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.

Visby is the largest city on the island of Gotland, and was once one of the most powerful cities in Europe. The entire island is full of ruins, artifacts and memories from its periods of greatness during the Viking period and Middle Ages when Visby was a member of the Hanseatic League. The town is surrounded by the Visby Ringwall, a huge 13th century stone wall that encloses the city. Inside the wall, Visby beckons with its medley of modern and medieval times.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

Denmark's second-largest city offers top cultural attractions, striking architecture, a lively food scene and a rising-city vibe. Visit ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, home to the country's largest art collection outside Copenhagen, and Den Gamle By, where relocated houses recreate 19th-century, 1920s and 1970s neighborhoods. See the waterfront Iceberg and Dokk1, and Musikhuset's glass facades. Try smørrebrød or New Nordic cuisine at Aarhus's cafes and restaurants.

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.