London:

As one of the most influential capitals in the world, with hundreds of years of history under its belt, London has literally thousands of things to see and do. Here are a few of our favorites:

Windsor Castle: Windsor Castle is one of the oldest inhabited strongholds in the world. First built in 1070 by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle has been a home to the Sovereign for more than 900 years, and today is one of the three official residences of the Queen. Touring the castle is one of the most popular things to do in England.

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen of England and a massive palace to boot. You’ll see a flag outside when the Queen is in residence. Buckingham Palace first became the official royal residence in the 19th century, and the changing of the guard happens here daily.

Big Ben: Famous around the world for keeping impeccable time, the Big Ben Clock Tower became fully operational on September 7, 1859. The Big Ben Clock is used to ring in the London New Year and is a rallying point for the New Year’s celebration of the entire country of England.

Hyde Park: The largest of the parks in London that make up the “green lung” system of London city parks, Hyde Park covers an area of 608 acres, and over the years has hosted everyone from the boisterous hunting parties of King Henry VIII in the 16th century, to the raucous Rolling Stones in 1969. Although Hyde Park has a myriad of things to see and do, tourists will be delighted to find that most of the beauty of the park can be enjoyed completely free of charge.

The London Eye: Sometimes referred to as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye offers patrons one of the best views of the city of London to be found. Officially opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair on December 31, 1999, to celebrate the Millennium, the London Eye is the largest effort on the part of the British government to offer a vantage point for views of the city.

Trafalgar Square: Trafalgar Square is the most famous square in London. Featuring statues at all four square corners, it was originally constructed to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, which was a victory in the war against Napoleon.

Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh Castle is quite an impressive sight, resting high on a hill towering 260 feet over the city. When the Romans arrived in Scotland in 80 A.D. and 139 A.D., it was already an essential defensive fort of the Votadini people. It was during the reign of David I, from 1124 to 1153, that the fort was transformed into a royal castle. Beginning in 1296, over the next 45 years the castle would change power between England and Scotland. It was the Stewart dynasty beginning in 1341 that extended the castle into the important structure it is today.

The Royal Mile: Actually just over a mile, this noted tourist district begins at Edinburgh Castle and meanders east down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, the main streets Castlehill, Lawnmarket Street, High Street and Canongate connect and eventually lead you to Holyrood Palace. This area is the premiere place to view the true medieval architecture of Edinburgh as you stop into the various boutiques and souvenir shops.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse: This palace is the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Many monarchs have used it as a royal residence, proving its long rich history. Mary, Queen of Scots, resided here between the years of 1561 and 1567, giving rise to turbulence throughout Scotland. The palace is now used for State ceremonies.

Museums: The National Museum of Scotland is a great way to become acquainted with Scotland’s history and culture. The Royal Museum is a beautiful structure with a contemporary glass ceiling. Its extensive collection contains pieces covering an array of information from science and history to culture and fine art. A tour of the galleries takes you through the topographical beginnings of Scotland to current developments and achievements of the Scottish people.

Parliament House: Located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, official use of the Parliament House dates back prior to the Act of Union in 1707 that united England and Scotland. It is now home to the High Court of Justiciary, making it the primary office of the Scottish legal system.

Dublin:

St. Patrick's Cathedral: St. Patrick’s Cathedral marks the spot of the holy well St. Patrick used for baptisms. A church was first built here sometime in the late 5th century, but in 1192 the church was reconstructed in stone and founded by Archbishop John Comyn. It was not until 1213 that the church was actually named a cathedral.

Phoenix Park: This park, spanning over 1,760 acres, and having a circumference of seven miles, is the largest city park in Europe. Located two miles west of the center of Dublin, this park contains beautiful gardens, walking trails and large grassy areas perfect for relaxing. A range of tree types decorate the park including oak, pine, beech and chestnut.

Georgian squares: Constructed in the 1700s when Dublin was booming with wealth and development, these squares are a famous attraction in the city. The squares include Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square. They are noted for the beautiful uniform Georgian homes that define the look of these squares. Georgian architecture is based on symmetry of the construction with brick and stone being the choice materials.

Trinity College: Trinity College was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth and is considered the oldest university in Ireland. Trinity is the only ancient university that resides outside of the United Kingdom. Within the college’s library is the renowned Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript that was written around the year 800 AD.