When most people think of Norway, the Western Fjords area is what they picture, with its stunningly beautiful deep waterways carved through rugged mountains by ice age glaciers. Several of the world’s tallest waterfalls are here too, adding to the splendor. An incredible region for cruising, hiking, fishing, biking, rafting, canoeing and summer skiing, the region is also home to fascinating cities like Bergen, Stavanger and Alesund, each chock-full of unique and interesting urban activities.

Lying at the heart of Norway’s Western Fjord area, Hordaland is home to culturally rich Bergen, the country’s second largest city. Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord (and the third-longest in the world), is here too, and cruising along its scenic 110 miles is a top area activity. Leirvik, the second-biggest town in Hordaland, has the interesting open-air Sunnhordland Folk Museum. Set atop one of the country’s biggest glaciers, Folgefonna National Park has a popular summer ski center.

The colorful Norwegian city of Bergen is also a gateway to majestic fjords. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf will give you a sense of the local culture – take some time to snap photos of the Hanseatic commercial buildings, which look like scenery from a film set. Don’t breathe too deeply when you visit the outdoor fish market, a reminder of the city’s role in early fish trade. Ferry across a fjord to Lysøen, where the former villa of 19th-century composer Ole Bull will captivate you with fairytale charm.

Rich in mountains, islands, glaciers, farmlands and fjords, Sogn og Fjordane is best known for Sognefjord, the longest in Norway and the second-longest in the world. One of its arms, Nærøyfjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the 12th-century Urnes Stave Church near Lustrafjorden, an excellent example of traditional Scandinavian wooden architecture. Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on mainland Europe, is home to a national park with several museums and visitor centers.

Two ski centers making up one resort halfway between Oslo and Bergen, Geilo has 20 ski lifts serving 39 Alpine slopes of varying length and difficulty. Geilolia center generally has easier green and blue runs, while Slaatta center offers mostly blue and red runs. Also featured are 135 miles of cross-country tracks.

With its Gothic castle, ornate Renaissance buildings, and rows of gabled houses, strolling around Lubeck’s UNESCO-listed old town feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Architectural gems, winding passageways, and café-lined courtyards each reveal a new surprise about this charming city.

Presided over by its cathedral, where Jane Austen is buried, and medieval castle, home to King Arthur’s Round Table; Winchester wears its history on its sleeve. A maze of cobbled lanes and half-timbered buildings harbour old English pubs, traditional cafés, lively markets, and artisan shops.

Over the centuries, many cultures have added their mark to this prized piece of land. Today, you can experience those influences firsthand by exploring Istanbul’s mahalles (neighbourhoods). From the holy sites of Sultanahmet and the 19th-century European elegance of Beyoğlu to the high fashion of Nişantaşı, the vibrant café society of Kadıköy and the football-loving streets of Beşiktaş, it’s easy to see why travellers say that Istanbul isn’t just one city, but many cities within one.

Tradition blends with tourism in Roquetas de Mar, where Blue Flag beaches and fresh seafood restaurants draw lovers of coastal life. Set on Spain's Costa de Almeria, the fishing town caters to different interests with a 17th-century castle, waterpark, and nature reserves.