Rotterdam

The world's largest port of Rotterdam is the perfect starting point for excursions to the cities of Holland. Few cities rebounded as quickly as Rotterdam following the Nazi invasion, which leveled the medieval heart of town, burning down most of it. Today, some of Europe's most bold contemporary architecture can be found amid classic 18th- and 19th-century buildings in this gateway to the Netherlands.

Just outside Rotterdam, discover the city of Gouda, known the world over for its delicious cheese. Encased in its signature bright red packaging, this exquisite cheese makes for a delicious snack during an afternoon of sightseeing.

Oslo, Norway

At the head of Oslofjord, Norway's handsome capital is the logical first stop in Scandinavia. Thor Heyerdahl's raft, Kon Tiki, recalls a voyage between Easter Island and Tahiti to prove a theory about the earliest colonization of Oceania. Watch the changing of the palace guard; ferry to the open-air Folke Museum with its 12th-century stave church.

Arhus, Denmark

Step back to the Middle Ages in Old Town Arhus with its cobblestone streets and faultless renditions of half-timbered houses. Shop for unique Danish handcrafts near the port, explore the ruggedly beautiful Jutland Peninsula and its heathery hills, or indulge your inner child with a trip to the original (and still the best) Legoland.

Warnemunde, Berlin

Inseparable from its modern history, Berlin decidedly features it. In the former Soviet/American/British sectors are the Berlin Cathedral, Checkpoint Charlie, Unter den Linden Boulevard and the stunning Brandenburg Gate. In the Western sector, browse the lively Kurfurstendamm for snazzy clothing stores, delicate hand-painted porcelain and a snack of beer and bratwurst.

Tallinn, Estonia

Medieval walls and towers still stand tall in Tallinn's Old Town. Stroll and shop along cobblestone streets, walk up to the Baroque palace in the Upper Town, look out over the red roofs to the Baltic below, drop in at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to find inspiration in the gleaming mosaics and icons. Crisp, gorgeous linen is a local specialty–find yours at a small store near the town hall square.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Peter the Great called St. Petersburg his "Window on Europe." For openers, there's the fabulous Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace, with its renowned art collection from Raphael to Rembrandt, Titian to Tintoretto. Other musts are the babbling fountains of Peterhof, and the Amber Room at Catherine's Palace which words cannot touch.

Helsinki, Finland

Shaped by its bays and off-shore islands, Helsinki is one of Europe's most scenic capitals. Take an archipelago cruise, walk the esplanade shopping streets, hear a Sibelius concert, or tour across the Arctic Circle to Lapland, home of Santa Claus, reindeer and the Midnight Sun

Stockholm, Sweden

There's so much to see in charming Stockholm, sprawled on 18 islands, often called the "Venice of the North." Cruise the sparkling waterways and navigate narrow, medieval streets. Watch the snappy changing of the guard at the Baroque Royal Palace and sail into Viking history with a visit to the awesome Vasa Museum. Work up an appetite so you can do justice to a lavish smorgasbord.

Copenhagen, Denmark