Paired to Perfection

Reykjavik & Copenhagen

The sagas of the Vikings were written in Iceland, a land of glaciers, geysers, and erupting volcanoes, where nature’s geological processes play out before your eyes. Its capital, Reykjavik, is pollution-free and buildings and swimming pools are heated by geothermal water. Take the Golden Circle tour to see Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area, and walk on the Continental Divide at Thingvellir National Park.

The Kingdom of Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland and an archipelago of 474 islands. Home to one of the oldest monarchies in the world, its history is rooted in the Viking Age. The capital is Copenhagen—Denmark's cultural center—with cobblestone streets and royal palaces as a backdrop to daily life in this small modern city.

Munich & Salzburg

Located within eyeshot of the snowcapped Alps, Munich is a city of broad boulevards and baroque facades. Founded in 1158 on the River Isar, it acquired its name (home of the monks), from its first monastery, where the beer brewing tradition began. Beer has been served at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus since it became a royal brewery in 1605. There’s an air of jollity and conviviality, and the beer flows freely to the strains of Bavarian oompah music and songs.

The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg, and a popular tour takes you to the film's iconic sites. Wander around the pretty gardens and trick fountains of Schloss Hellbrunn. Shop for treasures on Getreidegasse and visit the house where Mozart was born. Don’t miss Fürsterzbischöfliche Hofapotheke, the oldest pharmacy in Salzburg, opened in 1588.

Edinburgh & Scottish Lakes

Just north of Glasgow, The Trossachs National Park encompasses 21 Munros (mountains above 3,000 feet), enchanted forests, and sparkling Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain. Nearby are verdant golf courses and the Culloden Battlefield, with its haunting clan stones.

In Edinburgh, an ancient castle looms over the Old Town at the head of the Royal Mile, which stretches to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen when she's in town. The Royal Mile is lined with cobblestone alleyways, boutiques, pubs, and restaurants in 400-year-old buildings. The New Town is a model of 18th-century elegance.

New Zealand North & South Islands

North Island: Set between two harbors and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones, Auckland is a blend of urban attractions, beaches, water adventure, and geothermal wonders. Board a ferry and cruise the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke, the Island of Wine or to Rangitoto, a black lava volcanic island. Be introduced to the Maori culture and join an eco-safari in search of Bryde’s whales, bottlenose dolphins, and orcas.

South Island: Set on the edge of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is known for adventure and is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping and jet boating. Other activities include whitewater rafting, zip lining, 4x4 off-roading, paragliding, and skydiving. With over 200 vineyards in the region, enjoy a glass of the local Pinot Noir on a wine tour. Visit Milford Sound, a fiord with cliffs rising from the dark waters, where mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 3000 feet.

Maui & Kauai, Hawaii

Famous for its perfect climate, stunning beaches, and fascinating culture, Maui includes a little of everything that makes Hawaii so appealing. Augment your beach time with horseback riding, scenic hiking, and windsurfing. A stay in Maui is never complete without viewing a magnificent sunrise from Haleakala, the island’s sleeping volcano. Take a scenic helicopter tour across Maui and to neighboring islands.

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is treasured for its postcard-perfect beauty, shopping, and dining. Hike through a verdant rainforest to an awe-inspiring waterfall, play a round of golf by the sea, and stretch out on a sun-kissed beach. Go snorkeling, mountain tubing, zip lining, horseback riding, and, depending on the season, join a whale-watching expedition.

Sydney & The Great Barrier Reef

Sydney is renowned for its cultural diversity, world-class dining, and surf beaches. Sydney's Opera House is its most iconic site, but if you're not an opera lover, don a climbing suit and safety tethers and ascend to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks and adjacent Circular Quay are Sydney’s oldest neighborhoods, dating to 1788. Taronga Zoo is a must-see for the kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypuses, echidnas, emus, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils.

Port Douglas is just an hour north of Cairns via a spectacular coastal road on the Coral Sea. Two World Heritage jewels exist side by side in this region: the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest of Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Refresh in the aquamarine waters on Four Mile Beach. Explore the Daintree Rainforest by night, swing through the canopy on a zip line or take a guided 4WD tour.

Vienna & Prague

Vienna, Austria is a city of picturesque avenues, stunning architecture, gardens and sculptures. Its legendary composers are still celebrated to this day - Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. Explore Schönbrunn Palace, and the grounds of Hofburg Palace, where the Vienna Boys Choir performs in a gorgeous Gothic chapel.

Prague also extends over a river, the Vltava. Over thirty bridges, including the magnificent Charles Bridge lined with Baroque statues, crisscross over this destination. Tour Prague Castle and Golden Lane (where alchemy was practiced), stroll the riverfront promenade, ride the Petřínfunicular, and linger in the Old Town Square.

The Amalfi Coast & Rome

The Amalfi Coast, on Italy's Sorrentine peninsula, is lined with towering bluffs, pastel-hued villages, lush gardens, and turquoise waters. Your base will be Sorrento on the Bay of Naples, with the island of Capri a short ferry-ride away. Explore the villages of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello and savor local flavors. Pompeii is only a fascinating day trip away….

Rome is a living museum with 3,000 years of art, architecture, and culture on display. The Roman Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Visit Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Via Appia. Vatican City is also an option, with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.

Lucerne & Montreux

The pretty town of Lucerne, Switzerland boasts Europe’s oldest covered bridge and historic frescoed houses lining picture-postcard squares. Cruise Lake Lucerne aboard a steamship, take the cable car up Mount Pilatus to experience breathtaking alpine views, or stroll city ramparts constructed in 1386.

Montreux nestles in a sheltered bay on Lake Geneva, set against a backdrop of snow-covered Alps. The Quays of Montreux, extending over eight miles along the shore, are lined with exotic gardens and palm trees, made possible by the region's mild microclimate. The Casino Barrière features 24 gaming tables and 377 slot machines, as well as a poker room.