7 nights. Norway

Day 1

rotterdam, netherlands

Departure: 15:00

Rotterdam maybe isn't the most beautiful Dutch city but it is vibrant, down-to-earth and cosmopolitan. Stepping out of Central Station it’s immediately obvious that this is no cutesy tulips-and-clogs traditional Dutch town, as the walls of shining silver skyscrapers and brightly coloured tower blocks rise up on every side of you. After wandering around the city for a while, you will soon discover why. Instead of rebuilding its historic centre, this forward-thinking port town employed an army of mad architects to completely redesign the city after it was flattened by German bombs in May 1940. They did a great job and created a new heart for Rotterdam that is not only modern and functional, but arresting and unique. But fans of cosy redbrick houses and canals needn’t dismay, Rotterdam also has plenty of architectural pockets that look ‘typically Dutch’. Although most of these lie a little outside the city centre, one welcome exception is the Oude Haven, Rotterdam’s oldest port and nowadays a popular hangout by day and night time. Sitting here the contrast of Rotterdam couldn’t be clearer, behind the old Dutch ships anchored steadily in the abandoned harbour, Rotterdam’s modern architecture gleams in the sunlight. Today Rotterdam has the third biggest harbour in the world, making it the industrial heart of the Netherlands, and with roughly 50% of citizens claiming a non-Dutch origin, the city is a truly multicultural composition. It is famed for its festive summers, which makes up for the long winter.

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Day 3

oslo, norway

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:00

Oslo is vibrant and modern with eclectic architecture, edgy nightlife and world-class museums. Located between the Oslofjord and the forests, nature takes centre stage in the capital, where you can sail, ski and hike to your heart’s content just a short distance from the city centre. This is definitely a place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. As you float past luscious green islands and towering rocky outcrops, the city unfolds before your eyes - sprawling out from its compact centre around the quays to the forested flanks of the surrounding hills. Made all the more beautiful by its diversity, Oslo boasts a jumble of modern and ancient buildings that give the city an eclectic feel, with the steel-and-glass Munch Museum giving way to the old-fashioned charms of the City Museum and the craggy medieval walls of the Akershus Fortress, which glowers out over the fjord. Most visitors will find themselves struggling to choose between Oslo’s numerous museums, which offer something for almost every taste: a face-to-face with the haunting image of Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Gallery, a chance to stand in the shoes of an Olympic ski-jumper at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, or a window into history and culture at the unforgettable Viking Ship, Polarship Fram or Folk Museums on Bygdøy. And Oslo is certainly the cosmopolitan heart of Norway, with a rapidly growing café and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, and nightlife options ranging from world-class opera and jazz to indie rock. The capital’s thriving restaurant scene has seen it rewarded with four Michelin stars. The Grünerløkka district is close to the Munch Museum and is teeming with bustling little pavement cafés and chic bars. A thriving, truly vibrant city, the cosmopolitan heart of Norway really does have something for everyone.

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Day 4

kristiansand, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Kristiansand (formerly Christianssand) is a town and municipality in Norway, the capital of Vest-Agder Province. By its population, it is the sixth largest municipality in Norway and the fifth largest city in the country, behind Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger.

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Day 5

stavanger, norway

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 15:00

Stavanger is Norway's fourth largest city and in recent years, has become the oil capital of Norway. Despite the rapid growth of the town caused by North Sea exploration, Stavanger has managed to retain its old charm while offering all the things you would expect in a modern town. The central area around Vågen harbour is usually bustling with activity, mostly during the summer months. There are a number of bars and cafes and places to eat. The old part of town, Gamle Stavanger, is a lovely collection of old houses built in traditional Norse style. The historic centre of Stavanger includes several artisan workshops and the Norwegian Canning Museum. There are said to be 173 white cottages dating from the 1800's in this area. It is the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe. The fantastic Cathedral of Stavanger is placed right in the middle of the town, between the main harbour and Breiavatnet Lake. The overall aspect is Romanic but the eastern side is clearly gothic, with all the specific elements included. The Norsk Oljemuseum shows its interesting face starting from its architecture. The museum is located in an impressive building down the harbour and tells you the history of the petrol in the North Sea and gives an insight into the industry. Outside the central area, there are lots of parks, open spaces and cycleways to explore the impressive scenery in the area. There are lots of things to do in Stavanger itself, which has its own theatre, museums and concert hall. During the summer months, various festivals take place and the centre of town buzzes with activity.

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Day 6

Skjolden

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 15:00

Nestled at the very end of Norway’s longest fjord, Skjolden is a hidden gem for travelers seeking breathtaking natural beauty and tranquility. This charming village sits where the Lustrafjord meets the towering Jotunheimen mountains, offering a perfect blend of dramatic landscapes and serene waters. Skjolden provides a peaceful base for exploring some of Norway’s most impressive scenery, from lush valleys and cascading waterfalls to glaciers and hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Skjolden. The area is a gateway to Jotunheimen National Park, home to Norway’s highest peaks and a network of hiking routes for all skill levels. Popular activities include kayaking on the crystal-clear fjord, cycling along quiet country roads, and visiting the awe-inspiring Nigardsbreen Glacier for a guided walk on the ice. For a more leisurely experience, enjoy a scenic fjord cruise or simply relax by the water’s edge and soak in the mountain views. Skjolden’s small size adds to its appeal, providing an intimate atmosphere and a chance to connect with local culture. Visit the historic Skjolden Church, browse local craft shops, or enjoy traditional Norwegian cuisine at a cozy café. Don’t miss the Feigumfossen waterfall nearby, a stunning 218-meter cascade that’s especially impressive in the spring and early summer. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Skjolden offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Norway’s fjord country.

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Day 8

rotterdam, netherlands

Arrival: 07:00

Rotterdam maybe isn't the most beautiful Dutch city but it is vibrant, down-to-earth and cosmopolitan. Stepping out of Central Station it’s immediately obvious that this is no cutesy tulips-and-clogs traditional Dutch town, as the walls of shining silver skyscrapers and brightly coloured tower blocks rise up on every side of you. After wandering around the city for a while, you will soon discover why. Instead of rebuilding its historic centre, this forward-thinking port town employed an army of mad architects to completely redesign the city after it was flattened by German bombs in May 1940. They did a great job and created a new heart for Rotterdam that is not only modern and functional, but arresting and unique. But fans of cosy redbrick houses and canals needn’t dismay, Rotterdam also has plenty of architectural pockets that look ‘typically Dutch’. Although most of these lie a little outside the city centre, one welcome exception is the Oude Haven, Rotterdam’s oldest port and nowadays a popular hangout by day and night time. Sitting here the contrast of Rotterdam couldn’t be clearer, behind the old Dutch ships anchored steadily in the abandoned harbour, Rotterdam’s modern architecture gleams in the sunlight. Today Rotterdam has the third biggest harbour in the world, making it the industrial heart of the Netherlands, and with roughly 50% of citizens claiming a non-Dutch origin, the city is a truly multicultural composition. It is famed for its festive summers, which makes up for the long winter.

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7 nights. Norway

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