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.

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.

Start by exploring Old Stavanger, where traditional pastel cottages remain in remarkably good order. See Stavanger Cathedral, the oldest church in Norway. About 90 minutes away by car, you'll find the trail that will take you to the top of Prekestol, which offers views over all of the 40 kilometers that make up the unusually straight Lysefjord. Formed during the Ice Age, Lysefjord's mountains reach more than 3,000 feet above sea level and run as far as the eye can see.

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.

Oslo's award-winning Opera House is perfect for exploring, both inside and out. Take advantage of its unique modern design and climb up to the top of the roof. Close by, you'll find the imposing Royal Palace and the Parliament, both of which offer insightful tours. Then, head to the Old Town to see medieval Oslo as it once was, and get some shopping and eating done.

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.