Northern Europe - Baltic, Scandinavia, North Cape, Germany, Iceland
To get an overview of this charming town on Norway’s southern coast, make the trek up to Risørflekken, the famous landmark used by sailors to navigate their way into the harbor. It can be seen 12 nautical miles from land. Risør is known as a town of wooden houses thanks to its preservation of these quaint and historic structures. Wood also figures prominently in the town’s main industry, the building of wooden boats, which you can learn about on a visit to their cultural center.
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.
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.
Lysekil, just north of Gothenburg and at the mouth of the Gullmar Fjord, started life as a small fishing village but became famous as a spa town. Today it is a popular holiday destination for Swedes in the summer months. Don’t miss the Havets Hus aquarium, where hundreds of species of fish are displayed in saltwater tanks. Then visit Lysekil Church, which was built in 1901 from the local granite. Its 300-foot spire has long been a navigation aid to local sailors.
London is one of the great cities of the world, and its attractions are well known: the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral. If you’re a first time visitor to London, you’ll want to see them all. If time permits, try to fit in a visit to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, the shopping districts of Regent Street and Knightsbridge, and the energy of Covent Garden and the Portobello Road market.
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.
