40 days in Europe Itinerary

Known for its old-fashioned charm, Denmark often is referenced as a fairy-tale setting by visitors and locals alike. With quaint cobblestone streets leading the way to art galleries, museums, and historical sights, plus a modern and easily accessible public transportation system, Denmark seamlessly blends its rich history with modern advancements. Be inspired by the works of local legends, including the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, the symphonies of Carli Nielsen, and the astronomy work of Tycho Brahe, then play a bit at amusement parks like Legoland. Visitors often find themselves developing "hygge," the untranslatable Danish trait that encapsulates a sense of coziness and contentment, which is thought to have a great deal of influence on Denmark's standing as one of the happiest nations on the planet.

Once the land of the Vikings, Sweden today combines a long and fascinating history with a propensity for the very modern. The grand Romanesque churches that dot the countryside contrast with the clean, simple lines and partiality for organization the country is known for. With its reverence for the shy, reserved, and considerate, the nation exudes a sensation of being comfortable. Peek into the quiet lives from afar, gather around traditional "fika" coffee with loved ones, or dine on meatballs, herring, and potatoes. Immerse yourself in nature among the forests and trails so respected by their citizens, and take in the latest design and cultural offerings in this modest yet aesthetically savvy country.

Combining vast Nordic wilderness with bustling hip cities, Finland offers something to delight and surprise all its visitors. Generally speaking, the northern region is populated by unspoiled pine forests, glistening blue lakes, and a plethora of interesting wildlife, while the south is home to the nation's thoroughly modern urban centers. Although Finland holds the title of most sparsely populated county in the European Union, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in cities like Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere are often packed with fun-loving Finns. Do bring your dancing shoes, but don't forget your hiking boots either--you'll want to make use of the country's 37 national parks, spread throughout this "Land of a Thousand Lakes."

Small in size but big in character, the proud nation of Estonia manages to pack historical cities, swathes of charming countryside, a picturesque coastline, and rugged islands into a relatively small amount of space. Thanks to its compactness, visitors can easily travel between the many tourist attractions the country has to offer. Although just a stone's throw away from Finland, Latvia, and Russia, Estonia boasts its own distinct culture, evident in the country's cuisine, music, and traditions. This vibrant nation emerged from over 40 years of Soviet rule to be one of the most economically successful of the European Union's eastern members and is leading the way in tech industries.

Nestled between Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia has a small but developing tourist industry and the country is authentic and welcoming. The Baltic coast stretches 500 km (310 mi) along Latvia's northern border, and lush green forests cover nearly half of the country. Founded in 1918, Latvia was occupied by both the Nazis and the Soviet Union, who incorporated the country and did not restore independence until 1991. Due to centuries of foreign rule, the country boasts a mix of ethnic backgrounds, while maintaining the Latvian language. With cosmopolitan Riga as the capital, Latvia offers a mix of urban excitement and rural nature.