7 nights. Norway, United Kingdom

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

haugesund, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Haugesund, a charming coastal town located in the heart of Norway, is a hidden gem that promises a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the majestic fjords and the North Sea, Haugesund offers breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The town's picturesque waterfront, dotted with colorful wooden houses and bustling with boats, sets the stage for a relaxing yet adventurous getaway. One of the highlights of Haugesund is its proximity to the stunning Lysefjord and the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). Just a short drive away, these natural wonders provide opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and photography that are unparalleled. For those interested in history, the region is steeped in Viking heritage, and a visit to the Avaldsnes Viking Village and Nordvegen History Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these legendary seafarers. Haugesund itself is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The annual Sildajazz Festival and the Norwegian International Film Festival are just a couple of examples that draw visitors from around the world. The town's lively arts scene, combined with its excellent dining options where you can savor fresh seafood, ensures that there's always something exciting happening. Whether you're exploring the rugged coastline, delving into Viking history, or simply soaking up the serene atmosphere, Haugesund is a destination that caters to a variety of interests. Its blend of natural splendor, cultural richness, and warm hospitality makes it an ideal spot for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Prepare to be enchanted by the allure of Haugesund, where every corner has a story to tell and every view is a postcard waiting to be captured.

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Day 4

eidfjord, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Eidfjord is one of the most beautifully sited towns in this part of Norway, dwarfed by sheer mountains and cascading waterfalls. Eidfjord's beauty does, however, come at a price. Although it's only accessible by ferry or spiral tunnels, in summer cruise ships arrive on an almost daily basis, and the town can get overwhelmed.

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Day 5

bergen, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Clinging tenaciously to the hills surrounding its deeply indented fjord, Bergen’s stunning scenery and exciting cultural tradition make it unique among European cities. Once the capital of Norway, Bergen has always played a leading role in the nation’ history. Squeezed between mountains and bounded by water, the centre of town stretched between the harbour Bryggen and Torgalmenningen, the main square. Bergen’s most sensuous spot is the Torget, at the foot of the harbour, your nose will tell you what’s being sold. Here you can choose fish from open tanks and watch traders net, weight and clean the creature you’ve chosen. Looking towards the right side of the harbour you’ll see the pointed gables of Bryggen’s roofline. This row of heavy-timbered medieval buildings, typical of Hanseatic architecture, has survived half a dozen disastrous fires since its construction in the 16th century. Bryggen now features restaurants, bars and arts-and-crafts workshops. Housed in one of the best-preserved buildings, the Hanseatic Museum presents an interesting picture of commercial activity during those times. Starting from Torget or Bryggen, explore the jungle of houses on the slopes of Mount Floien. A steep hike above these houses will reward you with increasingly spectacular views of Bergen and the fjord beyond. Welcoming Bergen has numerous places for an evening beer or glass of wine. This beautiful and charming city has a dynamic cultural life and lively atmosphere and is the perfect place to explore the Sognefjord and other fantastic Norwegian fjords.

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Day 6

lerwick/shetland, scotland

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Lerwick is the main town and port of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Shetland's only burgh, Lerwick had a population of about 7,000 residents in 2010. Centred 123 miles (200 km) off the north coast of the Scottish mainland and on the east coast of the Shetland Mainland, Lerwick lies 211 miles (340 km) north-by-northeast of Aberdeen; 222 miles (357 km) west of the similarly sheltered port of Bergen in Norway; and 228 miles (367 km) south east of Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. It is both the most northerly and the most easterly town in Scotland.[citation needed] One of the UK's coastal weather stations is situated there. Significant buildings in Lerwick include Fort Charlotte, Lerwick Town Hall, the Böd of Gremista, Shetland Museum and Archives and Clickimin Broch. Because of the historic nature of the area, some scenes from BBC's Shetland were filmed in Lerwick.

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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, United Kingdom

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