Amsterdam is an eclectic mix of old and new, historical charm and cosmopolitan flair. It’s a blend of cultures, but still quintessentially Dutch. The people-watching is rewarding, and the quest for rich history is even more so. Take a boat tour along the canals to enjoy the distinct and beautiful personalities of the many bridges you’ll see.

Modern-day Gdansk is a beautiful seaside town, with a lovingly restored Old City. In this vibrant atmosphere, it’s easy to forget that the first shots of World War II were fired here—and that this is also where history took another sharp turn when the shipyard’s dockworkers, led by Lech Waesa, brought down the Communist government. Reconstruction after the war was commendably sensitive. Gdansk’s newly built Old City feels thoroughly authentic and lived-in by the locals. You can still see the shipyards where Lech Walesa and the embattled Solidarity dockworkers made history, about a 15-minute walk north of the Old City. Visit the Roads to Freedom museum, which details the tense moments of those years in the 1980s. Central Gdansk is one of the most pleasantly walkable cities in central Europe.

Picturesque cobblestone streets, Medieval architecture and preserved city ruins make Visby, Sweden a must-see destination during a Scandinavian cruise. Visby is quaint but not provincial. As the capital of the island of Gotland and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Visby a popular tourism spot in Sweden and home to a population of less than 25,000 people. In August, Medieval Week attracts plenty of visitors from all over Sweden, so you can expect the city to bustle and glow brightly in summer. The other months of the year, it’s a little quieter, but no less quaint.

During a few hours stopped in Visby, you can visit several of the town’s major sights. The 12th-century city walls make a stunning vista for both photo ops and panoramic views of Visby. Stroll around the 150-year-old botanical garden. Spend time in the square of Stora Torget, where people watching and romantic cafes will capture your heart. If you’re curious about the history of Visby, stop in the Gotland Museum to discover more about the island, including tidbits on how the Vikings began their settlement in the Medieval period. There’s truly no wrong way to experience Visby on a cruise.

The medieval capital of Estonia, Tallinn is a compact maze of cobbled streets, breathtaking scenery and historical buildings.

Explore the city’s art scene by visiting one of the many striking exhibitions, or watch the artists at work blowing glass, quilting or throwing clay.

Take a walking tour up Toompea Hill to Palace Square, where you can visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, which dominates the city skyline.

No fewer than 50 bridges connect this Swedish capital’s 14 islands to its mainland. Visit the many parks, museums, and palaces or make your way through Gamla Stan, or Old Town, packed with historic buildings, shops, and cafés.

Located at the mouth of the Warnow River, Warnemünde is a charming old fishing town where they say your chances of catching a fish are just as good as your chances of catching a ride to historic Berlin.

Whether strolling through blooming flowers in Tivoli Gardens, witnessing the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace or touring Kronborg Castle—the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet— it’s easy to see why this once-humble fishing village grew to become the capital of Denmark.

Whether strolling through blooming flowers in Tivoli Gardens, witnessing the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace or touring Kronborg Castle—the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet— it’s easy to see why this once-humble fishing village grew to become the capital of Denmark.

Europe’s largest port city today had humble beginnings as a fishing village in the 13th century. Now, it’s a lively, thriving metropolis that’s home to a multicultural population. The Euromast observation tower provides a great panoramic view of the city and more, especially some of the fine and striking architecture on the Wilhelminapier. The first viewing platform takes you to 100 meters, then you can go a further 85 meters if you’re brave. Or, visit one of the many top-class museums, such as Boijmans, Van Beuningen or the Kunsthal in Museum Park.