Norway & Denmark Cruise 7 netter • Copenhagen, Denmark • Jewel of the Seas

If you’re planning a cruise out of Denmark, tack on a few days ahead of your vacation to explore this beautiful northern capital. A foodie, art and culture capital, Denmark offers endless discoveries for every kind of traveler — not to mention a wonderful blend of historic charm and cool modern design. But first things first — the best way to start your day when you visit Denmark is with a Danish pastry from Conditori La Glace, the city’s oldest confectioner’s shop. Afterward, you can visit the colorful quay district of Nyhavn and see where the writer Hans Christian Andersen lived and worked. For a bit of natural beauty and tranquility, take a stroll along the leafy pathways of the Frederiksberg Gardens. Or get your fix of history and culture during the changing of the Royal Guard at the stately Amalienborg palace, home of the Danish royal family.

Norway's fifth-largest city on the south coast faces Denmark and is surrounded by crystal blue water on three sides. Explore the colorful central market, and admire the original wooden houses in the historic quarter Posebyen. Go to the Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park west of town for a quiet walk on paths lined with trees and cliffs, or head to the Kristiansand Waterfall — you can find wild salmon swimming in the waters here.

Nestled between the North Sea, islands and mountains is Haugesund, Norway. When you disembark here, you'll experience a region rich in history, culture and nature. Spend your day visiting Harald Fairhair's burial site; Fairhair is the Viking who united Norway into a single kingdom. Or indulge yourself (and your stomach) by tasting some of the fresh seafood you can find. Stroll through the city, where you can learn about glassblowing. If nature is more your speed, hike up Himakånå, the little sister of Trolltunga, where you can take in some of the most stunning views you've ever seen. If you're looking for even more adventure, hop on a boat to the island of Utsira or get up close and personal with the Langfoss waterfall, which is listed as one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the entire world. There's something for everyone during cruises to Haugesund, so start exploring.

In Alesund, you'll find distinctive archiecture in the Jugendstil style, the Scandinavian answer to the ornate, asymmetrical style of Art Nouveau. Discover the region's mouthwatering seafood, and attend one of the lively cultural and arts festivals. Climb the 418 steps to the summit of Aksla Hill for clear views of the city, the surrounding mountains and the islands that dot the bay. Or hit the mountains for some skiing — there are rugged slopes as well as gentle hills.

Denmark's second largest city dates back to the Viking Age. Explore the Latin Quarter, the Old Town and the many museums before enjoying a world-class meal. Stroll through the Tivoli or the Botanical Gardens. Or hop on a bike with the wind in your hair and discover why this city routinely crops up as one of the happiest in the world.

Copenhagen has come a long way from its early Viking days. Its historic center of Frederiksstaden has its share of castles and royal-era palaces— but it’s the modern, sleek Scandinavian design and playful, hygge spirit that sets Denmark’s capital apart today. Each neighborhood offers its own unique, exciting adventures. Explore the city’s seafaring past with a canal cruise under a network of bridges, or take a stroll along Nyhavn’s colorful quay. Peek in Kødbyen’s trendy art galleries and savor world-renowned Nordic cuisine in Christiania’s quirky cafes. Adventure comes in many forms in Copenhagen, from Baltic beaches to famous fairytales.