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1.
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Reykjavik (Iceland)
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18:00
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Reykjavik, the trading and cultural centre of Iceland at the South-West coast of the island was named "smoking bay" after the famous hot springs of Laugardalur. Today it has a population of around 130,000 - approximately 1/3 of the total population. The capital of iceland has plenty of tourist attractions. A stroll through the old town leads to the main shopping street, Laugavegur, and the pedestrian zone, past the historic Höfdi House (where Reagan and Gorbatschow held their summit in 1986) to the modern basalt church 'Hallgrimskirka'. The church tower offers the best view of the city. Tracing the footsteps of Icelandic history, there are many archaeological finds and artefacts from Viking times on display in the National Museum and art lovers will enjoy the Einar Jonsson Museum with its wonderful sculpture garden.
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2.
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At Sea
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3.
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Ísafjörður (Iceland)
Arrival: 08:00
Departure: 18:00
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08:00
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18:00
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Ísafjörður comprises several districts stretching from the end of the Fjords on the Northern side to the original settlement, where the harbour is. On the other side of the fjord is the airport - although really it is nothing more than a runway with a tiny check-in building. Although all of the fjords in the North-West are losing inhabitants to more prosperous areas, Ísafjörður has been successful in keeping its residents and has even recorded a slight growth in population, to around 3,500. The town was founded as a settlement for the Hanseatics and later taken over by the Danes. Ísafjörður is an excellent example of the development of Icelandic architecture. There are five listed buildings in Ísafjörður - all of which were built in the 18th century. The oldest house dates from the mid-18th century, the most recent from 1788. Four of the houses are in Neostikaupstaour and one is in Haestikaupstaour. Other sights include: the museum
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4.
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Akureyri (Iceland)
Arrival: 06:00
Departure: 16:00
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06:00
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16:00
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Akureyri, located at the end of the 90 km long Eyjafjördhur is by far the largest city in the country outside the capital, with a population of 14,500. Akureyri is the transport and cultural hub of the North. The main economic elements are: fish processing, ship-building yard, the export port and some light industry. Akureyri is famous for its pleasant climate, i.e. little rain and warm summers. The Fjord location at the foot of mountains measuring up to 1,400 m high and "an extraordinary amount of vegetation" in the cityscape contribute to its reputation as the most beautiful city on the island so one might almost forget that it lies just 100 km South of the Arctic circle. The old part of the city, "Fjaran", with nostalgic wooden buildings, is to the South of the modern city centre. Sights include: the ice cathedral, Museum of Local HIstory, the Nonni house and the Botanic Gardens.
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5.
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At Sea
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6.
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Ålesund (Norway)
Arrival: 10:00
Departure: 20:30
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10:00
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20:30
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The port of Ålesund, which stretches across three islands, was reconstructed after the great fire of 1904 with Art Nouveau architecture. The best view of the city and the skerries before the coast is to be had from the observation hill "Aksla", which can be reached on foot via 418 steps or - the more comfortable option - by car. The panorama restaurant "Fjellstua" is located here. The Ålesund Museum provides an insight into the city's history. At Atlanterhavs Park, visitors can marvel at the creatures that inhabit the Atlantic in a huge sea water aquarium. Around 4 km to the east of the city centre is the Sunnmøre Museum which has various sections. The Medieval Museum gives an idea of what daily life was like at that time and there is also an outdoor museum and a maritime exhibition with old fishing boots and reconstructed Viking ships.
The popular trip to the bird island "Runde", to the South-West of Ålesund, provides a very special natural phenomenon.
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7.
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Måløy (Norway)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 18:00
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07:00
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18:00
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8.
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Bergen (Norway)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 18:00
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07:00
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18:00
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Bergen is one of the most charming cities in Norway, not least due to its unique setting between seven hills. With a population of 218,000 it is the second-largest city in the country and the capital of "Fylke Hordaland". The town of Bergen was granted the city charter in 1070 by Bishop Olav Kyrre. Not that long after, in 1217, King Hakon IV. declared the town to the Norwegian seat of government. Today, the oldest and most famous wooden houses of the city are at the "Bryggen", the former dock of the Hanseatic League. These unique buildings were among four properties in Norway to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Sights include: the Hanseatic museum, the Bryggen Museum, Bergenshus fort, St. Mary's Church and the Leprosy Museum, and the aquarium.
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9.
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At Sea
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10.
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Ijmuiden - Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 18:00
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07:00
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18:00
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The Venice of the North! Along the canals and waterways and in the winding streets between the stepped gable houses, Amsterdam has a cosy but cosmopolitan flair. Idyllic pavement cafés, lively flea markets, the Anne Frank House, the Rijks- or Van-Gogh-Museum and many, many galleries and shops selling products designed and made by young designers and artists.
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11.
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Zeebrugge (Flanders, Belgium)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 17:00
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07:00
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17:00
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Zeebrugge, the largest fishing port in Belgium, is linked to Bruges, of which it is a subdivision, by means of a twelve kilometre long canal. Bruges is well worth a look. Along the long beach promenade there are lots of cafés where you can sit and relax. The fish auction hall at the rear of the harbour is one of the largest and most modern in Europe and can be seen during a tour of the harbour. Zeebrugge also has a yacht marina, with space to accommodate around one hundred ships.
Sights include: St. George's Memorial, Pierre Vandamme sea-lock, the diamond museum, the Memling Museum, the Church of Our Lady, the Oldtimer and Motorbike Museum, Minne Water Park, and the home brewery 'De Halve Maan'.
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12.
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Southampton (England)
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06:00
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Southampton is the largest port in Great Britain. It is from here that the Mayflower set sail for the New World, as commemorated by the Mayflower Memorial. The town's landmark is the 'Bargate', a city gate built by the Normans. Southampton is also known as the entertainment capital on the South coast. Cinemas, theatres, museums, bars and pubs, art galleries and all kinds of watersports attract thousands of visitors.
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