Honningsvåg, Norway
Hop aboard the Viking Ocean Cruises which offers their signature cruise called 'Into the Midnight Sun' - this particular package cruises along the Norwegian coastline from Bergen in the south to the uppermost part of the country in Honningsvåg. Visitors can also embark on an excursion to Nordkapp (or North Cape), where visitors may stand atop a plateau and stare down into the frigid Barents Sea below. This will undoubtedly take your breath away. It's also one of the most northernmost points in continental Europe, earning it the nickname 'the top of the world'. Views on a clear day are spectacular, although the fog tends to roll in pretty quick.
Pisco, Peru
Pisco is the gateway town to Paracas National Reserve and a port of call on Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Be sure to make a worthy stop at the mysterious Nazca Lines, one of the world's most curious ancient mysteries. While there, stop for lunch at Hotel Paracas and its Chalan cafe, which serves up fresh catches of the day.
Vernon, France
One of the many highlights on Tauck's Paris-to-Normandy voyages is Vernon. This is about a 10-minute drive from Giverny, where Claude Monet's home and its famous garden are located. Be sure to enjoy a private visit early in the day before the garden, with its iconic Japanese bridge and waterlily-filled ponds, open to the general public. Also included in the tour is a visit to the Impressionist Museum in Giverny, where many works of art are immediately recognizable.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
This city is an important place because it is home to the famous Angkor Wat temples, which are exceptional displays of Khmer architecture and history. Siem Reap is also the starting or ending point for most Mekong River cruises, including CroisiEurope's sailing between here and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam aboard the modern RV Indochine II.
Linz, Austria
Lying along the picturesque Danube River, Linz has a charming old town district that's worthy of a visit itself. The town is also a great spot to head to Salzburg, a city that is known to many as the setting for the movie, The Sound of Music. If visiting Salzburg, be sure to explore the landmarks featured in the film, including the Basilica of St. Michael and Mirabell Gardens. It is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which is why you will be able to see many of the places that inspired the composer to write his music.
Genoa, Italy
Located in the Cinque Terre region, Genoa is known for its colorful rows of houses and hotels that hug the Mediterranean cliffs and shorelines. Genoa is one of the most famous ports located in the region. It is the home region of Christopher Colombus and is where delicious pesto was created. It is one of the easiest places for larger ships to bring passengers who want to explore Portofino and the entire coastline.
Hvar, Croatia
Visitors to Croatia are most likely going to spend time in Dubrovnik or Split. Both towns welcome cruise ships. It's worth booking the Crystal Yacht Expedition's Crystal Esprit to visit the breathtaking island of Hvar. The Mediterranean beaches in this area are unspoiled and less crowded than many others in the region. The entire island offers a photo-worthy backdrop of rolling hills, lavender fields, and azure-blue sea.
Geiranger, Norway
Some of the most well-known spots in Norway are undoubtedly the majestic fjords, especially in and around Geiranger. Viking's 'Into the Midnight Sun' itinerary makes this a quintessential stop on its tour. You can also embark on some spectacular excursions, including kayaking through the fjords, viewing them from a helicopter, or hiking your way across. The Geirangerfjord are one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Naples, Italy
Naples is one of Italy's largest cities. But it is what lies beyond Naples that makes this a splendid addition to your trip. The MSC Cruises make regular stops here, giving travelers the chance to visit Pompeii or the island of Capri - making for a convenient day trip. Another popular excursion is driving south along the coast toward the famous towns of Sorrento and Ravenna for food and shopping.
Caudebec-en-Caux, France
This area is stunning, to say the least, and allow easy access to Normandy's D-Day beaches. AmaWaterways operates a number of sailings along the River Seine to reach this important landmark, and its excursions include a visit to the beaches, the U.S. Cemetery at Omaha Beach and the Ranger Monument. Mount Saint Michel is another popular destination. The island is surrounded by water when the tide rolls in.
