Oslo, Norway’s capital, lies on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It is at this headland that you’ll find the famous Oslo Opera House, its roof sloping toward the waterfront. Two parks not to be missed are Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, and Ekebergparken, a sculpture and heritage park surrounded by beautiful scenery and spectacular lookout points.
Reykjavik is Europe’s most northern capital and a delight to visit. Modern public buildings of steel and glass contrast with the preserved colorful wooden houses of the old quarter. However, it is outside of Reykjavik that the rugged beauty of the country reveals itself. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa where the mineral-rich water is believed to have therapeutic benefits.
The yacht docks in Warnemünde, a charming resort town with a popular beach, a pretty promenade and gabled fishermen’s houses. Nearby Rostock enchants with its university established in 1419, St. Mary’s Church with its famous astronomical clock, the 13th-century Town Hall and the quaint Old Town. You might also travel inland to the quintessential fairy-tale castle of Schwerin Palace.
The approach to Sweden’s capital city of Stockholm, through the untouched nature of the archipelago, is breathtaking. Spread over 14 islands, Stockholm is called “The City That Floats on Water.” Not surprisingly, 57 bridges traverse the city. Start your tour at Djurgården, an island that was once the hunting grounds of the king and is now home to the fascinating Vasa Museum, housing the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship. Stockholm has 70 museums, including the world’s oldest open-air museum, the Skansen.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Tallinn is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. An entire day can easily be spent exploring the churches, homes and public buildings constructed from the 13th to 16th centuries by wealthy German merchants of the Hanseatic League. Other periods of history are represented by the soaring spire of St. Olaf’s Church, dating to the 12th century and dedicated to the King of Norway, and the distinctive onion domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built in the late 19th century under the reign of the Russian Empire.
Once called Man-es-ayd'ik, or “clam-gathering place,” by the Wabanaki people, Bar Harbor is relaxed and fun but still retains an air of elegance from its history as an enclave for elites including the Morgans, Vanderbilts and Astors. It was the Rockefellers who convinced big landowners to donate the land to create Acadia National Park – over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, hiking, biking, scenic vistas and dramatic coastline. The restaurants and boutiques of Main Street and the neighboring villages on Mount Desert Island offer the simple to the spectacular.
Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and arguably America's greatest walking city. Step along the cobblestones in any direction and you'll run into history. The Freedom Trail connects 16 significant sites, including the Paul Revere House, Boston Common and the USS Constitution. Once dubbed the “Athens of America,” this cultural capital is rich with museums, libraries, music venues and art galleries. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses a world-renowned art collection, famously heisted in 1990.
Breathtaking shorelines, gorgeous sunsets, sparkling waters, fresh seafood and world-famous sailing are the just the beginning of what's on tap in Newport. From the Cliff Walk to the Ten Mile Drive, there's no shortage of amazing experiences in the “City by the Sea,” but the opulent mansions built by wealthy industrialists must top the list. Gloriously styled after Italianate palazzi, French châteaux and Elizabethan manors, these impeccably restored homes, known as the summer “cottages” of the elite, are filled with priceless antiques and must be seen to be believed.
Established in 1633 as a fishing village, Portland grew to become not only the largest tonnage seaport in New England but also a charming destination of cobblestone streets, delectable seafood and history galore. The Old Port district is the center of it all with its restored brick warehouses bustling with shops, galleries, cafés, bars, and restaurants serving the freshest possible lobster. The Portland Museum of Art showcases works by Homer, Picasso, Matisse, Monet and more, while the views of the city from Portland Observatory are a work of art in their own right.
The Abenaki people once called this town Catawamteak, meaning “great landing place,” and Rockland certainly remains exactly that. This gateway to island-dotted Penobscot Bay is a thriving port of fishing boats and tall-masted sailing ships. Main Street is the hub with an array of specialty shops, antique stores, historic storefronts and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art. Other museum stops include the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum and the Maine Lighthouse Museum. The charming lighthouse and fascinating transportation museum in nearby Owls Head also merit a visit.
