Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway & Belgium

The Westfjords in northwest Iceland is a remote and sparsely populated peninsula of steep, tall mountains cut by dozens of fjords. The raw and untamed natural landscape around Ísafjörður is characterized by a subarctic environment. A colourful show of blooming tundra wildflowers carpets the mountain slopes and valleys during the short, cool summer. Keep your binoculars handy. Iceland's western fjords are prime whale watching waters and, if your luck's in, you may just spot a tell-tale spout of water.

Established in the mid-17th century, Akureyri is home to Iceland's largest fishing company and its biggest shipyard. Viking sagas, spectacular fjords, snow-capped mountains... Iceland's Capital of the North is also surprisingly mild and the so-called Green Town is made for those long summer days.

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful art nouveau architecture. This owes to a devastating fire that burned a large part of the city to the ground in 1904. The entire town was subsequently rebuilt in the fashionable art nouveau style of the time. Take the opportunity to wander Ålesund’s charming cobblestone streets and admire the numerous spires, towers and highly-ornate buildings. Norway is a seafood nation and Ålesund is its fisheries capital. Take the opportunity to visit the Norwegian Aquarium - built directly into the rocky coastline, the aquarium is also an architectural marvel. Due to excellent oceanic conditions along the Norwegian coast, the aquarium features a colourful and exciting range of fish and fauna, including octopus, seals and penguins.

Sailing through Norway's beautiful Sognefjord, the worlds longest and deepest fjord, is one of the most memorable cruise experiences. Overlooked by snow-capped peaks and surrounded by cascading waterfalls, this is a sensational approach to the tiny village of Flam, which nestles in the innermost part of Sognefjord.

Unlock this fascinating "Gateway to the Fjords", Norway's second-largest city, Bergen is home to over 200,000 people. Maritime trade and oil industry are still vital to the city's economy. Visit medieval wooden houses on the waterfront and peek inside the workshops of local painters, weavers and craftsmen where works of art - some better than others - await discovery.

Strikingly beautiful, this city is famed for its concentric canals crossed by humpbacked bridges, and cyclist-friendly avenues of tall trees and gabled houses. Savour the charming sites of this beautiful city on foot, a canal boat tour or get a bike for the most authentic experience. Known as The Venice of the North', Amsterdam's bustling canals, world-famous museums and historical sights are a must-see.

Zeebrugge is your gateway to Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. The old capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, Brussels is famed for its fine cuisine and is also capital of the European Union. Bruges and Ghent are perhaps the best-preserved cities in Northern Europe. Bruges is a fairy-tale city where medieval edifices, proud bridges and overhanging trees admire their beautiful reflections in glassy canals. Around its waterways quaint cobbled streets lead you to markets, museums and churches.

The UK's premier passenger ship port, located in the picturesque English county of Hampshire, Southampton is a vibrant waterfront city, serviced by direct trains to London, an airport, and an international cruise terminal. Explore the city’s maritime heritage and links to RMS Titanic in the Sea City Museum, see contemporary British art in the Cultural Quarter, or walk the medieval walls in the Old Town. Further afield you’ll find The New Forest National Park, Winchester Cathedral, Stonehenge, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Isle of Wight, while the city’s thriving craft beer and culinary scene will leave you spoilt for choice.