Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea

The main residence of the British monarch, financial hub and seat of British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. From Hyde Park to the City through Westminster and Trafalgar Square, get ready to take on Londonﾒs frenetic tempo. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of Londonﾒs many beautiful parks and gardens.

Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise. The long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, whilst the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.

Die Isle of Man nimmt sich inmitten der Irischen See wie ein kleines Paradies aus. Mit den von Steinmauern durchzogenen, grünen Hügeln, den weiß gestrichenen Hütten und den vielen Schafen erinnert ihre Landschaft immer wieder an die Emerald Isle oder die schottischen Highlands. Eine Besonderheit der Hauptstadt Douglas ist eine lange Reihe von Häusern aus der Zeit von Queen Victoria und King Edward entlang der Uferpromenade.

Belfast hat eine übersichtliche Größe, liegt malerisch zwischen einem Berg und dem Meer, es blickt auf eine fesselnde Geschichte zurück und begeistert mit unzähligen Architekturschätzen und vielen interessanten alten Gebäuden – Sie werden sich dem Reiz der nordirischen Hauptstadt nicht entziehen können!

Tobermory is a harbour village on the Bruce Peninsula in the province of Ontario. Just southeast, Bruce Peninsula National Park is known for the Bruce Trail footpath on the craggy Niagara Escarpment, and the Grotto, a wave-carved cave in Georgian Bay. The village lies next to Fathom Five National Marine Park, which is home to the Flowerpot Island sea stacks, 19th-century lighthouses and multiple shipwreck dive sites

According to Nordic and Gaelic legends, the Isle of Skye was called the “Isle of Clouds” for the bewitching, ever-changing weather systems that sweep over the landscape. Be prepared for all the charm and mystery one would expect from an island in the Hebrides.

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotlandﾒs biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The cityﾒs chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Donﾒt miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.