Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe's oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today's modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.

Warnemünde is a sea resort and district of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, situated at the Baltic Sea in the Northeast of Germany at the estuary of the river Warnow. Being a center of maritime traffic, the district of Warnemünde comprises numerous navigational aids, the oldest of which is the lighthouse located near the beach promenade. The lighthouse, which is currently still in use, was built in 1897. Warnemunde is also our gateway to nearby Berlin.

When you dock in Rønne on Bornholm, you join a long line of historic visitors. Only about 40,000 people live here, but its mid-Baltic location has made it a stop for sailors since the 1100s. Today it draws more tourists than Vikings, with craggy cliffs, white-sand beaches, sunny weather, quaint churches, artists' workshops, fresh local food, and a friendly welcome center for local tips.

"Venice of the North," Stockholm spans 14 islands at Lake Mälar's outlet to the Baltic. Scandinavia's largest city, it's known for handsome architecture, broad streets, waterside parks, and pedestrian paths. Highlights include Old Town, the Royal Palace, Riddarholm Church, the Town Hall observation deck, Skeppsholmen museums, and the Vasa Museum on Djurgården, home to the nearly intact 64-gun warship Vasa, lost on its maiden voyage in 1628.

"Venice of the North," Stockholm spans 14 islands at Lake Mälar's outlet to the Baltic. Scandinavia's largest city, it's known for handsome architecture, broad streets, waterside parks, and pedestrian paths. Highlights include Old Town, the Royal Palace, Riddarholm Church, the Town Hall observation deck, Skeppsholmen museums, and the Vasa Museum on Djurgården, home to the nearly intact 64-gun warship Vasa, lost on its maiden voyage in 1628.

On the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland lies Tallinn, the capital and main seaport of Estonia. Though the city has been bombed and pillaged many times throughout the ages, much of the town as it was in medieval times remains. Atmospheric streets serve as home to the palaces of Castle Hill. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn's Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The capital of Finland, Helsinki is also the cultural, commercial and political center of Finland. Helsinki is an easily-navigated city and an architectural delight. Helsinki is laid out with spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks. Wide streets and nearby islands add to Helsinki's visual appeal. Beautiful neo classical buildings surround town squares and the cathedral is probably the most recognized of all Helsinki landmarks.

Liepaja, Latvia's third-largest city, is called "the city where the wind is born." A popular Baltic resort since the 1860s, it offers WWII and Tsarist relics, white-sand Blue Flag beaches, and a music walk of fame. Explore Karosta's bunkers, cannons, and ruined military buildings, then visit Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Latvian Musicians' Walk of Fame. Don't miss the local specialty: cod fish.

Explore colorful, restored Old Town Gdansk, once a powerful Hanseatic League city, and admire its grand architecture. Walk the full length of Ulica Długa (Long St.), visiting St. Mary's Church, built over 150 years, and its 1460 Astronomical Clock. Browse museums, shops, and galleries for amber, embroidered linens, silver jewelry, and wool sweaters. See the grand houses, Green Gate, and Golden Gate on the Royal Road, and try vodka served with gold flecks.

Just a short distance from Amsterdam, IJmuiden offers beaches, sand dunes, scenic views, and the country's biggest fish market. It's North Holland's gateway to the North Sea and sits at the head of a canal leading directly to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is known for its liberal spirit, rich culture, 140+ art galleries, 40 museums, baroque architecture, canals, cobblestone streets, and bicycle transport.

Zeebrugge is the gateway to Bruges, capital of Belgium's West Flanders. Bruges was wealthy in medieval times through trade with Baltic ports. As the Zwin River, which linked Bruges to the North Sea, slowly narrowed, the city's great trade era ended. Today, visitors come for its charming, well-preserved medieval architecture along narrow streets and canals, and for some of Western Europe's finest artistic masterpieces.

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.