Baltic, Kiel Canal & Scandinavia Gems - 6441A

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hamburg is a major transport hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Located on the river Elbe, some 110 km from its mouth in the North Sea, the port can take the world’s largest cruise ships. The birthplace of Johannes Brahms, who spent his early formative years in the city, it is renowned for its numerous musicals, operas and orchestral presentations. Read more about Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is a major transport hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Located on the river Elbe, some 110 km from its mouth in the North Sea, the port can take the world’s largest cruise ships. The birthplace of Johannes Brahms, who spent his early formative years in the city, it is renowned for its numerous musicals, operas and orchestral presentations. Read more about Hamburg, Germany

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

Wismar (pop. 43,000) is located about 100 km SE of Kiel and 100 km NE of Hamburg in central northern Germany, on the Baltic Sea. The port of Wismar is situated in the Bay of Wismar and is well-protected by a promontory. Read more about Wismar, 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

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

Tallinn, capital of Estonia, is dominated by the amazing 13th century Toompea Castle towering over the rest of the city. Having always been the seat of power in Estonia, it is appropriately home to the country’s Parliament today. Tallinn was named the European Capital of Culture in 2011, and its Medieval city centre, the most amazing part of Tallinn, truly must be explored. Read more about Tallinn, Estonia

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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

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

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

Aalborg is located in the north of Jutland, Denmark. The local tourist board calls it the "little Paris of the North". Although this may seem a bit far-fetched, the location by the Limfjord is truly superb, and the town is well worth a visit. Read more about Aalborg, Denmark

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

Stavanger, a city on the SW coast of Norway, grew to become among the most influential Norwegian cities in the late 1900s when oil was discovered in the North Sea. Today a vibrant city, but still with its small town appeal, the picturesque harbour with the quiet streets of the old town climbing up from the water’s edge, is the centre from which the city radiates across a network of islands interlaced with graceful bridges. The area is very popular for hiking, so if time permits visit the Pulpit Rock - a massive rock that overhangs the fjord at a height of 604 metres. Read more about Stavanger, Norway

Scotland's showcase capital of Edinburgh has a magnificent geographical location, perched on a series of extinct volcanos and rocky crags above the flatlands. The setting is wonderfully striking, as the modern city is often said to be built on seven hills. Both a historic and modern city, this metropolis is home to the largest arts festival in the world. Read more about Edinburgh, Great Britain

Newcastle, situated on the north bank of the River Tyne, was once in the forefront of 19th century industrial innovation, and is now at the forefront of technical innovation, leisure and culture. Be sure to wander down to the transformed waterfront, the Quayside that is now lined with stylish hotels, designer bars, restaurants and public art. However, in large parts, Newcastle still retains a medieval street layout as narrow alleys still exist in abundance. Read more about Newcastle, Great Britain

Greenwich Pier on the River Thames in the London borough of Greenwich, UK, is upstream from the London Barrage, and downstream from the heart of London. The name says you are within walking distance of the historic Royal Observatory, Greenwich (now a museum), marking zero degrees longitude, where you can be photographed with one foot in the Eastern hemisphere and one foot in the Western hemisphere. View historic astronomic and navigational tools vital to Britain’s ships since 1675, railways since 1847, and the Prime Meridian since 1884. Read more about Greenwich, Great Britain