Copenhagen → Lisbon (14 nights)

Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and - of course - flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it’s well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming... rather like the smiles of those that live here.

Known as the gateway to the world and bearing the most bridges, immerse yourself with Hamburgers to the sound of canals and cuisine, architecture and music. Prepare to be submerged in culture; from affluent villas to modest Almshouses, the last castle, an inner-city lake, a floating landing platform, the neo-Renaissance Town hall, an industrial underground tunnel and baroque masterpiece, St Nicholas Church. Wander to the solid brick warehouse district of UNESCO Hafen City; touch the shining wave of glass of the futuristic Elbphilharmonie, listen to crystal clear acoustics that pair with Sydney’s Opera House and enjoy views of the River Elbe. Hamburg offers unique, memorable entertainment - for all your senses.

Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.

The jewel in the crown of the Médoc, Pauillac is a well-regarded commune and appellation in Bordeaux's Médoc peninsula and famed home to five First Growth (Premier Grand Cru) wines: Château Lafite Rothschild; Château Latour; Château Mouton Rothschild. Explore the magical Médoc Wine Route, pausing to sip structured Pauillac wines, awakening your senses with guided tours, tasting sessions and lessons on terroir. In town, ponder Plaza La Fayette, where the Marquis departed for America to aid in its War of Independence. Sample chocolates, cheeses, and the sweet canelé caramelized pastry, whilst the bells ring from the Church of Saint-Martin.

The jewel in the crown of the Médoc, Pauillac is a well-regarded commune and appellation in Bordeaux's Médoc peninsula and famed home to five First Growth (Premier Grand Cru) wines: Château Lafite Rothschild; Château Latour; Château Mouton Rothschild. Explore the magical Médoc Wine Route, pausing to sip structured Pauillac wines, awakening your senses with guided tours, tasting sessions and lessons on terroir. In town, ponder Plaza La Fayette, where the Marquis departed for America to aid in its War of Independence. Sample chocolates, cheeses, and the sweet canelé caramelized pastry, whilst the bells ring from the Church of Saint-Martin.

Folded between the Bay of Biscay and the limestone peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains, Asturias is a side of Spain seen by few. In historic Oviedo, locals sip Asturian sidra (cider) or perhaps a chilled Albariño from neighbouring Galicia in the snaking streets around San Salvador Cathedral. To the south, Asturian skies are punctuated by the Picos de Europa mountains, an awe-inspiring corridor of dramatic limestone peaks, where pilgrims pay homage in Covadonga Sanctuary and views stretch across deep valleys to distant horizons.

Emerald greens and Spanish blues beckon at this under-the-radar enclave on the scalloped coast of Galicia. Seemingly created to inspire love-struck poets, this sonnet of a city sings of lively markets, a thriving culinary scene, and lapping golden-sand beaches. UNESCO declared its significance at the Tower of Hercules, built by the Romans in the 2nd century, which has watched the waves for 2,000 continuous years. Stroll narrow streets to the city’s Medieval heart, the Ciudad Vieja, and pretty Plaza de Maria Pita which is crowned by domes, steeples and statues. Head to the Pescadería neighbourhood – Calle Estrella and beyond – for grilled octopus, cockles, and tapas washed down with white Albariño wine. Stroll past the scarlet lamp posts on the Paseo Marítimo coastal promenade, conquer the Castle of San Antón on its islet, then leave footprints on the sandy Praia de Riazor beach.

The Portuguese know their port. Quinta do Infantado was the first estate to bottle fortified wine. Between the churches, arts, restaurants, music and neoclassical structures, there’s so much more to taste. Explore historic wonders, rolling hillsides, terracotta rooftops, granite buildings and even more wineries. With bars and restaurants on every piazza corner, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to try the rich pasteis de nata. Savour this port in the light coastal breeze and share stories by the shimmering ocean.

Enjoy the rich buzz of Lisbon. Dip into the city’s strong architectural, cultural and historical connections. Wander charming-cobbled streets, colourful buildings, the river Sado and endless nature. Pilgrimage to Fatima, tour hilly villages, learn Portuguese cooking techniques and listen to the Lisbon blues. Slip to charming Cascais for quieter energy and golden beaches. And as you bathe in the captivating light, enjoy plates of petiscos which - like fado - you’ll soon discover is vibrant, warm and most appealing.