35-day summer explorer: British isles, North Cape & Germany

Your voyage begins in Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen was founded during the 12th century. The city owes much of its charm to the buildings erected by Denmark's monarchs, and boasts a treasure trove of late-Renaissance and Rococo architecture.Copenhagen deserves its accolade as the Venice of the North. Founded on a series of islands and islets, the city today is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. See the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses. Browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.

Sweden's second largest city - and the largest port in Scandinavia - was founded by King Gustavus Adolphus in 1621 at the mouth of the Göta River. Gustavus Adolphus hired Dutch architects and builders to lay out Gothenburg, so it should come as no surprise that the city is laced with a network of gracious canals lined with elegant buildings. Like all great seaports, Gothenburg is a cosmopolitan city with a wealth of cultural attractions, from its ancient University to its beloved pleasure garden at Liseberg Amusement Park. The city is also the gateway to the archipelagoes and picturesque fishing villages of Sweden's West Coast - the country's favorite vacation playground.Gothenburg's cultural hub is the Götaplatsen. Here Carl Milles' dramatic bronze figure of Poseidon stands watch over the central square, home to the city's Museum of fine Arts, Concert Hall, Municipal Theatre and City Library.

It's easy to assume that Aarhus stands in Copenhagen's shadow - Aarhus after all is the second largest city in Denmark but despite this fact, it only has close to 260.000 inhabitants, compared to the 600.000 of Copenhagen. Århus university is both the country's second oldest and second largest. Being recognized as the student´s city in Denmark it gives it a youthful vibe. Yet Aarhus boasts a traditional and relaxed feeling at the same time, as the city has kept in many of its areas the unique Danish buildings, combined with some of the most modern and fine new Danish designs. Early Archeological findings date Århus´s founding in 770. Famous internationally for its extensive cultural scene; you can find some of the best Museums in Denmark. It is also rich in parks and green areas. Located on Jutland's east coast, Aarhus is surrounded by dense forests, and provides easy access to Denmark's scenic Lake District west of the city and it also holds the queen's summer residence beautifully set at the rim of the forest overlooking the sea.Originally constructed in the 12th century, Aarhus's Domkirke is one of the greatest cathedrals in Scandinavia. Its immense copper spire stands over 300 feet high, making it - ironically - the second tallest bell tower in Northern Europe.

Your ship calls at Daylight transit Kiel Canal.

Germany's leading seaport, Hamburg is the gateway to Berlin - and a fascinating place to visit in it own right. Situated on the banks of the Elbe, the city is built over the water and boasts more than 2,100 bridges, more bridges than in Venice and Amsterdam combined. Established by Charlemagne in the 9th century, Hamburg has managed to preserve its Gothic old quarter. The city's other attractions range from St. Pauli, the ribald red-light district, to the fashionable shops of Jungfernsteig and the St. Michael's Church, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

A second day in Hamburg, Germany (for Berlin) - time to explore at your own pace.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Quest's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship calls at Antwerp, Belgium.

Visible for miles from sea, the White Cliffs of Dover are an instantly recognizable symbol of England. Modern highways make Dover the doorstep to London - Britain's ever-fascinating capital. Visitors to this great city have a wealth of pleasures to choose from. Explore the notorious Tower of London and view the Crown Jewels. Visit Windsor Castle or see Westminster Abbey. The choices are fascinating and endless. Dover is also your gateway to Kent's green countryside, dotted with old medieval towns and castles.Dover has played a major role in world history since the days of the Norman invasion. Today 13th century Dover Castle dominates a harbour filled with cross-channel ferries and merchant and passenger shipping.

Your ship calls at Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, UK.

Your ship calls at Fowey, Cornwall, United Kingdom.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Quest with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Bantry, Ireland.

Its history may date back eight centuries and its heart may revel in its reputation as Ireland's Cultural Heart but Galway has a personality that possesses a spirit, a drive and an attitude that keeps this city looking forward. Along with a city center that pulsates with cozy cafés and bustling shops you'll discover a maze of medieval streets that invite exploration and photogenic centuries-old churches and castles. And just outside the iconic city walls is a world of untouched beauty-a picturesque countryside that boasts heather-covered hillsides, gently rolling grasslands, charming villages and ancient stone walls. During your stay be assured that Galway's multiple personalities will create one unforgettable vacation destination.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Greencastle (Londonderry), Ireland.

Your ship calls at Oban, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Your ship calls at Ullapool, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Just north of Scotland lay the Orkney Islands. Washed by the furthest reach of the Gulf Stream, this chain of over 70 islands offers dramatic landscapes that range from sea cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Bird watchers flock to the Orkney Islands, drawn by the multitudes of sea birds. Divers explore the wrecks lying in the clear waters of Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy's fleet anchorage in two world wars. And most fascinating of all, the Orkney Islands boast the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in all Europe, including the mysterious Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old Skara Brae.Vikings - Norsemen - ruled the Orkney Islands from the 9th to 13th centuries, leaving in their wake such monuments as St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. This hint of Scandinavian influence can be heard in the lilting accent with which Orcadians speak.

Your ship calls at Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Your ship calls at Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Quest's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship returns to Dover (for London), England.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Quest with a leisurely day at sea.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Trondheim is the third largest - and second oldest - city in Norway. The town was originally called Kaupangen upon its founding in 997 A.D. by Viking king Olav Tryggvason. The city commands the trade routes linking Southern Norway with the fjord lands to the north. Trondheim quickly became a major commercial and cultural center - the city served as Norway's royal capital.Trondheim's old city features broad avenues and attractive 17th-century wood buildings - a legacy of the rebuilding that followed a disastrous fire that leveled the city in 1681.

Your ship calls at Bronnoysund, Norway.

Your ship calls at Svolvaer (Lofoten), Norway.

Your ship calls at Tromso, Norway.

Honningsvag is your gateway to Norway's North Cape on Magerøya Island. This is the northernmost point in Europe, and the true land of the midnight sun. From mid-May to July, the full disc of the sun never dips below the horizon. In winter, the days barely lighten to a spectral gloom. To the north lies only the remote Svalbard Archipelago, Jan Mayan Island, and the polar ice cap. From the cliffs of North Cape, perched 1,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean, one stares into the arctic silence.During the summer months, vast reindeer herds roam Magerøya Island's treeless, central plateau.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Quest's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship calls at Bodo, Norway.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Quest with a leisurely day at sea.

This quaint town perched on the North Sea boasts dual personalities. While renowned as the site where Viking king Harald Hårfagre united Norway as a kingdom in the 9th century, it's also one of the country's most popular destinations for the annual Sildajazz Festival and Norwegian Film Festival. Add in a thriving town center with hundreds of shops and cultural diversions to jaw-dropping scenery and thrilling excursions, your stay in Haugesund promises to be an enthralling experience you won't soon forget.

Your ship calls at Farsund, Norway.

Your ship calls at Aalborg, Denmark.

Your voyage concludes in Copenhagen, Denmark.