Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.

Set against the backdrop of seven mountains, Bergen’s natural beauty and historical charm will stop you in your tracks. Stroll through the Bryggen neighbourhood, with its medieval cobblestone alleyways and red, yellow and white painted houses. Take the cable car or a one-hour hike to the top of Mt Floyen, and soak in dramatic views of the city and the surrounding fjords with Norway cruises. Encounter trolls – don’t worry, they’re only statues – in the Troll Forest. Later, learn why Bergen is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy with a meal at one of the city’s forward-thinking restaurants, where chefs prepare cold-water seafood and local produce with modernist techniques.

Fresh air and icy beauty are the hallmarks of Olden, known as the Gateway to the Glaciers. Come here to explore the Jostedal Glacier – not only can you take in views of this natural wonder, you can also head to Jostedalsbreen National Park and hike the blue ice yourself. Thanks to Olden’s location at the northern end of Oldedalen Valley, you’ll find an unexpectedly dramatic landscape dotted with valleys, waterfalls and mountains. Explore the town by foot, boat or bike, and head into a gallery to discover why Olden is an emerging centre for contemporary design. Cruise to Norway to check out the Old Olden Church for a unique look into local religious traditions.

Arriving in Flam feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Home to only 350 inhabitants, the village is situated at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjorden, the world’s deepest fjord reaching a staggering 1,308 metres. From the harbour, take a brief stroll to the Flam Railway and take the 20-kilometre ride through the Myrdal Mountains and along the fjord. Cruise to Norway and head to Otternes Farm Village, made up of 27 different buildings that date back to the 17th century. Then, let the waterfall at Stalheimsfossen take your breath away, or drive to Stegastein viewpoint to take in the beauty of the fjord.

Bruges offers the best of both worlds: a European cultural hub and, not far beyond, a seafront paradise. Often called the Venice of the North, the capital of Belgium’s West Flanders province is lined with canals, bridges and historic buildings. One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, Bruges’ historic town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belgium cruises give you access to the lively market square and you’ll see the Belfry of Bruges, a popular piece of Middle Ages architecture. Encounter the city’s other personality in Zeebrugge – or ‘Bruges on sea’. This international port and seafront resort is home to cafes, a beach and a marina..

Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.