Explore Gotland: Sweden's Enchanting Island

Gotland, Sweden's largest island, offers a unique blend of mediaeval history and natural beauty. Located in the Baltic Sea, this limestone-rich island is home to Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its remarkably preserved mediaeval city wall. History buffs will love the island's 92 mediaeval churches and numerous prehistoric sites. In summer, Gotland comes alive during Mediaeval Week in August, when locals and visitors dress in period costumes and Visby's streets fill with markets, tournaments and performances. Nature lovers can enjoy Gotland's distinctive limestone formations called 'raukar', beautiful beaches, and unique plant life. The island is easily reached by ferry from mainland Sweden, with regular connections from Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn to Visby. From Gotland, you can also take a ferry to the smaller neighbouring island of Fårö, famous for its dramatic sea stacks and ties to filmmaker Ingmar Bergman.

Explore Germany's Rich Heritage and Cultural Delights

Germany offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern innovation. From the vibrant capital of Berlin with its iconic Brandenburg Gate to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, the country boasts diverse attractions for every traveller. Munich's Oktoberfest, held annually from late September to early October, draws millions of visitors to experience traditional Bavarian culture and beer. The romantic Rhine Valley, with its vineyard-covered slopes and mediaeval castles, provides stunning landscapes worth exploring. In December, Germany's famous Christmas markets transform cities like Nuremberg and Dresden into magical winter wonderlands. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Museum Island in Berlin, while history buffs can visit the moving Berlin Wall Memorial. From German ports, ferry connections provide convenient access to Scandinavia, with routes from Kiel and Rostock to Denmark and Sweden, making it an excellent starting point for broader European adventures.