Copenhagen to Lisbon

With a history that dates back to 1043, this small city is full of historic landmarks, significant buildings and interesting sights and museums. It is of course also a history that sits alongside the height of modern Danish design. It is great to explore on foot, by bicycle or by water. Be sure to visit Amalienborg Palace and to walk down the famed shopping street (Strøget). The pretty harbour of Nyhavn is a great location to stop for coffee or lunch and watch the world go by. And of course highlights include the Tivoli Gardens, and the (surprisingly) tiny statue of The Little Mermaid.

The town of Lysekil is situated at the mouth of the Gullmarsfjord on the west coast of Sweden, on a coastline characterised by red granite cliffs and scattered islands. Highlights include the excellent Havets Hus aquarium and the charming streets of the compact Old Town, the Gamlestan

You might not expect to find a beach resort in Norway, but the sunny city of Kristiansand is where Norwegians go for a spot of fun by the seaside. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions, including a zoo, and it’s also a good base for exploring the pretty fishing villages of the south coast.

Haugesund dates back to Viking times, and the surrounding region is known as the birthplace of Norway, where King Harald Fairhair first united the country under one ruler. Highlights include the reconstructed Viking farm at Avaldsnes, the Arquebus War History Museum and the Haraldshaugen Monument.

Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s former capital, is a perfect city to explore on foot. Bryggen – the old Hanseatic wharf, and a UNESCO World Heritage site – still has the old harbour timber buildings, whilst other attractions include the funicular up Mount Floyen and the busy fish market.

Lerwick is the only town of any size in the Shetland islands, and originally grew up around the herring trade. Highlights include the charming 18th century architecture along the waterfront and the informative Shetland Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the islands.

The flat, windswept Orkney Islands, just off the northeast coast of Scotland, have a distinctive Scandinavian heritage that’s discernible in everything from the unusual place names to the ancient Norse architecture of the capital, Kirkwall. Don’t miss the Ring of Brodgar, a fascinating Neolithic stone circle.

Situated on a natural harbour on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides. The island is one of the last major strongholds of the Gaelic language, and is home to fascinating Neolithic sites such as the mysterious standing stones at Callanish.

Disagreements over the correct name for Northern Ireland’s second city date back to 1613, and are unlikely to be resolved any time soon, so let’s focus instead on what the city has to offer. Highlights include the 17th century city walls, a vibrant live music scene and a city centre rejuvenated by Derry’s stint as UK Capital of Culture in 2013. (Greencastle is actually in the Republic, but it's a short drive south to Derry.)

Few British cities can match the historical and cultural significance of Liverpool. The famous docks have been transformed in recent years, and are now home to the Tate gallery and a museum honouring the city's most famous sons, the Beatles.

Rugged and unspoilt, peaceful and perhaps a little parochial, the Isle of Man is proud to be different. The island has its own government, the Tynwald, which is said to be the oldest continuous parliament in the world, as well as its own language and even its own currency, the Manx pound.

The city of Dublin has something for everyone with great shopping, beautiful Georgian architecture, lovely parks, galleries and museums. Everywhere you go you will be bowled away by the jovial Irish welcome. Don’t miss the chance to sample a local pint of Guinness.

The attractive town of Cobh is situated on an island in Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It’s a colourful place with an interesting history; Cobh was the main exit point for thousands who fled Ireland during the famine years, and it was also the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic.

This pretty little town sits at the mouth of the Fowey river on the south coast of Cornwall, and was once home to the writer Daphne du Maurier. Explore the historic streets, take the short ferry ride across to the old fishing village of Polruan or visit the fantastic Eden Project, just a 20-minute drive away.

The island of Guernsey draws visitors south from the British mainland with its more favourable climate and beautiful coastline. The capital, St Peter Port, is a lovely little town of cobbled streets and elegant architecture, and there are also several interesting museums dedicated to the island’s occupation by the Nazis during the Second World War.

Le Havre was more or less flattened during World War II, which makes the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status all the more remarkable. Rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret, Le Havre is now characterised by a striking modernist style; don’t miss the towering, concrete Église St-Joseph.

IJmuiden's proximity to capital Amsterdam means many guests use this port town as a stopping off point, but look further afield and you'll find vast beaches with a plethora of wind and water sports on offer, as well as walking and cycling in the lovely National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. You can visit Old-IJmuiden to explore country estates and ancient ruins, with remnants of fortifications and underground bunkers, and see the largest sea lock in the world! Alternatively, Haarlem's lovely cafés, canals, cobbled streets and bars are only a 30-minute train journey away.

Saint-Malo grew rich off the back of maritime trade and its plundering corsairs, a seafaring heritage that is still proudly on display today. It’s great fun getting lost in the streets of the walled old town, and the famous medieval abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is an easy day-trip.

The naval port of Brest is situated on a fine natural harbour, a bustling city that was rebuilt after extensive damage from Allied air attacks during World War II. Enjoy excellent seafood and local Breton dishes, learn about the city’s maritime history at the Musée de la Marine, or visit Océanopolis, one of France’s largest aquariums.

It’s not so long ago that Bilbao was a grim and unappealing place, scarred by heavy industry, but the Basque Country’s biggest city has reinvented itself as a cultural hub since the opening of the shimmering Guggenheim Museum in 1997.

La Coruña is the largest city in Galicia, a beautiful region of lush green countryside and wild, windswept beaches. Historical sights of note include the Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO-listed Roman lighthouse, and the city is also home to some great seafood restaurants.

Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.

Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon’s colourful cityscape includes Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums. But for many the best times will be had wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets, with their great local food, wine and music.