Lisbon to Reykjavík

Discover the world’s last colonial empire, turned bustling cosmopolitan city. Lisbon has dozens of Moorish castles, pastel buildings, and white sand beaches to explore. This Atlantic-coast city perfectly encapsulates Mediterranean charm with its wine, food, and architecture.

Oporto brings together the best of Portugal: warm sunshine, a relaxed riverside setting, grand churches, winding medieval streets, and courtyards filled with geraniums. Perhaps what Oporto is most famous for, however, is its port wine. Crafted in the neighboring Vila Nova da Gaia district, ports from all over the region can be sampled in the lodges just across the river. Wander through historic Ribeira, the recently restored riverside district and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Legend holds that Hercules founded this city of Romanesque squares and medieval churches, and indeed, its Tower of Hercules is one of La Coruña’s most enduring symbols. Steeped in beauty, the city is renowned for its gardens, including the Jardines de Méndez Núñez, located in the center of the Pescaderia, and the Jardine de San Carlos in the Old City. Visit the Museo Arqueologico e Historico for exceptional views, and see the elaborately carved door on the church of Calle de Santa Maria.

This UNESCO-designated city known as Port of the Moon due the natural shape of its harbor is celebrated for its glorious chateaux, its mouth-watering cuisine and its incomparable wines – Bordeaux is surrounded by the world’s most famous vineyards including Medoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. One time the richest community and largest port in France, Bordeaux today is second only to Paris as the country’s most densely populated city.

This UNESCO-designated city known as Port of the Moon due the natural shape of its harbor is celebrated for its glorious chateaux, its mouth-watering cuisine and its incomparable wines – Bordeaux is surrounded by the world’s most famous vineyards including Medoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. One time the richest community and largest port in France, Bordeaux today is second only to Paris as the country’s most densely populated city.

With a history that spans more than 1,000 years, La Rochelle has endured times of turbulent crisis, as well as periods of economic and cultural prosperity. As a result, its inhabitants have inherited a desire for independence and a flare for innovation. These characteristics have made this community a leader in shipbuilding, chemical production, train-building and aquaculture. La Rochelles diverse past comes to life in the form of its medieval- and Renaissance-style architecture. The Old Port, which is surrounded by 14th-century stone towers, reminds visitors of the citys longstanding tradition of commerce. The citys interests and character are further illustrated in museums that offer perspectives on art, oceanography, sailing, trade and natural history.

Brest is a port city in the Finistère département in Brittany. Located in a sheltered bay not far from the western tip of the peninsula, and the western extremity .

Floating betwixt England and France, the Channel Islands chart their own geopolitical course. And Jersey’s is especially scenic, with its rugged coastline and balmy Gulf Stream-kissed climate, shown off with green abandon at the Samarès Manor botanical garden. But all is not butterflies and roses around here; Hitler used Jersey as a massive WWII bulwark, and his observation towers, bunkers and subterranean hospital are enduring reminders. Mont Orgeuil Castle (1212) is an even older war relic.

This picturesque port easily inspired some of the greats – from its Vieux Bassin (Old Harbour) to the bare vertical cliffs of Etretat and Yport. Boudin, Courbet and Monet all discovered the inherent artistic qualities of Honfleur, still apparent along its storied shores that evoke a feeling of Normandy in centuries past. While it boasts historical clout for centuries, some of the most intriguing sites in town played pivotal roles in the epic events of D-Day.

Portsmouth is a port city and naval base on England’s south coast, mostly spread across Portsea Island. It’s known for its maritime heritage and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The dockyard is home to the interactive National Museum of the Royal Navy, the wooden warship HMS Victory, where Nelson died in the Battle of Trafalgar, and HMS Warrior 1860. The Tudor ship Mary Rose is also conserved in a dockyard museum.

Portsmouth is a port city and naval base on England’s south coast, mostly spread across Portsea Island. It’s known for its maritime heritage and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The dockyard is home to the interactive National Museum of the Royal Navy, the wooden warship HMS Victory, where Nelson died in the Battle of Trafalgar, and HMS Warrior 1860. The Tudor ship Mary Rose is also conserved in a dockyard museum.

Acrossroad in the English Channel for centuries, Zeebrugge is the gateway to Flanders, whose Golden Age heritage resides in three historic cities: Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges. Here, museums display the glories of the old Flemish masters, from Van Dyck to Rubens. Summertime is a delight, showcasing colorful flower-filled window boxes, the graceful arcs of windmills, a patchwork of farms and picturesque rivers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a university city on the River Tyne in northeast England. With its twin city, Gateshead, it was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution and is now a centre of business, arts and sciences. Spanning the Tyne, modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge, noted for its unique tilting aperture, is a symbol of the 2 cities.

Aplace of contrasts and balance, Kirkwall offers the high points of a large Scottish city – stellar local shopping and impressive historical sites like the St. Magnus Cathedral and ruins of the Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace – as well as the charms of a small village. It is a relatively quiet ferry landing town that is also an excellent example of an ancient Norse settlement, making Kirkwall itself a living museum.

At the head of the Oslofjord, which boasts many densely wooded islands, lies the impressive Norwegian capital of Oslo. This inspiring city is the site of many of Norway’s finest historic and cultural achievements., including the imposing Akershus Fortress and Castle. Graceful Viking ships, the Munch Art Museum and Gustav Vigeland’s awesome sculpture collection are among the city’s rich treasury of attractions.

Immerse yourself in the vitality of this delightful capital city of the world’s oldest kingdom as you explore its expansive parks and plazas and a treasure trove of historic galleries and buildings. Discover its exquisite combination of Scandinavian elegance and European joie de vivre. Visitors traveling outside the city enter an altogether different world; one where stately castles are found nestled in the gentle, emerald-green Danish countryside.

Immerse yourself in the vitality of this delightful capital city of the world’s oldest kingdom as you explore its expansive parks and plazas and a treasure trove of historic galleries and buildings. Discover its exquisite combination of Scandinavian elegance and European joie de vivre. Visitors traveling outside the city enter an altogether different world; one where stately castles are found nestled in the gentle, emerald-green Danish countryside.

Aarhus is a city in Denmark on the Jutland peninsula’s east coast. Den Gamle By is its old town open-air museum, with centuries-old timbered houses. Nearby are the greenhouses of the Aarhus Botanical Garden. In the center, the multistory ARoS art museum shows global contemporary works.

Arendal is a city in Agder county, Norway. The city is the administrative centre of the municipality of Arendal and the seat of the County governor of Aust-Agder. The city also includes some area in the neighboring municipality of Grimstad as well.

This former fishing village along the North Sea is well off the beaten path, creating a lovely atmosphere of secluded bliss among the fjords. Its modern charms, cafés and shops mingle with its Viking history, all set against a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Venture to nearby Avaldsnes or Skudenshavn, or the lovely Karmøy Island for classic Norwegian landscapes.

Kristiansand is a city in southern Norway. Its old town, Posebyen, features traditional wooden houses. In the center, neo-Gothic Kristiansand Cathedral is near the Sørlandets Museum, which displays Norwegian art from 1800 to today. The southeastern shoreline includes the Bystranda city beach, the 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress rotunda and Fiskebrygga quay, lined with fishmongers selling their catch.

Long renowned as an important center of science and exploration, Tromsø lies on a forest-covered island in a narrow waterway, hemmed in by steep mountains and connected to the mainland by a bridge. The imaginative Arctic Cathedral, the Polaria Centre and a scenic cable car ride are among its varied attractions.

Hammerfest is a municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the world with more than 10,000 inhabitants. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Hammerfest.

The northernmost town in Europe, Honningsvåg embodies the natural majesty of Norway, presenting a sprawling natural landscape of Arctic adventure. Quaint fishing villages set along spectacular fjords offer delectable seafood, with quests for king crab on the “can’t miss” list. Within reach are the North Cape and magical Magerøy Island, as well as endless opportunities for rugged exploration in any direction from town center.

Alta is a town on Norway’s northern coast, at the head of Alta Fjord. It’s known for views of the Northern Lights, which inspired the cascading architecture of the Northern Lights Cathedral, built in 2013. Thousands of prehistoric rock carvings are at nearby Hjemmeluft Bay, where there are viewing paths and the World Heritage Rock Art Centre. South of town, the Alta River runs through steep Alta Canyon.

The small Norwegian island of Jan Mayen lies between Greenland and Norway in the Arctic Ocean north of Iceland. At an elevation of 7,500 feet, its crown jewel is the glacier-clad Mount Beeren, also known as Beerenberg, the worlds northernmost volcano. Declared a nature reserve in 2010, visits to the island require government approval. Jan Mayen attracts a host of seabirds, including fulmars, puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Seals and whales are sometimes spotted in the surrounding waters.

Situated on one of the most magnificent fjords in Iceland, bounded by snow-capped mountains and gently sloping pastures, the weather here is surprisingly moderate despite being just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle. Charming and historical, here you’ll find over 2,000 species of plants in the Botanical Gardens, which thrive without the benefit of a greenhouse.

Ringed by dramatic mountains and perched on a narrow fjord-side spit of land, this old trading post’s as remote as they come – yet boasts a trending arts scene. Walk among tin-roofed homes built by salt fish merchants, admire seagoing artifacts and – for some reason – a world-class accordion collection at the Maritime Museum. Discoveries further afield might include splendid Icelandic waterfalls, a pint-sized botanic garden in the tundra, and tiny villages dwarfed by their surrounding peaks.

Isolated in a northern landscape of icy tranquility, Iceland is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains and glaciers. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík reflects this natural diversity with ancient maritime history as well as a thriving modern energy and sophistication.

Isolated in a northern landscape of icy tranquility, Iceland is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains and glaciers. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík reflects this natural diversity with ancient maritime history as well as a thriving modern energy and sophistication.

For those seeking backcountry adventures and scenic cruises, this rugged, remote town offers endless pursuits in nature with a touch of urban cool. Wildlife enthusiasts can search for reindeer and muskox while learning about Greenland’s sustainable practices, and fly fisherman can hook a bounty of Arctic char from its mountain rivers. Hiking the top of Palasip Qaqqaa or Nasaasaaq offer peerless vistas while a local skate park welcomes BMX stunts day and night.

As the capital of Greenland, Nuuk is the center of its trade, shipping, industry and administration. Nuuk, also known as “the promontory,” is located at the tip of a large peninsula by the mouth of the gigantic Nuuk Fjord. The town is the oldest in Greenland, built by the Danish missionary Hans Egede in 1728. With a population of more than 13,000 people, Nuuk is considered Greenlands largest town. Humpback whales at play in the ocean, seals swimming through the great waters and sea eagles flying through the sky are just some of the fascinating wildlife found outside the city limits. Northern lights, striking mountains, breathtaking fjords and colorful sunsets light up the skies of Nuuk.

To encounter one of the most iconic elements of this Greenlandic town, one must simply look up. The white-tailed eagle, known as Nattoralik, is abundant amid the foggy skies. While exploring scenic hiking trails amid fields of angelica, sailing passed the old villages dotting the fjord, or being inspired by the area’s architecture, those seeking an experience off the beaten path will find it here.

The largest town in East Greenland, Tasiilaq is known for its calving glacier and immense floating icebergs. The Sermilik Fjord, the second largest in all of Greenland, is best explored by boat tour, kayak, or by hiking the mountains where the famed Valley of Flowers is blooming with arctic thyme, dandelion and the broad-leafed willow. Whale watching, dog sledding, skiing and snow shoeing are favorite pastimes here.

Ringed by dramatic mountains and perched on a narrow fjord-side spit of land, this old trading post’s as remote as they come – yet boasts a trending arts scene. Walk among tin-roofed homes built by salt fish merchants, admire seagoing artifacts and – for some reason – a world-class accordion collection at the Maritime Museum. Discoveries further afield might include splendid Icelandic waterfalls, a pint-sized botanic garden in the tundra, and tiny villages dwarfed by their surrounding peaks.

Isolated in a northern landscape of icy tranquility, Iceland is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains and glaciers. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík reflects this natural diversity with ancient maritime history as well as a thriving modern energy and sophistication.