An Extended Journey from Vineyard Valleys to Fjord-Kissed Peaks

Enjoy the rich buzz of Lisbon. Dip into the city’s strong architectural, cultural and historical connections. Wander charming-cobbled streets, colourful buildings, the river Sado and endless nature. Pilgrimage to Fatima, tour hilly villages, learn Portuguese cooking techniques and listen to the Lisbon blues. Slip to charming Cascais for quieter energy and golden beaches. And as you bathe in the captivating light, enjoy plates of petiscos which – like fado – you’ll soon discover is vibrant, warm and most appealing.

The Portuguese know their port. Quinta do Infantado was the first estate to bottle fortified wine. Between the churches, arts, restaurants, music and neoclassical structures, there’s so much more to taste. Explore historic wonders, rolling hillsides, terracotta rooftops, granite buildings and even more wineries. With bars and restaurants on every piazza corner, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to try the rich pasteis de nata. Savour this port in the light coastal breeze and share stories by the shimmering ocean.

Blend in with Bordeaux’s rich, relaxed and full bodied flavours. This region is a way of life, in perfect harmony with its wine. Explore architecture, museums, arts, music and bike through the countryside. Embrace wine tasting in Margaux or play a casual game of petanque in a sun-dappled square. Be dazzled by les Bassins de Lumieres, nibble macarons, le caneles pastries and caviar in the shadow of Mont Pilat. Meander down to sun warmed Arcachon bay to enjoy freshly harvested oysters. As the sun sets, linger amongst pine trees and fashionistas on Cap Ferret’s headland and raise your glass of Bordeaux’s finest.

Blend in with Bordeaux’s rich, relaxed and full bodied flavours. This region is a way of life, in perfect harmony with its wine. Explore architecture, museums, arts, music and bike through the countryside. Embrace wine tasting in Margaux or play a casual game of petanque in a sun-dappled square. Be dazzled by les Bassins de Lumieres, nibble macarons, le caneles pastries and caviar in the shadow of Mont Pilat. Meander down to sun warmed Arcachon bay to enjoy freshly harvested oysters. As the sun sets, linger amongst pine trees and fashionistas on Cap Ferret’s headland and raise your glass of Bordeaux’s finest.

The jewel of the Emerald Coast, this remarkable walled city fascinates amid a large tide and an array of islands, with inviting sandy beaches in between. Amble through the Malouin natural landscape; cobbled streets, granite mansions, huge ramparts and verdant gardens. Learn to fish for oysters, visit quiet Dinard or slip across the bay of Mont Saint-Michel to wild, uninhabited islands. Raise a glass to past privateers as you happily disconnect from daily life in Baroque Country.

Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.

Have a sensory delight in this thriving fishing port – with a million brush strokes of colour and some of the best restaurants in the country. Once you’ve dined in style, wander around the historic buildings of Gamle Stavanger, where traditional white wooden houses sit amongst galleries and craft stores. Amble along to cheerful Øvre Holmegata street – known as ‘The Street of Colours’ – where endless colours coat every building. Cruise along the Lysefjord, say grace at the Utstein Monastery and hover by helicopter above a structure forming rainbows. Your only judgement for the day will be whether the paintings that adorn the walls, doors and even the buses outshine the Michelin-starred fine dining.

Lovingly known as the ‘heart of the fjords’, this city nestled between seven mountains has plenty to live up to. Burrowed between the mighty Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord fjords – the biggest in Norway – the sensational beauty of Bergen is best appreciated from the top of the funicular, Fløibanen. Flightsee around the peak for a summit advantage to enjoy panoramic views of this city’s beauty. Hike to Fløyen or mountain bike to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Bryggen, before winding down to the sound of calming piano recitals honouring Edvard Grieg Troldhaugen. Raft, crab, kayak or head to a local farm. With lungs full of fresh air and hearts full of love, sink into seafood heaven at the historic fish market to consume mouth-watering Bergen fish soup, fish cakes and customary persetorsk.

Nested deep between towering mountains are narrow valleys, a mile-deep fjord and a little village called Flåm. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, visit the Borgund Stave Church museum or board the astonishing Flåmsbana train, often titled the world’s most beautiful rail journey. Climb aboard and witness waterfalls, fjords and farms so remote you wonder how they got there. Fish, cycle or experience a RIB safari through the slender Nærøyfjord – part of the UNESCO world heritage – as you appreciate the surreal landscape. Head into the abyss on the dramatic Stegastein, or – for the less adventurous but no less curious – sip homemade specialties at the local brewery.

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.