Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway & Belgium

Understand that Zeebrugge literally means Bruges-on-Sea and you immediately appreciate why this ferry port is also Belgium's major cruise port. A medieval jewel on the North Sea, the charming city of Bruges is just 10 miles away.

Strikingly beautiful, this city is famed for its concentric canals crossed by humpbacked bridges, and cyclist-friendly avenues of tall trees and gabled houses. Savour the charming sites of this beautiful city on foot, a canal boat tour or get a bike for the most authentic experience. Known as The Venice of the North', Amsterdam's bustling canals, world-famous museums and historical sights are a must-see.

Unlock this fascinating "Gateway to the Fjords", Norway's second-largest city, Bergen is home to over 200,000 people. Maritime trade and oil industry are still vital to the city's economy. Visit medieval wooden houses on the waterfront and peek inside the workshops of local painters, weavers and craftsmen where works of art - some better than others - await discovery.

This small village is one of the most visited locales in Norway's fjord lands. If you love waterfalls, you're in the right place. In steep, stunning Geirangerfjord, the Seven Sisters - Geirangers scenic waterfalls, forever woo the Suitor, another cascade on the opposite shore. A tour to Mount Dalsnibba (1500m high) presents views of this spectacular area in unrivalled glory.

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful art nouveau architecture. This owes to a devastating fire that burned a large part of the city to the ground in 1904. The entire town was subsequently rebuilt in the fashionable art nouveau style of the time. Take the opportunity to wander Ålesund’s charming cobblestone streets and admire the numerous spires, towers and highly-ornate buildings. Norway is a seafood nation and Ålesund is its fisheries capital. Take the opportunity to visit the Norwegian Aquarium - built directly into the rocky coastline, the aquarium is also an architectural marvel. Due to excellent oceanic conditions along the Norwegian coast, the aquarium features a colourful and exciting range of fish and fauna, including octopus, seals and penguins.

Established in the mid-17th century, Akureyri is home to Iceland's largest fishing company and its biggest shipyard. Viking sagas, spectacular fjords, snow-capped mountains... Iceland's Capital of the North is also surprisingly mild and the so-called Green Town is made for those long summer days.

The Westfjords in northwest Iceland is a remote and sparsely populated peninsula of steep, tall mountains cut by dozens of fjords. The raw and untamed natural landscape around Ísafjörður is characterized by a subarctic environment. A colourful show of blooming tundra wildflowers carpets the mountain slopes and valleys during the short, cool summer. Keep your binoculars handy. Iceland's western fjords are prime whale watching waters and, if your luck's in, you may just spot a tell-tale spout of water.

A mass of brightly coloured corrugated iron roofs is a familiar sight here in the world's most northern capital city. Experience the incredible views of the Golden Waterfall and wonder at the spouting geysers. Join in a national pastime - shopping! Designer labels, local wool, gourmet treats, even a flea market, it's all right here.

A mass of brightly coloured corrugated iron roofs is a familiar sight here in the world's most northern capital city. Experience the incredible views of the Golden Waterfall and wonder at the spouting geysers. Join in a national pastime - shopping! Designer labels, local wool, gourmet treats, even a flea market, it's all right here.