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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.

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.

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.

Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, and one of the Channel Islands in the English Channel close to the French coast. The handsome town of Regency-style buildings is a short walk up from the pier and a delight to explore. Visit Castle Cornet, a fortress that has guarded the harbor for eight centuries. After visiting the five museums housed within, you’ll become an expert on Guernsey history. Another popular attraction is Hauteville House, the former home of the exiled 19th-century French literary giant and author of Les Miserables, Victor Hugo.

Located on the northeast coast of Brittany, Saint-Malo has long been an important French port and today keeps busy receiving ferries arriving from the UK. This walled city is ringed with mighty ramparts and towers built to protect its inhabitants from intruders long ago, and a walk along the ramparts makes for a pleasant tour. The most famous attraction and one of the most popular in France is nearby Mont St. Michel, a rocky tidal island that has been one of the top pilgrimage sites for Christians through the ages.

Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city and is known as the “Capital of the North,” but with a population of approximately 18,000, Akureyri feels more like a town than a city. Only 62 miles from the Arctic Circle, it surprisingly has one of warmest climates in the country. Enjoy a stroll through the charming streets, especially Hafnarstræti, a pedestrian-friendly street filled with quaint coffee shops and boutiques selling locally made wares. Also in town is a lovely botanical garden near the majestic Akureyri Church, the city’s best-known landmark.

Perched upon a rock in the harbor, the Little Mermaid welcomes all to this lively, fun-loving city of Danes, said to be some of the happiest people in the world. From the fabulous food and fresh water to free education, free healthcare and a 37-hour work week, this is a society firmly focused on the good life, and its capital is a joy to explore.

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.