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.

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.

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off northern mainland Scotland. It is one of Scotland's most attractive, well-preserved small towns, with many 17th-18th century vernacular houses and buildings. It also has the English-speaking world's most northerly Carnegie library, opened by Andrew Carnegie and his wife in the early 20th century.

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.