Kiel • Stavanger • Bergen • Shetlandinseln • Westmännerinseln • Island • Mandal • Hamburg Cruise on Vasco da Gama from Kiel (Germany)

Kiel (Germany)

Kiel is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein.Kiel lies approximately 56 mi north of Hamburg. Due to its geographic location in the north of Germany, the southeast of the Jutland peninsula, and the southwestern shore of the Baltic Sea, Kiel has become one of the major maritime centres of Germany. For instance, the city is known for a variety of international sailing events, including the annual Kiel Week, which is the biggest sailing event in the world. Kiel is an important sea transport hub, thanks to its location at the Kiel Fjord and the busiest artificial waterway in the world, Kiel Canal A number of passenger ferries to Sweden, Norway, Russia and other countries operate from here. Moreover, today Kiel harbour is an important port of call for cruise ships touring the Baltic Sea.

Stavanger

Only a few places in the world have such a characteristic and wonderful nature as the west of Norway or the Fjords. Many of these fjords are deep and steep, with waterfalls and mountainsides that are thrown sharply into the sea. But in the Norway of the Fjords you will find at the same time, wide and smooth fjords, where fertile agricultural land and abundant fishing have created a visible being. Long distances and high mountains make the coastal culture. Here is very well preserved both the art of shipbuilding as the old commercial places.

Bergen (Norway)

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and the most popular gateway to the fjords of West Norway. The city is renowned for its beautiful nature and offers excellent hiking opportunities in its immediate surroundings. Having fostered many of Norway's greatest bands and artists, the city is also famous for its cultural life and underground/indie music scene. There is a great variety of restaurants and cafes in Bergen, but you should expect to spend some time looking for the best places. In the most central parts of the city, many of the restaurants are all the same. Move a block away from the most central parts of downtown to find lower prices and better food

Lerwick (Shetland Islands)

Lerwick is the capital of the principal island of Mainland, and is the most northern village of Britania. The atractions of the village include the old port, the city chamber, flower parks, in the outskirts the Pictish Broch in Clickimin, a prehistoric site that has a fortress of the Bronze Age.

Heimaey (Islandia)

Reykjavik (Iceland)

Iceland is the second biggest isle of Europe and it is known as the land of ice and fire. In the capital Reykjavik, you will find a very cosmopolitan city and adapted to the times. With so much touristic variety that it will be hard to decide between glaciars or thermal waters. A city full of contrasts where you will find typical constructions and futuristic buildings, in one of the youngest countries in the world.

Reykjavik (Iceland)

Iceland is the second biggest isle of Europe and it is known as the land of ice and fire. In the capital Reykjavik, you will find a very cosmopolitan city and adapted to the times. With so much touristic variety that it will be hard to decide between glaciars or thermal waters. A city full of contrasts where you will find typical constructions and futuristic buildings, in one of the youngest countries in the world.

Grundarfjordur (Iceland)

Grundarfjörður is a small town, situated in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland. The town had 938 inhabitants in 2004 and 974 inhabitants in 2005. The town is situated in front of an impressive mountain range which has a slightly alpine look. On the sea side, there is a mountain called Kirkjufell, a diverted piece of the mountain strip Mýrarhyrna. The mountain forms a small peninsula.The town received the right to do commerce in 1786. Around 1800, French merchants came to Iceland and lived in Grundarfjörður, where they constructed a church and a hospital of their own. The town has become rich through the fishing industry, and this wealth shows in the style of the original, luxurious houses being built. The road to nearby Stykkishólmur crosses a big lava field, called Berserkjahraun. This is partially warm, so that even in winter, there is not snow everywhere. The name of the lava field comes from the Eyrbyggja saga, according to which two Berserkers were slain here by their master, because one of them fell in love with his master´s daughter. Twin towns Sister cities

Isafjordur (Iceland)

Capital of the region of Westfjords. It is one of the most beautiful natural ports of the country. Offers attractive views of the mountain in a urban atmosphere. If you are looking for history and culture, don't loose the oportunity of visiting the Maritim Museum that is based in one of the eldest buildings in Isafjord.

Akureyri (Iceland)

Akureyri is a town in northern Iceland. It is Iceland's second largest urban area (after the Greater Reykjavík area) and fourth largest municipality (after Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður, and Kópavogur). Nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre. The area has a relatively warm climate due to geographical factors, and the town's ice-free harbour has played a significant role in its history. Sites that have been cited as areas of interest include various museums, churches, and the Botanical Gardens. Local museums include the Akureyri Museum, Akureyri Art Museum, Nonni house or Jón Sveinsson Memorial Museum, for the writer, David's house or Davíð Stefánsson Memorial Museum, for the poet), Akureyri Museum of Industry, a motorcycle museum,[and Aviation Museum. The most northerly botanical gardens and the most northerly 18 hole golf course in the world are in the town.The Nature Museum was is in the grounds of the Botanical Gardens.The Botanical Gardens are located in Spítalavegur. Large churches include the The church of Akureyri and The church of Glerá. Sundlaug Akureyrar is a swimming pool in Akureyri.

Cruising Seyðisfjörður

Mandal

Hamburg

Hamburg is located on the River Elbe. This city is noted for several festivals and regular events. Some street festivals, such as the gay pride Christopher Street Day festival or the Alster fair, held at the Binnenalster are popular. In Hamburg you fill find big museums and galleries showing classical and contemporary art, i.e. Kunsthalle Hamburg with its contemporary art gallery, the Museum for Art and Industry and the House of photography.