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.

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).

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.

Explore Akureyri, a charming town on one of the world's longest fjords, framed by snow-capped mountains. Visit HOF, the new "temple of culture," with a theater, music hall, restaurant, and Tourist Information Center. See Arctic plants in the Botanical Garden, wander Arts' Alley with its museums, galleries, and studios, and browse the tax-free town center for wool knitwear, ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry.

Cruising into Seydisfjordur, it's easy to see how this small Eastfjords town inspires such a vibrant arts scene. Surrounded by Mt. Bjólfur and Strandartindur and framed by waterfalls, it feels striking and transformative. Stroll past brightly painted wooden houses to the Bláa Kirkjan (Blue Church), the town's iconic photo spot, and watch for reindeer on the hills plus seals and porpoises in the cold waters.

Explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors, and rugged Scottish highlands in Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands. With dramatic cliffs, Victorian houses, Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage, it offers plenty to see. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives on the waterfront for local history, then browse galleries and shops for unique art, hand-knitted sweaters, and lace. Try local beer and whisky in a pub.

Invergordon has a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars. Ideally situated in the center of the eastern Highlands, Invergordon received its name from Sir William Gordon, a landowner of the 18th century. For centuries the estate on which Invergordon now stands was known as Inverbreakie, or "the mouth of the Breakie." The Breakie presumably is the stream which enters the Firth at Rosskeen Bridge, near the old parish church west of the present Town.

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is famed for its culture and traditions. In the Old Town World Heritage Site, stroll the Royal Mile past historic multi-storied houses and side streets. Visit St. Giles Cathedral, a 14th-15th century landmark known for its crown spire, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland's primary royal palace and the official Scottish residence of the Queen.

Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.

Stavanger is Norway's fourth-largest city and has been called the Petroleum Capital of Norway. It grew in the 1880s through fish processing and exports; in the 1960s, North Sea oil exploration transformed its economy. With a good harbor and air links, it was well positioned to benefit. Stavanger and its region, along with Liverpool, UK, were selected as European Capital of Culture for 2008.

Situated along the Byfjord, Bergen is Norway's second largest city, and one of its most charming. The city's history dates back to the early 11th century when Olav Kyrre established a settlement and royal residence here. In 1240, Bergen replaced Trondheim as the capital, and the city quickly prospered. Much of the city's architecture today reflects the lifestyle of the Hanseatic merchants, who resided in narrow row houses near the harbor.

In 1904, much of Ålesund was destroyed by fire, then rebuilt in Art Nouveau style. Its turrets, spires, and ornamentation give the town a distinctive look and strong architectural reputation. Visit the Art Nouveau Centre, Town Park, Atlantic Sea Park, and Gallery Cylindra. Squares feature sculptures on fishing history and WWII. Shop for Norwegian fashions, jewelry, leather goods, tapestries, and glassware, and enjoy seafood to international cuisine.

Norway's history is written in the buildings and monuments of Norway's first capital and third largest city, Trondheim. The Sagas tell us how King Olav Tryggvason of Viking fame founded the city on this ice-free fjord in 997, mesmerized by the winding Nidelva River and lovely forested hills. The timbered architecture of the beautiful 11th-century Nidaros Cathedral is actually built over the tomb of St. Olav, and even today, Norwegian kings are crowned within its massive nave.

Set in Norway's fjord country, Måløy charms with rugged coastal scenery and a fishing-village feel. Climb Kannesteinen Rock for views of the Norwegian Sea, visit the Måløy Raid Center for WWII history, and wander streets lined with murals. Nature lovers can explore Hornelen, Europe's highest sea cliff, or take a boat tour through beautiful Nordfjord.

Nestled along the Hardangerfjord, Ulvik boasts breathtaking landscapes. Journey to Osa Mountain for scenic hikes or enjoy the views from sea level while kayaking the fjords. Embark on the fruit and cider route and sample traditional Norwegian flavors. If you have an interest in poetry, The Olav H. Hauge Centre is the perfect museum for you. Plus, there's a beloved café serving local foods on the lower level called Den Grøne Kafe.

Discover cosmopolitan Kristiansund, set on a sparkling fjord, with a calm cultural vibe, a mix of old and modern architecture, and natural beauty throughout. Visit the old town, Posebyen, for its small white wooden houses. Walk the boardwalk to the town center and Fiskebrygga for maritime history and fresh seafood. See the Adger Nature Museum and Botanical Gardens, then shop Markens gate and Skippergada for boutiques, galleries, cafés, hand-knit sweaters, Norwegian glassware, and local crafts.