Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way. Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look – city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde – home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city – where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Stroll cobbled lanes in the Old Quarter, restored thanks to North Sea oil money. Feeling fearless? Cruise Lysefjord to sail under Prekestolen (Pulpit Rock), a huge cube that looms 1500 feet above your boat.

Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norway’s most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style—also known as Jugendstil—that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a “Norwegian town” to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Often described as the capital of north Iceland, the country’s second-largest city is both vibrant and pretty, and serves as an ideal hub for exploring the incredible landscape that surrounds it. Located at the head of a 60-kilometer fjord—the country’s longest—and surrounded by snow-streaked mountains, Akureyri was originally settled in the 9th century and was first officially mentioned as a city in the 16th century. Today it boasts a population of around 17,000, a scenic harbor and an array of interesting shops, buzzy cafés and upscale restaurants. Its main sights include the Akureyri Church, a wonderful botanical garden (founded in 1912) and the fascinating Akureyri Museum. From here it’s possible to explore some of the country’s most memorable landscapes, starting with Akureyri’s own fjord, Eyjafjörður, where you’ll find several museums (including the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum), fishing villages like Grenivík and plenty of dramatic mountain scenery. Farther afield are the island of Grímsey, the volcanic wonderland of Lake Mývatn and a whole host of waterfalls, gorges, churches and saga sites.

Bordered on three sides by dramatic mountains that form a natural harbor, the idyllic town of Ísafjörður—population 2,600—serves as a charming exploration hub for the surrounding Westfjords peninsula. Settled since the 16th century, and traditionally dependent on fishing as its main source of income, its streets are today lined with old wooden houses interspersed with occasional shops, restaurants and cafés. Despite its low-key atmosphere, Ísafjörður offers plenty to do, from visiting local museums and enjoying a game of golf, to hiking, biking and kayaking around the town and harbor. The town also hosts several notable events, such as Iceland’s oldest cross-country ski race, the mud-football European Championships and a classical music festival, Við Djúpið. The rugged and remote Westfjords offer many more attractions. A daily summer ferry transports visitors to the scenic Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and to Vigur, an island that’s home to many protected bird populations. Follow the region’s striking coastline and you’ll find snow-streaked mountains, waterfalls and beaches.

See dramatic evidence of Iceland’s volcanic origins: geysers, hotsprings, vast fields of cooled lava. Swim in the naturally-warmed Blue Lagoon.