A Grand Journey of Stunning Boreal Scenery & Northern Cultural Heritage

Known locally as 'the gateway to the world', the port of Hamburg has a rich maritime history. Of course the city has its seedy side, as characterised by the old red light district around the Reeperbahn, but it's also a vibrant, progressive city with some excellent museums, galleries and theatres.

Southampton is the UK’s leading port. Bustling modern cruise terminals, as well as wharfs and commercial harbours, line the waterfront, whilst the city itself is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, with a picturesque old town, the original city walls still standing, and super-modern shopping centres and office complexes

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.)

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.

Seyðisfjörður is one of the highlights of Iceland’s Eastfjords, a cute collection of colourful houses at the head of a dramatic fjord. The backdrop of snowy mountains and cascading waterfalls makes this one of the most picturesque ports in Iceland, and the town is surprisingly cosmopolitan.

Akureyri is Iceland’s second city, though with just 18,000 inhabitants it’s really more of a small town. Situated on the north coast at the head of Iceland’s largest fjord, it’s a cute and quirky place that also serves as a base from which to explore the bubbling mud pools and lunar landscapes around Lake Mývatn.

Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavík is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance. Visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church, relax in a thermal pool, potter around the old harbour, and enjoy 24 hour daylight in the summer months.

Ísafjörður is the largest town in Iceland’s wild Westfjords, dramatically located on a spit of sand hemmed in by mountains on three sides. The town itself is fairly low key, and the main attraction is exploring the surrounding landscapes, such as the spectacular Hornstrandir Peninsula.

Paamiut is known for its warm community spirit and remarkable wildlife, home to the country’s largest population of white-tailed eagles. Here, ancient trails wind through dramatic landscapes dotted with colourful historic houses that recall a past shaped by whaling and fur trading, while nearby waters offer chances to spot whales.

Nanortalik is the southernmost city in Greenland, and sits on a small island at the mouth of the Tasermiut fjord. The name means ‘the place of polar bears’, since bears come to hunt on the sea ice in summer, and the town is also known for its unique choir singing culture.

Québec City, the capital of French-speaking Canada, is one of the North American continent’s most beguiling cities. The pretty old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a joy to behold; the cobbled streets and church spires are enclosed within the old city walls, and many of the buildings date back to the 17th century

Charlottetown, the charming provincial capital of Prince Edward Island, occupies an important place in Canadian history: it was here that the conference which led to the creation of the Canadian Confederation took place in 1864. The city also has a great culinary scene, making use of the island’s bountiful seafood and fresh produce.

Sydney is the only real city on Nova Scotia’s beautiful Cape Breton island, a former steel and coal town that is reinventing itself as a cultural and culinary hub. The revitalised waterfront area is particularly appealing, and there are some interesting Loyalist-era buildings in the city’s North End district.

The natural harbour at Halifax is the second largest in the world after Sydney, and this charming city has a proud maritime heritage. Take a stroll along the historic waterfront, delve into the vibrant arts scene or explore the beautiful coastal scenery of Nova Scotia.

Newport is one of New England’s most appealing towns, with a well preserved colonial centre and an illustrious history. This was the holiday destination of choice for wealthy families in the 19th century, and their magnificent clifftop mansions along Bellvue Avenue are a real sight to behold.

The Big Apple is one of the world’s most iconic, cosmopolitan cities, a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. From the lofty heights of the Manhattan skyscrapers to the hipster hangouts of resurgent Brooklyn, New York City buzzes with energy and excitement, and there’s never been a better time to visit.