Marina - July 11, 2023

Southampton is the gateway to the immensely civilized city of London. There are museums to visit, pubs to try, and shops to browse, ranging from Harrods to open-air markets. There are more parks and green belts here than in any other city in the world. There are also caches of stately squares and noble monuments, holdovers from a time when the island ruled a significant portion of the globe.

Sweden's second city, Gothenburg - situated on the country's west coast - has a magnificent harbour and a brilliant showpiece boulevard. The most popular attraction in Sweden, Liseberg is one of the world's best amusement parks. Gothenburg is easily accessible by air, bus, train and boat and, once you're there, a bunch of spanking new hostels in the city center awaits your weary head.

Kiel is a city in north central Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein, a port on an arm of the Baltic Sea, at the eastern entrance of the Nord-Ostsee (or Kiel) Canal. The city has been noted as a port since the 10th century because of its excellent harbor, which is a tideless fjord. The city has a university and is a popular center for pleasure boating.

Distributed across fourteen immaculate islands in a sheltered Baltic bay, crisscrossed by scenic bridges, Sweden's capital is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. It is a sightseeing smorgasbord, including the medieval "city between the bridges," the vast Royal Palace, and the City Hall, which hosts the yearly Nobel Prize ceremonies.

Finland's national capital is a spacious Neoclassical city in fine white granite, whose upbeat pace and fashion sense belie the Finnish reputation for conservatism. The massive Temppeliaukio Church is carved out of solid stone, while on the Esplanadi, famous Finnish designers like Marimekko or Iitala demonstrate a lighter, more modern style.

Beautifully preserved medieval walls and towers still stand tall in the Old Town section, shadowed by the hilltop Toompea Castle. Stroll and shop along cobblestone streets, walk up to the Baroque Palace, and drop in at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and find inspiration in the gleaming mosaics and tiles. This is, by far, one of the most atmospheric locales in Europe.

Riga is home to a university, the Latvian Academy of Sciences, and to numerous other educational and cultural institutions. The old section, or Hansa town, is circled by a park-lined moat and includes the ancient castle of the Livonian Knights, the 13th century Lutheran cathedral, and the Parliament building. This area, with its narrow, cobbled streets lined with gabled dwellings and warehouses, has retained much of its medieval character.

Situated on the Swedish isle of Gotland, Hanseatic Visby was one of the most powerful cities in Europe. Today quaint homes and churches huddle together inside 13th-century walls. In former times, it was called "the city of ruins and roses," for along with its rose-covered churches, there is one somber sight - Gallows Hill, a place of execution so villains "might die looking at the loveliest spot on earth."

Klaipeda, the third largest port city in Lithuania, is located on the southernmost shore of the Baltic Sea. Klaipeda is not only one of the largest fishing ports on the Baltic Sea, but also a major cultural center of Lithuania. Of the museums of Klaipeda, tourists should visit the large Maritime Museum and Aquarium, which boasts thousands of exhibits from the seas and oceans of the world.

Once a tiny fishing village, today Gdynia is Poland's most important port. It is also well situated; venture to the resort town of Sopot, merely nine miles away. Tour the more prominent Polish city of Gdansk, only another six miles inland from Sopot.

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, and travelers find it incredibly charming. For historical interest, explore the streets of Christianborg and Amelienborg palaces. Leisure seekers can stroll the streets or lounge in the cafes of Stroget. Visit Tivoli Gardens, too, and don't forget to see the statue of the Little Mermaid, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen.

Sweden's second city, Gothenburg - situated on the country's west coast - has a magnificent harbour and a brilliant showpiece boulevard. The most popular attraction in Sweden, Liseberg is one of the world's best amusement parks. Gothenburg is easily accessible by air, bus, train and boat and, once you're there, a bunch of spanking new hostels in the city center awaits your weary head.

Norway's political and cultural capital, Oslo was recently selected as the city with the highest quality of life in Europe. It's not surprising, considering the city's treasures: beautiful Frogner Park filled with modern sculpture, the emotional power of the Munch Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, forested mountains and secluded coves, all within the city limits.

This is a classic Norwegian town full of colorful charm. You can wander up narrow streets into the surrounding hills or enjoy Gamte Bergen, the old town, with cobbled streets and wonderful little shops and bakeries.

You will never forget sailing into the grandest fjord in all Scandinavia. The waters are glassy and lacy waterfalls dance down from dizzying heights on either side. Tiny farms cling impossibly to sheer mountainsides. And at the end is a friendly town and a roadway to the crest of the mountain called Eagle's Nest, for a bird's eye view of the waterway seen from the sky.

Harstad is located on Hinn-ya, the largest island of Norway. It is a fishing center and a bunkering place for coastal steamers and trawlers. Nearby is the fortified church of Trondenes built in the 13th century.

Welcome to the top of the world! The village of Honningsvag, bathed in the eerie light of the midnight sun, is the northernmost community in Europe, set in a land of vast forests, dramatic fjords, and crashing waterfalls. Just up the coast is North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, with breathtaking views towards the Barents Sea and the North Pole.

It is the northernmost town of Europe, but its harbor is always ice-free. Tourists are attracted by its uninterrupted daylight from May 17 to July 29. Chartered in 1795, Hammerfest was heavily damaged by British naval bombardment in 1809, by fire in 1890, and by retreating German forces in 1944.

Tromso, the home of the famous Northern Lights Observatory, is beautifully situated on a forest-covered isle. Take a leisurely island drive and visit the Tromso Museum and an ultra-modern cathedral, whose design was inspired by the ice of the Arctic. Again, the preservation of old ways and integration with present-day technology is remarkable.

Experience the Land of the Midnight Sun in Spitsbergen's main settlement, located at the head of Advent Bay. Take a moment to appreciate the world of the North. As you look out upon the coastline, you'll immediately be impressed by the natural spectacle, full of seals, walrus, and whales--not to mention thousands of species of seabirds.

Experience the Land of the Midnight Sun in Spitsbergen's main settlement, located at the head of Advent Bay. Take a moment to appreciate the world of the North. As you look out upon the coastline, you'll immediately be impressed by the natural spectacle, full of seals, walrus, and whales--not to mention thousands of species of seabirds.

On this cruise through the dramatic fjord and glacier scenery, you'll enjoy the dramatic glacier landscape of the fjord at the tip of Greenland.

Nanortalik includes some of Greenland's most beautiful fjords, the country's only natural forest and dramatic, rugged mountains. The district's population of c. 2,700 is divided between the town of Nanortalik itself, five villages and a number of sheep farms. The main occupations are hunting and fishing.

Frozen, gleaming white fjords and glaciers, looming icebergs, pale green fields dotted with sheep farms and towns of brightly painted blue, red, yellow, green and white houses are the hallmarks of Southern Greenland, and especially Qaqortoq, the 'White Palace'',one of the region's largest villages. Greenland's only fountain splashes gently in a pleasant square while the harbour is alive with locals bringing in the day's catch.

Reykjavik, the largest city and capital of Iceland, is a city full of history, great theatre, and exciting nightlife. For a dose of Icelandic and Viking history, visit the National Museum and visit Hallgrimskirkja, a church that features a famous statue of explorer Leif Erickson and a great spot to view the entire city.

Isafjordur, capital of Iceland's Westfjords, dates back to the 9th Century and is one of the country's main fishing ports. Isafjordur also boasts a lively cultural scene and the West Fjords Folk Museum is definitely worth a visit. Take a walk down the harbor and see local fisherman at work or see many of the nearby homes that date back to the 18th Century.

Akureyri is the capital of the northern part of Iceland and serves as the gateway an area full of stunning waterfalls. It's also the place that Icelander head went they want some sun. From here, it is a short trip to the magical and mystical Dimmuborgir area and its ominous black castles.

Lerwick is a town in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago north of the Scottish mainland. Historically a major fishing port, Lerwick today attracts those drawn to the combination of Norse and British culture in the area. Every January, the Up-Helly-Aa fire festival features a Norse ship that is dramatically dragged through the town and burned.

Liverpool is a city in Merseyside County, on the northwest coast of England. Visit the town where the Beatles got their start. Liverpool continues to be a national center of shipping, communication, and transport. The town is filled with architectural landmarks, including the Town Hall, St. George's Hall, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The city's symphony orchestra is also world-renowned.

Holyhead is a port and resort on the Welsh Holy Island. Visitors to the town can still see much evidence of early Celtic and Roman cultures. Places of interest in the Holyhead area include Holy Mountain and the South Stack Lighthouse. Visitors can also go fishing, golfing, and sailing. The town is known as a busy ferry port.

A town of churches, bridges and pubs, Cork is best known for Blarney Castle where you are invited to kiss the famed stone to acquire the "gift of gab." St. Patrick Street, the town's main thoroughfare, is good for shopping and people watching. See the Shandon bells in St. Anne's church. Those who are willing to climb the 134 winding steps to the top of the steeple will be rewarded with a wondrous view of the city, harbor and hills.

Weymouth is a British port city. It boasts a fine swimming beach, a scenic harbor, and a long and colorful history. King George III felt that swimming in the Weymouth waters helped his mental condition. Sailing, windsurfing, and fishing are also popular Weymouth activities. There is also golf, hiking, bicycle riding, and more in the area. Visit the Timewalk, Brewery Days, and Sea Life Park.

Entrenched in history and yet very much part of the 21st century, Portsmouth features the best that England has to offer. Take in the sky-blue seas and refreshing breezes of Pompey. Snap a photo of the majestic fountain by Alders. Dance your cares away at the glitzy Underground nightclub. Shop for hours amid the unique and colorful stores of the Commercial Road precinct.