Epic Northern Adventure

Southampton, UK, is a city and major port situated on the south coast of England, and is widely recognised as the capital of the country’s cruise industry. Each year more and more cruise liners take advantage of its superb cruise terminals. It is, of course, a gateway to Europe’s largest city, the enormous cosmopolitan city of London, with all the cultural and gastronomic attractions you'd expect from a world capital. Read more about Southampton, Great Britain

Gothenburg is Sweden's second largest city and is situated on the west coast of Sweden at the mouth of the river Gota Alv. The city was developed largely by city planners and canal experts from the Netherlands and Germany, and this is the reason for the Amsterdam-style canal around the city centre. To this day the city owes much to the influence of people from abroad. Read more about Gothenburg, Sweden

Kiel is the capital of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, and situated at the SW of the Baltic Sea. It is the home to Germany’s Baltic fleet, an important ship-building centre, entry point to the Kiel Canal, and cruise terminal for the Baltic Sea. The city was rebuilt after WWII in modern architectural styles, hence few historic edifices remain – see Keiler Castle near the cruise terminal. Read more about Kiel, Germany

Passengers on ships visiting Berlin typically dock at the north eastern port of Warnemunde and go directly to the capital of Germany that is just a three hour train or coach ride away. Berlin, completely devastated in WW11, has amazingly seen the reconstruction of its sixteenth-century core that exists in the Nikolaiviertel, while nearby stand many rebuilt 19th C buildings from the time of the Second Reich. Little from the Third Reich has been rebuilt, except for the 1936 Olympic Stadium. Read more about Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany

The Danish town of Rønne, the largest on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, is home to 15 medieval churches - four of which are Round Churches - that display unique artwork and architecture. In the colourful Old Quarter with its cobbled streets one finds some notable examples of 19th and early 20th century architecture that include half-timbered houses and interesting museums. Ronne is also well known for its arts and crafts, especially the delightful clay pottery and glass souvenirs made on site. Read more about Ronne, Denmark

Visby, on the island of Gotland that lies 90km off the SE coast of Sweden, is a medieval town of roses, ruins, narrow winding lanes, and an amazingly well preserved town wall with 27 of the towers still intact. There are also 200 medieval houses as well as several ancient churches, many of which were built in the 12th century. Another attraction is the beautifully restored Cathedral of St Mary’s. Read more about Visby, Sweden

The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

Klaipeda is the third largest city of Lithuania, and the northernmost ice-free port on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Its fascination lies primarily in the echoes of its history as reflected in its historic buildings in the city centre. Here the picturesque buildings, some of which display the well-known half-timbered construction, date from the 13th to 18th centuries. Read more about Klaipeda, Lithuania

Gdansk lies on the southern edge of Gdansk Bay on the Baltic coast, and is Poland’s principal seaport. From a trading base for the once-mighty Teutonic Knights to the birthplace of modern Poland, the city drips history. Today Gdansk, with its painstakingly reconstructed and very charming Old Town, is perfectly located at the heart of the coast, and is the showpiece of Poland's north. Read more about Gdansk, Poland

Copenhagen, situated on two islands, is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and also being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It has a very high quality of life. Read more about Copenhagen, Denmark

Oslo, the capital and most populous city in Norway, lies between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills of Oslomarka. The combination of city life and easy access to outdoor activities makes Oslo a unique destination. Oslo is built in a horseshoe shape on the shores of the Oslofjord and limited in most directions by hills and forests. Read more about Oslo, Norway

Kristiansand is the southernmost city in Norway and lies where the rivers Otra and Tovdalselva enter into Skagerak. It is an interesting city retaining many of the 17th century buildings from its founding days by King Christian IV. The city is home to some of the best beaches - such as Hamresanden Beach located just 10 minutes from the city centre - in Norway. Read more about Kristiansand, Norway

Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, is located in the county of Hordaland on the SW coast of Norway. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is the starting point for fjord tours and cruises as it is located midway between the main Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The city was one of nine European cities honoured with the title of European Capital of Culture in the Millennium year. Read more about Bergen, Norway

Lofoten is an archipelago and a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway. It lies within the Arctic Circle and is well known for its exceptional natural beauty. The islands are separated from the mainland by the vast open Vestfjord and are notable for their mountains and peaks, which although not very high, the fact that they rise straight from the sea makes them spectacular and extraordinary. Read more about Lofoten Islands, Norway

Harstad, the third largest city in northern Norway, is situated 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. Surprisingly, the city has relatively mild winters and cool summers, despite being one of the places where, from the end of May to the middle of July, visitors get to see the Midnight Sun, an experience that becomes a lifetime memory. Harstad is the home port for the Anna Rogde - also known as the sailing queen of Norway - the world’s oldest sailing schooner. Read more about Harstad, Norway

Alta lies on the fjord coastline of Norway, just below North Cape. It is the second northernmost city in the world surpassing 10,000 inhabitants, and 380km north of the Arctic Circle. The large Altafjorden has several notable bays and fjord arms that branch off from it including Langfjorden, Jiepmaluokta, Kåfjorden, and Lille Kufjorden. Read more about Alta, Norway

Honningsvåg, Norway, lies deep within the Arctic Circle at 71 deg.N. latitude, on the island Magerøya. Twenty-two km north of Honningsvåg is North Cape, the northernmost part of mainland Europe. Read more about Honningsvag, Norway

The construction of the large liquefied natural gas site on Melkoya Island just off Hammerfest, which processes natural gas from Snohvit, is the most expensive construction project in the history of Northern Norway. This project has resulted in an economic boom and new optimism for Hammerfest in recent years. Hammerfest offers both sea and freshwater fishing, as well as scuba diving. Read more about Hammerfest, Norway

Tromsoe, the home of the famous Northern Lights, is situated a mere 2000 km from the North Pole, on the same latitude as Northern Siberia and Alaska. Most visitors are surprised by the prominence and sophistication of this fascinating port. On offer are high-quality theatre, arts and music, which contrast with the boundless and vast wilderness surrounding the city. Read more about Tromsoe, Norway

Longyearbyen lies on the river Longyearelva on the Norwegian Island of Spitsbergen high in the Arctic. It is the world’s northern-most town, as all settlements further north are research or meteorological outposts. The modern town, fringed by abandoned mining detritus, enjoys a superb backdrop including two glacier tongues, Longyearbreen and Lars Hjertabreen. Read more about Longyearbyen, Norway

Longyearbyen lies on the river Longyearelva on the Norwegian Island of Spitsbergen high in the Arctic. It is the world’s northern-most town, as all settlements further north are research or meteorological outposts. The modern town, fringed by abandoned mining detritus, enjoys a superb backdrop including two glacier tongues, Longyearbreen and Lars Hjertabreen. Read more about Longyearbyen, Norway

Husavik is a town in Norourþing municipality on the north coast of Iceland on the shores of Skjalfandi bay, that is about 15 km across. The town of around 2000 inhabitants depends mainly on fishing and tourism. It has become the centre of whale-watching in Iceland. Read more about Husavik, Iceland

Siglufjordur (Siglufjörður) is a small fishing town situated on the shoreline of the 7 km long fjord of the same name. On both sides of the fjord snow topped mountains rise 600 – 800 m. The 2.3 km of colourful homes and buildings lie on the road that runs the periphery of the northern part of Iceland. Read more about Siglufjordur, Iceland

Paamiut is a town in SW Greenland located on the coast of the Labrador Sea. The town’s name means "the people who live at the mouth”, a reference to its location at the mouth of the Kuannersooq Fjord. Paamiut naturally attracts travellers who want to go off the beaten path and gain a different perspective. Read more about Paamiut, Greenland

Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland, as well as being the northernmost capital in the world, though 2 degrees south of the Arctic Circle. It’s a place where the old and the new are united in a unique and dynamic way. The missionary Hans Egede founded Nuuk in 1728 as the very first town in Greenland. Read more about Nuuk, Greenland

Qaqortoq is a town in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. It is the most populous town in the region and the fourth largest town in the country. The oldest standing building of Qaqortoq is a black-tarred log building from 1797. Read more about Qaqortoq, Greenland

Grundarfjordur is a growing community on the Breidafjordur fjord in Iceland. The town is considered unusually beautiful and well-kept, and has received several awards for its neat appearance. The region also has a reputation for a unique climate and unusually beautiful surroundings, as it is situated in front of an impressive mountain range with an alpine look. Read more about Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital and largest city of Iceland, is the gateway to Iceland's stunning natural wonders, which range from ice fields to boiling thermal pools. The landscape on the island seems to be in a continual process of transformation much like its society, which blends Nordic tradition with sophisticated technology. On the waterfront see the open-air history of shipping disasters. Read more about Reykjavik, Iceland

The capital of the Westfjords of Iceland is Isafjordur. The landscape is majestic, with fjord after fjord towering above shore and sea, but each and every fjord has its own distinctive character. Tiny fishing villages nestle at their foot. Read more about Isafjordur, Iceland

Husavik is a town in Norourþing municipality on the north coast of Iceland on the shores of Skjalfandi bay, that is about 15 km across. The town of around 2000 inhabitants depends mainly on fishing and tourism. It has become the centre of whale-watching in Iceland. Read more about Husavik, Iceland

Eskifjordur is a village and port in eastern Iceland with a population of just over one thousand. Straight across from the village is the mountain Holmatindur, almost a thousand metres in height, which is considered by the locals to be one of the most naturally beautiful in the area. Like most inhabited places in this country, the villagers here mostly make their livelihood by fishing. Read more about Eskifjordur, Iceland

The Faroe Islands lie NW of Scotland midway between Iceland and Norway. They constitute a self-governing island territory of Denmark with a language and culture of their own. Due to their volcanic origin, the 18 islands are rugged and rocky. Read more about Faroe Islands, Denmark

Greenock is a town located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland, that forms part of a continuous urban area with Gourock to the west and Port Glasgow to the east. Evidence of the wealth generated in its early days can be seen in the large villas of Greenock's west end, one-time home to ship owners, industrialists, and investors. The area is fronted by the 1.6 km sweep of the Esplanade with its views across the Clyde to Kilcreggan. Read more about Greenock, Great Britain

This capital and largest city of Ireland is situated on the mid-east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin has more green spaces per square kilometre than any other European capital city, with 97% of city residents living within 300 meters of a park area. But Dublin’s greatest draw remains Dubliners themselves, both native-born and blown in. Read more about Dublin, Ireland

Situated on the south coast of Cornwall in England, Falmouth’s harbour - together with Carrick Road - forms the third deepest natural harbour in the world. Not surprisingly it is famous for being the start or finish point of various round-the-world record-breaking voyages, such as those of Sir Francis Chichester and Dame Ellen MacArthur. It is also renowned for being home to Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII, which is one of the finest of the mighty fortresses once used to defend England against invasion. Read more about Falmouth, Great Britain

Southampton, UK, is a city and major port situated on the south coast of England, and is widely recognised as the capital of the country’s cruise industry. Each year more and more cruise liners take advantage of its superb cruise terminals. It is, of course, a gateway to Europe’s largest city, the enormous cosmopolitan city of London, with all the cultural and gastronomic attractions you'd expect from a world capital. Read more about Southampton, Great Britain