Vikings, Celtics & Ancient Gaul – Reykjavik to Par

Just as Iceland is a unique country, rugged and remote, yet modern and enjoying Nordic standards of affluence, so Reykjavik is a beautifully diverse capital city. As Iceland’s capital and its main center of population, the city of Reykjavik offers a fascinating mixture of the traditional and the very technically advanced. In addition, its natural beauty leaves a lasting impression. Visit the remarkable solfatara fields of Krýsuvík where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-colored hills.

Surrounded to the north and southwest by towering mountains with dramatic landscapes, Tórshavn is a picturesque port steeped in Viking history. Main attractions include Tinganes, the oldest part of town, with small wooden houses covered in turf roofs. Explore Nordic House, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of modern Nordic architecture; and Listasavn Føroya art museum. To fully experience the Faroe Islands’ ancient history, visit the ruins of Magnus Cathedral.

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.

Ullapool is a village of around 1,500 inhabitants in Ross and Cromarty, Scottish Highlands, located around 45 miles north-west of Inverness. Despite its small size it is the largest settlement for many miles around, and an important port and tourist destination

Belfast lies snuggled into the rugged coast of Northern Ireland where the River Lagan flows to the sea. This Northern Ireland capital saw its earliest settlement in the early Middle Ages. At that time, a substantial stone fortress punctuated the horizon. Today, world travelers are eager to view her physical beauty and discover her renewed tranquility. Residents enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shop at trendy stores, and visit pubs lining The Golden Mile.

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.

Founded as a Viking settlement, Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland. The city is located at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the center of the Dublin Region. The city has a population of a million people which is about a third of the total population of the country. It is a major European cultural centre and was the birthplace of many prominent literary figures, including James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and William Butler Yeats, to name a few.

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.

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, in North West England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians and nicknamed “Scousers,” in reference to the local meal known as ‘scouse’, a form of stew. In 2004, Liverpool’s waterfront was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the city’s importance in the development of the world’s trading system and dock technology.

Cork’s history began in the 7th century with the founding of a monastery by St. Finbarr on a small alluvial island in the River Lee. The monastery and the settlement were later incorporated in the fortified base the Danes developed there. As a result of war and destruction throughout the following centuries, Cork has no medieval buildings left but boasts a few remains from the 18th century. The central area takes its architectural character from the early 19th century.

Explore this fascinating fortified town or discover the lovely medieval town of Dinan and its impressive clock tower and picturesque half-timbered houses. Drive along the rugged Brittany coast and savor the stunning view of mystical Mont St. Michel before wandering through its steep winding streets and the mazelike abbey passages.