Golf and royalty in Edinburgh, Scotland

Those on a Western European cruise will have a chance to explore a city steeped in history when they visit the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

A great place to begin learning about the vast and storied history of this great city is along the famous Royal Mile. This stretch of land features a number of royal residences for visitors to explore. After a guided walking tour, travelers will have a chance to visit Holyrod Palace, which is where the British monarch stays while in Edinburgh. The history of this castle dates all the way back to when Scotland was a completely independent nation, making it the site of some of the most interesting points in Scottish history.

Travelers will also get the chance to explore the Yacht Brittania, the Royal Family's palace on the water. In addition to the beautiful views, this floating home features some of the monarch's prized possessions for visitors to view.

Alternatively, guests can learn about a history of a different kind when they visit the fabled village of St. Andrews, which is known the world over as the birthplace of golf. Travelers can either take a trip to the British Golf Museum to learn about some of the game's greats, or independently take a stroll around the village and famous Old Course.