12 nights. Norway

Day 1

london (tower bridge),uk

Departure: 17:00

Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.

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Day 3

stavanger, norway

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 16:00

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 4

alesund, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 18:00

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 6

tromso, norway

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 23:59

Tromso is the administrative, commercial, and educational centre of northern Norway. It is the seventh largest city in Norway by population, and is home of the world's northernmost university, brewery and botanical garden. The town is located about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle so it has both midnight sun and polar night. Tromsø is reputed to be one of the best places in Europe from which to see the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. The beautiful cathedral, one of the largest wooden churches in Norway, is located in the centre of town in a small square with some interesting statues and sculptures. Wander down Storgatan to the marketplace, where mellow music plays, and the air redolent with coffee, fresh bread, and strawberries. The Tromso museum features ethnographic exhibits on the independent cultures of Lapland. The Polar Museum, next door, has exhibits on the story of the Arctic region with an emphasis on the lives of early hunters, trappers and explorers. Tromsdalen Kirke, popularly known as the “Arctic Cathedral”, is not in fact a cathedral at all, but the parish church of the Tromsøysund part of Tromso. It was built in 1965, mainly of concrete, and is designed to look like slabs of ice. The church is one of the most famous landmark in Tromsø. Tromso is a compact, friendly, and lively town with a picturesque setting on an island. The city has more than its share of restaurants, pubs, clubs and theatres to entertain locals and foreigners. Tromso is definitely the cultural capital of northern Norway.

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Day 7

alta, norway

Arrival: 11:00 - Departure: 21:00

Alta is a town and a municipality located in the province of Finnmark, Norway. The municipality is named because of the namesake fjord high, where the high river flows. Finnmarksvidda. The river Altaelva has formed one of the largest canyons in Europe on its course from the plateau to the fjord. Most of the population lives in the city of Alta, extending on the shores of the inner part of the fjord, enjoying a cozy atmosphere, and the low-lying areas of the city are protected from winter storms. The perpetual clean sky high, was the reason why the city was designated as an excellent place to study the Aurora Borealis. With what the tourist activities are centered basically in the views and the natural wonders that the city offers

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Day 9

kristiansund, norway

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 16:00

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 10

bergen, norway

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 16:00

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 11

haugesund, norway

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 15:00

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 13

london (tower bridge),uk

Arrival: 07:00

Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.

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12 nights. Norway

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