Shetland Islands, Scotland

Scotland's Shetland Islands offer several destinations rolled into one splendid locale. From farmland and dreamy meadows to medieval castles overlooking valleys and lakes, you'll never want for photo opportunities while touring this island. Viking also offers an optional tour of the North Shetland Islands, where heather and moss blanket wispy landscapes and craggy cliffs. Walk along the cliffs of the Eshaness Lighthouse and enjoy some of the most spectacular clifftop scenery in the United Kingdom. A visit to Scotland's Shetland Islands would not be complete without a personal encounter with the endearing miniature Shetland ponies, which have existed on the islands for over 2,000 years. Various excavations have revealed the bones of small ponies that date as far back as the Bronze Age, indicating that these ponies were most likely used domestically even then. For more information: VIKING OCEAN CRUISES