This itinerary takes you to the major European powers that have had a dominating influence on European culture and history.
Denmark was the heartland of viking culture. In the 8th. century the West Roman Emperor had serious problems getting along with the Danish viking King, and up to the end of the 11th. century Danish vikings raided and plundered in Europe and as far East as Constantinoble, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Viking Denmark was a European superpower and knew how to use this power to its advantage. Copenhagen gives easy access to a viking fortress, viking ships and impressive museum collections.
One person put France on the map as a European superpower - Napoleon. Today Paris is a testament to the power and influence Napoleon had on France and Europe with its wide boulevards and impressive architectural monuments.
Vienna was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire. It was the murder of the Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo at the beginning of the 20th. century that caused the First World War and ultimately the end of the empire. Today Vienna is an beautiful city with an architecture and culture that reflects on its past.
Berlin was the capital of the German Empire from the final unification of all the German town states and remained the German power center until the end of World War II, when Germany was divided. Today Berlin is once again the German capital, offering both the historical monuments and architecture and a new, avantgarde cultural diversity that attracts artists and travelers alike.
The United Kingdom was a major World power, using its technological advantage in seafaring to expand trade and political power to present day USA, the Caribbean, The Indian subcontinent and China. London is a magnificent tribute to the British history.