A Journey Through Royal Capitals & Hanseatic Treasures

Helsinki fuses urban design with a nourishing dose of nature. Nordic architecture merges with an archipelago of over 300 islands, an eco-friendly farm and a National Park. Roam to neighbouring Haikko, cook on a private island, fly by helicopter, feed reindeer and seek wellbeing in verdant Finnish forests. Sustainability is central to Helsinki, where wellbeing thrives with small ponds, inviting beaches, kayaking prospects and coastal walks. And whilst Helsinki sets the pace for carbon neutrality, your rhythm remains slow. With plentiful saunas, rest assured that there’s enough heat to go round in this energy efficient city.

Romantic and revered, Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO old towns bursting with medieval magic. Hundreds of years of conquests and cross-culture history all fuel its current burgeoning status as one of Europe’s most desirable jewels. Stoll cobbled alleys; squeeze through St. Catherine’s Passage; scout the 13th century Toompea Castle. Hop two wheels to explore the national park and shore then have a Soviet flashback in the posh Kadriorg Palace (built for Catherine I) or below the black domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Spanning 14 islands, more than 50 bridges and many more museums, Sweden’s capital is naturally known as the ‘Venice of the North’. Gently pedal on a cultural discovery of this Baltic Sea archipelago; tread the cobblestone streets to the iconic city hall, the world’s first open air museum, the adored ABBA exhibition, and the royal family residence of Drottningholm where the opera house still retains original stage machinery. Heighten your interest with two other UNESCO heritage sites, a woodland cemetery and the archaeological site of Birka. Dine at the Hornhuset district, perhaps only after strolling small streets that narrow to 90cm at Mårten Trotzigs Gränd. And for further sustenance, wander down to fashionable Strandvagen Boulevard and open-air Hornstull Marknad for new and vintage goods.

Visit Visby on the island of Gotland for authentic Swedish riches. Well-preserved walls protect the city and set the scene for what lies within. You’ll be warmly welcomed with cuisine, culture, nature and Viking archaeology. With a long history and UNESCO World Heritage ruins dating back to the 12th century, this orderly medieval town rejoices in being one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved towns. Roam peaceful streets on foot or by bike to boutiques selling warm woollens for winter and shelves laden with local crafts. Visit the lengthy Lummelunda Cave in a nature reserve, experience the traditional Swedish coffee ritual and taste beer at the local brewery. Soak up the history and atmosphere in well-groomed Visby for a slice of time gone by.

Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and - of course - flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it’s well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming... rather like the smiles of those that live here.

Århus is Denmark's second-largest city, and, with its funky arts and college community, one of the country's most pleasant. Cutting through the center of town is a canal called the Århus Å (Århus Creek). It used to run underground, but was uncovered a few years ago. Since then, an amalgam of bars, cafés, and restaurants has sprouted along its banks. At all hours of the day and night this waterfront strip is abuzz with crowds that hang out on the outdoor terraces and steps that lead down to the creek.The VisitÅrhus tourist office has information about the Århus Passport, which includes passage on buses, free or discounted admission to the 12 most popular museums and sites in the city, and tours.

Not many cities are greener – in habitat or sustainability - than Oslo. With over half Norway’s capital city being covered by forests and parks, it’s only natural that the fjord creeps into the city centre. Nature aside, there’s so much more to explore; music, museums, opera, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Learn about the works of Edvard Munch and the importance of climate change or attend a private aquavit tasting and the Royal Palace. Embark on an aquatic safari, boat jaunt or bike tour. Then consider concluding your day with a classic finish – plunge fjord deep in for some stimulating cold-water therapy. They say these organic city waters are as clean as they are unique.

Known as the gateway to the world and bearing the most bridges, immerse yourself with Hamburgers to the sound of canals and cuisine, architecture and music. Prepare to be submerged in culture; from affluent villas to modest Almshouses, the last castle, an inner-city lake, a floating landing platform, the neo-Renaissance Town hall, an industrial underground tunnel and baroque masterpiece, St Nicholas Church. Wander to the solid brick warehouse district of UNESCO Hafen City; touch the shining wave of glass of the futuristic Elbphilharmonie, listen to crystal clear acoustics that pair with Sydney’s Opera House and enjoy views of the River Elbe. Hamburg offers unique, memorable entertainment - for all your senses.