14 Nights Europe, Northern

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. The Maritime Museum's vintage ships and exhibits trace the city's seafaring history. The 17th-century Delfshaven neighborhood is home to canalside shopping and Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshiped before sailing to America. After being almost completely reconstructed following WWII, the city is now known for bold, modern architecture.

The largest city in Scandinavia, built on two islands, is a cozy metropolis that is often referred to as the "Paris of the North." Its winding streets, timbered houses and 12th-century castles evoke Copenhagen's past. Copenhagen is especially known for cafe culture and thrilling nightlife.

The Oslofjord is an inlet in the south-east of Norway, stretching from an imaginary line between the Torbjørnskjær and Færder lighthouses and down to Langesund in the south to Oslo in the north. It is part of the Skagerrak strait, connecting the North Sea and the Kattegat sea area, which leads to the Baltic Sea

The oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities has some of Europe's best museums and offers a reprieve from the intense Norwegian wilderness - although panoramic vistas exist. Oslo is primarily modern in design and architecture, and it is noted for its many museums, historic buildings and public statues, including Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum.

Breathtaking Kristiansand was first settled in the early 5th century, with its modern iteration founded by King Christian IV in the mid 1600s. Home to many cultural, music, and arts festivals, the Norwegian city pulses with creative energy. Several museums celebrate local history and natural features, and the trails of Odderoyja are a wonderful way to breathe in fresh air while mingling with locals. Historic Oddernes church is a blend of architectural styles.

Perched on Norways dramatic western coast, Stavenger is a city full of historic architecture, quaint cafes and ocean views. Check out Gamle Stavanger, the picturesque old town, where youll find well-preserved wooden buildings dating back to the 18th century painted in unique pastel hues. Cruise to Stavanger to learn more about the Vikings at the Museum of Archaeology, or visit 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral ? thanks to a series of rebuilding efforts over the years, it features architectural elements from Romanesque to ornate Baroque. Then, take the short trip to Prekestol, the "Preachers Pulpit," a rocky natural viewing point overlooking Lyse Fjord.

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. The Maritime Museum's vintage ships and exhibits trace the city's seafaring history. The 17th-century Delfshaven neighborhood is home to canalside shopping and Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshiped before sailing to America. After being almost completely reconstructed following WWII, the city is now known for bold, modern architecture.

Haugesund is a city and municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. The town is the main population centre of the Haugaland region in northern Rogaland. The majority of the population of Haugesund lives in the main urban area surrounding the city centre, with the northwestern part of the municipality being fairly rural

The Hardangerfjord is the fourth longest fjord in the world, and the second longest fjord in Norway. It is located in Hordaland county in the Hardanger region. The fjord stretches 179 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean into the mountainous interior of Norway along the Hardangervidda plateau.

Nestled at the mouth of the Ejo River and set amidst the stunning West Norwegian fjords, Eidfjord is the quintessential destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Lush forests, majestic mountains, snaking rivers and tranquil lakes speckle the landscape.

Fjord-Norway's capital is a spectacular amphitheatre that clambers up the sides of seven mountains and overlooks the sea. It is the ideal starting point for discovering the dramatic fjord country of Western Norway. Bergen hosts the International Music Festival, the largest annual cultural event in Norway.

The Royal Burgh of Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Ornate buildings adorn the town's sea front and the smaller churches' spires challenge the tower of the Cathedral of St. Magnus for a place on the skyline. Clustered around the city's ancient streets are buildings dating from the 17th century.

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. The Maritime Museum's vintage ships and exhibits trace the city's seafaring history. The 17th-century Delfshaven neighborhood is home to canalside shopping and Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshiped before sailing to America. After being almost completely reconstructed following WWII, the city is now known for bold, modern architecture.