60 days in Europe Itinerary

Take a trip up north and visit Norway, the land of fjords, northern lights, unspoiled nature, and friendly communities. Norway is a haven for holidaymakers who enjoy the outdoors, with numerous resorts for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as countless trails for hiking in the summer or dog sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. Norway's cities combine historical and modern architecture and feature a selection of museums, art galleries, and performance venues. Meanwhile, traditional ways of life, local customs, and crafts are celebrated in many open-air and ethnological museums across the land. Even though the country has a modern and elaborate system of roads, Norway continues to foster its ancient connection with the sea. Take to the waters yourself with tours of the scenic coast, fjords, or whale watching.

A small country packing a big punch in terms of tourist attractions, Belgium sits at the crossroads of Western Europe, its cities soaked in history and famed for their lively arts, fashion, and dining scenes. Although it advertises itself simply as "A Food Lover's Dream," this country of just 11 million people boasts a rich architectural heritage, world-famous breweries, pristine natural areas, and touching memorials marking major battlegrounds from both World War I and World War II. Put the country's elegant cities of Brussels and Bruges at the top of your itinerary, but don't forget that Belgium's less-explored countryside offers dense forests, rolling hills, and lush valleys.

The Netherlands literally means "Low Country", inspired by the country's low and flat geography, where only about 50 percent of the land exceeds one meter (three feet) above sea level. Since the late 16th century, large, flat land areas called "polders" have been reclaimed from the sea and lakes and protected by dikes, amounting to nearly 17 percent of the country's current land mass. The Netherlands is. This is small, densely populated country lies mainly in Western Europe but also includes three islands in the Caribbean; it's the main constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The European part of the Netherlands borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest, sharing maritime borders with Belgium, the United Kingdom and Germany. Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam serve as the three largest and most important cities in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is the country's capital, while The Hague holds the Dutch seat of government. The port of Rotterdam claims the title as the largest port in Europe, in fact, it's as large as the next three ports combined.

Known for its old-fashioned charm, Denmark often is referenced as a fairy-tale setting by visitors and locals alike. With quaint cobblestone streets leading the way to art galleries, museums, and historical sights, plus a modern and easily accessible public transportation system, Denmark seamlessly blends its rich history with modern advancements. Be inspired by the works of local legends, including the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, the symphonies of Carli Nielsen, and the astronomy work of Tycho Brahe, then play a bit at amusement parks like Legoland. Visitors often find themselves developing "hygge," the untranslatable Danish trait that encapsulates a sense of coziness and contentment, which is thought to have a great deal of influence on Denmark's standing as one of the happiest nations on the planet.

Once the land of the Vikings, Sweden today combines a long and fascinating history with a propensity for the very modern. The grand Romanesque churches that dot the countryside contrast with the clean, simple lines and partiality for organization the country is known for. With its reverence for the shy, reserved, and considerate, the nation exudes a sensation of being comfortable. Peek into the quiet lives from afar, gather around traditional "fika" coffee with loved ones, or dine on meatballs, herring, and potatoes. Immerse yourself in nature among the forests and trails so respected by their citizens, and take in the latest design and cultural offerings in this modest yet aesthetically savvy country.

Small in size but big in character, the proud nation of Estonia manages to pack historical cities, swathes of charming countryside, a picturesque coastline, and rugged islands into a relatively small amount of space. Thanks to its compactness, visitors can easily travel between the many tourist attractions the country has to offer. Although just a stone's throw away from Finland, Latvia, and Russia, Estonia boasts its own distinct culture, evident in the country's cuisine, music, and traditions. This vibrant nation emerged from over 40 years of Soviet rule to be one of the most economically successful of the European Union's eastern members and is leading the way in tech industries.

Nestled between Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia has a small but developing tourist industry and the country is authentic and welcoming. The Baltic coast stretches 500 km (310 mi) along Latvia's northern border, and lush green forests cover nearly half of the country. Founded in 1918, Latvia was occupied by both the Nazis and the Soviet Union, who incorporated the country and did not restore independence until 1991. Due to centuries of foreign rule, the country boasts a mix of ethnic backgrounds, while maintaining the Latvian language. With cosmopolitan Riga as the capital, Latvia offers a mix of urban excitement and rural nature.

Characterized by the majestic Baltic coastline and adjacent white sands, Lithuania boasts lush green forests, hidden lakes, and coastal wetlands. A nation with a turbulent history, Lithuania houses the remains of a former nuclear site and the remnants of defenses used to strengthen the frontier of the Tsarist empire. At the same time, it pays homage to its national heroes, honored in sculpture parks and museums throughout the country. Today, Lithuania boasts a thriving musical, cultural, and visual arts scene, hosting a range of festivals and concerts year-round.