Sweden

Stark and beautiful, Sweden has become the epitome of all things stylish. Sprinkled across 14 islands, Stockholm is Europe's most elegant city. Forget IKEA and Absolut, and stock up on authentic Swedish iconic style on the Kungsgatan.

Treasure hunters should wander through Västerlånggatan in Gamla Stan, the medieval old city. Once notorious for brothels, the alleyways of Gamla Stan are now filled with one-of-a-kind shops and classical street music.

If you prefer folklore and Vikings to shopping, get your hiking boots on for a tour of the city's 150 museums and art galleries.

The Göta Canal runs east to west through the splendid Swedish interior connecting Stockholm to Gothenburg (Göteborg). The highlight of the year for the residents of this harbour of cafes and fish restaurants, is the Göteborg Kalaset (Gothenburg Party), held each August.

For a glimpse of Europe's best-preserved wilderness, venture north to Lapland and Norrbotten. Not intimidated by the weather, the Swedes are great outdoors people and in Lapland you can indulge in mountain climbing, hiking, fishing, shooting rapids, cross-country and downhill skiing and dog sledding.

Finally, after so much activity, where better to rest your weary bones than the famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi? The epitome of cool.