A centuries-old fishing village, Skagen is perched along the windswept sand dunes at the northernmost point of Denmark, where the North Sea and the Baltic merge in a frenzy of crashing currents. The town has long been depicted by painters because of its spectacular scenery, charming communities and the remarkable quality of its light, inspiring a group of artists known as the Skagen Painters.

The grand harbor and seaside promenade take center stage in this historical maritime city that’s the gateway to the famed Kiel Canal. Everywhere you go – the Kiel Fjord, the museums and memorials in the city center, the bustling waterfront known as Kiellinie – you’ll feel the seafaring and naval influences.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the German capital and savor landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the glorious Charlottenburg Palace. Stroll down Unter den Linden, see the site of the Berlin Wall and take a boat ride along the city’s canals.

Don’t miss the 14th century St. Nicholas Church, one of the more iconic buildings on Bornholm Island, or the massive round-tower castle and its fascinating military museum in the south of Rønne.

Enjoy the lovely countryside of Visby beyond the towered walls and take in the view of this former Hanseatic League town before exploring its narrow, winding lanes, marvelous ruined medieval churches and impressive St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Visit the charming Old Town of Stockholm, medieval Gamla Stan, the elegant royal palace, the wonderful parks and the impressive Vasa, the magnificently restored 17th century warship that sank in the harbor on her maiden voyage.

In the fascinating Marine Museum of Karlskrona, explore a Soviet submarine, inspect a World War II minesweeper, and observe an 18th century shipwreck through an underwater tunnel.

See another side of this lovely city of Copenhagen with a cruise along its charming canals. Visit the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn and beautiful Rosenborg Castle and, of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid.

History aside, Oslo exudes a love of the outdoors in city parks like Vigeland, which is adorned with over 200 life-size sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. Much of Oslo is heavily forested with pines, making it one of Europe’s greenest cities.

Museums abound in Kristiansand, and include the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Garden, which opened in 1828. Kristiansand Zoo, said to be Norway’s most visited attraction, covers 150 acres of Nordic terrain where animals like red pandas, moose and Bactrian camels roam in wide-open spaces.

Learn why this charming town of Haugesund is known as the Homeland of the Viking Kings at Avaldsnes’ Viking settlement, where you can see a reconstructed Viking farm and learn how the Vikings lived. Discover majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, stunning glaciers, imposing mountains, and idyllic islands and lighthouses.

Drive to the Norwegian Sea coast to experience the Atlantic Road, an amazing motorway that curves and swoops above a series of tiny islands, or ascend Norway’s chiseled mountains over waterfalls and lush valleys along the glorious Trollstigen Road.

Beautifully situated on four main islands, Kristiansund is an inviting city surrounded by astonishing natural beauty. Its most famous attraction is the Atlantic Road, reputed to offer the world’s best road trip. The route winds its way across islands and over bridges with magnificent views of the ocean and coastline. Kristiansund also houses the oldest opera in Norway, and the city boasts a diverse and colorful array of architectural styles both classic and modern.

Visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia, and Stiftsgarden Palace, the royal residence and one of the largest wooden buildings in Northern Europe.

Situated between one of the largest glaciers in Europe and the rugged Stad Peninsula, Nordfjordeid is your jumping off point to explore one of the most beautiful places in the world. The UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord awaits you to the northeast, while icy glaciers flow into spectacular valleys to the southeast – you won’t have a moment to put down your camera.

Visit the imposing trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl’s Palace, and the earlier Bishop’s Palace on the island of Kirkwall.