Human settlement in the area of Tallinn, now the capital of Estonia, dates back about 5,000 years. The first fortress was built on Tallinn Toompea Hill, or Domberg (Cathedral) Hill, in 1050.

The city of Tallinn has never been razed and hence retains much of its old-world charm. During the Second World War some Soviet bombing took place but the Old Town survived more or less intact.

The Tallinn Old Town (including Toompea) became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1997.

Helsinki's South Harbour is a hive of activity. It is a bay area adjacent to the centre of the city and hence makes an excellent anchorage. It is also  the largest passenger harbour in Finland.

Most of the harbour's traffic plies routes to Stockholm, Sweden, and Tallinn, Estonia. Cruise ships also call here.

In the summer season, there is also a great deal of activity involving small craft.

Helsinki's Senate Square is surrounded by Neoclassical architecture. It is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852. These are Helsinki Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, the Government Palace and the University of Helsinki.

Helsinki Cathedral, which recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, is probably Finland's most photographed building. Sederholm House, located on the southeast corner of the Square, is the oldest stone building in Helsinki.

Bruge, Belgium, is a small city a few miles inland from the coastal port of Zeebrugge. The city centre id an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Together with other canal-based cities, such as Amsterdam and Stockholm, Bruge is sometimes known as the Venice of the North.