Belfast lies snuggled into the rugged coast of Northern Ireland where the River Lagan flows to the sea. This Northern Ireland capital saw its earliest settlement in the early Middle Ages. At that time, a substantial stone fortress punctuated the horizon. Today, world travelers are eager to view her physical beauty and discover her renewed tranquility. Residents enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shop at trendy stores, and visit pubs lining The Golden Mile.

Surrounded to the north and southwest by towering mountains with dramatic landscapes, Tórshavn is a picturesque port steeped in Viking history. Main attractions include Tinganes, the oldest part of town, with small wooden houses covered in turf roofs. Explore Nordic House, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of modern Nordic architecture; and Listasavn Føroya art museum. To fully experience the Faroe Islands' ancient history, visit the ruins of Magnus Cathedral.

Heimaey is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar cluster, approximately 4 nautical miles off the south coast of Iceland. Currently Vestmannaeyjar is the home to around two million puffins, and many millions of other birds. At around one in the morning on January 23, 1973, a volcanic eruption of the mountain Eldfell began on Heimaey. The eruption lasted until July. The encroaching lava almost destroyed the harbor, but it was saved by constantly spraying cold seawater.

Discover Isafjordur's dazzling natural beauty: steep mountains rise on three sides around a stunning bay, making it one of Earth's most awe-inspiring places. Explore its history at the Maritime Museum in an 18th-century building. Enjoy a lively urban vibe with music schools, free concerts, and festivals. Shop for handmade woolens, nautical goods, and arts and crafts, then relax with fresh baked goods and coffee at the many cafés.

Grundarfjörður is a charming fishing town best known for its proximity to Iceland's most photographed mountain, Mt. Kirkjufell (Church Mountain). Shaped over millions of years by two glaciers, its steeple-like peak rises above the sea, often framed by the nearby three-pronged Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Visit the town's information center for exhibits on Snæfellsnes history and photographs by Bæring Cecilsson (1923-2002).

Iceland is unique-rugged, remote, modern, and affluent by Nordic standards. Its capital, Reykjavik, is a diverse city blending tradition with advanced technology, and its natural beauty is unforgettable. Visit Krýsuvík's remarkable solfatara fields: steaming volcanic vents and hot springs set amid dramatic, multicolored hills.

Iceland is unique-rugged, remote, modern, and affluent by Nordic standards. Its capital, Reykjavik, is a diverse city blending tradition with advanced technology, and its natural beauty is unforgettable. Visit Krýsuvík's remarkable solfatara fields: steaming volcanic vents and hot springs set amid dramatic, multicolored hills.