11 Nights Europe, Northern

The capital and cultural centre of the Netherlands is dually considered a gracious, formal cultural centre and the most offbeat metropolis in the world. Some of the best art in the world, including that by Van Gogh, is showcased in over 40 fine museums. Its attractive canals and gabled houses are a popular subject for local burgeoning painters.

The oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities has some of Europe's best museums and offers a reprieve from the intense Norwegian wilderness - although panoramic vistas exist. Oslo is primarily modern in design and architecture, and it is noted for its many museums, historic buildings and public statues, including Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum.

The largest city in Scandinavia, built on two islands, is a cozy metropolis that is often referred to as the "Paris of the North." Its winding streets, timbered houses and 12th-century castles evoke Copenhagen's past. Copenhagen is especially known for cafe culture and thrilling nightlife.

The largest city in Scandinavia, built on two islands, is a cozy metropolis that is often referred to as the "Paris of the North." Its winding streets, timbered houses and 12th-century castles evoke Copenhagen's past. Copenhagen is especially known for cafe culture and thrilling nightlife.

Visby was the main centre of the Hanseatic League of the Baltic from the 12th to 14th centuries. Its 13th-century ramparts and more than 200 warehouses and trading establishments from these periods make it the best-preserved fortified commercial city in Northern Europe.

Experience Stockholm's beauty from the water (as much as Amsterdam and Venice) or the many faces of the city's distinct neighborhoods, stages, museums and parks. The magnificent heights of Söder and Gamla Stan, dating from the Middle Ages, are very different from Djurgården´s fantastic woods and the shopping thoroughfares around Stureplan. Take a walk through the atmospheric back streets of Gamla to admire its 17th century buildings. Visit Mårten charming and narrowTrotzig´s Alley which measures only 35 inches across!

Founded during the Viking Age, Aarhus is a compact and vibrant city perfect for history buffs and lovers of the arts and culture. Head to the bustling Latin Quarter, lined with cafes, boutique shops and cutting-edge restaurants on your next Denmark cruise. Take a short walk to Aarhus Cathedral to see the tallest church in Denmark. Cant get enough art and history? Youre in luck: Aarhus was recently named European Capital of Culture. Its myriad museums include the Moesgaard History Museum, Aros Aarhus Art Museum and Den Gamle By, nestled in an open-air botanical garden.

The capital and cultural centre of the Netherlands is dually considered a gracious, formal cultural centre and the most offbeat metropolis in the world. Some of the best art in the world, including that by Van Gogh, is showcased in over 40 fine museums. Its attractive canals and gabled houses are a popular subject for local burgeoning painters.