Northern Europe - Baltic, Scandinavia, North Cape, Germany, Iceland
This charming seaside town has a lovely esplanade that stretches for an easy one-mile stroll from sandy Ayr Beach to the harbor at River Ayr. For a unique encounter with Scotland’s national bard and favorite son, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum celebrates the man whose poetry is known and loved the world over. South of town perched atop the Ayrshire cliffs, the opulent Culzean Castle is filled to the turrets with treasures telling the stories of the nobles who once lived there.
Set on the northwest coast of Spain, A Coruña greets visitors with the monumental Tower of Hercules overlooking the sea. The world’s only functioning Roman lighthouse, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views of the picturesque coastline. The city boasts over a mile of beaches ideal for sunbathing and watersports, and in the Old Town, narrow lanes and charming squares are built around the lively Plaza de María Pita. Stop into a café here to sample Galicia’s famous seafood dishes, most notably the octopus.
Often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the charming coastal town of Opatija is set against a backdrop of the lush Učka Mountains. A popular destination for European dignitaries since the 19th century, Opatija was touted as an ideal place for healing thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate and still boasts an abundance of luxury health and wellness spas. A walk along the Lungomare, a waterfront promenade that stretches over seven miles, offers scenic views of the Adriatic Sea and the town’s architecture, originally built for royalty.
Arriving the in the port of Naxos, visitors will likely catch a glimpse of the island’s most famous landmark, the ancient Portara. This unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo around the 5th century BC overlooks the Aegean Sea and is an excellent place to enjoy a sunset. Naxos’ Old Town is a maze of narrow alleyways that wind through charming whitewashed buildings, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy a meal on the waterfront. The island’s beaches, heralded as some of the best in the Aegean, boast long stretches of golden sands that melt into crystal clear waters.
Situated on the scenic estuary of the River Clyde, Greenock is a charming and friendly town with a rich maritime history in the shipbuilding industry. A stroll along the Esplanade reveals views of the Firth of Clyde and historic waterfront homes, and the nearby museums, galleries and parks can be easily explored on foot. Greenock is also a gateway to Glasgow, less than an hour’s train ride away.
Situated on the scenic estuary of the River Clyde, Greenock is a charming and friendly town with a rich maritime history in the shipbuilding industry. A stroll along the Esplanade reveals views of the Firth of Clyde and historic waterfront homes, and the nearby museums, galleries and parks can be easily explored on foot. Greenock is also a gateway to Glasgow, less than an hour’s train ride away.
Surrounded by fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, Ålesund is famous for its unique art nouveau architecture, constructed when the city was rebuilt following a fire in 1904. This combination of natural splendor and rich heritage have solidified Ålesund’s place as a memorable Nordic destination. With its fairytale towers, turrets and gables, the picture-perfect heart of Ålesund begs to be explored on foot. A good place to start is Jugendstilsenteret, a museum celebrating art nouveau design with its interiors, displays and interactive exhibits.
Mere mention of the city of Liverpool conjures images of the Fab Four. With its massive collection of memorabilia, The Beatles Story is the centerpiece of the superbly restored Royal Albert Dock, where you’ll also find other fascinating attractions like the prestigious Tate Liverpool galleries and the poignant International Slavery Museum. Soccer fanatics won’t miss the chance to tour Anfield Stadium, home of the Liverpool Football Club.
Wild, rugged and undeniably beautiful, the Shetland Islands capital of Lerwick is an unspoiled destination as rewarding as it is remote. More than 5,000 years of island history are on display at the Shetland Museum, and 17th-century Fort Charlotte offers an excellent bird’s-eye view of the town. The Shetlands typically catch more fish than the entirety of England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined, making this industry the heartbeat of Lerwick. Be sure to try some fresh cod, haddock or mackerel at a local eatery, and roasted lamb and mutton soup are popular dishes as well.
Kirkwall is the largest town on the Orkney Islands, a Scottish archipelago inhabited for more than 5,000 years. Dominating the skyline, 12th-century St. Magnus Cathedral is a magnificent red-brick structure with a tower that provides phenomenal views of the harbor, and nearby you’ll find ruins of the 12th-century Bishop’s Palace and 17th-century Earl’s Palace. The Orkney Museum offers a fascinating look at the islands’ millennia of history, from the Stone Age to modern times, while prehistoric remnants of the past still stand in place today at the nearby settlement of Skara Brae.
