60 days in Europe, Africa & Caribbean Itinerary

An autonomous Danish territory, Greenland combines the power of Mother Nature with some of the most stunning scenery in the world. A trip to Greenland takes you to the planet's largest non-continental island, with the sparsest population in the world. Don't let that stop you from choosing a holiday in Greenland, the perfect chance to discover small towns and photogenic villages known for their colorful wooden cottages. The improving tourist network includes many hotels and hostels, as well as a slew of tour operators providing exiting outdoor activities.

Experience the drama of this mountainous island in the North Atlantic, from glacial rivers to rushing waterfalls and geothermal hot spots. Iceland's cities, like its capital Reykjavik, are home to passionate natives who honor their Icelandic culture and history. Venture from the cities to experience the country's most powerful attraction: its breathtaking landscapes. Take a trip to one of the island's renowned national parks, see the effects of volcanic activity, and go for a dip in one of its many lakes. A haven for outdoor recreation, you can glacier hike, whitewater raft, and swim in natural pools.

Gentle green hills, Guinness, leprechauns, and friendly folks characterize this small isle of a country. From the busy big city of Dublin to cozy countryside, the emerald isle harbors a varied natural landscape and is steeped in tradition. Visitors can immerse themselves in the native Irish language by visiting a Gaeltacht, or Irish-speaking region of the country, where traditional culture thrives. The Irish are known for being open and welcoming: from the moment you land to the moment you leave, you'll be greeted with "cead mile failte"--a hundred thousand welcomes.

Take a trip up north and visit Norway, the land of fjords, northern lights, unspoiled nature, and friendly communities. Norway is a haven for holidaymakers who enjoy the outdoors, with numerous resorts for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as countless trails for hiking in the summer or dog sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. Norway's cities combine historical and modern architecture and feature a selection of museums, art galleries, and performance venues. Meanwhile, traditional ways of life, local customs, and crafts are celebrated in many open-air and ethnological museums across the land. Even though the country has a modern and elaborate system of roads, Norway continues to foster its ancient connection with the sea. Take to the waters yourself with tours of the scenic coast, fjords, or whale watching.

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."

One of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia was the only African nation not to fall under colonial control. The continued independence left the country with a wealth of undisturbed historical sites and cultural practices--reasons enough to plan a vacation in Ethiopia. Ancient ruins, hill tribes, wild forest areas, gushing rivers, and depressions filled with active volcanoes represent just some of the many Ethiopia attractions worthy of your attention.

The land of pharaohs, pyramids, sphinxes, and papyrus, Egypt needs little by way of introduction. Visitors find more than a textbook readout of ancient history when visiting the country--the power, scale, art, and mysticism of its centuries-old culture bleed out from each landmark attraction and seep into the everyday life. Bustling markets, the slow-flowing Nile, the vast desert, and inspiring archeological sites often sit right alongside palaces of great excess and historical importance. All ensure you have plenty to see and do during your vacation in Egypt. In the wake of the Arab Spring in 2011, travel to certain areas where conflict and terrorism are deemed likely remains inadvisable for foreign visitors.

With a coastline looking out across the Mediterranean Sea, Libya has historically been a place of trade, development, and wealth, with empires ruling all or part of it and leaving their mark on the landscape and culture. Roman and Greek ruins and Islamic mosques remain among the main Libya attractions, but excursions into the Sahara provide an alternative for those wishing to get out of the urban sprawl and see rolling dunes, sand seas, and lively caravan towns.

Tunisia benefits from its thin, slivery form, with a range of landscapes and climates causing diverse cultures, traditions, and lifestyles to develop over time. The lesser-visited south of the country possesses some major archaeological sites, impressive dunes, and caravans of nomadic peoples crossing the sands. The north contains many of the main cities in the country, located along the historic Mediterranean coast. Carthaginian and Roman ruins are found in and just outside the contemporary urban areas, which themselves blend African, Ottoman, and European influences. Many come for a beach holiday in Tunisia, but those who don't stop there are richly rewarded.

The largest country on the continent, Algeria combines diverse landscapes with cultural intrigue and history. The north of the country has always been the most developed area, with the majority of the population living in cities along the Mediterranean coast. Roman ruins, modern and colonial architecture, renowned museums, and impressive coastal areas in the north represent some of the highlights of a vacation in Algeria. Heading south, the Sahara Desert takes hold. The dunes and nomadic tribes crossing the landscape offer a dreamier, less scripted counterpoint to the urbane north.

Diverse in landscapes and cultures, Morocco has long been a popular tourist destination, offering many quintessential North African vistas, sounds, and tastes. The ancient medinas of the main cities have retained their look and feel over the centuries, with bustling markets of colorful spice stalls, leather tanning in the streets, and teahouses. The dunes of the Sahara and the peaks of the High Atlas mountains battle for the interest of tourists on holiday in Morocco, with each possessing impressive, picturesque scenery, and hidden-away traditional villages, filled with crafts, carpets, and a rural way of life.

A U.S. territory encompassing one big island and several smaller ones, Puerto Rico appeals to visitors from around the globe with its rich history, pleasant climate, natural beauty, and renowned local cuisine. Most tourists take a vacation in Puerto Rico for that classic seaside experience, though the island offers much more than just sun and sand. Tours of Puerto Rico usually start in the city of San Juan, which boasts a trendy bar scene and plenty of art museums for visitors looking to add a bit of culture to their vacation. A short drive from the island's urban centers, pristine rainforests serve as peaceful retreats from the city bustle and ensure plenty of chances to spot wildlife and take exhilarating nature walks.