The Golden Circle is Iceland’s premier tourist route, offering a breathtaking journey through some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders. The route typically starts in Reykjavik and circles through Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. At Þingvellir, visitors can stand where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and explore the site of the world’s oldest parliament, established in 930 AD.
There's more than meets the eye in Savona, a Northwest Italy port city many cruise ship passengers are lucky enough to find themselves in. The giant Fortezza del Priamàr looms over the water, providing a unique welcome. Be sure to stroll through the city's genteel, impressive medieval center, visit the beautiful Savona Cathedral and see marvelous artistic works from centuries past at the Ceramics Museum.
Rovinj, a picturesque city on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, invites travelers to immerse themselves in its enchanting blend of history and natural beauty. The city's charming Old Town, with its narrow, cobblestone streets and colorful facades, is a delight to explore. The heart of this historic area is the Church of St. Euphemia, a Baroque masterpiece that offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea from its bell tower.
St Kilda is a remote volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, far west of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The group consists of Hirta, Dun, Soay, and Boreray, along with numerous sea stacks and smaller formations. Hirta is the largest island and contains the remains of the former settlement around Village Bay. No permanent civilian population lives on St Kilda today, although conservation workers, researchers, and Ministry of Defence personnel occupy Hirta at various times.
Photo Credit: Photo by Grigorii Shcheglov on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Grigorii Shcheglov on Unsplash
This thriving port city has so much to offer, including several museums, the beautiful historic quarter Porto Antico and La Lanterna. This lighthouse is Genoa's best known landmark and provides stunning views over the port and bay. There are several famous writers, painters and artists who called Genoa home, but the most notable person was explorer Christopher Columbus, who was born in Genoa. During your evening meal, make sure you indulge in Genoa's specialty, pasta with pesto!
Other Popular Destinations in Italy
Rome
Often called the Eternal City, Rome stands alone as Italy's most visited destination. The third most populated city in the European Union, Rome boasts ancient sites, yet has a modern flair — an exhilarating mix of the Old World and the new.
Venice
Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization.