Since 1437, Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland. The hilly city features an Old Town with medieval structures as well as a beautiful Georgian New Town with neoclassical architecture. While the Scottish monarchy resides in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the crown jewels can be found in Edinburgh Castle, towering over the city. More than one million tourists flock to Edinburgh every year for its cultural and historical attractions.

Kirkwall is a town on the Orkney Islands, located 10 miles off the Scottish mainlands. The town itself is steeped in history and today, is the main hub of activity in Orkney. Visitors can admire Kirkwalls most prominent feature, St. Magnus Cathedral, seen as one of the finest medival buildings around . Kirkwall has a vibrant shopping scene with a refreshing selection of locally-owned stores. By night, many bars offer traditional live music, allowing visitors to soak up the unique culture of the Orkney Islands.

Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands is 200 km north of the Scottish mainland . Its name means "bay of clay", and the first human settlements in the subarctic archipelago date back to the 1st century BC. The town has a distinctly maritime feel, with a stunning natural harbour teaming with fishing boats all vying for space.

Alesund is a Norwegian port town located in the North-West, which owes much of its architectural prowess to the fact that it had to be rebuilt anew in 1904 in Art Nouveau style after a big fire outbreak. The mountain of Aksla is where the best views in town can be enjoyed from. The mountain has 418 steps which lead to the town park. Ålesund is a good base for trips to the surrounding fjords such as the Geirangerfjord

The largest settlement of Svalbard was established in the 20th century. After suffering some damages during World War II, it was again rebuilt. It is for exactly that reason that the town is very modern. The colourful houses really bring out the charm in the city. Due to the relatively temperate climate, Longyearbyen is home to many plant species which are threatened with extinction. You will also be able to observe a various species of animals here.

Honningsvåg is located in the Norwegian muncipality of Nordkapp. The location of Honningsvåg just 40 miles from the North Cape makes the area a very popular visting point. Honningsvåg also lays claim to the fact that it is the Europe's northernmost village. A visit to the North Cape is highly recommended as stunning views await During the summer months, the harbour of the village is a focal point for many cruise ships. There is a tourism office located in Honningsvåg where vistors can find out information about upcoming events as well as receive assistance with excursion planning.

Alta is a town of 20,000 inhabitants in northen Norway. It is a popular location for tourists interested in seeing the Northern Lights and also for birdwatchers, as many species stop here on their migration route.

Harstad is a city located on the island of Hinnoya, the largest in Norway. It is not just the perfect gateway to the Vesteralen and the Lofoten Islands, Harstad is also the place to experience the Northern Lights from November to January and the Midnight Sun from May to July. The city itself is industrial and military defense-oriented, so once here, explore the hiking routes in the beautiful mountains surrounding it and go kayaking in the plentiful lakes.