Reykjavik to Copenhagen

Antwerp (an’twerp) A city in northern Belgium on the Scheidt River north of Brussels. One of Europe’s busiest ports, it has been a center of the diamond industry since the 15th century. The first stock exchange was founded here in 1460. Population: 490,524.

Located in eastern Northern Ireland on Belfast Lough, an inlet of the north channel of the Irish Sea, Belfast is the capital and largest city in the country.

Elegant is the word that will come to mind.

As you take in the Danish capital’s rich history and traditions. With castles and crown jewels, galleries and museums, cathedrals and canals, the sightseeing ranks among the best in Europe.

The Strøget is a series of pedestrian-only streets which make strolling and shopping a pleasure. And be sure to visit Tivoli, a unique combination of picture-perfect flower gardens, lakes, theaters and restaurants with more than 100,000 colored lights.

Graceful design, imaginative architecture the Finns have long been admired for their beautiful buildings, gardens and parks. You’ll enjoy visiting them too, as you pass all styles of centuries past and present, from medieval to neoclassical, as well as the superb ultramodern creations by Aalto, Saarinen, and other Finnish masters.

Holyhead resides on Welsh Isle off the northwest coast of Wales; it is a frequent stopping point on the journey across the Irish Sea from Dublin to Wales. Castles, hiking, rocky beaches, ancient ruins, museums, camping, golf and sailing are what attracts most visitors to this scenic destination. From Holyhead, journey through the Welsh countryside to Snowdonia National Park. This vast, protected land of steep, forested mountains, crystal clear lakes and tiny villages is considered to be Wales’ greatest natural wonder. Among the castles of Wales are King Edward’s Beaumaris Fortress, with its thick stone walls; Caemarfon Castle, where Prince Charles was named Prince of Wales; and the Norman’s grand Conwy Castle, with its eight massive towers.

The City is a vibrant and exciting place to visit and a warm “Liverpool” welcome is always guaranteed. The centre is alive with theatres, restaurants, clubs and attractions that are able to provide something for everyone. It is one of the world’s most famous and historic cities and its distinguished life as a centre for world trade and commerce is clearly reflected in its rich culture and architectural heritage, a fact re-inforced by being shortlisted for the City of Architecture and Design 1999. Liverpool is also host to many sporting and spectator events throughout the year, a selection of which are detailed in this
guide.

Over 2500 listed buildings are located within the area and many are built to classical designs. William Brown Street is home to a number of the city’s finest buildings including the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool Museum and Central Libraries. Nearby St. George’s Hall, constructed in an age when size and grandeur were of paramount importance, is widely
regarded as the finest neo-classical building in Europe. The Town Hall is the jewel of Liverpool’s historic buildings with its Golden Minerva sitting proudly atop the golden dome. Both of these magnificent buildings have been refurbished and feature a programme of events, public openings, exhibitions, conferences and business and private functions.

The City can also boast to being one of the greenest Cities in Britain. Relax and enjoy the pleasant surroundings of the 2400 acres of parklands and open spaces. Croxteth Hall and Country Park Estate is set in 500 acres of woodland with a working farm animal collection, miniature railway and adventure playground. The historic mansion contains period
rooms and character figures and welcomes visitors throughout the summer.

Reykjavik, is the capital of Iceland. It is the country’s chief port and center of its cod fishing industry.

Founded in 874 A.D., it is the home of the Althing, or Icelandic parliament, the oldest in Europe. The city’s heating system uses nearby hot springs. Reykjavik was the site of 1986 disarmament talks between the U.S. and USSR.

Southampton Parish, on Main Island, is one of the nine parishes each of 2.3055 (two point three zero five five) square miles. It was named after Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton (1573-1624), an English aristocrat, one of the most colorful Elizabethans, the patron and friend of William Shakespeare.

Founded as a fortress in the 13th century, Stockholm eventually grew to become the capital of Sweden. It is a city of remarkable beauty with numerous parks, tree-lined squares and boulevards, and pleasant water vistas. To grasp the full character of Stockholm, visitors must hop from island to island, each of which boasts its own personality. Sergels Torg, a central square located in Norrmalm, serves as the focal point for modern Stockholm. On Helgeans Holmen, the tiny island
immediately south of Norrmalm, sits the Riksdagshuset (Parliament Building), followed by the medieval Gamla Stan (Old Town) island and then the large Sodermalm, a bohemian enclave in a former blue-collar quarter.

Across the Strommen (the Current) lie the two scenic islands of Skeppsholmen and Kastell-Holmen. Farther east, Djurgarden Island houses a number of city museums and connects to the northern Ostermalm, a pricey residential neighborhood that adjoins Norrmalm sprawling across 14 islands, the Swedish capital has always enjoyed an ideal
commercial location at the confluence of Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea. As a result, a forest of high-rise office buildings and condominiums has grown up beside the medieval castles that once guarded Sweden’s strategic waterways. Founded in the mid-13th century, this former outpost developed into a vibrant capital in the 17th century, when landscapers and architects began to build elegant parks and squares that rivaled those in the finest European cities.

Today, picturesque Stockholm boasts a stunning combination of man-made gardens in its center and natural scenery on its outskirts, where sun-lit lakes shimmer in the pine-clad countryside.

The capital and largest city in Estonia, Tallinn is located on the Gulf of Finland, south of Helsinki, Finland. It offers an interesting blend of modern, Western atmosphere with well preserved medieval buildings, walls and narrow streets. It is very popular with artists and has numerous galleries, museums and cultural festivals.

Torshavn means Thor’s Harbour, Thor being one of the old Nordic Gods. First occupied by Irish monks in 727 a.d. the town was actually founded about 825 a.d. by Norwegian settlers called Landnamsmenn. Today Torshavn’s population is around 15,000. There are many sites such as government buildings, private buildings, monuments and churches worth exploring and visiting here.

Ullapool is a village in the Scottish Highlands about 65 miles north-west of Inverness. Ullapool is known for the progressive, ecologically sound practices of its inhabitants and is the center for the Highland Environment Centre; a project of the Highland Eco Trust.

Waterford is 85 miles south of Dublin, on the southernmost tip of Ireland. Arriving at Waterford is spectacular. It is a big event for this small town and the people warmly welcome you. Tour its famous crystal factory and watch how it’s done. Or, enjoy a drive across Ireland’s scenic countryside.