Northern Europe Romance: Amsterdam to Dublin

The capital of the Netherlands located along the banks of the Amstel River, its namesake, is considered among the greatest planned cities of northern Europe. It has played a critical role in the country’s development, having once been the center of world economy and now known as a destination of open-minded values. Since the 17th century, the Jewish culture and religion has influenced life here, and you can see hundreds of years of their history throughout the city. Amsterdam isn’t known for its beachfront scenery, but the Zandvoort aan Zee beach, formerly a fishing port established as far back as 1100, now stands as a popular seaside resort town.

The capital of the Netherlands located along the banks of the Amstel River, its namesake, is considered among the greatest planned cities of northern Europe. It has played a critical role in the country’s development, having once been the center of world economy and now known as a destination of open-minded values. Since the 17th century, the Jewish culture and religion has influenced life here, and you can see hundreds of years of their history throughout the city. Amsterdam isn’t known for its beachfront scenery, but the Zandvoort aan Zee beach, formerly a fishing port established as far back as 1100, now stands as a popular seaside resort town.

Steeped in history and tradition, Dover is famed for its iconic white cliffs, a striking welcome to a land that has long been a beacon of resilience and heritage. From the historic Dover Castle, often dubbed the “Key to England,” to the mystical depths of the Secret Wartime Tunnels, take a journey through millennia of tales and triumphs. This regal fortress has stood guard since medieval times and saw the country through WWII. Stroll through the charming streets of Dover, where modern-day life gracefully entwines with tradition. Uncover treasures at the vibrant local markets or indulge in delightful fish and chips at a cozy seaside inn. Immerse yourself in local folklore through charismatic storytelling, reliving legends as old as the land itself. A stone’s throw away from Dover lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture adorned with intricate stained glass and a storied pilgrimage history. Dover is more than a destination; it’s your gateway to discovering England’s rich landscape and beyond.

Along the shoreline of the Seine sits a quintessentially French port, Rouen. Filled with Gothic architecture, Norman houses and a wealth of history that dates back to the 10th-century Vikings and Romans, it is a destination that invites you and your fellow explorers to let your imagination run wild. The enchanting spires of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen may strike a chord, as they often appeared in the paintings of the city’s most famous resident, Claude Monet. Gather with newfound friends to sip on a Bénédictine, a French liqueur blended with honey and saffron that gives notes of citrus fruit, herbs and spices. Indulge your sweet tooth with an abundance of treats from so many confectionaries throughout Rouen. Take about a two-hour drive to Paris for all the highlights of the City of Lights. Or instead, make the drive to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic art and architecture.

Along the shoreline of the Seine sits a quintessentially French port, Rouen. Filled with Gothic architecture, Norman houses and a wealth of history that dates back to the 10th-century Vikings and Romans, it is a destination that invites you and your fellow explorers to let your imagination run wild. The enchanting spires of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen may strike a chord, as they often appeared in the paintings of the city’s most famous resident, Claude Monet. Gather with newfound friends to sip on a Bénédictine, a French liqueur blended with honey and saffron that gives notes of citrus fruit, herbs and spices. Indulge your sweet tooth with an abundance of treats from so many confectionaries throughout Rouen. Take about a two-hour drive to Paris for all the highlights of the City of Lights. Or instead, make the drive to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic art and architecture.

Along the shoreline of the Seine sits a quintessentially French port, Rouen. Filled with Gothic architecture, Norman houses and a wealth of history that dates back to the 10th-century Vikings and Romans, it is a destination that invites you and your fellow explorers to let your imagination run wild. The enchanting spires of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen may strike a chord, as they often appeared in the paintings of the city’s most famous resident, Claude Monet. Gather with newfound friends to sip on a Bénédictine, a French liqueur blended with honey and saffron that gives notes of citrus fruit, herbs and spices. Indulge your sweet tooth with an abundance of treats from so many confectionaries throughout Rouen. Take about a two-hour drive to Paris for all the highlights of the City of Lights. Or instead, make the drive to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic art and architecture.

Located along the southern bank of the Seine River, the charming port city of Honfleur is characterized by its picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, a captivating aesthetic that has been many the subject and inspiration for painters through history. While France is world-renowned for its cuisine, Normandy stands out as a foodie destination. Local Camembert, Livarot and Neufchatel cheeses are delicious enough to entice travelers to stay, but a trip to Normandy is not complete without sampling the tripes à la mode de Caen, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider and apple brandy. From Honfleur, you could choose to make a trek to the City of Lights, Paris, the fashion capital of the world. Iconic tourist attractions like the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower make it easy to see how the city has enjoyed such lasting power in the minds of wanderers and locals alike, but its smaller neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais are where everyday life truly shine.

The charms of Normandy have an undeniable allure and the port of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Cherbourg for short, is a prime example of why. Serene scenes such as the lush gardens of Jardin Public de Cherbourg-Octeville create the perfect backdrop for a leisurely adventure. A grand example of architecture on the outside and housing a fascinating array of exhibits and displays on the inside, the museums of La Cité de la Mer beckon explorer spirits to learn more about the City of the Sea. From the Titanic sailing into port before its infamous Atlantic crossing to German occupation during World War II to its role as a naval port during the Napoleonic Wars, Cherbourg’s maritime history holds a rich depth ready for explorers to journey to the past. Sitting within the Manche region, the cuisine offers plenty of local favorites to sample, such as prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel, a specialty lamb prepared with garlic sauce and potatoes.

With a history dating back to the first century BCE, Saint Malo, France has a deep and profound past that has stood the test of time. From the monolithic menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic era to the Celtic influences and traditions running through its music, festivals and language, this city holds a fascinating story that every explorer can appreciate. Famous for its remarkable ocean tides, the view of the difference between high and low tide in St. Malo cannot compare. Just outside the city limits are the captivating Rochers Sculptes, sculpted rocks carved by deaf and mute French artist Adolphe Julien Fouéré, hugging the cliffs of the Emerald Coast. The city’s Brittany heritage runs strong in its local fare and you can indulge in a helping of moules frites – steamed mussels and chips (fries).

Amid the Isles of Scilly lies the paradise of Tresco, most famous for its Abbey Garden. With thousands of exotic plants from about 80 different countries and a collection of shipwrecked figureheads on display, it’s a stunning profile of what England has to offer. Still standing lookout atop a lush hill but now as a beautiful hotel, the Star Castle at the Garrison inspires the imagination with scenes straight out of a fairytale. At the island’s northernmost point sits the Round Island Lighthouse, where landscapes of rugged boulders plunging into the sea invite you and your fellow explorers to unleash your adventurous spirit. Seaside cafes that look out on white-sand shores invite you and your new friends to sit for a respite and indulge in fresh seafood, such as Cornish scallops or Tresco gin and beetroot cured sea trout. After satisfying your appetite, feed your spirit with a day of sand and sea at one of Tresco’s stunning beaches.

Welsh hospitality exudes from family-owned gift shops, antique stores, cafes, galleries and pubs throughout the charming town of Fishguard. Sitting within North Pembrokeshire’s sweeping valleys, cliffs that plunge into the sea, the rolling Preseli Hills and ancient standing stones, the landscapes inspire a sense of exploration with fellow adventurers. Serene waters call out for a kayaking experience while green paths beckon for a hiking excursion. Strolling through the picture-perfect Lower Town Harbor, you walk the paths that Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole did when they filmed the 1970s movie Under Milk Wood. Quayside cottages make Fishguard appear as if no time has passed at all, inviting you and other explorers to connect with local communities and discover the culture of Wales. The Royal Oak Pub, standing for over 200 years, is one of the best places to take in the local color with newfound friends.

Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.