martens, wildcats, and golden eagles and one of the most photographed hills in the area, Stac Pollaidh, with its unique shape.

On the beautiful approach to Tobermory, you&rsquo;ll be hard-pressed to decide if the cheery buildings along the harbor or the fishing boats in front have the brighter palette. Call it a draw, and an appetizer to the day ahead in this charming port off the beaten path. Go whale watching or watch the shadows play in the cloister of magnificent Iona Abbey. Good thing your yacht is so appealing or you might be tempted to stay.

Enjoy this beautiful Northern Ireland resort town, graced by sandy beaches and wonderful tide pools. You may also want to visit Belfast from here, with its superb gardens and architecture. Or arrange a side trip to the famous Giant&rsquo;s Causeway, a UNESCO site. A visit to Mussenden Temple at Downhill Demesne will heighten your appreciation for the builder&rsquo;s art.

From the Manx Grand Prix to the 14th century castle at Peel. From Rushen Abbey to the island&rsquo;s own breed of cats and sheep. The Isle of Man stands on its own. Here you can enjoy one of our most exciting optional excursions &ndash; experience the motorcycle course that draws fans from all over the world on our own specially designed 3-seater Trike. And enjoy beautiful scenery of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve while you ride.

Dublin is a city of delights and surprises. Stroll across the Ha&rsquo;Penny Bridge to Trinity College for a glimpse of the Book of Kells. Step inside the 11th century Dublin Castle. Stop by the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery for a taste of Irish history. And embrace the beauty of Dublin Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.