Steps from the port in Juneau, you’ll find numerous shops, museums and a surprisingly diverse culinary scene, featuring innovative food trucks, local breweries, fusion restaurants and Alaska’s famously delicious Dungeness crab. Just beyond the city, the towering mountains of Tongass National Forest and a vast icefield comprising multiple glaciers surround this capital that is only accessible by air or sea.
The harbor of Icy Strait Point was purpose-built by Alaska Natives to welcome visitors to Chichagof Island, and you can learn about the indigenous Tlingit culture through traditional music and dance performances in the nearby village of Hoonah. On the waterfront, a restored cannery now houses a museum, local shops, and restaurants serving freshly caught crab and other delicious seafood, or you might go fishing for your own fresh salmon or halibut.
Nestled on an inlet surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Haines is a picturesque town embraced by immense natural beauty. A great place to begin exploring is the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the world's largest concentration of bald eagles. Watch for these majestic birds as well as brown bears, moose and other wildlife while rafting or boating along the gentle current of Chilkat River. Adventure seekers might ascend a rugged trail in an ATV for spectacular views from Takshanuk Mountain or paddle a kayak along Lynn
A good place to begin your exploration of this maritime city would be Plymouth Hoe, a scenic promenade offering panoramic views of the sound. Climb the iconic lighthouse known as Smeaton’s Tower for a perspective on the scenery from above before exploring the nearby Royal Citadel, a 17th-century fortress. A pleasant stroll takes you to the Barbican district, Plymouth’s historic quarter, where you’ll find charming shops, art galleries and seafood restaurants as well as the Mayflower Steps commemorating the departure of the Pilgrims for the New World in 1620.
Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford is a charming destination known for its rich Viking heritage, picturesque scenery and unique cultural attractions. Start at the Viking Triangle, a historic area where narrow cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings transport you back in time. Here you’ll find the Waterford Treasures, a group of adjacent museums that showcase everything from the 18th-century Bishop’s Palace to the 10th-century Reginald’s Tower, filled with Viking artifacts.
Finland’s oldest city, Turku combines a medieval heart with a modern sensibility. Overlooking the Aura River, majestic Turku Castle is an excellent place to begin your exploration by meandering the labyrinthine halls of this well-preserved fortress dating to the 13th century. Turku Cathedral provides an equally fascinating glimpse into history, and this Gothic landmark is considered one of Finland's most important buildings.
One of the world’s great cities, London seamlessly blends history and modernity in its iconic landmarks and rich culture. After watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, walk through the historic streets of Westminster to see the majestic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and then get a view of it all from high over the Thames on Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, the London Eye. UNESCO World Heritage sites abound, from Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich.
