This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Northern Europe

AARHUS, DENMARK

Soak up the vibrant ambience of Denmark’s second city – a jumble of cobbled streets, lively cafés and spacious parks – or retreat to one of several sandy beaches nearby. Alternatively, explore its past at the Viking Museum, displaying centuries-old artefacts unearthed locally, and the Old Town Open-Air Museum with its half-timbered houses, workshops and water mill.

AMSTERDAM (FROM ROTTERDAM), THENETHERLANDS

Strikingly beautiful, the city is famed for its concentric canals crossed by humpbacked bridges, and cyclist-friendly avenues of tall tress and gabled houses. Art lovers will be enamoured by three superb galleries – the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Hermitage Amsterdam; other draws include historic Anne Frank House, and the oh-so- Dutch Houseboat and Tulip Museums.

BREST, FRANCE

What a castle! The imposing turrets and ramparts have stood here since the 13th century, though it is thought the Romans may have fortified this vast natural harbour a millennium earlier. You may well use it as a base from which to explore the sensationally rugged Breton countryside or visit Quimper, known for its half-timbered houses and colourful fayence pottery.

BRUGES (FROM ZEEBRUGGE), BELGIUM

Bruges is a fairy-tale city where medieval edifices, proud bridges and overhanging trees admire their beautiful reflections in glassy canals. Around its waterways quaint cobbled streets lead you to markets, museums and churches. Perhaps inspired by such chocolate- box charms, the city is known for its exquisite, velvety confectionery, as well as robust beers and intricate lacework.

BRUSSELS (FROM ZEEBRUGGE), BELGIUM

The Belgian capital exudes a regal grandeur among its broad boulevards and manicured parks. At its heart is the striking gothic Grand’Place, the original city market square, overlooked by ornate guild houses and an awe-inspiring spot to sip coffee. And how about a tour of the entire continent at Mini Europe, a scale model showcase of internationally renowned buildings.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Denmark’s cosmopolitan, café-lined capital brims with outdoor zest. Join locals in the Botanical Gardens, watch them swim in the clear canals or see that famous resident – the bronze Little Mermaid, perched on her rock. Along pedestrianised Strøget pause for superb city views in its Round Tower, or tour the striking modern glass-fronted Opera House gleaming on the waterfront.

CORK (FROMCOBH), IRELAND

Gregarious, friendly and compact, Cork squeezes itself prettily onto an elongated isle, surrounded by the River Lee. Peruse delicacies within the attractive English Market, shop your way along Cornmarket Street or dip into a smattering of museums. Even set off through emerald countryside to Blarney Castle; a stroll of its grounds is recommended even if kissing the stone seems rather precarious.

DUBLIN, IRELAND

Dublin has produced its fair share of literary heavyweights, so visit the houses of James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett among others. For the 8th century written word see the ornately illuminated Book of Kells at Trinity College. Other city symbols include the National Gallery, St Patrick’s Cathedral and a certain famous brewery, founded by one Arthur Guinness.

EDINBURGH (FROM SOUTHQUEENSFERRY), SCOTLAND

Grand Georgian architecture creates a charming stage for a contemporary exploration here. Start at that enduring symbol, the hilltop castle, to hear its one o’clock cannon and behold that ancient crown, sceptre and sword – the ‘Honours of Scotland’. Then follow the Royal Mile to the undeniably modern Parliament Building, perhaps delving into the superb National Gallery en route.

ELSINORE, DENMARK

Elsinore sits strategically at Denmark's closest point to Sweden, where the countries are just two and a half miles apart. Imposing Kronborg Castle was built in 1420 to help enforce the collection of taxes, though it is better known as the backdrop for Hamlet. You can easily imagine its scenes unfolding in grand public rooms, along its cannon-lined ramparts and within its vast courtyard.

GLASGOW (FROMGREENOCK), SCOTLAND

The River Clyde, integral to Cunard’s past, reveals more of its maritime heritage at The Tall Ship, while the superb Burrell Gallery at Pollok House showcases works by Degas and Cézanne. Marvel too at the architectural riches endowed on his home city by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, like the Glasgow Herald Building, and wonder how he might regard the ultra-modern Clyde Auditorium.

HAMBURG, GERMANY

Water is a wonderful feature here – as you’ll notice when you arrive along the River Elbe, investigate quirky historic districts by canal and glide past highly desirable addresses lining the Alster Lakes. Back on dry land, browse domed Kunsthalle’s artistic masterpieces, baroque St Michaeliskirche Church and the opulent Rathaus brimful of tapestries, chandeliers and portraits.

Bruges, Belgium

210

Blarney Castle, Cork

Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow

The most fa mous ocean liners in the w orld Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156  |  Page 157  |  Page 158  |  Page 159  |  Page 160  |  Page 161  |  Page 162  |  Page 163  |  Page 164  |  Page 165  |  Page 166  |  Page 167  |  Page 168  |  Page 169  |  Page 170  |  Page 171  |  Page 172  |  Page 173  |  Page 174  |  Page 175  |  Page 176  |  Page 177  |  Page 178  |  Page 179  |  Page 180  |  Page 181  |  Page 182  |  Page 183  |  Page 184  |  Page 185  |  Page 186  |  Page 187  |  Page 188  |  Page 189  |  Page 190  |  Page 191  |  Page 192  |  Page 193  |  Page 194  |  Page 195  |  Page 196  |  Page 197  |  Page 198  |  Page 199  |  Page 200  |  Page 201  |  Page 202  |  Page 203  |  Page 204  |  Page 205  |  Page 206  |  Page 207  |  Page 208  |  Page 209  |  Page 210  |  Page 211  |  Page 212  |  Page 213  |  Page 214  |  Page 215  |  Page 216  |  Page 217  |  Page 218  |  Page 219  |  Page 220  |  Page 221  |  Page 222  |  Page 223  |  Page 224  |  Page 225  |  Page 226  |  Page 227  |  Page 228  |  Page 229  |  Page 230  |  Page 231  |  Page 232  |  Page 233  |  Page 234  |  Page 235  |  Page 236  |  Page 237  |  Page 238  |  Page 239  |  Page 240  |  Page 241  |  Page 242  |  Page 243  |  Page 244  |  Page 245  |  Page 246  |  Page 247  |  Page 248  |  Page 249  |  Page 250  |  Page 251  |  Page 252  |  Page 253  |  Page 254  |  Page 255  |  Page 256  |  Page 257  |  Page 258  |  Page 259  |  Page 260  |  Page 261  |  Page 262  |  Page 263  |  Page 264  |  Page 265  |  Page 266  |  Page 267  |  Page 268  |  Page 269  |  Page 270  |  Page 271  |  Page 272  |  Page 273  |  Page 274