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All-encompassing England offers highlights from pastoral plains to cutting-edge clubs. Start in London (5 days), the cosmopolitan center of everything English. Then head southeast for a panorama of the Continent from the white cliffs of Dover (1 day). For a classic, infamous “dirty weekend,” trace the coast to Brighton (2 days). Catch a piece of the idyllic South Downs Way (1 day), stopping to admire the fairy-tale castle at Arundel. Use Salisbury (2 days) as a base to explore the stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as its own cathedral—with the tallest spire in Britain. Then swing southwest around the tip of the striking Cornish coast, to Penzance and St. Ives (2 days), and up to Newquay (1 day) for an incongruous slice of surfer culture. Devon’s Exmoor National Park is perfect for a day of rambling (1 day). After stunning Bath (1 day), Georgian England’s most fashionable watering hole, you can unwind by hiking between rustic Cotswold villages (2 days). Next, snatch a pint and a punt in the medieval university city of Oxford (2 days) and catch a play in Stratford-upon-Avon (1 day), Shakespeare’s hometown. Live it up in the northwestern cities—the post-industrial clubbing mecca of Manchester (1 day), Beatles-mad Liverpool (1 day), and terrifically gaudy Blackpool (1 day). Partied too hard? Wander north to the peaceful, Wordsworthian Lake District (2 days). Scuttle along Hadrian’s Wall to Newcastle, home of the famous brown ale and great nightlife (1 day), then make your way south to age-old York (1 day). Finish your trip in elegant Cambridge (1 day), topped off with a quick train back to London.

With vast expanses of untouristed country punctuated by ancient and dramatic towns, Wales may be Britain’s last undiscovered realm. Cardiff (2 days), the resurgent nation’s young, international capital, boasts a newly developed waterfront and a flourishing arts scene. From picturesque Chepstow (1 day), it’s just a quick jaunt to haunting Tintern Abbey, which inspires Wordsworthians to this day. Make your way north into the hills and dales of the Wye Valley (2 days), with a stop in bookish Hay-on-Wye, then to Brecon in the rugged Brecon Beacons (1 day). Head west to soak up some rays at Tenby, a beach resort town with flair (1 day). Magical, mystical St. David’s (1 day) is crowned with a majestic cathedral; and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park beckons with scenic coastal hikes. Then it’s up to wild, mountainous North Wales, starting with a dip into Snowdonia and stops in Machynlleth (1 day) and tiny Dolgellau (1 day). Coastal Harlech (1 day) boasts sea, sand, and summits—not to mention Wales’s most dramatic fortress. A Byzantine castle and Roman ruins draw visitors to ancient, walled Caernarfon (1 day). From idyllic Llanberis (1 day), ascend lofty Mt. Snowdon then head to eclectic Conwy (1 day), where curious attractions flank a turquoise harbor. From here, let your wanderlust be your guide, whether east to Liverpool, in England, or west to Holyhead, to hop a ferry to Dublin.

Home to more than just men in kilts, Scotland balances remote, unspoiled islands with lively cities. Start off in Glasgow (2 days), a city of art, culture, and nightlife, and base for a daytrip to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The scenery only gets better as you trek to Fort William and scale Scotland’s highest peak, Ben Nevis (1 day). From Mallaig, make the quick crossing to the Isle of Skye (2 days) for enviable hiking and dramatic views of the Cuillin Mountains. Cross back to the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh, and into the beautiful Highlands. Pass through scenic Durness on your way to John O’Groats, ferryport for timeless Orkney (2 days). Head back south to Inverness (1 day)—more transport hub than destination, but a good base for seeing Loch Ness and perhaps its infamous resident. Hit up Aberdeen (1 day) for city life and a trip to clifftop Dunnottar Castle, then drop by medieval and musical Dunkeld and Birnam (1 day). Hit the homestretch with a stop in golf-mad St. Andrews and Stirling (1 day), home of Scottish heroes and a stunning castle. Finish your tour in Edinburgh (4 days), fantastic during festival time in August, but sparkling year-round with the historic Royal Mile and unbeatable pubs.

Spend a few days in Dublin exploring its pubs. Drink a pint of the dark stuff at the Guinness Brewery and catch a football match at Croke Park before moving on to Belfast. The complex history of this capital is illustrated in the murals decorating its sectarian neighborhoods. Catch the bus to the Giant’s Causeway, a formation of octagonal rocks referred to as the earth’s eighth natural wonder. Ride back to the Republic and on to Donegal Town. Get a good night’s rest at one of Ireland’s best hostels— tomorrow it’s on to Slieve League to hike up Europe’s tallest sea cliffs. For after-dark action, dip down to Sligo, once Yeats’ beloved home. Galway, a raging student center, draws Ireland’s best musicians. Jump on a ferry to the desolate Aran Islands and chill for a few days. Return via Doolin, which rests near the Cliffs of Moher. Take a bus or bike around the Ring of Kerry, a peninsula captured on postcards worldwide. Return to civilization in Cork, where you can daytrip out to the Blarney Stone. Take a detour to medieval Kilkenny, where a former monastery is now Ireland’s oldest brewery.