Spitsbergen, Icelandic Fjords & North Cape Explorer - V236A

Rotterdam - located at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta on the North Sea - is the largest port in Europe, and a perfect starting point for excursions to the cities of Holland. Few cities rebounded as quickly as Rotterdam following the Nazi invasion, which levelled the medieval heart of town, burning most of it to the ground. Today some of Europe's most bold contemporary architecture, such as the unique Cube Houses, can be found amid classic 18th and 19th C buildings in this, the greatest comeback city in the world. The city also houses the 186 m tall Euromast that has long been a major tourist attraction. Read more about Rotterdam, Netherlands

Eidfjord, a municipality in the county of Hordaland in Norway, has two townships: Eidfjord that is the ‘City Centre’ as well as the major cruise harbour, and Ovre Eidfjord. Eidfjord offers visitors two options, either the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery - the fjord landscapes are luxuriant with green mountain sides and white mountain tops - or to actively explore the hiking trails that surround Eidfjord. Most visit the impressive Sima Power Plant that is built into the mountain itself, while many also travel or hike to the ‘historical’ mountain farm Kjeasen. From the very top one will be astounded at the panoramic views of the Hardanger Fjord below as well as the surrounding mountains. Read more about Eidfjord, Norway

Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, is located in the county of Hordaland on the SW coast of Norway. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is the starting point for fjord tours and cruises as it is located midway between the main Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The city was one of nine European cities honoured with the title of European Capital of Culture in the Millennium year. Join the city walk to get the most out of your Bergen visit. Read more about Bergen, Norway

Molde is situated by the beautiful Romsdalsfjord. The city is known for its roses, International Jazz Festival, and its panoramic view of 222 mountain peaks. Varden, 407m above sea level, is a viewpoint directly above Molde with a good view of the city, the fjord and the Molde archipelago. Near Molde is the famous Atlantic Road, labeled the world’s best road trip, leading travelers to some of Norway’s most popular sights in one day. Read more about Molde, Norway

Longyearbyen lies on the river Longyearelva on the Norwegian Island of Spitsbergen high in the Arctic. It is the world’s northern-most town, as all settlements further north are research or meteorological outposts. The modern town, fringed by abandoned mining detritus, enjoys a superb backdrop including two glacier tongues, Longyearbreen and Lars Hjertabreen. The small community of about 2,000 has developed from being a mining community into a community with a number of businesses and industries and a wide range of cultural activities and opportunities. Read more about Longyearbyen, Norway

Ny-Ålesund is one of four permanent settlements on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago in the Kingdom of Norway. It is administered by Kings Bay company, a Norwegian government enterprise. Lying within the Arctic Circle just 1255 km from the North Pole, it is the northernmost functional civilian settlement in the world, with a population varying from 35 to 180 (winter to summer). Founded as a coal mining town in 1916, it was eventually closed in 1963 as the result of a mining disaster. Read more about Ny-Alesund, Norway

Longyearbyen lies on the river Longyearelva on the Norwegian Island of Spitsbergen high in the Arctic. It is the world’s northern-most town, as all settlements further north are research or meteorological outposts. The modern town, fringed by abandoned mining detritus, enjoys a superb backdrop including two glacier tongues, Longyearbreen and Lars Hjertabreen. The small community of about 2,000 has developed from being a mining community into a community with a number of businesses and industries and a wide range of cultural activities and opportunities. Read more about Longyearbyen, Norway

The town of Akureyri with its population of 17,000 is the administrative, transportation, and commercial centre of North Iceland. It is situated at the head of the 60 km long Eyjafjordur fjord, the longest and one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland. At first sight it appears as though it was transplanted from the Swiss Alps, as behind the city are beautiful farmlands that rise gently to year-round snow-capped granite mountains that provide the best skiing in Iceland. However, one of the most unusual aspects of the area is its warm climate. Read more about Akureyri, Iceland

The capital of the Westfjords of Iceland is Isafjordur. The landscape is majestic, with fjord after fjord towering above shore and sea, but each and every fjord has its own distinctive character. Tiny fishing villages nestle at their foot. On arrival take a stroll through the streets of the town. Read more about Isafjordur, Iceland

The capital of the Westfjords of Iceland is Isafjordur. The landscape is majestic, with fjord after fjord towering above shore and sea, but each and every fjord has its own distinctive character. Tiny fishing villages nestle at their foot. On arrival take a stroll through the streets of the town. Read more about Isafjordur, Iceland

The capital of the Westfjords of Iceland is Isafjordur. The landscape is majestic, with fjord after fjord towering above shore and sea, but each and every fjord has its own distinctive character. Tiny fishing villages nestle at their foot. On arrival take a stroll through the streets of the town. Read more about Isafjordur, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital and largest city of Iceland, is the gateway to Iceland's stunning natural wonders, which range from ice fields to boiling thermal pools. The landscape on the island seems to be in a continual process of transformation much like its society, which blends Nordic tradition with sophisticated technology. On the waterfront see the open-air history of shipping disasters. In town walk past parliament building, city hall, Tjörnin pond, Höfði House(where Gorbachev and Reagan met in 1986 to end the Cold War), Hallgrímskirkja (the largest church in Iceland), and Laugavegur (the main shopping street) Read more about Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital and largest city of Iceland, is the gateway to Iceland's stunning natural wonders, which range from ice fields to boiling thermal pools. The landscape on the island seems to be in a continual process of transformation much like its society, which blends Nordic tradition with sophisticated technology. On the waterfront see the open-air history of shipping disasters. In town walk past parliament building, city hall, Tjörnin pond, Höfði House(where Gorbachev and Reagan met in 1986 to end the Cold War), Hallgrímskirkja (the largest church in Iceland), and Laugavegur (the main shopping street) Read more about Reykjavik, Iceland

The Orkney Islands, an archipelago of more than 70 islands, graced with temperate weather warmed by the Gulf Stream, feature some of the most dramatic coastal scenery. There are sea cliffs, some over 300m, descending to sooth white-sand beaches. Yet even more fascinating are the more than 1,000 prehistoric sites that have been found here. Amazingly, they constitute the greatest concentration of these sites in all of Europe. Read more about Orkney Islands, Great Britain

Scotland's showcase capital of Edinburgh has a magnificent geographical location, perched on a series of extinct volcanos and rocky crags above the flatlands. The setting is wonderfully striking, as the modern city is often said to be built on seven hills. Both a historic and modern city, this metropolis is home to the largest arts festival in the world. Situated atop a volcanic crag, the famous Edinburgh Castle has an undeniably imposing presence, dominating the cityscape. Read more about Edinburgh, Great Britain

Invergordon is a deepwater port near the entrance of Cromarty Firth, "the seaway to the Scottish Highlands." Inverness, where shopping is great and visitors can see tartans being made, is the capital of the Highlands, and is a half an hour drive from Invergordon. Loch Ness, home of the elusive monster, is just a few kilometres beyond. The town of Invergordon itself is small and modern, and now specialises in the construction of large offshore wind turbines. Invergordon also has a grain whisky distillery that produces many blended whiskies. Read more about Invergordon, Great Britain

Rotterdam - located at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta on the North Sea - is the largest port in Europe, and a perfect starting point for excursions to the cities of Holland. Few cities rebounded as quickly as Rotterdam following the Nazi invasion, which levelled the medieval heart of town, burning most of it to the ground. Today some of Europe's most bold contemporary architecture, such as the unique Cube Houses, can be found amid classic 18th and 19th C buildings in this, the greatest comeback city in the world. The city also houses the 186 m tall Euromast that has long been a major tourist attraction. Read more about Rotterdam, Netherlands

Stavanger, a city on the SW coast of Norway, grew to become among the most influential Norwegian cities in the late 1900s when oil was discovered in the North Sea. Today a vibrant city, but still with its small town appeal, the picturesque harbour with the quiet streets of the old town climbing up from the water’s edge, is the centre from which the city radiates across a network of islands interlaced with graceful bridges. The area is very popular for hiking, so if time permits visit the Pulpit Rock - a massive rock that overhangs the fjord at a height of 604 metres. Read more about Stavanger, Norway

Beautiful Flåm, in Norway, is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 204 kilometres long and up to 1308 metres deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, Flåm is a paradise for everyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with nature. Home to the Flåm Railway, one of the most fantastic stretches of railroad in the world, is only a short walk from the Port. Be sure to take this train ride that takes you on a 900 m climb from fjord to mountain-top. Read more about Flam, Norway

Sognefjord is the longest and largest fjord in Norway and one of the longest in the world. It stretches from the North Sea 205 km inland to the small village of Skjolden, which provides access to Jotunheimen National Park that is notable for its high mountains, glaciers and deep lakes. The fjord has a maximum depth of 1.3 km and average width of 4.5 km. Cliffs surrounding the fjord reach heights of 1700 m. Read more about Sognefjord, Norway

The Norwegian Art Nouveau town of Ålesund could be taken right out of a fairy tale. If you look up as you explore the town, you will discover an abundance of imaginative ornamentation on the fronts of the buildings. Walk up the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla and you will be rewarded by unforgettable panoramic views. It also boasts stunning seascapes, and the high peaks of the Sunnmore Alps. Read more about Alesund, Norway

Trondheim, Norway, lies on the south shore of the Trondheimsfjord at the mouth of the river Nidelva. Norway's capital of technology is a lively and historical university town. It is home to the famous Nidaros Cathedral built from 1070 onwards that became a most important pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Today, it is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, the second largest in Scandinavia, and the most important of the many historical attractions in the city. Read more about Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim, Norway, lies on the south shore of the Trondheimsfjord at the mouth of the river Nidelva. Norway's capital of technology is a lively and historical university town. It is home to the famous Nidaros Cathedral built from 1070 onwards that became a most important pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Today, it is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, the second largest in Scandinavia, and the most important of the many historical attractions in the city. Read more about Trondheim, Norway

The construction of the large liquefied natural gas site on Melkoya Island just off Hammerfest, which processes natural gas from Snohvit, is the most expensive construction project in the history of Northern Norway. This project has resulted in an economic boom and new optimism for Hammerfest in recent years. Hammerfest offers both sea and freshwater fishing, as well as scuba diving. This tiny town was a nexus for travellers and traders in the far north and a meeting point for traders coming west from the Arctic Ocean and Russia. Read more about Hammerfest, Norway

Honningsvåg, Norway, lies deep within the Arctic Circle at 71 deg.N. latitude, on the island Magerøya. Twenty-two km north of Honningsvåg is North Cape, the northernmost part of mainland Europe. Magerøya connects to the mainland via the 6.87km North Cape Tunnel. Read more about Honningsvag, Norway

Geiranger is a little village tucked in a hollow surrounded by the towering craggy rock walls that rise almost straight out of the water of the Geirangerfjord, which is one of the most majestic sights in all of Norway. From here visitors take a spectacular bus tour to Mt. Dalsnibba. During the 45 min drive up to the lookout at 1,497 m above sea level, you will experience views of rich flora and fauna, ice blue lakes, glaciers, and the incredible peak itself. Read more about Geiranger, Norway

Geiranger is a little village tucked in a hollow surrounded by the towering craggy rock walls that rise almost straight out of the water of the Geirangerfjord, which is one of the most majestic sights in all of Norway. From here visitors take a spectacular bus tour to Mt. Dalsnibba. During the 45 min drive up to the lookout at 1,497 m above sea level, you will experience views of rich flora and fauna, ice blue lakes, glaciers, and the incredible peak itself. Read more about Geiranger, Norway

Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, is located in the county of Hordaland on the SW coast of Norway. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is the starting point for fjord tours and cruises as it is located midway between the main Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The city was one of nine European cities honoured with the title of European Capital of Culture in the Millennium year. Join the city walk to get the most out of your Bergen visit. Read more about Bergen, Norway

Rotterdam - located at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta on the North Sea - is the largest port in Europe, and a perfect starting point for excursions to the cities of Holland. Few cities rebounded as quickly as Rotterdam following the Nazi invasion, which levelled the medieval heart of town, burning most of it to the ground. Today some of Europe's most bold contemporary architecture, such as the unique Cube Houses, can be found amid classic 18th and 19th C buildings in this, the greatest comeback city in the world. The city also houses the 186 m tall Euromast that has long been a major tourist attraction. Read more about Rotterdam, Netherlands