North Cape: 29 days from/to Dover (London)

Day 1

dover, england

Departure: 18:00

Dover is an historic town in the south east of England. Dover is a major port town facing into the English Channel and, at just 21 miles from the French por of Calais, it is the closest port to continental Europe on mainland Britain. It is most famous for its white chalk cliffs which have been celebrated in a song. Dover is a lot more than just a port town. One of the most famous landmark is its castle, which dominates the surrounding area and sits proudly above the white cliffs and the harbour below. There are also other fantastic sites to visit in and around Dover, such as Samphire Hoe, a nature reserve created from the spoil of the Channel tunnel workings, the secret wartime tunnels which were dug into the white cliffs of Dover, the Roman Painted House or the Bronze Age Boat.

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Day 2

rotterdam, netherlands

Arrival: 07:00 - 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 4

edinburgh, scotland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:00

Capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Still the centre of Scotland’s autonomous administrative establishments, Edinburg has become neither too modernized to be cold nor too large to be unattractive. Medieval alleyways cluster around an imposing castle, elegant 18th century townhouses sweep around lush parks, and culture thrives. Unquestioned centrepiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle looms into view around street corners for miles around. 11th century Queen Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburg, is contained within the castle walls. Walking towards the palace, you’ll pass the medieval dwelling called Gladstone’s Land, and Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century town house containing memorabilia of Scotland’s literary trinity of Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The final lap of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth that houses the People's Story Museum and is one of its most recognizable landmarks. For a sweeping view of the city, climb Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill offers, as well, beautiful views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than sightseeing. For some urban flair check in to Stockbridge, a quaint community full of students, coffeeshops and good pubs. Every August the city celebrates the Edinburgh International Festival, three weeks of the finest music, theatre, opera and dance. Thousands of culture-minded visitors congregate here and the city does its best to keep them happy.

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Day 5

invergordon - scotland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:00

Invergordon is a town and port in Easter Ross, in Ross and Cromarty, Highland, Scotland. It lies in the parish of Rosskeen. Invergordon is now the premier mural town of the Highlands and hopes to emulate the success of her mentor in Chemainus, British Columbia. Currently the town is adorned with a series of 17 murals. The paintwork created by a selection of artists tells the stories of the local community and the area. This trail is a result of a community project which was initially designed to integrate local community groups (17 in total took part). The trail, which was opened by the Princess Royal, now acts as a major tourist draw.

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Day 6

isle of skye(portree)scotlnd

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 18:00

Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye, is a bustling port and a thriving cultural centre. Set round its natural harbour and fringed by high ground and cliffs, the town is a popular tourists’ holiday destination and the harbour continues to be used by fishing boats as well as pleasure craft. It boasts excellent leisure facilities including a swimming pool, pony-trekking and boat cruises plus plenty of shopping opportunities in addition to the great variety of accommodation ranging from upmarket hotels through guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering establishments and hostels. There is also a campsite nearby. Portree is also the cultural hub for Skye and one of its main attractions, the award-winning Aros Centre, runs regular theatre, concerts and film screenings. The centre also incorporates an exhibition capturing the drama of Skye’s history, a spectacular RSPB exhibit with live and recorded footage of rare sea eagles plus an audio-visual presentation giving a dramatic aerial view of Skye’s incredible landscapes. The town is a popular base for exploring the rest of the island. Many visitors are drawn to the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Ridge to the north as this wild area is dominated by weird and wonderful at the same time rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the truly extraordinary pinnacles of the Quaraing.

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Day 7

belfast, northern ireland

Arrival: 11:00 - Departure: 23:00

Belfast, the once battle-scarred city, has regained its true condition, as the hidden treasure of Ireland. With all its attractions and its newfound fame as nocturnal city, it has become a vibrant destination. Belfast City Hall is a must-see when visiting the city. Located at Donegall square, the heart of the city, this Renaissance building has on the inside beautiful stained glass windows and murals that depicts Belfast history. On the docks of the river you can see the curious statue of a huge fish. Behind it the Titanic Belfast rises. The Titanic Belfast is an interactive attraction opened to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the vessel. It is located in the modern Titanic Quarter, Europe's largest waterfront development, is a futuristic mix of residential, commercial, tourism, education and retail space that has provided Belfast with a new urban quarter. One of the undeniable attractions of the city are its political murals on Shankill Road, there are over 700 and they reflect the city’s painful past. But Belfast definitely is looking at the future. Stylish bars and restaurants abound in the city and its warm and friendly people will make you fall in love with Belfast.

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Day 8

glasgow (greenock), scotland

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 18:00

Greenock is a historic industrial town by the Firth of Clyde, 25 miles west of Glasgow. Greenock grew from a fishing community to become the site of the first dock on the Clyde in 1711. The town’s maritime history is celebrated at the Custom House Museum. Much of the west end of Greenock retains its impressive Victorian buildings, not least the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete. Other attractions include McLean Museum and Art Gallery and the Old West Kirk, which dates from 1591 and features stained glass by artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

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Day 9

donegal (killybegs), ireland

Arrival: 10:00 - Departure: 20:00

Killybegs (Irish: Na Cealla Beaga)[2] is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. It is the largest fishing port in the country and on the island of Ireland. It is located on the south coast of the county, north of Donegal Bay, near Donegal Town. Its Irish name Na Cealla Beaga means 'little cells', a reference to early monastic settlements.[2] The town is situated at the head of a scenic harbour and at the base of a vast mountainous tract extending northward.[3] In the summer, there is a street festival celebrating the fish catches and incorporating the traditional "Blessing of the Boats" Fintra beach (registered blue flag) is located on the outskirts of Killybegs town. It consists entirely of fine golden sand and receives large numbers of day-trippers during the peak of the tourist season. It is lifeguarded throughout the bathing season. Killybegs is famous for its tapestries and carpets, some of which were produced on the biggest carpet loom in the world at the "Donegal Carpet Factory". The carpets, known as Donegals, are hand-knotted in the Turkish style

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Day 10

galway, ireland

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 18:00

Gateway to Connemara, Galway is a charming and lively port city, located on Ireland’s west coast. During the 14th century, the town was an important trading spot under the Anglo -Norman rule. Extensive trade with Spain led to Spanish flavour of certain architectural remains in Galway. Yet, for all its history of international influence, Galway remains more Irish than other cities in the west. Known as the "city of tribes", Galway is full of rich Irish culture and historical significance. The town meanders between river and sea, full of old merchant houses, odd leaded windows above stone doorways, and aged stone walls set off modern storefronts. Eyre Square is very much the town’s focal point, with scattered monuments to patriots and countless interesting passers-through. Shop Street, the main drag, is always alive with street music and performers. Shop Street also takes you past Lynches Castle, an elegant stone mansion dating from the early 16th century. Walk up the banks of the Corrib River towards Salmon Weir Bridge. Stroll back through the narrow streets to the Spanish Arch, the only surviving gateway to the old trading town and a remnant of the days when Spanish trade flourished and sherry was brought in huge merchant carracks through this arch. Today, Galway is a university town that is always bustling with continuous exhibitions and festivals. Crowds chatting on riverside pubs, enjoying live music. That is the true essence of Galway.

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Day 10

Cruising cliffs of Moher

Marvel at one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks: the legendary Cliffs of Moher, rising more than 230 meters above the deep blue sea. From the comfort of your spot on the deck, enjoy a unique view of this UNESCO Global Geopark. Take in the scenery as you sail along the cliffs, home to puffins and one of the country’s best birdwatching locations. Dolphins and seals also inhabit these waters. Whether or not you spot wildlife during the scenic cruise, you will be equally captivated by the cliffs’ emerald, charcoal, and sienna hues.

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Day 12

dun laoghaire - ireland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 19:00

Dublin has been the setting for many novels and it’s no wonder since its written tradition goes back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on show at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The city is the birthplace for many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name a few. The city’s Georgian elegance blends perfectly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its distinctive personality. One can’t deny that Dublin is a cultural city; the UNESCO designated Ireland’s capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the cute Little Museum of Dublin containing the lecturn that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to absorb. Not forgetting of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its glorious riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a couple of pints of Guinness. In its more than 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be mandatory for tourists to spend some time in a pub since it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is as well a young city, it has one of the youngest population in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is overflowing with funky bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicenter being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city’s live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this nowadays multicultural city, but beware, Dublin, as its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.

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Day 13

cobh

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Cobh is a port city in County Cork, Ireland. The city is popularly known for being the last stop of the Titanic before its accident, which makes many visitors come to perform different tours of this theme. In addition, it can find cultural elements such as the Cathedral of San Colman, the Cobh Museum, the Cultural Center of Cobh, the Casa Fota, its port or its traditional colorful houses.

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Day 15

dover, england

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 18:00

Dover is an historic town in the south east of England. Dover is a major port town facing into the English Channel and, at just 21 miles from the French por of Calais, it is the closest port to continental Europe on mainland Britain. It is most famous for its white chalk cliffs which have been celebrated in a song. Dover is a lot more than just a port town. One of the most famous landmark is its castle, which dominates the surrounding area and sits proudly above the white cliffs and the harbour below. There are also other fantastic sites to visit in and around Dover, such as Samphire Hoe, a nature reserve created from the spoil of the Channel tunnel workings, the secret wartime tunnels which were dug into the white cliffs of Dover, the Roman Painted House or the Bronze Age Boat.

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Day 16

rotterdam, netherlands

Arrival: 07:00 - 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 18

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 19

alesund, norway

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 19:00

Old-fashioned pinnacle buildings dot the stone-paved streets of Alesund, a bustling port surrounded by jade-green fjords and forested mountains. After burning to the ground in 1904, Alesund was rebuilt and lavishly embellished with the help of Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. The Norwegian architects who supervised the rebuild were heavily influenced by Jugendstil, the German version of Art Nouveau, and the town is now one of the best remaining examples of this sinuous, highly personalized, turn-of-the-century style. Moreover, Alesund is the perfect place to explore some of Norway's most famous natural and cultural attractions. Alesund's beautiful Art Nouveau architecture is known far and wide. Narrow streets are crammed with buildings topped with turrets, spires and gables that bear decorations of dragonheads and curlicues. As one of the few remaining Art Nouveau towns in the world, in 1998 Alesund was awarded the coveted Houens National Memorial Prize for the preservation of its unique architecture. The Alesund Museum, in the centre of town, illustrates the city’s rich past with ship models and vintage clothing. For a breathtaking view of Old Alesund, the harbour, and the mountains beyond walk up to Aksla hill. Birdwatchers will enjoy the island of Runde, a sanctuary for birds. Alesund is a modern city with a varied cultural scene and exciting cafes and restaurants. The sea, the fjords, the mountains, the multitude of islands, all so pretty and inviting and the myriad of turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation that give the town its distinctive character are like something from a fairytale.

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Day 20

trondheim, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 16:00

Trondheim was Norway’s medieval capital founded in 997 by Olav Trygvason. You can see his statue in the town square. This bustling university town has a rich past with obvious reminders everywhere. It is the capital of Sor-Trondelag region and it is a centre of education, technical and medical research. Trondheim is a very interesting cultural town with many museums. Gamle Bybro is the old town bridge and it is also called the Gate of Fortune. It was built in 1861 and even originally it had striking carved red gates. The colourful wooden houses in Trondheim add to the beautiful feel of the city; on the banks of the river you see the different colourful houses in red, yellow, ochre, grey and white. The streets in the old town are small and narrow and the atmosphere in this area is very cosy. Nidarosdomen, the cathedral of Trondheim dates back to the year 1070 and with its giant facade, decorated with 3 rows of statues of bishops, saints and kings it is one of the most significant gothic churches and Scandinavia’s largest medieval structure. Walk up the innumerable stairs to the tower, the wonderful view of Trondheim is definitely worth it. Right next to the Cathedral you will find the Archbishop's residence. It is a lovely courtyard with many old buildings surrounding it. This is the oldest secular building in all Scandinavia. The fascinating Museum of Musical instruments is one of the best of its kind in the world. Knowledgeable guides demonstrate instruments of different periods and regions. The best of Norwegian artists are represented at the Trondheim Kunstmuseum Art Gallery, next to the cathedral. Trondheim is a beautiful city of flowers, waterways and old Norse architecture. The city boasts a rich, cultural heritage and it is a city where there's a lot going on. Although modest in size, all combines into making Trondheim one of the most exciting city centres of Northern Europe.

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Day 22

honningsvag, norway

Arrival: 10:00 - Departure: 19:00

Honningsvåg is situated at a bay on the southeastern side of the large island of Magerøya, while the famous North Cape and its visitors center is on the northern side of the island. Honningsvåg is a port of call for cruise ships, especially in the summer months. The ice-free ocean (southwestern part of the Barents Sea) provides rich fisheries and tourism is also important to the town.

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Day 23

tromso, norway

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 18:00

Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is a compact, walkable city that blends dramatic nature with a lively cultural scene. Located well above the Arctic Circle, it offers colorful wooden houses, a picturesque harbor, and mountains rising straight from the sea. Despite its remote position, Tromsø feels surprisingly cosmopolitan, thanks to a large student population, creative restaurants, and a packed calendar of festivals and events. From late September to early April, Tromsø is one of the world’s best places to witness the Northern Lights. Clear, cold nights may reward you with curtains of green, pink, and violet dancing above the fjords. Numerous tour operators offer aurora-chasing excursions by minibus, boat, or even on snowshoes, allowing you to escape city lights and learn about the science and folklore behind this natural phenomenon. In summer, the Midnight Sun replaces the aurora: the sun never fully sets, bathing the landscape in a soft golden glow ideal for hiking and photography. Outdoor activities are a highlight in every season. In winter, visitors can go dog sledding through silent forests, snowmobile across frozen plateaus, or try cross-country skiing on well-groomed trails. Summer brings long days perfect for hiking on Tromsøya Island or nearby Kvaløya, kayaking through calm fjords, and birdwatching along rugged coastlines. For a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains, ride the Fjellheisen cable car and explore the trails at the top. Tromsø also offers a rich cultural and historical experience. The striking Arctic Cathedral, with its triangular silhouette and stained-glass window, has become an icon of the city. Museums such as Polaria and the Polar Museum tell stories of Arctic wildlife, climate, and legendary polar expeditions. After a day of exploration, warm up in cozy cafés or sample local specialties—fresh Arctic char, cod, reindeer, and cloudberries—in restaurants that range from casual bistros to innovative New Nordic fine dining.

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Day 25

andalsnes, norway

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 15:00

Åndalsnes (help·info) is a town in Rauma Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. Åndalsnes is the administrative center of Rauma Municipality. The 2.22-square-kilometre (550-acre) town has a population (2013) of 2,244, giving it a population density of 1,011 inhabitants per square kilometre (2,620/sq mi).[1] The village of Isfjorden lies about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) to the east, Veblungsnes lies just to the west across the Rauma River, and Innfjorden lies about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the southwest via the European Route E136 highway.

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Day 26

stavanger, norway

Arrival: 11:00 - Departure: 18:00

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 27

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 29

dover, england

Arrival: 07:00

Dover is an historic town in the south east of England. Dover is a major port town facing into the English Channel and, at just 21 miles from the French por of Calais, it is the closest port to continental Europe on mainland Britain. It is most famous for its white chalk cliffs which have been celebrated in a song. Dover is a lot more than just a port town. One of the most famous landmark is its castle, which dominates the surrounding area and sits proudly above the white cliffs and the harbour below. There are also other fantastic sites to visit in and around Dover, such as Samphire Hoe, a nature reserve created from the spoil of the Channel tunnel workings, the secret wartime tunnels which were dug into the white cliffs of Dover, the Roman Painted House or the Bronze Age Boat.

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