Reykjavík to Liverpool

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.

With roots firmly grounded in Viking language and tradition, the 18 islands that form the Faroes are steeped in history, graced with windswept wilderness and occupied by people with a hearty passion for survival.

With 17,000 citizens, Tórshavn, which means “The Harbor of the god Thor,” is the smallest capital in the world and is said to be the oldest capital in Scandinavia. The colorful houses and tiny fishing boats decorate a harbor that is charming and inviting.

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.

With a name that literally means, “the Harbor,” Le Havre is indeed a city that grew out of a need for a working port. In the early 16th century, the harbor at Honfleur was silting up, rendering the port less and less usable. King Francois I had a solution: establish another harbor on the right bank of the Seine estuary, just 15 miles from Honfleur. So it came to pass that in 1517, Le Havre was built. Though it always had a military function, Le Havre flourished essentially as a commercial port, receiving cotton, tobacco and sugar from America and distributing the goods throughout France. But its military role was expanded in the 17th century when the harbor was converted to a naval base. In WWII, Le Havre was pressed into even greater military service as it became a stronghold on the continent. The city you see today is mostly post-war construction-much of Le Havre was destroyed during the war. Its reconstruction was overseen by architect Auguste Perret. Its commercial rebirth was spurred by the bustling port activity that began in the 1960s, and continues today.

Within its fortified walls, this city of bustling shops, cafés and bars is home to the highest concentration of seafood restaurants in Europe. Heavily bombed during World War II, it was lovingly restored to its original splendor. The city’s top destination is the citadel, from where Corsairs would raid enemy ships in the name of the King. Be sure to take a stroll atop the ramparts for magical views, and save time for a journey to the medieval Mont St-Michel abbey.

Whether you see it from the hills above, the water below or the narrow tangle of streets that wind within, the town of Fowey is simply charming. This quaint Cornish town boasts a 14th century parish church, with a traditional bell tower that peeks out from behind the colorful buildings that gather around it. Situated at the mouth of the river Fowey, this fishing town has a picturesque waterfront and the remains of a small castle sitting above Readymoney Beach.

The port city of Waterford, founded in the 9th century, lies on the banks of the River Suir (pronounced Shure) and is the regional capital of Irelands southeast. It is the perfect gateway for a host of sightseeing opportunities, from rolling green countryside to traditional villages, castles and abbeys. During the period of rule by the Norman and the English, this city was a focus for international trading and local development, particularly with regard to the celebrated Waterford Crystal. Although the original Waterford Crystal Factory was closed in 1851, its revival in 1947 has brought a new wave of prosperity to this region. Today, visitors from around the world marvel at the factorys award-winning displays and witness first hand the time-honored skills of glass blowing, cutting and engraving.

At the heart of Holyhead is St. Cybis Church, situated inside one of Europes only three-walled Roman forts. Indeed, local history stretches back to Roman and Prehistoric times. Explore maritime history at a museum highlighting the 100 or so shipwrecks that have occurred in the vicinity, or make the trek to the South Stack Lighthouse, which stands guard over an area popular with birdwatchers.

AViking kingdom more than a thousand years ago, Douglas is today the capital of the Isle of Man. The shopping high street, filled with some of Europe’s biggest retailers as well as local shops, leads to the magnificent sea front lined with restaurants, theaters and museums. The Douglas Horse Trams also run along the harbor, and nighttime illuminations along the shore light up landmarks such as the stately Tower of Refuge, creating an unforgettable after-dark vista.

Liverpool grew to greatness in the 18th century, as the riches of the Americas and the West Indies flowed through its docks and marketplaces. (At one point it even had more dock space than London.) More recently, the town’s fame grew along with its most famous sons: the Beatles. Visit Town Hall, the Walker Art Gallery, and the delights of the restored Albert Dock, with its classy shops and maritime museum.