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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.

You’ll want to be on deck when sailing in and out of the Åland Islands, as this Finnish archipelago of more than 6,500 islands is simply spectacular. Mariehamn is the capital, a picturesque, laid-back town of 11,000 residents with a hospitable islander lifestyle and a strong maritime culture. Mariehamn was once the home of the world’s largest fleet of oceanic sailing ships, and a stroll through the Maritime Quarter reveals boat building workshops and smithy and craft shops. Named Finland’s best museum in 2016, the Maritime Museum offers excellent insight into Aland’s maritime heritage.

Portugal’s capital on the Atlantic Ocean is comprised of several key districts built on seven hills. A good place to begin is the historic Alfama district, a maze of medieval streets and alleyways leading to a hilltop on which you will find the Castelo de São Jorge. One of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, the castle provides sweeping views over the city. Descend to the riverfront Baixa district to enjoy its shopping, restaurants and neoclassical architecture.

Las Palmas, the capital city of Gran Canaria island, is a bustling city that weaves the vibe of the Spanish mainland into a unique tapestry of life informed by world cultures including African, Chinese and Indian. A city of superlatives, it's one of Europe's biggest ports with one of the world's best climates and the cleanest air of any Spanish city according to a WHO study. Many also believe that the long, wide stretch of Las Canteras is one of the world's great urban beaches.

Kirkwall is the largest settlement and capital of Orkney, an archipelago in the north of Scotland with history tracing back to Norse times in the 11th century. With history such as this, ancient archaeological sites are the highlight of a visit. The most important monuments can be found at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Ring of Brodgar is one of the finest known truly circular Neolithic stone rings. Other sites that are fascinating to tour are Maeshowe, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the ancient Neolithic village of Skara Brae.

The friendly village of Invergordon is your gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Visit Cawdor Castle, built in the 14th century and considered one of the most stately homes in the Highlands. The founding family, the Thanes of Cawdor, live there to this day. Next up is Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Sutherland and one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland, featuring stunning formal gardens that run down to the sea.

Situated where the Seine estuary meets the English Channel, Honfleur has been an important port of trade and defense for centuries. Tall, narrow buildings line cobblestone streets in the Vieux Bassin, the historic harbor, and attract Parisians on summer weekends. Look up for the 15th-century wooden spire of the Église Saint-Étienne, the oldest church in town and now a maritime museum. Contrast it with the Église Sainte-Catherine, built entirely of wood by the town’s shipbuilders. Honfleur has a long tradition of inspiring artists in the impressionist school.

Just across the strait from Denmark, the coastal Swedish city of Helsingborg has earned a reputation as the friendliest city in Sweden. The city’s most prominent landmark is Kärnan Castle, built by the Danes in the 1300s and destroyed in 1679. All that remains is a defensive tower that looms over the city. Also worth visiting is Sofiero Castle, which lies in one of Europe’s most beautiful parks and was once the summer getaway for Swedish royalty. There are handsome Gothic churches, a Neo-Gothic Town Hall and even impressive contemporary buildings, all easy to see on foot.

The largest of the Westman Islands off the Icelandic coast, Heimaey is best known for a volcanic eruption in 1973 from a previously unknown fissure that rained ash and lava and changed the landscape forever. A heroic effort was made to save the town – and the valuable frozen fish stock stored at the pier – by pouring seawater on the molten lava. This slowed the red-hot lava’s march toward the sea, and all residents were able to escape. In time, residents were able to return and rebuild the community, now situated amidst the lush landscape of volcanic peaks.

Gothenburg, located on Sweden’s west coast, is the country’s second largest city and an important trading center. Start your explorations with a stroll down the cobblestone streets of the Haga district. The main street, Haga Nygata, is for pedestrians only and is lined with cafés and artisan shops. A must-see is the Feskekorka fish market. Meaning “Fish Church,” Feskekorka was built in 1874 to resemble a church and is a mecca for seafood lovers. For car buffs, there’s the Volvo Museum, and for thrill-seekers, the Liseberg amusement park.