Thousands of Australians flock to Europe to every year for its rich history and culture, museums, architecture, fabulous food and more.

While popular destinations include Germany and the Netherlands, the Baltic region, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland regions are fast becoming popular for Australians to visit due to its stunning natural surroundings and lush landscapes as well as rich history.

Another highlight is the Norwegian fjords. Here you will be struck by the ice-capped mountain ridges and jagged architecture of its peaks. There are more than 1,000 fjords in Norway with seals and porpoises swimming in the blue saltwater lakes.

Other popular destinations include Russia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

Germany has cool ports such as Hamburg. A typical Hamburg visit includes a tour of the city hall and the grand church St Michaelis (called the Michel), and visiting the old warehouse district (Speicherstadt) and the harbor promenade (Landungsbrücken).

In Netherlands, visit the Anne Frank Museum and head to the historical city centre, a compact living museum with everything within walking distance, from the diamond cutters to the world famous museums and art galleries.

Watch the Russian Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, visit WWII sites such as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and explore the Kronburg Castle in Denmark.

While in the warmer climates of the Mediterranean, visitors will find the region is blessed with stunning pebble beaches and warm weather.

The Mediterranean is the number one long-haul destination for Aussies to fly to. With its stunning pebble beaches and warm weather, it draws cruise passengers from every part of the world.

There is an abundance of places to visit and is home some to some of the world’s most historic cities.

Spain, Italy, France and Greece are perennial favourites and one of the hottest new cruise destinations is Croatia.

The Med offers a smorgasbord of fascinating history, amazing food and wine and unique mix of cultures.

The region is divided into the Western Med (Spain, Portugal, France and Italy) and the Eastern Med, which includes Greece, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Turkey and Israel.

With such an astonishing spread of cultural icons – Rome, Florence, Jerusalem, the Acropolis – and heart-stoppingly beautiful locations (the Greek islands, Corfu, Sardinia), no wonder the Med is a cruise magnet.

Then there are islands such as Corsica, Elba, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Crete, Corfu and the Balearic Islands, best known for Mallorca (Majorca) and Ibiza.

A major drawcard, the beauty and allure of the Greek islands is legendary, with sapphire-blue waters and sparkling white buildings.

Their attractions vary, but you can count on stunning beaches, walled cities, temples, mosaics, sculptures, ruins, great Greek food – and about 300 days of sunshine a year. Plus a fair chance of celeb spotting!

Almost any time of year is good, although the weather will definitely be warmer between April and October.