We'll begin on the tranquil Isle of Iona, where Christianity first reached the shores of Scotland. Then we'll visit another of the Inner Hebrides, road-tripping across the Isle of Skye, where we'll explore Iron Age forts, peat fields, a venerable distillery, thatched crofter huts, and the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula. Finally, we'll sail to Orkney — more Nordic than Celtic — with its stony remnants of a thriving Iron Age civilization and evocative reminders of the 20th-century wartime harbor at Scapa Flow.

Rick sails from Barcelona, Spain, to Athens, Greece, with stops along the French Riviera, Rome, Naples, Italy, and more. Our goal: to explore the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising. We'll learn how to make the most of the cruise experience, from enjoying time on the ship to exercising independence onshore — savoring iconic sights and romantic island getaways.