Gems of Scandinavia & The Low Countries

Vibrant Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. Originally a Viking fishing village established in the 10th century, Copenhagen today is one the world’s most liveable cities. Its open spaces and lively street life, along with city planning favouring cyclists and pedestrians, encourage inhabitants to enjoy a lifestyle with an emphasis on community, culture and cuisine.

Situated on the southern tip of Norway, Kristiansand is a place for all ages. Explore Dyreparken, a gigantic zoo, as well as numerous beaches and historical landmarks. Christiansholm Fortress, constructed in 1672, speaks to the early history of Norway with its picturesque stone martello towers and cannons pointing out to sea. Beautiful Kristiansand Cathedral, with its elegant, vaulted wooden ceiling and 230’ (70 m) steeple tower is a classic example of Neo-Gothic architecture built in 1645. While walking some of Kristiansand’s quaint and picturesque city streets, one can visit the fish market, a showplace of Norway’s seafood wealth with many open-water tanks

Day at sea

This coastal port is our portal to the fairytale charms of Bruges, and almost unbearably romantic medieval town laced with canals. The central square confronts the visitor with four solid walls of fretted towers, elaborate edifices and soaring spires. One of the best ways to enjoy the town is to ride the swan-dotted canals on a boat tour. Or stroll around and pop into any of the open buildings to absorb the confectionary decoration. Speaking of confections, the town is justly famous for its fine Belgian chocolate. They even have a museum dedicated the Flemish invention of thinly cut, crisply fried potatoes that earned the inaccurate misnomer “French Fries!”

Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover.