Trip: UK + Western Europe 2010

Located on a scenic coast in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, Skara Brae is the best-preserved Neolithic village in northern Europe. Dating from around 3000 BCE (older than Stonehenge), the prehistoric homes even include original stone furniture.

Possibly the best Gothic parish church in England, the cathedral-sized Beverley Minster spans the Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular Gothic periods.

Originally built in the 5th century over a Temple of Isis, this octagonal brick structure was patterned after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It was modified in the 11th century.

Designated a World Heritage Site in 2021, the beautiful porticoes of Bologna spread throughout the city and across the centuries.

Dating from around 2500 BCE, this magnificent stone circle occupies a scenic location between two lakes on Orkney. At nearly 104 meters in diameter, the Ring of Brodgar is the third-largest stone circle in Britain.

One of the most beautiful and prestigious colleges in Oxford, Christ Church was founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525. Highlights include Tom Tower, by Sir Christopher Wren, the beautiful Great Hall, and Christ Church Cathedral.

Built in 80 CE to host gladiatorial combats and other entertainment, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman world. Although much damaged and plundered over the centuries, it remains an imposing presence in the heart of Rome.

The official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse was founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th.

Richly carved with animals and Biblical scenes by Saxons in the 9th century, the Sandbach Crosses were destroyed by Puritans but later reassembled. They are now displayed in the market square.