21 nights. Norway, The Netherlands

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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1

Day 3

alesund, norway

Arrival: 10:00 - Departure: 21:00

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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2

Day 4

andalsnes, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

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 5

trondheim, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 23:59

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 7-8

tromso, norway

Arrival: 10:00 - Departure: 22:00

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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5

Day 9-10

Scenic Cruising Trondheimsfjord

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 14:00

From simple guided walks and summer skiing on the glaciers of Folgefonna to major excursions comprising waterfall visits and panoramic views, Norway's Hardangerfjord region offers truly exceptional experiences. Queen Sonja of Norway is so well known for favoring hiking trails in the Village of Kinsarvik, that the arduous 16-kilometer (10-mile) hike is named after her. At 161 kilometers (100 miles) long, the fjord is the fourth longest in the world and plunges nearly 914 meters (half a mile) to its deepest point. Take in the best of the landscape from the most strategic position offered by the fjord as you sail inland from Stord Island into the even more towering mountains of Hardangervidda National Park. Waterfalls, islands and coastal towns dot the route. More than 610 meters (2000 feet) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet is the Troll Tongue, a unique rock formation and one of Norway's most famous excursions, as well as an unmissable photo opportunity.

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Day 12

kristiansund, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Kristiansund is a municipality on the western coast of Norway in the Nordmøre district of Møre og Romsdal county. The administrative center of the municipality is the town of Kristiansund (established in 1742), which is the major town for the whole Nordmøre region. Other notable settlements in the municipality include the villages of Kvalvåg, Rensvik, and Nedre Frei. The 87-square-kilometre (34 sq mi) municipality is the 333rd largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Kristiansund is the 51st most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 24,179. The municipality's population density is 280.6 inhabitants per square kilometre (727/sq mi) and its population has increased by 4% over the previous 10-year period

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Day 13

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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8

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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9

Day 17

eidfjord, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 16:00

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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10

Day 18

Scenic Cruising Eyjafjordur

Arrival: 00:00 - Departure: 00:00

11

Day 18

olden, norway

Arrival: 10:00 - Departure: 19:00

Loen is a village in Stryn Municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. It is located in the inner part of the Nordfjord region, at the easternmost end of the Nordfjorden. Loen is located about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north of the village of Olden and about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) southeast of the municipal center of Stryn. The lake Lovatnet is located just to the southeast of the village of Loen.

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12

Day 19

alesund, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

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.

Read more

Read less

13

Day 20

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.

Read more

Read less

Day 22

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.

Read more

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21 nights. Norway, The Netherlands

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