Helsinki, recently nicknamed Istanbul of the North, has over the centuries been a crossroads between East and West, and its blend of architectures reflects that history. It is not only home to Uspenski Cathedral, the largest Russian orthodox church in Western Europe, but also to Suomenlinna, Viapori-Sveaborg fortress, one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world. Helsinki is also renowned for its contributions to modern design and the fine arts. You can also visit Lapland in the north, home of Santa Claus Land, where the reindeer-herding Sami people also practice natural medicine and hold Shamic ceremonies. Neighboring Norway and Sweden both offer spectacular scenery—from glacier walks and whale-watching in Svalbard to the sleepy fishing villages of the Swedish archipelago. In Stockholm, known affectionately as Venice of the North, you can meander through the maze of medieval lanes of baroque Gamla Stan, Or cozy up overnight in Jukkasjärvi in Sweden’s world-famous Icehotel—at 5*C. Extra blankets, please? Across the Baltic, Estonia’s Talinn is not only the home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe, but also to many concerts, theatres, operas, and ballet. In St. Petersburg, the City of Palaces, enjoy White Nights all summer, when twilight lasts all night and the drawbridges spanning the Neva river open to let ships pass through the city. Wherever your destination in Northern Europe, and whatever your travel needs, EuroUSA can custom-design a travel itinerary that will be a delicious smorgasbord of culture, fun and adventure.