Grand European Sojourn & the Arctic Circle

Portugal's bustling capital showcases a rich contrast of the historical and modern. Situated near the Tagus River and endlessly sunny, Lisbon embodies a unique beauty and an internationally acclaimed architectural singularity. Its charming hilly neighborhoods boast winding, cobblestone streets and pastel-painted homes and cafés, which happily serve up the city’s signature cuisine, including pastel de nata and custard tarts. From imposing Sao Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the city’s Old Town, Tagus Estuary, and suspension bridge; the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles.

Vigo sits pretty along an estuary on the northwest coast in the province of Galacia, close to the Portuguese border. Boasting a lively ambience, atmospheric Old Town, and dynamic cultural scene, Vigo is the perfect seaside town, best explored by foot or bike. With its strategic location in the northwest corner of Spain, Vigo was constantly fought over during the many periods of war between Spain, Britain, and France. Nearby Baiona is a town with a medieval historical center situated by the outlet of Vigo Bay. On March 1, 1493, the Pinta, one of the ships from Columbus’ voyage to discover the New World, returned to Europe and arrived in Baiona, making the town’s port the first to receive news of the discovery of America. A replica of the ship can be visited, and the event is celebrated every year. Vigo is your gateway to the UNESCO-Awarded town of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galacia region.

Vigo sits pretty along an estuary on the northwest coast in the province of Galacia, close to the Portuguese border. Boasting a lively ambience, atmospheric Old Town, and dynamic cultural scene, Vigo is the perfect seaside town, best explored by foot or bike. With its strategic location in the northwest corner of Spain, Vigo was constantly fought over during the many periods of war between Spain, Britain, and France. Nearby Baiona is a town with a medieval historical center situated by the outlet of Vigo Bay. On March 1, 1493, the Pinta, one of the ships from Columbus’ voyage to discover the New World, returned to Europe and arrived in Baiona, making the town’s port the first to receive news of the discovery of America. A replica of the ship can be visited, and the event is celebrated every year. Vigo is your gateway to the UNESCO-Awarded town of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galacia region.

On the northwesternmost corner of Spain lies La Coruña, a distinguished city favored by history for its strategically important placement. Its most prized landmark is the 2nd-century Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest Roman lighthouse still in use, a colossal structure that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through graceful María Pita Square, named for the revered 16th-century Coruñan woman who inspired a successful counterattack on Sir Francis Drake’s intimidating English Armada. At the spectacular Aquarium Finisterre, gaze at myriad undersea creatures through massive glass panes, perhaps continuing your exploration of the city’s striking shoreline at the formidable San Antón Castle, a terrifically preserved 16th century fortification. Should you strike out to the lovely countryside, quaint villages such as Betanzos will delight you with houses that showcase the region’s distinctive glass-paned balconies. Don’t forget to visit one of La Coruña’s inviting tabernas, where excellent seafood is complemented by the lively conversation of friendly locals.

Just south of the Bay of Bisbay in northcentral Spain sits mountain-backdropped Bilboa. The town’s remarkable landscapes and defining architecture, including the Guggenheim Museum and Catedral de Santiago, only begin to express its charm. Known as one of the secret treasures of Spain, Bilbao comes with a cultural allure that few can resist. Bask in Bilbao’s rolling green hills and breathtaking coastline, enjoy Michelin-inspired restaurants, and stroll Old Town’s endless cobblestone streets filled with wine bars and bistros. Indulge in traditional Basque cuisine, including classics like pintxos and bacalao al pil-pil.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing port on the Basque coast and now a famous resort, known for its architecture, sandy bay, the quality of the light and the cuisine. The town is located south of Biarritz, on the right bank of the river Nivelle (French for Urdazuri) opposite to Ciboure. The port lies on the estuary just before the river joins the ocean.

France’s Atlantic shore between Pointe de Grave, at the mouth of the Gironde River, and Biarritz, at the foot of the Pyrenées, is known as Côte d’Argent. The river narrows near Bordeaux, center to one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions. More than 10,000 vineyards dot the countryside, providing most of the Epicurean nation’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Savignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Bordeaux reveals itself through taste and texture, historic stone façades, vine-covered hills, and the simple pleasure of lingering over a perfectly chosen glass. With hundreds of historical buildings and monuments, dozens of art galleries and museums, and distinctive French cuisine, Bordeaux is simply unmissable.

France’s Atlantic shore between Pointe de Grave, at the mouth of the Gironde River, and Biarritz, at the foot of the Pyrenées, is known as Côte d’Argent. The river narrows near Bordeaux, center to one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions. More than 10,000 vineyards dot the countryside, providing most of the Epicurean nation’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Savignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Bordeaux reveals itself through taste and texture, historic stone façades, vine-covered hills, and the simple pleasure of lingering over a perfectly chosen glass. With hundreds of historical buildings and monuments, dozens of art galleries and museums, and distinctive French cuisine, Bordeaux is simply unmissable.

France’s Atlantic shore between Pointe de Grave, at the mouth of the Gironde River, and Biarritz, at the foot of the Pyrenées, is known as Côte d’Argent. The river narrows near Bordeaux, center to one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions. More than 10,000 vineyards dot the countryside, providing most of the Epicurean nation’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Savignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Bordeaux reveals itself through taste and texture, historic stone façades, vine-covered hills, and the simple pleasure of lingering over a perfectly chosen glass. With hundreds of historical buildings and monuments, dozens of art galleries and museums, and distinctive French cuisine, Bordeaux is simply unmissable.

Nestled off the coast of Brittany in the Bay of Biskay, Belle Île (meaning “beautiful island”) is defined by its rugged coastline dotted with fissured cliffs, natural harbors, and sandy beaches. Explore the island by foot or bike, itself a nature preserve rich in shifting sand dunes, heathered moors, and protected orchids. The 16th-century Vaubun Citadel, the church of Locmaria, and the lighthouse of Gouphar are defining landmarks on this tiny island, perhaps no less approachable than the village charm of cobbled streets, outdoor markets, and delightful cafés.

This beautiful coastal town with a handful of harbors is located at the mouth of the Pouldavid River, an estuary on the southern shore of Douarnenez Bay. The opportune location allows easy access to the area’s untouched beaches, perfect for strolling and lounging. Experience the quaint atmosphere of Douarnenez’s lively quaysides and narrow streets dotted with craft workshops, fishermen’s cottages, and patisseries.

Boasting an immensely picturesque coastline, the Channel Island of Guernsey has long attracted artists such as Auguste Renoir to its welcoming shores. In the capital of St. Peter Port, wander through commanding Castle Cornet, a 13th-century marvel of military engineering that sits on a rocky headland jutting out at sea. Admire some of the earliest heated glass houses at the Candie Gardens, whose elegantly landscaped grounds are laid out with Victorian thoughtfulness and contemplate Victor Hugo’s not entirely uncomfortable exile at Hauteville House, the splendid manor where he wrote Les Miserables. Hop on a bicycle to explore the picturesque hills and dales of the island, perhaps riding past a herd of the island’s famed namesake cows, and revitalize at an authentic tea house, where age-old traditions are carefully observed. For that perfect keepsake, shop along cobbled streets overflowing with charm, maybe pausing at a fresh-caught seafood restaurant for a taste of the island’s famed crab. No matter how you choose to spend your time, the leisurely pace of life in delightful Guernsey will replenish your spirit.

One of the Channel Islands, the beautiful, steep island of Sark rises from the sea, outshined only by its scenic coastline. Three intimate harbors—Creux, La Maseline, and Havre Gosselin—allow for anchorage and easy access to its sheltered beaches. Sark is one of the few remaining islands where cars are banned and only bicycles and horse-drawn vehicles are permitted on its roads.

At approximately 20 miles wide at its narrowest point, the Strait of Dover is the slimmest section of the English Channel. As you pass through the strait, on a clear day the White Cliffs of Dover and the landscape of Calais, France come into view.

One of the world’s major seaports sitting pretty on the Scheldt River, Antwerp gained fame as the center of the diamond industry as well as its longstanding history for celebrating the fine arts. Its celebration of art and design can be seen in almost every corner of the city, including its museums, art galleries, and architecture. Because Antwerp is home to over 150 different nationalities, making it ethnically rich, it is home to incredible Napalese, Moroccan and Arabic cuisine. Of course, chocolate, coffee, and frites (fries, served up in your favorite frituur) are staples in this lovely, strollable city.

A dynamic mix of history and maritime culture, with a modern look and feel, the Netherlands’ city of Rotterdam is particularly impressive for its beautiful harbor, bold post-World War II architecture, and thriving art scene bursting with galleries and museums. Discover iconic landmarks like the Cube Houses, Overblaak Development, Markthal, and Erasmus Bridge, discover maritime history at the Maritime Museum, and stroll or cycle neighborhoods like trendy Witte de With and seventeenth-century Delfshaven, home to canalside shopping and dining.

Texel Island is located in the West Frisian Islands region of the Netherlands. As part of the remote Dutch Wadden island group that divides the North Sea from the shallow waters of the Wadden Sea, Texel is small and secluded, approximately twenty-five miles long and seven miles wide. Almost one-third of the island is allocated to nature reserves boasting deciduous and pine forest, heath, mudflats, and salt marshes. With miles of coastline, Texel’s beaches are beautifully widespread, serene, and perfect for a long walk. The highest point of the island is the dune, sitting in the Dunes of Texel National Park, providing an important respite for seals, sheep, terns and ducks, and Scottish Highlanders, best explored by bike.

Thrill to one of the world’s most unique sailing experiences, a transit of the storied Kiel Canal. The idea for a waterway connecting the Baltic and North Seas was conceived by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck during the Danish-German War of 1864, as the Germans were keen to avoid Danish hostility while sailing around the Jutland Peninsula. The ambitious project, however, didn’t come to fruition until 1895 under the auspices of Wilhelm II, albeit right on budget. These days, the canal’s purpose is primarily mercantile. While transiting, look out over a famously flat landscape of well-tended fields, dense forests and quaint villages, and pass under a succession of steel overpasses, including the fascinating Rendsburg High Bridge, both a railway viaduct and a transporter bridge. When you emerge into the open sea, you’ll have the satisfaction of having undertaken a remarkable transit only available to smaller vessels.

There’s much to treasure in glorious Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities. No visit is complete without indulging your inner child at the Tivoli Gardens, a fantastical amusement park and pleasure garden that melds the atmosphere of 19th-century Europe with recreations of Far East architecture, all amid wonderfully manicured grounds. After paying your respects to the city’s iconic statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid, shop to your heart’s content on Strøget, an elegant lane flanked by sophisticated boutiques housed in graceful buildings. Although its exterior is handsomely austere, the interior rooms of the 18th-century Christiansborg Palace are sure to dazzle you with their extravagant stucco ceilings, brilliant chandeliers and gilded furniture. Fast forward to the 19th century at the spectacular Copenhagen Botanical Garden, where innumerable plant species are showcased in absolutely stunning historical glasshouses. Should you have the stomach for it, take in the entire city from the tower of the Church of our Saviour, which must be reached via vertiginous exterior spiral staircase. No matter how you’ve spent your day, a terrific place to wind down is the quayside Nyhavn district, where colorful historic buildings host an eclectic choice of cafés, bars and restaurants.

The town of Lysekil sits on Sweden’s Bohuslän Coast, where the mouth of Gullmarsfjorden faces the open sea. The Stångehuvuds Nature Reserve, affording incredible sea views from its red granite cliffs, are joined by a white lighthouse. In the Old Town, cobblestone streets and café-lined alleyways reveal perfectly manicured houses, several of which bear plaques telling the story of their history. Towering above Lysekil’s skyline, Lysekil Church was built entirely from granite and completed in 1901, in part as a navigation marker for seafarers.

Norway is a land steeped in myth, where irascible gods armed with frost and lightning once inspired Viking clans to plunder foreign lands. These days, genteel customs imported from mainland Europe have softened the country’s hard edges, but traces of an unruly past still abound. The exceptional museums dotting the Bygdøy Peninsula hold some of the city’s foremost attractions, including a thousand-year-old longship that was preserved in mud and the 12th-century Gol Stave Church, an exemplar of Norway’s distinctive wood sanctuaries. No less fascinating is a visit to the 1892 Fram, a legendary ship revered for her vital role in early polar explorations. To witness the evolution of Oslo’s soul, contrast battle-hardened Akershus Fortress, a ruggedly elegant citadel wrapped in nearly impregnable ramparts, with the neoclassical Royal Palace, whose formal exterior encloses sumptuously appointed rooms. You might wish to view Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream, which hangs in the outstanding Norwegian National Gallery amid priceless European and Scandinavian masterworks. In expansive Frogner Park, wander among Gustav Vigeland’s thought-provoking sculptures, and if you’ve worked up an appetite, choose among the many restaurants and cafés lining the charming waterfront district of Aker Brygge.

Norway is a land steeped in myth, where irascible gods armed with frost and lightning once inspired Viking clans to plunder foreign lands. These days, genteel customs imported from mainland Europe have softened the country’s hard edges, but traces of an unruly past still abound. The exceptional museums dotting the Bygdøy Peninsula hold some of the city’s foremost attractions, including a thousand-year-old longship that was preserved in mud and the 12th-century Gol Stave Church, an exemplar of Norway’s distinctive wood sanctuaries. No less fascinating is a visit to the 1892 Fram, a legendary ship revered for her vital role in early polar explorations. To witness the evolution of Oslo’s soul, contrast battle-hardened Akershus Fortress, a ruggedly elegant citadel wrapped in nearly impregnable ramparts, with the neoclassical Royal Palace, whose formal exterior encloses sumptuously appointed rooms. You might wish to view Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream, which hangs in the outstanding Norwegian National Gallery amid priceless European and Scandinavian masterworks. In expansive Frogner Park, wander among Gustav Vigeland’s thought-provoking sculptures, and if you’ve worked up an appetite, choose among the many restaurants and cafés lining the charming waterfront district of Aker Brygge.

Skagen sits at the northernmost point of Denmark, tucked in a peninsula where the North Sea meets the Baltic Sea. This remote coastal town, settled in 1400s as a fishing village, provides stunning landscapes of white-sand beaches, unwavering grassland, and verdant forest. Notable is its Old Church, which since 1775 has been buried in sand, and the Skagen Museum, holding the impressionist works of the Skagen Painters, who drew inspiration from the area’s abundant natural light. To the south lies Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s most prominent migrating sand dunes.

The romantic village of Rosendal, Norway sits pretty on the Hardangerfjord. Discover its historic charm and maritime culture through Kvinnherad Church, built in 1255, The Folgefonn Center, the Skaaluren Ship Building Museum, and Scandinavia’s smallest castle, the Barony Rosendal manor house and gardens. Hike the Myrdalsvatnet Trail or explore Folgefonna National Park and glacier lake, an impressive mix of dramatic fjords, lakes, and waterfalls, perfect for kayaking.

Oslo is capital, but Bergen is the quintessential Norwegian city. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen (“the docks”) is filled with carefully preserved wooden buildings. Restored as shops, cafés, and museums, the attractive district looks as though it was lifted from another century. Stroll across Fisketorget, the open-air fish market and allow your senses to take it all in (and be sure to sample some fresh shrimp or smoked peppered mackerel). Ride the funicular to the top of Mount Fløien and admire the sweeping view before heading off to visit composer Edvard Grieg’s birth home.

A quaint village nestled among the awe-inspiring landscapes of Norway’s towering Sognefjord, Vik exudes a raw, natural Norwegian charm. With its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and small-town ambiance, it creates the perfect opportunity to create your own perfect day.

Located at the mouth of the Oldeelva River at the northern end of the Oldedalen Valley on the southern shore of the Nordfjorden, sits the charming village of Olden. Surrounded by steep mountains, blue glaciers, and bubbling waterfalls, Olden presents abundant kayaking, hiking, and biking opportunities. Olden is your gateway to the Jostedal Glacier, Europe’s largest mainland glacier, part of Jostedal Glacier National Park. Jostedal separates two of the longest fjords in the world, the Sognefjord and the Nordfjord.

Måløy sits on the southeastern side of the island of Vågsøy, surrounded by the Stadhavet Sea. As a coastal town immersed in nature, you’ll find abundant sheltered beaches like Refviksanden to explore. Perhaps hike to one of Måløy’s four scenic lighthouses, guiding ships safely around the sea passage of Stad for centuries. The extraordinarily shaped rock formation Kannesteinen stands today as an impressive monument on Vågsøy.

Perched at the entrance of the Geirangerfjord, itself featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Ålesund is the gateway to some of the region’s most spectacular fjords. Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau, was popular at the turn of the twentieth century when designers incorporated it into the city’s architecture. Ålesund's Museum houses photos and a model of the 1898 town layout, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. SeaDream anchors overnight here to enable guests to fully enjoy this beautiful seaside town on Norway’s west coast, with ample time for strolling, kayaking, hiking, or exploring some of the nearby fjords.

Perched at the entrance of the Geirangerfjord, itself featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Ålesund is the gateway to some of the region’s most spectacular fjords. Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau, was popular at the turn of the twentieth century when designers incorporated it into the city’s architecture. Ålesund's Museum houses photos and a model of the 1898 town layout, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. SeaDream anchors overnight here to enable guests to fully enjoy this beautiful seaside town on Norway’s west coast, with ample time for strolling, kayaking, hiking, or exploring some of the nearby fjords.

The bustling fishing town of Rørvik, dotted with colorful wooden buildings, is at the center of Vikna, an archipelago of islands and skerries on Norway’s west coast. Surrounded by nature and tall mountains that soar above the blue Ofotfjord, the area teems with wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts will find kayaking and hiking opportunities here.

Norway’s celebrated archipelago of islands is heralded for its dramatic scenery, with peaks like the Svolvaergeita pinnacle jutting up into the sky. This is where majestic mountains meet brilliantly white sandy beaches, fishing villages dot the coastlines, and hiking trails crisscross their way through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Norway. Reine, an authentic fishing village in Lofoten renowned for its scenic location by the majestic Lofoten peaks, is your gateway to the Lofoten Islands.

Norway’s celebrated archipelago of islands is heralded for its dramatic scenery, with peaks like the Svolvaergeita pinnacle jutting up into the sky. This is where majestic mountains meet brilliantly white sandy beaches, fishing villages dot the coastlines, and hiking trails crisscross their way through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Norway. Reine, an authentic fishing village in Lofoten renowned for its scenic location by the majestic Lofoten peaks, is your gateway to the Lofoten Islands.

Norway’s celebrated archipelago of islands is heralded for its dramatic scenery, with peaks like the Svolværgeita pinnacle jutting up into the sky. This is where majestic mountains meet brilliantly white sandy beaches, fishing villages dot the coastlines, and hiking trails crisscross their way through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Norway. Against the backdrop of the midnight sun and small villages, SeaDream overnights in Lofoten.

Nowhere are there fjords to match the grandeur of those in Norway, where the clear water reflects the mountains like a mirror. Sail between soaring granite cliffs and spy mountainside farms, charming villages, and an array of wildlife along this stunning coastline.

If you’re seeking a northern Eden, it doesn’t get much closer than Tromsø, an unhurried city cradled by spectacular fjords and titanic mountains. Among nature’s most magnificent displays, marvel at the nightless days of the midnight sun. Wind along the glasslike waters of the Balsfjorden, Kaldfjorden, Ullsfjorden and Malangen fjords, watching achingly beautiful panoramas unfold as you keep a sharp eye out for seals, eagles and reindeer. In Tromsø, delight in the angular forms of the Arctic Cathedral, which evokes a steep, snow-coated mountain or slabs of ice jutting into the sky. A short distance away, ride a cable car to nearly 1,400 feet above sea level for sweeping views of the town and the intense blues, greens and whites of the surrounding scenery. Examine a unique array of cold-climate plants at the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, which showcases specimens from far-flung lands such as Tibet, and unwind with a cold one at celebrated Macks Ølbryggeri, a local institution that is proud to be “the world’s northernmost brewery.”