Northern Europe
Most Britons in search of a close-to-home cruise head for the sun and sights of the Mediterranean.
But there is a region just as easily accessible, equally rich in history and culture, and similarly blessed with sunny weather during the summer months.
Head north instead of south from the UK and you’ll find magnificent cities, tranquil fjords, unforgettable scenery and even some lovely beaches.
And you’ll have the added satisfaction of knowing you’re taking a path less travelled , seeing sights and experiencing cultures still relatively undiscovered.
Amsterdam
The world’s largest collections of Rembrandts, Anne Frank’s house, a superb museum dedicated to Van Gogh, lively cafes and restaurants, the notorious Red Light district and, of course, canals. It could only be Amsterdam.
Antwerp, Belgium
Bergen
From wooden Hansa houses, wooden stave churches and medieval fortresses where Norwegian monarchs were once crowned, to waterfalls, mountains and fjords, Bergen is a visual delight. The buildings on Bryggen, as the Hanseatic Wharf is called, together are a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. The harbour-side market, the lovely parks and the shopping district are all best suited to explore on foot. Take a ride on a funicular up to the 1,050-foot-high Floeien lookout, or head to 13th-century Bergenhus Fortress and 16th-century Rosenkrantz Tower to feel transported back in time.
Bremerhaven, Germany
Brest, France
Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital is arguably one of the world’s best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a “do-what-you-want” philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life.
Dunkirk, France
Geiranger
It’s no secret how the tiny hamlet of Geiranger maintains its picturesque beauty - the only way to reach it comfortably is by ship! Isolated in the narrow valley at the tip of Norway’s most picturesque fjord, the village overlooks panoramic views over cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, glaciers and lakes.Breathtaking waterfalls with names like ‘The Seven Sisters’ and ‘The Suitor’ course down steep, opposing cliffs which loom over the deep, narrow waterway. Geiranger is a popular starting point for spectacular mountain rides full of hairpin turns, stunning scenery and splendid views.
Ghent
Port of call for cruises and gateway to some of Europe’s most thrill-packed regions. Brimming with history, tradition and culture, Ghent offers the visitor numerous sights and attractions, fine shopping malls and art galleries, beautiful crafts and an exquisite cuisine. Within easy reach of other famous tourist destinations such as Brussels, Waterloo, Bruges, Antwerp, Bastogne, Ypres ...!
Honfleur, France
Hellesylt
Commanding one end of Geirangerfjord, Hellesylt overlooks its mighty waterfall and fjord’s cliff walls, which fall sheer to Europe’s deepest lake, with deceptively clear waters that plunge to a depth of nearly 2,000 feet.
Helsinki
Helsinki, capital of Finland and “Daughter of the Baltic,” was founded in 1550 and became the capital in 1812. This modern, lively city of approximately a half million inhabitants somehow preserves the flavour and traditions of a 19th Century seafaring town, brimming with parks, museums and remarkable examples of modern Finnish architecture. It is beautifully set on a peninsula surrounded by islands and is protected by fortifications at Suomenlinna. Attractions include the harbour, market square and many spacious parks.
Le Havre, France
Marseille, France
Nice, France
Sete, France
St Helier, Jersey
St Peter Port, Guernsey
Stavanger
Step back into the days of old in Scandinavia, with its narrow lanes lined with wooden houses, imposing cathedral and Iron Age farms.
Tromso
Know as the “Paris of the North” for round-the-clock nightlife inspired by the light of the midnight sun, the actual population of Tromsoe is scattered between islands and mainland. Be certain not to miss the spectacular Arctic Church, its eastern wall made entirely of stained glass.
Trondheim
Once Norway’s first capital, Trondheim still commands pride of place as the country’s third largest city and a lively university town with a wealth of historical riches that include Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, the Norwegian Crown Jewels, stave churches and 18th Century wooden houses lining cobblestone streets.
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