If Northern Europe calls to you, then this voyage could be your answer, offering a full quiver of British Isles along with the captivating scenery of Norwegian fjords. You’ll be hard-pressed to decide whether it’s the “must sees” or the unexpected moments in between that are the most satisfying. Explore legendary castles and centuries of history in Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, and London. View the astonishing Book of Kells, painstakingly illustrated by 9^th-century monks, and explore Nyhavn in Copenhagen, the colorful wharf where Hans Christian Andersen once penned his enduring fairytales. Take in the beauty of Norway’s fjords from all sides: cruising Geirangerfjord at sea level, climbing the 11 switchbacks of the Troll Road, and riding the scenic Flam Railroad, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Then add on a slew of serendipitous discoveries. Alesund’s art nouveau streets, where turrets and spires hide an occasional homage to the Vikings. The unexpected scent of tropical flowers in an abbey garden off Cornwall. The special light in Skagen that merges sea and sky, inspiring artists by the dozens in the late 19^th century. A cat garden at Belfast Castle, a secret dog cemetery at Edinburgh Castle, nymphs dancing in the spray of a Norwegian waterfall – each day is simply magical.

From the Firth of Forth, a UNESCO site, to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is steeped in history. Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Botanic Gardens. The UNESCO site of Old Town. The wonders of Edinburgh are never ending. From one of Europe’s best-preserved castles to the world’s longest herbaceous border, a riot of color and culture pervades. In this city as old as Scotland itself, you’ll find the perfect blend of historic tradition and natural beauty.

Oban has developed into Scotland's most popular West-Coast holiday town. Just outside the town stands Dunollie Castle, on a site that overlooks the  bay and has been fortified since the Bronze Age. The charm of its Victorian harbor offers an excellent seafood scene, and is also a major gateway to the Hebrides.

Probably best known as the birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast was a hub for not only shipbuilding but also tobacco processing, rope-making and Irish linen in the early 20th century. Today the old shipyards are giving way to luxury apartments in what is known as the Titanic Quarter, home to the Titanic Belfast Centre, a beautiful star-shaped building covering the Titanic’s construction. Other must-sees include the Ulster Folk Museum and the Belfast Cathedral, as well as numerous award-winning restaurants and bars.

Probably best known as the birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast was a hub for not only shipbuilding but also tobacco processing, rope-making and Irish linen in the early 20th century. Today the old shipyards are giving way to luxury apartments in what is known as the Titanic Quarter, home to the Titanic Belfast Centre, a beautiful star-shaped building covering the Titanic’s construction. Other must-sees include the Ulster Folk Museum and the Belfast Cathedral, as well as numerous award-winning restaurants and bars.

Dublin is a city of delights and surprises. Stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge to Trinity College for a glimpse of the Book of Kells. Step inside the 11th century Dublin Castle. Stop by the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery for a taste of Irish history. And embrace the beauty of Dublin Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Dublin is a city of delights and surprises. Stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge to Trinity College for a glimpse of the Book of Kells. Step inside the 11th century Dublin Castle. Stop by the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery for a taste of Irish history. And embrace the beauty of Dublin Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Welcome to the Gateway to West Wales and stunning Pembrokeshire National Park. This beautiful area provides breathtaking moments around every bend of the path as you cruise a coastline acclaimed as the world’s best and most beautiful. Don’t miss an optional visit to storybook Pembroke Castle, birthplace of Henry VII or Picton Castle with its 40 acres of gardens. Or head for the National Botanic Garden of Wales, where extensive waterscapes and the world’s largest single-span greenhouse (larger than a football field) frame a dazzling display of flora.

 

This beautiful archipelago welcomes you to the best and most unspoiled beaches in Cornwall. Rare birds from around the globe are at home here, as are extraordinary gardens and the historic Cromwell Castle. As a special treat, choose an optional visit to the island of Tresco and its beautiful Abbey Gardens, designed by the renowned Augustus Smith on the site of the old Benedictine Abbey, now home to 20,000 exotic plants.

London, one of the world's top destinations, is a city begging to be explored. Steeped in history, the well-known sites of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square beckon, or get a modern perspective from the top of the London Eye. This cosmopolitan city offers all the world cuisines you’re used to, but there are still places to find traditional British fare like bangers and mash or shepherds’ pie.

London, one of the world's top destinations, is a city begging to be explored. Steeped in history, the well-known sites of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square beckon, or get a modern perspective from the top of the London Eye. This cosmopolitan city offers all the world cuisines you’re used to, but there are still places to find traditional British fare like bangers and mash or shepherds’ pie.

At the entrance to spectacular Geirangerfjord, Alesund has been voted the most beautiful town in Norway, and not only because of its location. The town burned to the ground in 1904 and was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, with a few added elements from Nordic mythology – a longboat here, an image of Thor there.

Visit tiny goat villages to sample homemade cheese. Take a RIB boat out on the spectacular Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy yourself a mango ice cream cone and absorb all the beauty around you.

Cruise up 9-mile-long Geirangerfjord, one of the most famous fjords of Norway.  This UNESCO site has several impressive waterfalls and your ship will cruise by the most famous waterfall of the fjord – the characteristic Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.

A tiny town of only 500 residents, yet people have been traveling here from all over since the end of the 19th century. You’ll understand why when you arrive. Take one of the world’s most breathtaking railroad journeys up the mountain to gasp at the fjord below.

A tiny town of only 500 residents, yet people have been traveling here from all over since the end of the 19th century. You’ll understand why when you arrive. Take one of the world’s most breathtaking railroad journeys up the mountain to gasp at the fjord below.

Here’s a day for exploration. Your ship will dock in the very city center near the oldest part of town. A short stroll will take you to Stavanger Cathedral, the best preserved medieval cathedral in Norway, the city center and cobblestone pedestrian streets. Just an hour’s boat trip away is the 2,000-foot-high Pulpit Rock with its magnificent views of the lovely Lysefjord.

Yellow and red houses, windswept beaches, a unique light that has drawn artists for centuries … this town at the juncture of the North Sea and Baltic is the apple of Denmark’s eye. Visit the Buried Church, shop for handmade white lace, explore Skagen’s maritime history at the open air museum, or learn about the shifting sands at the nature center.

Aalborg is found in the Jutland region of Denmark on the shores of Limfjord. This university city is full of Viking history, 21st century architecture and a quaint medieval center. This is a small port that only allows one cruise ship at a time. Visit Skanse Park with its stunning view of the city and the fjord. Grab a drink at Jomfru Ane Gade, a charming street packed with locals frequenting the bars and restaurants there.

This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17^th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.