Northern Europe: 29 days, departing from and returning to Rotterdam

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

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 5

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 7

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 8

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 14

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 15

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 17

copenhagen, denmark

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 21:00

A decade ago, visitors came to Copenhagen just for its canals, cobbled squares, charming streets and pastel painted houses. Now this city is most known for its innovative design, cutting edge architecture and its top-rated restaurants. This historic city of canals has become trendy, cosmopolitan and exciting, without losing its old charms. The fairytalelike port of Nyhavn, the city’s legendary waterfront, is the most traditional sight of Copenhagen, where visitors enjoy the cobbled streets and colorful houses that contrasts with Langelinje quay, where the city’s most famous attraction, The Little Mermaid, is located. Walking along the Langelinje quay, the modern opera house appears on the horizon bringing tourists back into the 21st century. Another of the city’s new waterfront landmarks is the Black Diamond entertainment complex, an additional reason to travel beyond the tiny tourist-focussed centre. The building itself is stunning and provides a unique opportunity to lounge in a deckchair overlooking the water. Two of the coolest areas of the city are Veesterbro and Norrebro, away from the herds of tourists. These vibrant neighbourhoods will allow the most adventurous travelers to mix with the locals and experience the buzzing atmosphere of places like the Norrebro Food Hall, a covered foodie market, or the Ralea, the restaurant where local chefs go to get food after work. Copenhagen’s coolest borough of trendy bars, design stores and eateries, where visitors can experience the culinary revolution the city has to offer, it's just a metro ride from the city centre. The less-travelled island neighbourhood of Christianshavn offers a tranquil glimpse of residential life and canal-side strolls. It’s also home to the “free town” of Christiana, a colourful alternative community built by hippies in the 1970s, which shines with galleries and cafés, and has its own, strict set of rules. Copenhagen is clean, safe and easy to get to know. It is also one of Europe’s greenest cities and its public transport would make New York green with envy. Its centre is reserved for pedestrians and strict anti-pollution laws enforced. It’s an environmentally idyllic spot with plenty of green space and bicycles often outnumber cars, so be careful of stepping out into bike lanes. Wander carefree to the world-famous Tivoli amusement park and the city’s delightful botanical garden, or take to the pavement cafés and restaurants in the summer alongside the locals. Whatever you decide to do in the Danish capital, whether you dig design and dine, or wander in wonder, Copenhagen will keep calling you back like a siren.

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Day 18

arhus, denmark

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Aarhus is the cultural and student centre of Jutland and the second largest city of Denmark. It is also called Denmark's youngest city because every fifth of its inhabitants is a student at one of the city’s 25 educational and research institutions. The city has a huge waterfront and therefore has a big and beautiful harbour. Aarhus offers an elegant mix of cosmopolitan city and quaint small town charm, with wonderful pubs, restaurants and romantic places. The delightful Gamble By, the old town, is a unique cultural history museum with more than 60 original buildings from the 16th through the 19th centuries arranged into a believable village. Want to behold eternity? Don’t miss the expression on the face of Grauballemanden, who was sacrificed and cast into a tarpit two millennia ago; his current residence is the Moesgard Museum. When you are finished with the museum, head to the Prehistoric Trackway, an open-air museum of re-created prehistoric settings that lead through the Moesgard behind the museum all the way down to the excellent sand beach. Aarhus Domkirke dominates the city’s skyline. Its tower measuring 96 meters is the tallest in Denmark. Århus Teater is the town's architectural pride and joy. Designed in art nouveau style, it opened in 1900 and has been the venue for many critically acclaimed productions. Aarhus is loaded with student bars and cafes. Music, art and cafes flourish here. Aarhus is a laid out city where you can get a touch of beach, forest or village and get to know some delightful and interesting people.

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Day 19

berlin (warnemunde), germany

Arrival: 06:00 - Departure: 21:00

Capital city of Germany, Berlin is one of the most thrilling and the most historic place in Germany and in Europe. No other German city has more "visible" history to offer, despite all the scars of WW2 and the division during Cold War times. No other German city has such a rich cultural life. Berlin's architecture is quite varied. It is now possible to see representatives of many different historic periods in a short time within the city center, from a few surviving medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to the ultra-modern glass and steel structures at Potsdamer Platz. Because of its tumultuous history, Berlin remains a city with many distinctive neighborhoods. Belin has so many faces. It is attractive, cosmopolitan, multicultural and multiethnic city with very friendly locals and lots to do and see.

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Day 21

tallinn, estonia

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 22:00

One of Europe’s most charming cities, Tallinn is a perfect mixture of medieval and modern, with its narrow cobbled lanes filled with baroque architecture, and its wild nightlife. Estonia's capital city has been dubbed the ‘New Prague’ but this city stands out on its own. The World Heritage-listed Old Town has plenty of distractions for even the most exigent traveler. Best explored on foot, Tallinn’s evocative Old Town is replete with castles, Russian Orthodox churches and Dominican monasteries. These historic gems share the streets with old merchant houses and medieval meeting halls where visitors can witness locals displaying centuries-old artisan traditions of glassblowing, weaving and pottery, and, why not, take a peculiar souvenir back home. At night the Old Town transforms. Inside its ancient walls travelers will be able to party in steamy nightclubs, slinky lounges, expat bars and colourful gay clubs until the early hours of the morning. Outside the medieval quarters, there's lots to see. On the fringes of the old borough a new district is emerging, with gleaming new hotels, offices and plenty of restaurants, cafés, boutiques and nightclubs. Anyone arriving in Tallinn with the idea of an old Soviet Bloc grey city will be as surprised by this new skyline as they will be by the charming old core. Tallinn is proud of its old soul but it is also fashion forward, vibrant, colorful, cultural and wild.

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Day 22

helsinki, finland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 16:00

Helsinki is situated on a little peninsula on the southern tip of Finland. Approach Helsinki from the sea and you’ll see neoclassical buildings of elegant lines and pastel colours, and a marketplace overflowing with strawberries and salmon. The city has grown with attention to harmony. In summer many residents abandon urban tranquillity for their country cottages, but in winter the capital comes alive with theatre, political institutes and over 20,000 university students. Architecture buffs will love Helsinki. The handsome neoclassical buildings surrounding Senate Square were designed almost singlehandedly by German architect Carl Ludwig Engel in the early 19th century, just after Helsinki replaced Turku as Finland’s capital. The crowning piece is the Lutheran Cathedral, which has recently been refurbished and looks better than ever, with the 12 apostles on the roof once again looking down at the world below. Elsewhere in the city, the bold, simple creations of the city’s great 20th century architects, notably Aalto and Saarinen, blend with the clean neoclassical lines. The stunning Jean Sibelius Monument, dedicated to Finland’s most famous composer, consists of hundreds of steel pipes sculpted by Elia Hiltunen. The monument is in Sibelius Park. The Kansallimuseo, National Museum, has wonderful displays of Finnish culture. The exhibits of the City Museum illustrates the history of the city. The islands surrounding Helsinki make excellent daytrips. The sandy beaches and smooth rocks of Pihlajasaari make it a popular summer spot for tanning Finns. Every summer there are many free outdoor concerts in one of the city’s numerous parks. Afternoons, all kinds of music resound on the leafy Esplanadi. Helsinki is a small city if you compare it to those gigantic cities around the world but the spirit is still quite cosmopolitan. Helsinki is a beautiful city, especially in the summer. The streets are clean and you can always find a peaceful spot, in case you need one. Some say that Helsinki is "the biggest village in the world" and it is a great place for tourism, history, museums, galleries, theatre, music, shopping, restaurants, clubs, etc. all environmentally friendly, free of pollution and traffic congestion.

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Day 23

stockholm, sweden

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Sweden’s capital – a Nordic vision of waterways, parks and spire-filled skylines – is justifiably renowned as one of the most handsome cities in Europe. Spread over no less than 14 islands and surrounded by literally thousands of smaller, rocky islets, it combines the drama and open skies of Scandinavia with the verve, dynamism and urban cool of Western Europe. The soul of the place lies in its many faces: the stucco walls of the Old Town, the contemporary pulse of the galleries, the consumerist buzz of the shopping heartlands, the deep peace of the parklands, the thumping bass of the nightlife and, increasingly, the gourmet draw of the restaurants. Stockholm’s location on the shores of the Baltic Sea means seasonal variations hit hard, and many locals will tell you that the only thing to match the beauty of a summer’s evening in Stockholm is the winter charm of its frozen lakes and snow-fringed skylines. It’s certainly true that Stockholm’s unique character is a major reason for its popularity among travelers and, in a continent where charismatic urban destinations come thick and fast, it says plenty that the city’s cultural scene is vibrant enough to rival anywhere else in northern Europe. On top of its exhibitions, museums and concerts, meanwhile, it’s also a deeply romantic setting in which to while away a long weekend – you’d have to be hard-hearted not to fall for the mix of preserved medieval architecture, sweeping water vistas and unfailingly intense nightlife. Most importantly though, it’s worth stressing just how much this is a city apart. It’s the most populated urban area in Scandinavia, yet two thirds of it are still comprised of water and greenery. And if this doesn’t seem probable, well, you’ve got the ideal excuse to go and check

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Day 24

visby, sweden

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 14:00

Gotland's picturesque, medieval capital, Visby, is a delight in every way. Even if you saw nothing else of the wealth of fascination the island has to offer, a visit to stroll among Visby's tangle of cobbled lanes, lined with painted cottages sprouting colourful wildflowers from cracks in their pavement, will not be forgotten quickly.

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Day 26

oslo, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 16:00

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 26

Fredrikstad, Norway

The magic of a country like Norway , is found mostly in the fascinating natural landscapes that gives us this nation Scandinavian. Attracted by its fjords , thousands of travelers plying the frigid waters off the coast of the country to enjoy one of the great wonders that gives us Norway. To do Glomma and riverwalk fortified city Fredrikstad Cathedral Municipality of Fredrikstad shopping streets in the area outside the wall

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Day 28

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 29

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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