Northern countries Cruise - from Dublin - 123500

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. More than a quarter of the Irish population (approximately 4 million) lives in Dublin, a youthful and dynamic city that is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan. Elegant restaurants and ultra-modern hotels have brought new life to the city. Visitors can follow Tourist Trails on foot to get to know the city. The perfect starting point is the O’Connell Bridge, located in the city centre and the most important bridge over the River Liffey. Sights include: Temple Bar, Trinity College, Merrion Square, the National Art Gallery, the National Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Brewery, Custom House, Boyne Valley, Malahide and James Joyce Tower.

Kirkwall is the capital of the northern Scottish island council area of Orkney, where visitors can expect to find a landscape made up mainly of craggy cliffs and strange sandstone formations. The pretty capital and business centre is famous primarily for its whisky distilleries and St. Magnus Cathedral. The cathedral dates from the 12th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Norman architecture in the British Isles. Other sights include: Tankerness House, a 16th century town house that houses the local history museum of the Orkney Islands, and the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, which is more than 5,000 years old.

Brønnøysund is an idyllic little town where the sea and the land meet. It was the Church, the fishing industry, trade and services that shaped Brönnöysund. The town's name derives from the various wells and sources used by the sailors. The town was established around the turn of the century. Sights include: the old town with its turn-of-the-century houses, the "Havngata", the Bronnoy Church, the recreation area at Svarthopen, the Hulebo caves near Frokenosen and "Torghatten" - mountain with the hole.

The small town of Svolvaer is the principal town on the Lofoten Islands and lies on the island of Vagan. The small fishing harbour has a population of 4,000 and a regular ferry connection. Visitors can join in fishing aboard a real Lofoten fish cutter, catching mainly cod, shell fish and lythe.

The Norwegian Bear Islands became famous on account of the king of the Arctic, the polar bear, which is still often sighted here. The expansive tundra on Myggebugten is inhabited by prehistoric-looking musk oxes and Arctic wolves.

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Svalbard islands (Spitzbergen). For thousands of years the island was located close to the equator. At that time, there were many trees on Svalbard, which later broke down to become coal. As a result of the continental drift, the islands slowly wandered North to their current position close to the North Pole. Sights include: the art gallery, the Svalbard Museum, where exhibits include stuffed arctic animals and items relating to mining as well as several trappers' huts.