Copenhagen is an exciting European capital that offers a range of travel experiences. Abundant forest and beach areas are just a short trip away from the downtown, and the city center itself is a fascinating mix of old and new where history and tradition live alongside modern lifestyles and an economy increasingly centered on the high-tech industries. First-time visitors to Europe looking for a taste of what the continent has to offer - as well as seasoned European travelers-will find themselves enchanted by this Scandinavian city.

Despite the perception that Denmark is perennially under snow, the cold months are balanced by long temperate seasons, with summer weather often reaching above 30 degrees Celsius. In fact, Copenhagen has many beaches and outdoor bathing is popular in the summer months.

Danes are linguistically versatile people, with most speaking excellent English. This country's outstanding educational system - which teaches English alongside Danish from a very early age - is renowned for its universities and conservatories, with scholars from throughout Europe and around the world coming here to study. The arts in Copenhagen are both strongly supported and highly innovative, with rich entertainment ranging from opera to street performance.

While for a European city there are relatively few truly old buildings, the architecture and city planning in Copenhagen have a style and character all their own. In addition, the outlying farm areas exhibit a particularly northern sensibility. Take an overnight train from Amsterdam in the winter, and you'll crawl through long stretches of uninhabited, snow-blanketed landscape. The small, glowing villages visible from the tracks are welcome breaks from the eerie but beautiful solitude of the Danish countryside. This overland entrance to Copenhagen could be the perfect pre-cruise appetizer.

While the Danish population is relatively homogenous, and while over 90% of the country adheres to the Danish National Church, visitors find the Danes to be an incredibly tolerant people. Different belief systems and lifestyles are welcomed wholeheartedly, and gay and lesbian bars are not uncommon in Copenhagen. In addition, Denmark is integrating an expanding immigrant community that adds yet another pattern to the social fabric of this exceedingly charming country. And to top it all off, Copenhagen's infrastructure is superb. Ride on Copenhagen's recently opened - and extremely convenient - subway system, and experience the convenience.

In addition to world-class cultural events and exhibits and ultra-hip nightlife, Copenhagen's downtown is a shopper's paradise where Danish civic society-as well as the city's beautiful architecture-are on display. Copenhagen's clothing boutiques offer the highest couture, as well as functional, affordable, and stylish articles that will have everyone asking where you bought that new jacket.

When you book with Carefree Travel and Cruises, you'll experience this fascinating city firsthand-and when you travel with Carefree, enjoy the time to discover some of the attractions unique to Denmark. Many visitors to Copenhagen are interested in checking out Christiana (Denmark's "Little Amsterdam"). If you have time, a jaunt over to the original Legoland, as well as a look at ÆØ - a government preserved slice of centuries-old life - are not to be missed.

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