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 Gotfred, and up to the end of the 11th. century Danish vikings raided and plundered all over Europe and as far East as Constantinoble, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Viking Denmark was a European super power and knew how to use this power to its advantage. Copenhagen gives easy access to a viking fortress, sailing in viking ships and visiting viking burial sites.
One person put France on the map as a European super power - 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 Austro-Hungarian empire. Today Vienna is a beautiful city with grandiose architecture and culture that reflects 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 travellers 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 British history.