Its precise boundaries are variously defined. But regardless of which cities are included as part of your Northern European voyage, one thing is certain – the region’s almost inexhaustible supply of dramatic scenery and spectacular historical attractions. Majestic fjords formed from glaciers more than one million years ago. Midnight Sun and Northern Lights, two of the planet’s most picturesque natural phenomena. The medieval cities of the Baltic States and Scandinavia. Fairy-tale castles and grand palaces from Edinburgh to St. Petersburg. And the cobblestone streets, canals, and flower-filled gardens of Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens – 20 acres of flowers and light, fine dining, music & more
Boutique shopping, followed by pints at a pub, in Dublin’s fashionable Temple Bar
A private tour of Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s Stone of Destiny and Crown Jewels
A seaplane adventure exploring Stockholm’s spectacular archipelago by air and waterway
Spending an evening enjoying live classical Russian ballet at a St. Petersburg theater
POPULAR NORTHERN EUROPEAN PORTS OF CALL
Amsterdam
The Netherlands’ capital city combines the beauty of a bygone century with all of the character you’d expect to find in a contemporary European metropolis. Like Italy’s Venice, Amsterdam is best explored by canal. Tall gabled houses, elegant merchant mansions, and historic churches line the waterways. Extraordinary museums house an extensive collection of works by Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.
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Copenhagen
Castles, crown jewels, and church steeples that soar above the skyline – the capital of Denmark is rich with Old World tradition and world-famous attractions. Landmarks include Christianborg Castle, residence of the Danish Royal Family since 1749, and the celebrated bronze sculpture of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. Tivoli Gardens is arguably Denmark’s most popular destination, a striking combination of flora, lakes, and colored lights.
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Dublin
A young, vibrant, and musical city, Ireland’s much-loved capital is also home to an impressive array of important historical and literary attractions. Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland, is renowned for its ancient treasures (including the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated 9th-century gospel manuscript). Dublin’s magnificent men of letters – from Swift to Shaw, Wilde to Joyce – are commemorated at the city’s Writers Museum.
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Oslo
The oldest of the Scandinavian capitals. Situated on the banks of a large bay along Norway’s southern coastline, Oslo is a bewitching blend of 19th- and 20th-century architectural styles. Spectacular bronze, granite, and iron sculptures are a signature feature, punctuating the city’s parks and public squares. The country’s seafaring traditions are painstakingly preserved at the Ship Museum, where authentic Viking artifacts are on display.
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St. Petersburg
Dubbed "the Venice of the North" by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg is arguably the world’s most beautiful city when measured by its huge collection of architectural masterpieces – the elegant imperial palaces of the czars, glorious cathedrals, and gorgeous public squares. The Hermitage Museum, one of Europe’s greatest treasures, is home to more than three million different exhibits (many amassed during the reign of Catherine the Great).
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