Viking World Voyage Iv

Los Angeles, also called LA, or the City of Angels, is situated in southern California, and as the home base of Hollywood is the Entertainment Capital of the world. There is so much to do in this famous city, such as visit LA's most popular beach Santa Monica that offers ocean activities, shopping, street performers and more, or simply investigate the fantastic shopping venues. Helicopter tours are now becoming extremely popular, as one gets to see beaches, movie star homes, the Hollywood sign, downtown, and all of the attractions through the eyes of an expert. Read more about Los Angeles, USA

The birthplace of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the Unites States, Honolulu is the cultural, industrial, commercial, and governmental centre of Hawaii, with Waikiki Beach the epicentre of the tourist industry. It is a thriving world-class city, with nearly one million people in its metropolitan area. Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands, and as the city is packed with sights, activities, and tourist attractions, it is easy to understand why there is so much to do in this southernmost major U.S. Read more about Honolulu, USA

Nawiliwili is a large beach park and port on the SE of the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. One of the wettest spots on Earth, with an annual average rainfall of over 11 meters, it is located on the east side of Mount Wai'ale'ale. The high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains resulting in canyons with many scenic waterfalls. Read more about Nawiliwili, USA

Vairao is a small port on the SW peninsula coast of Tahiti in French Polynesia in the South Pacific. The island of Tahiti is like a figure 8 – the smaller part called Tahiti Iti, or “little Tahiti.” (The main part of the island Tahiti Nui or “big Tahiti” is the location of the capital Pape’ete). Vairao port lies on the western coast of Tahiti Iti and is known as a significant site for experienced surfers, with long waves breaking over a coral reef – “perfect left-hander with a steep, hollow barrel at the take-off followed by a long wall for a few hundred metres”. Read more about Vairao, French Polynesia

Mo'orea is French Polynesia's second-most popular tourist attraction after Tahiti. Located a mere seven kilometres west of the island of Tahiti, Mo'orea is distinctive for its jagged peaks cloaked with lush greenery, its white and black sand beaches that are among the finest in the world.The island is encircled by a lagoon of translucent green, fringed by the deep blue of the ocean and light blue sky. Then there are the fascinating threads of waterfalls that tumble down fern-softened cliffs, all of which sets one in awe of the majesty of nature. Read more about Moorea, French Polynesia

The city of Papeete (Tahitian Pape'ete; pop. 27,000) is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian Islands. With its pleasant warm tropical climate, city-lovers will enjoy Papeete's chic shops, specialist stores and boutiques, together with the lively mix of French, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures. Read more about Papeete, French Polynesia

The city of Papeete (Tahitian Pape'ete; pop. 27,000) is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian Islands. With its pleasant warm tropical climate, city-lovers will enjoy Papeete's chic shops, specialist stores and boutiques, together with the lively mix of French, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures. Read more about Papeete, French Polynesia

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, is situated on the SW tip of the North Island, and is set on the edge of a stunning harbour surrounded by rolling hills. As the political centre of New Zealand, it houses Parliamentary buildings as well as the bulk of foreign diplomatic missions. However, it is also renowned for its cafe-culture, as there are more cafes per capita than in New York City, and they rival the world’s top culinary destinations for flavour and variety. Read more about Wellington, New Zealand

Napier is a port city in Hawkes Bay on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is known as the 'Art Deco' capital of the world because following the earthquake which almost levelled the city in 1931 the rapid rebuilding was strongly influenced by Art Deco architecture. The building style of clean simple lines and bas-relief decoration was not only at its height of popularity, it also suited the needs of the city. Read more about Napier, New Zealand

Rotorua (Tauranga) is a centre of tourism and a place of extraordinary natural beauty. It is a smallish city on the shores of a lake of the same name, in the crater of an ancient volcano in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The entire area is thermally active, and the smell of sulphur, a 'rotten eggs’ smell that is never far, results in the nicknames 'Sulphur City' and 'Rottenrua'. Read more about Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand

Auckland, one of New Zealand's most populous cities, is located on the North Island of New Zealand. Auckland, known as Tamaki Makaurau, is based around twin harbours called Waitemata and Manukau Harbour extending up to volcanic hills to the west. Auckland has so much to offer when you combine an urban environment, stunning diverse landscapes and warming polynesian culture. Read more about Auckland, New Zealand

Situated on Australia's east coast is Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales. Cruising guests have the privilege when departing Sydney ports to view the iconic and famous Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge while leaving Sydney Harbour. In 1973, the Opera House completed construction and is the most popular building in Australia and one of the most famous in the world. Read more about Sydney, Australia

Situated on Australia's east coast is Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales. Cruising guests have the privilege when departing Sydney ports to view the iconic and famous Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge while leaving Sydney Harbour. In 1973, the Opera House completed construction and is the most popular building in Australia and one of the most famous in the world. Read more about Sydney, Australia

Queensland's Capital city Brisbane, which boasts more than 280 sunny days annually, is situated in what's called the "sunshine state." Brisbane is renowned for its sophisticated museums and art galleries, gorgeous botanic gardens, premium shopping in the CBD and Moreton Bay. The city is traversed by the Brisbane River, which provides excellent access to the north and south via the public transport system and well-known CityCats. Admire the sights of the river city and explore the riverfront landmarks with the wind in your hair. Read more about Brisbane, Australia

Bordered by the Great Barrier Reef in the calm waters of the Coral Sea, the 74 tropical islands of the Whitsundays lie midway up the Queensland coast. A secluded haven of natural wonders, they are Australia's answer to the cruising grounds of the Caribbean. A visit to the Whitsundays - surrounded by natural beauty, dotted with secluded beaches, and friendly towns from which to explore - is a wonderful experience. Read more about Whitsundays, Australia

Cairns is a Far North Queensland city located on the northeast coast of Australia. This laid-back city is just over a 2 hour flight from Brisbane, Queensland’s state capital. With a backdrop of rainforest mountains, Cairns is known to be the gateway of 2 iconic Australian sites, The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Read more about Cairns, Australia

Cairns is a Far North Queensland city located on the northeast coast of Australia. This laid-back city is just over a 2 hour flight from Brisbane, Queensland’s state capital. With a backdrop of rainforest mountains, Cairns is known to be the gateway of 2 iconic Australian sites, The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Read more about Cairns, Australia

Thursday Island, or 'T.I.' as it's usually known, is the name of the island and the town that is the administrative and commercial centre of the Torres Strait Islands. The island group is off the far north Queensland mainland in Torres Strait, just 39 km north of Cape York Peninsula. The lucrative pearling industry founded in 1885 attracted workers from around Asia, particularly South Pacific Islanders, and this has resulted in a fascinating cultural mosaic. Read more about Thursday Island, Australia

The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. Read more about Darwin, Australia

Rinca Island (pronounced ’rin-cha) is one of the westernmost islands in East Nusa Tenggara Province of Indonesia. Komodo Island lies immediately to the west, and the large island Flores to the east. Rinca, Komodo and Padar are the main islands of Komodo National Park. Read more about Pulau Rinca, Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Semarang, on the N coast of Java, is the capital of the Province of Central Java and one of the largest cities in Indonesia. Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings, especially in the area called The Old City. Here is found the fascinating Dutch fortress that is pentagonal in shape, and nearby the Lawang Sewu building, once a company head office for the Dutch East Indies, with an old locomotive, to name but a few of about 50 old buildings that recall the history of colonialism. Read more about Semarang, Indonesia

Jakarta, located on the NW coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Greater Jakarta is the eleventh largest city in the world with more than 23 million people, and like most of the big cities in the developing countries, it does suffer from urbanisation problems. However many of the locals speak some English and are always friendly and willing to assist visitors if they ask for help. Read more about Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, located on the NW coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Greater Jakarta is the eleventh largest city in the world with more than 23 million people, and like most of the big cities in the developing countries, it does suffer from urbanisation problems. However many of the locals speak some English and are always friendly and willing to assist visitors if they ask for help. Read more about Jakarta, Indonesia

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Kuala Lumpur - or KL as it is known - is situated midway along the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, and as the nation's capital city it is the focal point of the new Malaysia. The city truly brings together Malaysia's past and present and its varied cultures. Visitors can appreciate the evocative British buildings as well as the unbounded spirit of progress that symbolises Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. Read more about Port Klang, Malaysia

Pulau Langkawi, the largest of 99 islands collectively known by the same name, is situated off the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. Since being made a duty-free port in 1987, shopping here is cheaper than anywhere else in Malaysia. Yes, this delightful island's economy is primarily based on tourism. Read more about Langkawi, Malaysia

Penang Island is located on the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, by the Strait of Malacca, while Penang State includes a narrow hinterland that is separated from the island by a channel. All tourists should visit the World Heritage Listed site of George Town. Take a trishaw ride or a guided walking tour to explore the nooks and crannies of George Town which, with its unique architectural and cultural townscape, and where every clanhouse and building represents a page of its colourful history, is definitely a ‘must-see’. Read more about Penang, Malaysia

Phuket is the main town in the SE of an island of the same name, in the south of Thailand. This destination provides perfect silky-soft beaches, together with superb hospitality. With spectacular scenery and warm blue waters, it is not surprising that it is Asia's most popular beach destination. Read more about Phuket, Thailand

Colombo is the largest city, and the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Despite its frenetic traffic and the general hustle and bustle of being where you can see some of the tallest buildings in Asia, it does offer some interesting attractions. In the northern part of the city you can find the British fort, dating from the 19th C, as well as the gracious old buildings of previous colonial eras. Read more about Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is the largest city, and the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Despite its frenetic traffic and the general hustle and bustle of being where you can see some of the tallest buildings in Asia, it does offer some interesting attractions. In the northern part of the city you can find the British fort, dating from the 19th C, as well as the gracious old buildings of previous colonial eras. Read more about Colombo, Sri Lanka

Male, pronounced Mah-lay, is the capital of the island nation the Republic of the Maldives. This is the smallest country of Asia. The delightful skyline of candy-coloured skyscrapers and historic sites indicate that Male is both a city and an island. Read more about Male, Maldives

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya, with a population of almost one million. A regional cultural and economic hub, Mombasa has a prominent port, and is an important regional tourism centre. The fantastic long white sands of Nyali beach offers numerous water sports. Read more about Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya, with a population of almost one million. A regional cultural and economic hub, Mombasa has a prominent port, and is an important regional tourism centre. The fantastic long white sands of Nyali beach offers numerous water sports. Read more about Mombasa, Kenya

The capital of Zanzibar (which can refer to the island Unguja, as well as the whole Archipelago) is Zanzibar City. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar Archipelago is on the Swahili Coast of the Indian Ocean. Read more about Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Republic of

The capital of Zanzibar (which can refer to the island Unguja, as well as the whole Archipelago) is Zanzibar City. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar Archipelago is on the Swahili Coast of the Indian Ocean. Read more about Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Republic of

Maputo, a port city on the Indian Ocean, is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. The centre of many cultures - the Bantu and Portuguese cultures dominate, but the influence of Arab, Indian, and Chinese cultures is also felt - it is often referred to as ‘The Land of Smiles’. It has some beautiful beaches such as Catembe and Ponta d'Ouro, and is also home to a plethora of landmarks. Read more about Maputo, Mozambique

Richards Bay is a city encompassing one of South Africa's largest harbours, a 30 square kilometre lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The deep water harbour has the largest coal export facility in the world as well as large-scale mineral and chemical exports. Tourism is a major industry, with the ocean beach a very popular kite-surfing destination, and a multitude of first class game reserves are within several hours' drive from Richards Bay. Read more about Richards Bay, South Africa

Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and is its busiest port. Its subtropical climate and extensive beaches provide excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers, surfers and swimmers. The Golden Mile, a wide stretch of golden sands, is artificially separated by various piers. Read more about Durban, South Africa

East London, affectionately called Buffalo City by the locals, is situated 1000 km from Cape Town on the SE coast of South Africa. Located at the mouth of Buffalo River, it is the only river port in South Africa. East London is a peaceful area surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Read more about East London, South Africa

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Luderitz is a quirky town lodged in one of the best harbours on the least hospitable coast of Africa. Its appeal as a town lies in the fact that little hasn’t changed since the early 20th century. There are many historic buildings in Luderitz including the Deutsche Afrika Bank, the Railway Station, the Old Post Office, and the Church on the rocks. Read more about Luderitz, Namibia

Walvis Bay, Namibia, lies on the Atlantic coast where the desert dramatically meets the sea, and has long been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. This is the only harbour along the 1350km Namibian coast, hence important historically to vessels rounding the Cape of Good Hope, discovered in 1485. Variously coming under British, German and South African control, The Republic of Namibia became independent in 1990, and Walvis Bay came under its control in 1994. Read more about Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay, Namibia, lies on the Atlantic coast where the desert dramatically meets the sea, and has long been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. This is the only harbour along the 1350km Namibian coast, hence important historically to vessels rounding the Cape of Good Hope, discovered in 1485. Variously coming under British, German and South African control, The Republic of Namibia became independent in 1990, and Walvis Bay came under its control in 1994. Read more about Walvis Bay, Namibia

Luanda, the capital and largest city of Angola, lies on the Atlantic coast. Its Portuguese-speaking urban population of 6 million is a major port, industrial and cultural centre. After 2002, with the end of the 27-year civil war, and strong economic growth from wealth provided by increasing oil and diamond production, major reconstruction began. Read more about Luanda, Nigeria

Takoradi is an important deepwater seaport situated on the gulf of Guinea in southern Ghana. Although older and larger, it actually combined with its sister city Sekondi in 1946, and today, known as Sekondi-Takoradi, is the capital of the Western Region of Ghana. It is also unofficially called the Oil City of Ghana, due to the massive oil discoveries in the western region of Ghana. Read more about Takoradi, Ghana

Dakar, the western-most city on the African mainland, is a very French capital and the largest city of Senegal. A feverish city that brims with life, together with its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, results in it having the most European atmosphere of any city on the continent. To get an excellent view of the city visit Les Mamelles Lighthouse that was built in 1864 and located on a small volcanic hill. Read more about Dakar, Senegal

Agadir is a city in southern Morocco, surrounded by the Sahara Desert, natural parks and beaches. It is not typical of traditional Morocco as it has large buildings, wide roads, European-style cafés and modern hotels, because it was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1960. The delightful beaches are extremely popular, while many visitors enjoy the local cuisine at restaurants that offer authentic Morrocan and French Moroccan fusion dishes. Read more about Agadir, Morocco

Agadir is a city in southern Morocco, surrounded by the Sahara Desert, natural parks and beaches. It is not typical of traditional Morocco as it has large buildings, wide roads, European-style cafés and modern hotels, because it was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1960. The delightful beaches are extremely popular, while many visitors enjoy the local cuisine at restaurants that offer authentic Morrocan and French Moroccan fusion dishes. Read more about Agadir, Morocco

Africa’s second largest city and Morocco’s largest city and chief port, Casablanca (Portuguese for ‘white house’), is located on the Atlantic Ocean in the west of the country. The city has passed through Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and French control, and the famous 1942 film Casablanca reflects its colonial status in the 1940s. Today it is the largest city of the Maghreb (Barbary Coast), land of the Berbers and Moors. Read more about Casablanca, Morocco

Africa’s second largest city and Morocco’s largest city and chief port, Casablanca (Portuguese for ‘white house’), is located on the Atlantic Ocean in the west of the country. The city has passed through Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and French control, and the famous 1942 film Casablanca reflects its colonial status in the 1940s. Today it is the largest city of the Maghreb (Barbary Coast), land of the Berbers and Moors. Read more about Casablanca, Morocco

Seville is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, and represents all that is Andalucian - flamenco, the horses, toros and more. It is a child of the Arab occupation and domain from which it acquired its flourishing architecture and personality. However it was reconquered by the Catholic kings, so it is not surprising that the city's cathedral, built from 1401–1519 and lavishly decorated with a lot of gold evident, sits on the former site of the city's mosque. Read more about Seville, Spain

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

Located in the scenic estuary of the Douro River with swathes of vineyards clinging to the hills, Oporto - aka Porto - is Portugal's second largest metropolis, and one of Europe's most charismatic cities. The city is home to monuments by leading world architects from the past and the present, and some fantastic baroque carvings. Then there’s the world-famous sweet wine, and Ribeira - Its historical centre - that was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. Read more about Oporto, Portugal

Located in the NW corner of Spain, La Coruna is part of the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia. It’s a region of vast green landscapes with a rich Celtic and Roman heritage that keeps, to this day, a mystic and magic allure. Once protected by walls on three sides and by the sea on the other, the lively streets of the early medieval town with good examples of preserved Romanesque architecture, make for a fascinating visit. Read more about La Coruna, Spain

Paris, situated on the river Seine in northern France, is the capital and largest city of the country. It is also the most visited city in the world, and the region is home to 3,800 historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Interestingly, the earliest archaeological signs of permanent settlements in the Paris area date from around 4200 BC. Read more about Paris, France

Dover, the world’s busiest ferry port, is located in the county of Kent, England, at the extreme SE corner of Britain. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, 35 km away across the Straits of Dover. Possibly best known for its lyrically famous ‘White Cliffs’, archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for peoples entering and leaving Britain, and this continues to this day. Read more about Dover, Great Britain

Greenwich Pier on the River Thames in the London borough of Greenwich, UK, is upstream from the London Barrage, and downstream from the heart of London. The name says you are within walking distance of the historic Royal Observatory, Greenwich (now a museum), marking zero degrees longitude, where you can be photographed with one foot in the Eastern hemisphere and one foot in the Western hemisphere. View historic astronomic and navigational tools vital to Britain’s ships since 1675, railways since 1847, and the Prime Meridian since 1884. Read more about Greenwich, Great Britain

Greenwich Pier on the River Thames in the London borough of Greenwich, UK, is upstream from the London Barrage, and downstream from the heart of London. The name says you are within walking distance of the historic Royal Observatory, Greenwich (now a museum), marking zero degrees longitude, where you can be photographed with one foot in the Eastern hemisphere and one foot in the Western hemisphere. View historic astronomic and navigational tools vital to Britain’s ships since 1675, railways since 1847, and the Prime Meridian since 1884. Read more about Greenwich, Great Britain

Greenwich Pier on the River Thames in the London borough of Greenwich, UK, is upstream from the London Barrage, and downstream from the heart of London. The name says you are within walking distance of the historic Royal Observatory, Greenwich (now a museum), marking zero degrees longitude, where you can be photographed with one foot in the Eastern hemisphere and one foot in the Western hemisphere. View historic astronomic and navigational tools vital to Britain’s ships since 1675, railways since 1847, and the Prime Meridian since 1884. Read more about Greenwich, Great Britain

Dover, the world’s busiest ferry port, is located in the county of Kent, England, at the extreme SE corner of Britain. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, 35 km away across the Straits of Dover. Possibly best known for its lyrically famous ‘White Cliffs’, archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for peoples entering and leaving Britain, and this continues to this day. Read more about Dover, Great Britain

Read more about English Channel, Great Britain

This capital and largest city of Ireland is situated on the mid-east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin has more green spaces per square kilometre than any other European capital city, with 97% of city residents living within 300 meters of a park area. But Dublin’s greatest draw remains Dubliners themselves, both native-born and blown in. Read more about Dublin, Ireland

Holyhead is the largest town on the island of Anglesey, off the coast of Wales, and is perhaps known best for being a busy ferry port. It is also well known for offering easy access to some of the best attractions in the country. Subsequently, visitors typically spend the whole day on day trips through Wales to see, for example, the three nearby medieval castle towns, the more distant Snowdonia National Park and the Ffestiniog Steam Railway. Read more about Holyhead, Great Britain

Liverpool lies along the Mersey Estuary in England, UK. Not only is it extremely well known for the Beatles and other groups from the Merseybeat era, it is also home to the oldest Black African and Chinese communities in Europe. In addition, several areas of the city have been granted World Heritage Site status. Read more about Liverpool, Great Britain

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, and is currently experiencing a successful tourist boom. One of the most visited cities in the UK, Belfast has plenty of attractions and is a good base from which to visit virtually anywhere else in the North. In the city centre concentrate on the glories resulting from the Industrial Revolution – grandiose architecture and magnificent Victorian pubs – and the rejuvenated area from Ann Street to Donegall Street now known as the Cathedral quarter. Read more about Belfast, Great Britain

Ullapool is a small village on the shores of Loch Broom in the Highlands of Scotland, about an hour north of Inverness. It is the largest settlement for many miles around, and is a major tourist destination of Scotland. The North Atlantic Drift passes by Ullapool, bringing mild temperatures. Read more about Ullapool, Great Britain

The Orkney Islands, an archipelago of more than 70 islands, graced with temperate weather warmed by the Gulf Stream, feature some of the most dramatic coastal scenery. There are sea cliffs, some over 300m, descending to sooth white-sand beaches. Yet even more fascinating are the more than 1,000 prehistoric sites that have been found here. Read more about Orkney Islands, Great Britain

Scotland's showcase capital of Edinburgh has a magnificent geographical location, perched on a series of extinct volcanos and rocky crags above the flatlands. The setting is wonderfully striking, as the modern city is often said to be built on seven hills. Both a historic and modern city, this metropolis is home to the largest arts festival in the world. Read more about Edinburgh, Great Britain

Aberdeen is situated on the banks of the rivers Dee and Don on the mid-eastern coast of Scotland, and is its third largest city. It is home to many diverse attractions and has long been famous for its parks, gardens and floral displays, hence its name “Flower of Scotland.” Imagine seeing two million roses, eleven million daffodils and three million crocuses! It is also known as “the Granite City” or “the Silver City” on account of the grey, sometimes sparkling stone used in the older buildings. Read more about Aberdeen, Great Britain

Lerwick is the capital and main port of the Shetland Islands, Scotland, located more than 160 km off the north coast of mainland Great Britain. Open to shipping in all weathers, it operates around-the-clock. Lerwick has strong ties with Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway, and this is reflected in the street names of the port. Read more about Lerwick, Great Britain

Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, is located in the county of Hordaland on the SW coast of Norway. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is the starting point for fjord tours and cruises as it is located midway between the main Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The city was one of nine European cities honoured with the title of European Capital of Culture in the Millennium year. Read more about Bergen, Norway

Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, is located in the county of Hordaland on the SW coast of Norway. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is the starting point for fjord tours and cruises as it is located midway between the main Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The city was one of nine European cities honoured with the title of European Capital of Culture in the Millennium year. Read more about Bergen, Norway

Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, is located in the county of Hordaland on the SW coast of Norway. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is the starting point for fjord tours and cruises as it is located midway between the main Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The city was one of nine European cities honoured with the title of European Capital of Culture in the Millennium year. Read more about Bergen, Norway

Eidfjord, a municipality in the county of Hordaland in Norway, has two townships: Eidfjord that is the ‘City Centre’ as well as the major cruise harbour, and Ovre Eidfjord. Eidfjord offers visitors two options, either the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery - the fjord landscapes are luxuriant with green mountain sides and white mountain tops - or to actively explore the hiking trails that surround Eidfjord. Most visit the impressive Sima Power Plant that is built into the mountain itself, while many also travel or hike to the ‘historical’ mountain farm Kjeasen. Read more about Eidfjord, Norway

Stavanger, a city on the SW coast of Norway, grew to become among the most influential Norwegian cities in the late 1900s when oil was discovered in the North Sea. Today a vibrant city, but still with its small town appeal, the picturesque harbour with the quiet streets of the old town climbing up from the water’s edge, is the centre from which the city radiates across a network of islands interlaced with graceful bridges. The area is very popular for hiking, so if time permits visit the Pulpit Rock - a massive rock that overhangs the fjord at a height of 604 metres. Read more about Stavanger, Norway

Oslo, the capital and most populous city in Norway, lies between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills of Oslomarka. The combination of city life and easy access to outdoor activities makes Oslo a unique destination. Oslo is built in a horseshoe shape on the shores of the Oslofjord and limited in most directions by hills and forests. Read more about Oslo, Norway

Oslo, the capital and most populous city in Norway, lies between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills of Oslomarka. The combination of city life and easy access to outdoor activities makes Oslo a unique destination. Oslo is built in a horseshoe shape on the shores of the Oslofjord and limited in most directions by hills and forests. Read more about Oslo, Norway

Aalborg is located in the north of Jutland, Denmark. The local tourist board calls it the "little Paris of the North". Although this may seem a bit far-fetched, the location by the Limfjord is truly superb, and the town is well worth a visit. Read more about Aalborg, Denmark

Copenhagen, situated on two islands, is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and also being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It has a very high quality of life. Read more about Copenhagen, Denmark

Passengers on ships visiting Berlin typically dock at the north eastern port of Warnemunde and go directly to the capital of Germany that is just a three hour train or coach ride away. Berlin, completely devastated in WW11, has amazingly seen the reconstruction of its sixteenth-century core that exists in the Nikolaiviertel, while nearby stand many rebuilt 19th C buildings from the time of the Second Reich. Little from the Third Reich has been rebuilt, except for the 1936 Olympic Stadium. Read more about Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany

The Danish town of Rønne, the largest on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, is home to 15 medieval churches - four of which are Round Churches - that display unique artwork and architecture. In the colourful Old Quarter with its cobbled streets one finds some notable examples of 19th and early 20th century architecture that include half-timbered houses and interesting museums. Ronne is also well known for its arts and crafts, especially the delightful clay pottery and glass souvenirs made on site. Read more about Ronne, Denmark

Gdansk lies on the southern edge of Gdansk Bay on the Baltic coast, and is Poland’s principal seaport. From a trading base for the once-mighty Teutonic Knights to the birthplace of modern Poland, the city drips history. Today Gdansk, with its painstakingly reconstructed and very charming Old Town, is perfectly located at the heart of the coast, and is the showpiece of Poland's north. Read more about Gdansk, Poland

Tallinn, capital of Estonia, is dominated by the amazing 13th century Toompea Castle towering over the rest of the city. Having always been the seat of power in Estonia, it is appropriately home to the country’s Parliament today. Tallinn was named the European Capital of Culture in 2011, and its Medieval city centre, the most amazing part of Tallinn, truly must be explored. Read more about Tallinn, Estonia

The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden