7 nights. Norway

Day 1

hamburg, germany

Departure: 18:00

Hamburg, centuries-old trading city, is a busy mixture of Hanseatic commercialism and cosmopolitanism. A very handsome city, though badly damaged during WWII, much of the copper-roofed brick architecture so characteristic of northern Germany survives, while lovely parks and lakes give rise to Hamburg’s claim that it is the Venice of the north. An active cultural life lends further vitality to this sprawling port city. Hamburg’s old town is filtered with wonderful canals running from the Alster to the Elbe. The richly ornamented Rathaus dominates the city centre. Close by is the equally imposing St. Michaeliskirche. Climb the massive spire of this lovely baroque church for a splendid view. Near the Rathaus are the Börse, appropriately grand for this city of commerce, and the devastated St Nikolai church. Its remains are considered an anti-war memorial. Shopping lovers should head towards Pöseldrof, a charming quarter of ritzy homes, small cafes, boutiques and antique shops. The night birds will have a blast at the infamous St. Pauli district. Hamburg will surprise visitors with its dynamic and cool atmosphere. In this city absolutely everyone can find a good place to fit one’s taste. Its multiple parks, canals, bridges and beautiful lakes formed by the river Alster, will make you forget its apparent austerity.

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Day 3

stavanger, norway

Arrival: 06:30 - Departure: 17:15

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

nordfjordeid

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 20:00

Nordfjordeid is the administrative centre of the municipality of Stad in Vestland county, western Norway. It is located at the end of the Eidsfjorden, an arm off of the main Nordfjorden, west of the large lake Hornindalsvatnet. The town is a commercial hub for the municipality and it includes several industries, shopping, and schools. Eid Church is also located in the town and it is the main church for the municipality. The European route E39 highway passes by Nordfjordeid on its way from Bergen to Ålesund. Norwegian National Road 15 passes through the town on its way from Måløy to Otta There are many tourist attractions in this area, such as Sagastad viking ship, Geirangerfjord and the famous glacier at Briksdalen which attracts numerous international tourists every year. There is also the well known Harpefossen Ski Resort and a thriving professional opera company (see below for details). Nordfjordeid is the location of the Sophus Lie Conference Center for mathematics.[3] Notable mathematician Sophus Lie was born in the town in 1842.[4] There are many possibilities of fine hiking in the mountains, either north or south, surrounding the town, a hiking trail starting near the Lote Tunnel going south leads to a magnificent 900-metre (3,000 ft) high view over other arms of the Nordfjorden and splendid area. Nordfjordeid is also the host for Malakoff Rockfestival, where artists such as Oselie, The School, Bertine Zetlitz, Marit Larsen, Lukestar, Jim Stärk, Animal Alpha, Åge Aleksandersen, Eye Emma Jedi, Svelekameratane, and Turbonegro have performed. Nordfjord boasts an operahouse of its own.[1] Once a year a professional opera or operetta is produced locally by the Nordfjord Opera Company.[2] The initiative for opera in a remote place with only 3,000 inhabitants is owed to Kari Standal Pavelich who organises the productions and also founded the Nordfjord Opera Company. She plays the violin in the orchestra, her husband Michael conducts. [3] A 2016 performance of Jacques Offenbach's Tales of Hoffmann was reviewed in a German opera blog. [4] Kari and Michael Pavelich were awarded a royal distinction after an opera performance.

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Day 5

alesund, norway

Arrival: 07:00 - 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.

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Day 6

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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Day 8

hamburg, germany

Arrival: 05:30

Hamburg, centuries-old trading city, is a busy mixture of Hanseatic commercialism and cosmopolitanism. A very handsome city, though badly damaged during WWII, much of the copper-roofed brick architecture so characteristic of northern Germany survives, while lovely parks and lakes give rise to Hamburg’s claim that it is the Venice of the north. An active cultural life lends further vitality to this sprawling port city. Hamburg’s old town is filtered with wonderful canals running from the Alster to the Elbe. The richly ornamented Rathaus dominates the city centre. Close by is the equally imposing St. Michaeliskirche. Climb the massive spire of this lovely baroque church for a splendid view. Near the Rathaus are the Börse, appropriately grand for this city of commerce, and the devastated St Nikolai church. Its remains are considered an anti-war memorial. Shopping lovers should head towards Pöseldrof, a charming quarter of ritzy homes, small cafes, boutiques and antique shops. The night birds will have a blast at the infamous St. Pauli district. Hamburg will surprise visitors with its dynamic and cool atmosphere. In this city absolutely everyone can find a good place to fit one’s taste. Its multiple parks, canals, bridges and beautiful lakes formed by the river Alster, will make you forget its apparent austerity.

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7 nights. Norway

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