Northern Europe & British Isles Cruise: Stockholm to Copenhagen

Originally called the “Venice of Scandinavia”, Arendal is built on seven islands surrounded by a network of canals. It is a small town on the south coast of Norway. Extremely picturesque at the coast during summer, inland, you’ll find lakes, mountains, rivers and forests that offer their own type of recreation.

You can thank Olav Kyrre.

He’s the Viking king who founded Bergen in 1070. During the Middle Ages, the city became Scandinavia’s primary port, and today, against all odds, you can still see buildings and other relics of this long period. There’s the medieval fortress of Bergenhus, as well as the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg. Bergen, Norway is also a jumping off point for excursions to some of Norway’s wonders, such as Sorfjord, Samnangerfjord, Tokagjel Gorge and Steindalsfjoss Waterfall. After you’ve visited all of these, there will be a short spelling quiz.

Elegant is the word that will come to mind.

As you take in the Danish capital’s rich history and traditions. With castles and crown jewels, galleries and museums, cathedrals and canals, the sightseeing ranks among the best in Europe.

The Strøget is a series of pedestrian-only streets which make strolling and shopping a pleasure. And be sure to visit Tivoli, a unique combination of picture-perfect flower gardens, lakes, theaters and restaurants with more than 100,000 colored lights.

On the shores of the Nordfjord, little Olden is a gateway to a spectacular ice wilderness of stunning dimensions. Climb an amazing zig-zag road past towering cliffs and tumbling waterfalls to the giant Jostedal Glacier- the largest icefield in Europe, where summer skiers zip over ice moguls! Guests of Olden can also take a horse-drawn carriage to a beautiful lake watershed by the blue ice massif of Briksdal Glacier.

Situated at the head of a 60-mile fjord, Oslo, Norway, one of the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals, is beautifully framed by a vast expanse of woods, moors and lakeland. A blend of 19th- and 20th-century architectural styles, Norway’s capital is known for the wood carvings and colorful frescoes that decorate its buildings and public spaces.

Located 245 miles north of Oslo, Trondheim was originally called Nidaros. Venture to Nidaros Cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Northern Europe. Visit Ringve Museum of Musical History for a lively experience, with a collection of over 2000 instuments.