Canada, New England & Iceland

One of the United States’ oldest cities, Boston has had a pivotal role in American history since it was founded and offers a fantastic array of things to see and do.

A hundred thousand Gaelic welcomes await you in Nova Scotia, Latin for "New Scotland." There are highland villages to visit, the scenic Cabot Trail to explore, golden inland seas to sail and the Fortress of Louisbourg to inspect - where every barn, barracks and pipe and drum corps appears just as it did when King Louis' troops occupied the site in 1744. Sample shore excursions: The Bras d'Or Lakes Grand Tour; Fortress of Louisbourg; Black Gold - Cape Breton Mine Experience.

Corner Brook, a small but bustling city, is on Newfoundland’s west coast. Captain Cook initially mapped this area, known as the Bay of Islands, in 1767, and like many other Newfoundland settlements, Corner Brook started out as a fishing village. Later, one of the largest pulp and paper mills in the world was built here. In the city’s downtown core, West Street and Broadway are the center of action, thanks to numerous pubs, shops and restaurants. The local university has renowned fine-arts and drama programs, so you’re never too far from entertainment. Corner Brook also has an impressive amount of green space—you’re always within walking distance of a park or trail. Nearby Humber Valley and the Marble Mountain offer some of the best skiing in Atlantic Canada, a big enticement for outdoor-adventure junkies. Even if you’d prefer to just take in the scenery, the rolling green mountains and the views overlooking the bay are worth the trip.

Red Bay, a coastal community and National Historic Site in Canada, is a beautiful introduction to rural Labrador. Its history extends back to the 1500s, when thousands of Basque whalers hunted right whales and bowhead whales for blubber, which was rendered into oil and exported to light the lamps of Europe. The whaling station itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the remains of whale oil rendering ovens and a burial ground where 140 whalers and sailors were laid to rest can still be found on nearby Saddle Island. Tiny Red Bay has the hallmarks of rural Newfoundland and Labrador: colorful saltbox houses, craggy coastline and complete peace and solitude. The town can be easily walked in a short amount of time, and the effort is worth it. Wander around the beach and soak up the history of a place fraught with drama. In 1565, the San Juan de Pasajes sunk just off Saddle Island during a storm, and the remains of the ship were discovered in 1978, revealing the sophisticated construction of Basque ships.

The name "Qaqortoq" means "the White Place," and indeed, 85% of the area is under ice. Explore the small town of 3,400 and learn how people survive on this immense, remote island administered by the Danes but desperate for individual recognition of its distinctive culture.

Ísafjörður, the heart of the Westfjords in Iceland, is a gem hidden by towering mountains and enchanting fjords.

Nestled at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is a charming gateway to the natural wonders of the north.

Nestled in the East Fjords of Iceland, Seydisfjordur is a picturesque village where multi-coloured wooden houses are framed by snow-capped mountains and crystalline waterfalls.

Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, sits on the eastern coast of Iceland and dates back to the days of the Vikings. Despite the fearsome reputation of those who first established Djúpivogur, today what draws visitors to this remote corner of the country is its dramatic natural setting. Located on Berufjörður, it is near stunning natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. Wherever you journey in the region, you'll come upon stunning vistas and a landscape shaped by glaciers and geothermal activity. The village itself is home to intriguing sites like Langabúð, a log house built in 1790 that now houses artifacts related to Iceland’s long-held folk traditions. (These include a belief in “hidden folk” who live in the ancient windswept landscapes of rock, glacier and lava.) You can also journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's seabird population including cute and quirky puffins. These birds are so beloved in Iceland that they were long the symbol of the national airline and actually outnumber the country's human population by some 25 to 1.

Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, offers a striking blend of icy landscapes and fiery volcanic activity.

Nestled on the northern shores of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjörður is a scenic Icelandic gem, embraced by dramatic landscapes.

Greenland's southernmost town, Nanortalik is surrounded by the steep mountain peaks of Tasermiut Fjord - whose rugged landscape and lush vegetation attracts serious climbers all year long. Inside the fjord are the ruins of an Augustinian monastery and the towering trees of the Qingua Valley. In this region, the northern lights dance across the sky in the evenings and polar bears have been known to drift by on ice floes. Visit the old town around the colonial harbor where the museum includes exhibits of rare Norse clothing. This harbor is thought to be the last point of departure of the Norse voyagers when they sailed to or from Greenland. The importance of the site is evidenced in the ruins of boathouses. Take a chilly trip to the ice cap by boat, or warm up in the natural hot springs at Uunartoq.

The scenic waters off St. Anthony are known as Iceberg Alley, offering the largest concentration of icebergs in Newfoundland and spectacular whale watching. Sample shore excursions: Icebergs & Whales; L anse Aux Meadows A Viking Tour.

At the easternmost gateway to North America, come ashore in the snug, landlocked harbor to discover a land the Norsemen visited five centuries before Columbus. See fishing villages perched on cliffs, visit the lovely Botanical Gardens.

The tiny French island of St-Pierre & Miquelon are the last remnants of the former colonial territory of New France. Enjoy the uniquely French architecture, cafes and people.

For ocean scenery at its best, nothing rivals Nova Scotia's south shore. Here find craggy coastlines, fabled Peggy's Cove, and the striking German village of Lunenburg, so meticulously restored it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in Halifax the ramparts of the Citadel and a museum commemorating the Titanic await your inspection.

Once the exclusive summer resort of America's fabulously wealthy, today Bar Harbor is an artists' enclave and gateway to the rich natural beauty of Acadia National Park, much of which was donated by the Rockefeller family. Watch for white-tail deer and other wildlife and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. Attend an authentic "Downeast" lobster bake.

One of the United States’ oldest cities, Boston has had a pivotal role in American history since it was founded and offers a fantastic array of things to see and do.