| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 24th24 | JunJun | 202525 | Belfast, Northern Ireland, embark on the Silver Shadow | | 21:00 |
| Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste ("sandbank ford") belonging to Ulster's ancient O'Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast's growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname "Titanic Town." Having laid the foundation stone of the city's university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen's College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about "the Troubles." Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland's capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast's city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it's about an hour's leisurely walk. Reborn as a cool modern city Belfast has successfully left its troubles behind emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. A walk across the Lagan Weir Footbridge brings you to Belfast’s fascinating Titanic District – an area of the city devoted to its rich ship-building heritage. The state-of-the-art Titanic Museum brings the story of the doomed vessel to life and is the largest museum dedicated to the infamously ‘unsinkable’ ship. There’s just enough time to give the 10-metre long Salmon of Knowledge sculpture a quick peck for luck before continuing to explore. A stark barbed wire and graffitied sheet metal barrier marks an abrupt scar through the city’s residential areas. The Peace Line was constructed during the height of the Troubles when Belfast was plagued by sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays you can jump in a black taxi tour to see the colourful murals and living history of the walls which stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. After exploring the city’s historic divisions a reminder of Belfast’s uniting creativity can be found at the Metropolitan Arts Centre – a seven-storey tall building which invites light to gloriously cascade inside. The Cathedral Quarter is a cobbled blend of flower-adorned pubs restaurants and theatres and venues where music spills out onto the streets at night and many a pint is cheerily shared. |
| 25th25 | JunJun | 202525 | Douglas, Isle of Man | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| The Isle of Man, situated in the Irish Sea off the west coast of England, is a mountainous, cliff-fringed island and one of Britain’s most beautiful spots. Measuring just 30 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Man remains semi-autonomous. With its own postage stamps, laws, currency, and the Court of Tynwald (the world’s oldest democratic parliament), the Isle of Man is rich with history and lore.Inhabited from Neolithic times, the island became a refuge for Irish missionaries after the 5th Century. Norsemen took the island during the 9th Century and sold it to Scotland in 1266. However, since the 14th Century, it has been held by England. Manx, the indigenous Celtic language, is still spoken by a small minority. The Isle of Man has no income tax, which has encouraged many Britains to regard the island as a refuge. Otherwise, it is populated by Gaelic farmers, fishermen, and the famous tailless manx cats. The varied landscape features austere moorlands and wooded glens, interspersed by fine castles, narrow-gauge railways, and scores of standing stones with Celtic crosses. The hilly terrain rises to a height of 2,036 feet at Mount Snaefell, which dominates the center of the island.
The Isle of Man, off England’s west coast (and Ireland’s east) needs no introduction. Its Celtic history is legendary, its political past labyrinthine and its national symbol – a three legged figure with neither body nor head – an enigma that has been foxing historians for centuries.
Do not confuse the Isle of Man with the United Kingdom. It does have “crown dependency” similar to Jersey, but the 32-mile-long island is entirely self-governed. It changed hands between England and Scotland many times during the middle ages but fell under British rule in 1399. However, when the feudal lordship was revested in 1765, the island never became part of the United Kingdom. And has remained independent ever since.
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| 26th26 | JunJun | 202525 | Dublin, Ireland | 08:00 | 21:00 |
| Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long "Celtic Tiger" boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe's most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you're out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you'll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a "center of paralysis" where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city's provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his "Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills"?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city's erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland's capital, it's packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of "Dublin: The Sequel," and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It's expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar. Atmospheric cobbled streets with buskers scraping fiddles and characterful pubs inviting passersby inside is Dublin in a snapshot. Horse-drawn carriages plod along cobbled centuries-old streets blending with an easy-going cosmopolitan outlook. Known for its fun-filled gathering of pubs any excuse works to enjoy a celebratory toast and chat among good company. Home to perhaps the world's most famous beer - slurp perfect pourings of thick dark Guinness - cranked out for the city's thirsty punters. Learn more of the humble pint's journey at the Guinness Storehouse. Dublin has come along way since the Vikings established a trading port here back in the 9th Century. In the time since the city became the British Empire's defacto second city and the Georgian imprint still adds oodles of historic character. Learn of 1916's Easter Uprising when the Irish rebelled and established their independence here as you visit the infamous haunting Kilmainham Gaol. The uprising's leaders were tried and executed in these dark confines. Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral has immense history below its steep spire which dates back to 1191. There's rich literary heritage to leaf through too and the city's streets were rendered vividly in James Joyce's classic Ullyses. The Museum of Literature celebrates the full scope of Dublin's lyrical talents. Trinity College also has a prestigious roll-call of alumni - visit to see the Book of Kells a beautifully illustrated bible of the medieval era. |
| 27th27 | JunJun | 202525 | Liverpool, England | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| From world-class attractions and sports to legendary music, Liverpool offers old-world charm with modern sophistication, underpinned by a rich cultural history. Who can say Liverpool with thinking of the Beatles? Home to the fab four, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and the Cavern Club, this northern English city is undoubtedly one of the most important places on the 20th century music scene. Even UNESCO agrees - Liverpool became a City of Music (one of only 19 in the world) in 2015. So understandably, it’s bursting with pride. Not only for its most famous former residents but also its football team, its maritime heritage and its thriving cultural scene (it was Capital of Culture in 2008). A huge regeneration project over the past two decades has seen Liverpool blossom from being a below-par northern English city to a somewhere buzzing with charm. The arrival of the Tate Liverpool paved the way – quickly followed by the restoration of some 2,500 plus listed buildings (that’s more than any English city outside London). The waterfront revitalisation came next with bars, clubs, galleries and independent boutiques, giving Liverpool some of the best dining and shopping there is. Don’t leave here without tasting Scouse – a traditional beef stew – and from where Livepudlians draw their nickname “Scousers”. Culturally speaking, Liverpool is “bang on” as Scousers would say. The three Graces (named after the Greek goddesses of charm, beauty and creativity) line the waterfront, and are responsible in part for Liverpool’s second UNESCO gong as a World Heritage Site. Further afield, the lovely parks and Crosby Beach offer welcome respite from the urban hub. |
| 28th28 | JunJun | 202525 | Fishguard, Wales | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| Perched on a clifftop and stunningly picturesque Fishguard is considered the very heart of North Pembrokeshire. A small market town that almost seems untouched by time you’ll find clusters of quayside cottages family businesses selling local produce and plenty of Gaelic charm! Market day falls on a Saturday and although principally food there are some stalls selling local arts and crafts too. If you are not lucky enough to be visiting on market day the pretty high street has some lovely shops where you can easily while away a couple of hours. Known internationally as the place of the last invasion of Britain when the French landed in 1797 the village heaves with history. Historians will of course already know that the two-day invasion soon failed and the peace treaty was signed in the Royal Oak pub in the market square. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking while walkers will love the national parks that are filled with signposted trails for all levels of ability. Cyclist of all levels will also be pleased Fishguard and its surroundings do have a few hills but also lots of straight roads that offer a gentle visit of the stunning landscape. If all the activity gets too much for you then why not enjoy a delicious local welsh cake in one of the pretty cafes or head to the town hall and have a look at the 100 foot long Last Invasion Tapestry a humorous and entertaining story in a Bayeux tapestry style of the 1797 invasion of mainland Britain. |
| 29th29 | JunJun | 202525 | Cardiff, Wales | 07:00 | 21:00 |
| The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is a hub of entertainment. The city is popular for its history and bay area, as well as its cosmopolitan centre for shopping, eating and entertainment. The red dragon roars with culture and vibrancy in the Welsh capital. Home to two gothic castles one whose foundations reportedly date back to 50AD Cardiff is a city that brims with life yet retains its very deep roots in the past. A source of national pride the majestic Cardiff Castle and the fairy tale Castell Coch are monuments to eccentric that are well worth a visit. But this is also a city that has gown with cosmopolitan influence and creativity. The city centre houses the original Victorian shopping arcades but is filled with independent cafes bars restaurants and shops. A stroll along romantic Mermaid Quay will have you quoting Dylan Thomas in no time! For those who like to spread their wings a little further Tintern Abbey Gower (an outstanding area of natural beauty) and the Breacon Beacons – complete with working steam engine are all less than an hour away. |
| 30th30 | JunJun | 202525 | At Sea | | |
| 1st01 | JulJul | 202525 | Saint Hélier, Jersey | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| Located approximately 12 miles from the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy (France), and 100 miles from the south coast of Great Britain, the British Crown dependency of Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and shares a World War II German occupied history. |
| 2nd02 | JulJul | 202525 | Falmouth, England | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| The bustle of this resort town's fishing harbor, yachting center, and commercial port only adds to its charm. In the 18th century Falmouth was the main mail-boat port for North America, and in Flushing, a village across the inlet, you can see the slate-covered houses built by prosperous mail-boat captains. A ferry service now links the two towns. On Custom House Quay, off Arwenack Street, is the King's Pipe, an oven in which seized contraband was burned. The bustle of this resort town's fishing harbor, yachting center, and commercial port only adds to its charm. In the 18th century Falmouth was the main mail-boat port for North America, and in Flushing, a village across the inlet, you can see the slate-covered houses built by prosperous mail-boat captains. A ferry service now links the two towns. On Custom House Quay, off Arwenack Street, is the King's Pipe, an oven in which seized contraband was burned. |
| 3rd03 | JulJul | 202525 | Isle of Portland, England | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| The Isle of Portland is a tied island, 6 kilometres long by 2.7 kilometres wide, in the English Channel. The southern tip, Portland Bill lies 8 kilometres south of the resort of Weymouth, forming the southernmost point of the county of Dorset, England. A barrier beach called Chesil Beach joins it to the mainland. The tied island of Portland sprawls out attractively into the English Channel linked to the mainland by just the Chesil barrier beach’s thin sliver of sand. Portland forms part of England’s dramatic Jurassic Coast a UNESCO World Heritage Site of limestone cliffs coastal rock formations and beautiful bays. It may be a tiny teardrop of an island but with pirate heritage historic castles and soaring lighthouses there’s a lot to keep you busy as you soak in Dorset’s relentlessly wonderful coastal appeals. Photograph the handsome white and red-banded lighthouse which watches out over the rock-interrupted waves on a breathtakingly photogenic outcrop. Flashing out warnings of a hull-shredding offshore bank the lighthouse marks the southern tip of this island and lurches out five miles towards the Channel Islands. Rock mined from Portland has been used to create some of the most famous buildings in the world including St Paul’s Cathedral and the United Nations' Building of New York. The stunning natural arch of Durdle Door is close by - looming over a scenic cove it is undoubtedly one of England’s prettiest beaches and most beautiful natural landmarks. A 16th-century Tudor castle stands guard over Portland’s harbour and was one of London 2012’s more unusual Olympic venues hosting sailing events. You can also learn of D-Day history and the role this area played in one of the most important land invasions ever seen at Castletown D-Day Centre. |
| 4th04 | JulJul | 202525 | Rouen, France | | |
| Oh la la! Prepare yourself for a taste of living life a la Francaise in Rouen. Gothic architecture and history at every turn? Wide, leafy squares and timbered Norman houses? Enough French food that will keep your stomach full and tastebuds happy for hours? Yes, Rouen is all that and more. Set on the banks of the Seine and less than two hours from Paris, Rouen is about as French as you can get. The city’s roots go back to the 10th century, when Vikings and Romans laid claim to the city. If you think that the cathedral looks familiar that’s probably because Rouen’s most famous resident Claude Monet painted the city in his many canvases. But well before the impressionist painter immortalised Rouen with his beautiful brushwork, the city was host to many other famous faces. William the Conquerer, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc… take your pick. While the others may have left their hearts metaphorically, Joan actually did leave hers – on a funeral pyre inn 1431. A museum to the Roman Catholic saint opened in 2015. Touring the city by foot is by far the best way to discover the riches of Rouen. The emblematic Gros Horlage (Big Clock) is by far the city’s number one must see but with gothic churches streets at every turn, every sight is a marvel. If you get bored of strolling the cobbled streets, head for the ceramic museum, in the Hôtel d'Hocqueville, for a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. The elegant seaside resort of Deauville, as well as the D-Day beaches are just a short drive away. |
| 5th05 | JulJul | 202525 | Rouen, France | | 13:00 |
| Oh la la! Prepare yourself for a taste of living life a la Francaise in Rouen. Gothic architecture and history at every turn? Wide, leafy squares and timbered Norman houses? Enough French food that will keep your stomach full and tastebuds happy for hours? Yes, Rouen is all that and more. Set on the banks of the Seine and less than two hours from Paris, Rouen is about as French as you can get. The city’s roots go back to the 10th century, when Vikings and Romans laid claim to the city. If you think that the cathedral looks familiar that’s probably because Rouen’s most famous resident Claude Monet painted the city in his many canvases. But well before the impressionist painter immortalised Rouen with his beautiful brushwork, the city was host to many other famous faces. William the Conquerer, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc… take your pick. While the others may have left their hearts metaphorically, Joan actually did leave hers – on a funeral pyre inn 1431. A museum to the Roman Catholic saint opened in 2015. Touring the city by foot is by far the best way to discover the riches of Rouen. The emblematic Gros Horlage (Big Clock) is by far the city’s number one must see but with gothic churches streets at every turn, every sight is a marvel. If you get bored of strolling the cobbled streets, head for the ceramic museum, in the Hôtel d'Hocqueville, for a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. The elegant seaside resort of Deauville, as well as the D-Day beaches are just a short drive away. |
| 6th06 | JulJul | 202525 | Zeebrugge, Belgium | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| In 1895 work began to construct a new seaport and harbour next to the tiny village of Zeebrugge, situated on the North Sea coast. Today the fast-expanding port of Zeebrugge is one of the busiest in Europe and its marina is Belgium’s most important fishing port. Many attempts were made to destroy this important port during both World Wars. Zeebrugge is ideally located for discovering the historic city of Bruges, and delightful seaside resorts with long sandy beaches can be visited by using the trams that run the whole length of the Belgian coast. Please note that no food may be taken ashore in Belgium. We shall not be offering shuttle buses to Bruges, but you may visit the city on an optional excursion: those visiting Bruges should note that there may be quite a long walk from the coach to the town centre. The ultimate fairytale city Bruges is a snowglobe medieval town brought to life and lovingly preserved. The medieval majesty rises just inland from Zeebruge's busy port and sandy beaches and the two are linked by the short stretch of the Baudouin Canal. Arrive in Bruges to discover a dreamlike place where time has stood still. Explore the Unesco World Heritage Site centre to wander at leisure among some of the world's most atmospheric streets. Laced with pretty canals winding paths of cobbled stones and glorious squares surrounded by soaring church spires Bruges is an irresistible journey back through time. A city for the seasons see the towering cups of tulips glowing or snowy layers adding a cosy blanket during winter. The climb is not to be underestimated but there are few better places to start a visit to Bruges than the ascent up to the 83-metre lookout of the Belfry of Bruges which rockets up from the city's primary market square. Discover the city's pretty canals and admire the colour-splashed facades - tangled with ivy - that line up appealingly on their banks. With plenty of museums and galleries among the incredible architecture Bruges is a city that effortlessly lives up to its heavy hyping and there are countless cultural attractions to immerse yourself in. Indulge a sweet tooth at the chocolate museum - or sample the wares of countless artisan chocolate shops - to leave this Zeebrugge's port with the most satisfying of tastes lingering. |
| 7th07 | JulJul | 202525 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| Rotterdam is a city that's a long way removed from most people's stereotypical notion of the Netherlands. There are few, if any, canals to be found here nor are there any quaint windmills. There is, however, a thriving modern city which is one of the busiest ports in the entire world. Bustling Rotterdam symbolizes the heart, courage and industry of the Dutch people. The city, a tribute to modern Dutch architecture and engineering, was almost destroyed in 1940 but has regained its position as one of the world’s largest ports. From the 14th to the 17th centuries, Rotterdam’s progress was more or less uninterrupted, and Dutch trade as well as colonizing expeditions to the East used the port as a base. With railroads coming to Rotterdam in the 18th and 19th centuries, the port expanded even more and transit trade grew. After 1940, nearly the entire city was rebuilt and since then more wealth has flowed in, largely as a result of Rotterdam’s growing petrochemicals industry and the trade through its huge port. Today, Rotterdam has the distinction as one of the few really modern cities in the Netherlands and as the country’s major transportation hub. History can be found at ancient Delfshaven in Rotterdam’s western district. Once a port in its own right, it was from here that the Speedwell left in 1620, carrying the small group of English Separatists, known later as the Pilgrims, to the New World. By contrast, modern architecture is represented in the city center where an intriguing series of cube-shaped dwellings balance on a tall stem. For art lovers there is no lack of outstanding art collections to be found in a number of fine museums, and philosophers recall Rotterdam as the city of Erasmus. Popular sights around town center can be explored on foot, while The Hague, Delft, historic Gouda and Amsterdam are just short drives away. A harbor cruise ranks high on the list of must-dos for most visitors to Rotterdam. |
| 8th08 | JulJul | 202525 | At Sea | | |
| 9th09 | JulJul | 202525 | Gothenburg, Sweden | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| Don't tell the residents of Göteborg that they live in Sweden's "second city," but not because they will get upset (people here are known for their amiability and good humor). They just may not understand what you are talking about. People who call Göteborg (pronounced YOO-teh-bor; most visitors stick with the simpler "Gothenburg") home seem to forget that the city is diminutive in size and status compared to Stockholm.Spend a couple of days here and you'll forget, too. You'll find it's easier to ask what Göteborg hasn't got to offer rather than what it has. Culturally it is superb, boasting a fine opera house and theater, one of the country's best art museums, as well as a fantastic applied-arts museum. There's plenty of history to soak up, from the ancient port that gave the city its start to the 19th-century factory buildings and workers' houses that helped put it on the commercial map. For those looking for nature, the wild-west coast and tame green fields are both within striking distance. And don't forget the food. Since its inception in 1983, more than half of the "Swedish Chef of the Year" competition winners were cooking in Göteborg. Don't tell the residents of Göteborg that they live in Sweden's "second city," but not because they will get upset (people here are known for their amiability and good humor). They just may not understand what you are talking about. People who call Göteborg (pronounced YOO-teh-bor; most visitors stick with the simpler "Gothenburg") home seem to forget that the city is diminutive in size and status compared to Stockholm. Spend a couple of days here and you'll forget, too. You'll find it's easier to ask what Göteborg hasn't got to offer rather than what it has. Culturally it is superb, boasting a fine opera house and theater, one of the country's best art museums, as well as a fantastic applied-arts museum. There's plenty of history to soak up, from the ancient port that gave the city its start to the 19th-century factory buildings and workers' houses that helped put it on the commercial map. For those looking for nature, the wild-west coast and tame green fields are both within striking distance. And don't forget the food. Since its inception in 1983, more than half of the "Swedish Chef of the Year" competition winners were cooking in Göteborg. |
| 10th10 | JulJul | 202525 | Copenhagen, Denmark | | |
| By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’. Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star - the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale - the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars. |
| 10th10 | JulJul | 202525 | Copenhagen, Denmark | | 19:00 |
| By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’. Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star - the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale - the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars. |
| 11th11 | JulJul | 202525 | At Sea | | |
| 12th12 | JulJul | 202525 | Stockholm, Sweden | 07:30 | 18:00 |
| Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden's capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm's 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory. Stylish Stockholm has enough to occupy you for a lifetime from cathedral-like food markets to simmering baths and natural escapes. Visit the staggeringly beautiful interior of Stockholm's City Hall or learn more about one of Sweden’s best-known exports – with a visit to the ABBA museum. The history is deep and the architecture typically stylish as you explore this capital of Scandi cool. The Gamla Stan old town is a storied historic core of cobbled streets and brightly hued towering townhouses standing side by side. Attractive squares fill with the smells of fried herring from traditional restaurants while the latest culinary trends sweep through the city's revered kitchens. Breathe in the crisp clean air and relish the tranquillity and atmosphere of a truly great and grand Baltic city. Stockholm's visitors and residents spill outdoors in the summertime to the city's beaches and the archipelago's scattering of 24 000 islands and islets nearby. Steamboats puff scenic routes between them. Stockholm itself sprawls across 14 islands interlinked with dozens of arching bridges. Shimmering canals and leafy green parks offer peace and sanctuary within the city while trendy bars coffee shops and rooftop cocktail joints add to the hip and happening appeal. Stockholm's bustling shopping streets also showcase cutting edge trends for the fashion-conscious. |
| 13th13 | JulJul | 202525 | Mariehamn, Åland Islands | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| Mariehamn is the capital of the fractured Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland, which encompasses some 6,700 islands and skerries, which spray out across the Gulf of Bothnia towards Sweden. There's ample opportunity to stretch your legs here, with every outdoor activity imaginable available, and you can breathe in the freshest sea air you’ve ever tasted, as you kayak between islands, stroll flower-speckled fields, and sizzle in outdoor hot tubs. Known for being one of the Baltic’s sunniest destinations, you’ll also find a healthy supply of charming beaches, where you can lap up the rays. The region serves as a gateway to the Gulf, and has been a key witness to countless struggles and tussles over the years. It has a proud maritime heritage, and you can take a voyage through the exhibitions of the Aland Maritime Museum to learn more. See the genuine pirate flag on display - which is one of only three known to still be in existence. Its ominous skull and crossbones are sure to shiver your timbers. You can also experience life aboard an ocean-faring ship from Mariehamn's past, as you climb aboard the mighty, four-masted Pommern windjammer ship, which was donated to the museum once World War II had concluded. Sprinkled across the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland, no fewer than 6,700 islands and skerries make up this archipelago, which boasts rich seafaring tradition. Settled between the mighty Baltic sea capitals of Stockholm and Helsinki, Mariehamn is the comparatively pocket-sized capital of the Åland Islands, and a place of low-key, breezy appeal. Discover a walkable town's streets where flowerbeds bloom, peacocks strut, and hammers tap away in traditional craft shops. Summer nights at this latitude are long and leisurely, with the sun barely taking rest during the midnight sun's months. Blessed with extra hours, make excellent use of them by lounging in the cafes, or enjoying the hikes, beaches and wholesome foods of this fractured, confetti-spread archipelago. Named as one of Finland’s best museums, Åland's maritime museum is a seafaring voyage through the islands’ proud traditions - where you can see a genuine skull and crossbones flag - which once flew above a pirate ship - before stepping aboard the Pommern windjammer ship museum. The capital’s Western Harbour was once home to the world's largest fleet of wooden sea-sailing ships, which traded around the world. Leisurely, signposted walks along the coastline will provide more details on this illustrious history. The islands have also been treacherous over the years, however, and hundreds of wrecks rest below the waves, tempting scuba divers to explore. It was in the skeletal confines of one doomed ship where the world’s oldest champagne was discovered in 2010. Some of the prized bottles, dating back to the 1840s, are now on display in the town’s museum. |
| 14th14 | JulJul | 202525 | Helsinki, Finland | 08:00 | 23:00 |
| A city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of oddly shaped peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands.Having grown dramatically since World War II, Helsinki now absorbs more than one-tenth of the Finnish population. The metro area covers 764 square km (474 square miles) and 315 islands. Most sights, hotels, and restaurants cluster on one peninsula, forming a compact central hub. The greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa, has a total population of more than a million people.Helsinki is a relatively young city compared with other European capitals. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden decided to woo trade from the Estonian city of Tallinn and thus challenge the Hanseatic League's monopoly on Baltic trade. Accordingly, he commanded the people of four Finnish towns to pack up their belongings and relocate to the rapids on the River Vantaa. The new town, founded on June 12, 1550, was named Helsinki.For three centuries, Helsinki (Helsingfors in Swedish) had its ups and downs as a trading town. Turku, to the west, remained Finland's capital and intellectual center. However, Helsinki's fortunes improved when Finland fell under Russian rule as an autonomous grand duchy. Czar Alexander I wanted Finland's political center closer to Russia and, in 1812, selected Helsinki as the new capital. Shortly afterward, Turku suffered a disastrous fire, forcing the university to move to Helsinki. The town's future was secure.Just before the czar's proclamation, a fire destroyed many of Helsinki's traditional wooden structures, precipitating the construction of new buildings suitable for a nation's capital. The German-born architect Carl Ludvig Engel was commissioned to rebuild the city, and as a result, Helsinki has some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. Add to this foundation the influence of Stockholm and St. Petersburg with the local inspiration of 20th-century Finnish design, and the result is a European capital city that is as architecturally eye-catching as it is distinct from other Scandinavian capitals. You are bound to discover endless engaging details—a grimacing gargoyle; a foursome of males supporting a balcony's weight on their shoulders; a building painted in striking colors with contrasting flowers in the windows. The city's 400 or so parks make it particularly inviting in summer.Today, Helsinki is still a meeting point of eastern and western Europe, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan image, the influx of Russians and Estonians, and generally multilingual population. Outdoor summer bars ("terrassit" as the locals call them) and cafés in the city center are perfect for people watching on a summer afternoon. A thriving flawlessly-designed seaside city Helsinki is famously livable and inspiring. A regional powerhouse of outstanding design and creativity Helsinki lies across a confetti scattering of 300 islands and skerries in the Gulf of Finland. Known for the light granite hue of its buildings - which lend the city a bright whitewashed appearance - traditional buildings mingle seamlessly with bold new structures showcasing Finland's celebrated design outlook. Helsinki Cathedral is the crowning glory - rising high over the city's waterfront with its pearly white domes gleaming. A city that reveres knowledge and creativity above all else artworks and statues litter the streets and parks honouring creative minds of the past. Open parks offer space to lie back and soak up summer's sun while sculptures like the abstract organs of the Sibelius Monument celebrate national heroes like composer Jean Sibelius - whose music gave Finland national identity in the quest for independence. Feel the stunning acoustics of the incredible Rock Church deep in your gut as you witness a performance in this collaboration between man and nature. Helsinki's easy-going forward-thinking way of life was hard fought for and the spectacular Suomenlinna fortress rears out of the waves as a reminder of the historical struggles that have played out in this stretch of sea. Sail out to the quaint little beaches and waterfront pathways that now lend a calm peaceful ambience to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 15th15 | JulJul | 202525 | Tallinn, Estonia | | |
| Estonia's history is sprinkled liberally with long stretches of foreign domination, beginning in 1219 with the Danes, followed without interruption by the Germans, Swedes, and Russians. Only after World War I, with Russia in revolutionary wreckage, was Estonia able to declare its independence. Shortly before World War II, in 1940, that independence was usurped by the Soviets, who—save for a brief three-year occupation by Hitler's Nazis—proceeded to suppress all forms of national Estonian pride for the next 50 years. Estonia finally regained independence in 1991. In the early 1990s, Estonia's own Riigikogu (Parliament), not some other nation's puppet ruler, handed down from the Upper City reforms that forced Estonia to blaze its post-Soviet trail to the European Union. Estonia has been a member of the EU since 2004, and in 2011, the country and its growing economy joined the Eurozone. Tallinn was also named the European City of Culture in 2011, cementing its growing reputation as a cultural hot spot. A fairytale city of new and old Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO listed old towns in Northern Europe and balances the traditional and contemporary astutely. A beautiful Baltic capital of storied culture and history Tallinn is riding the wave of a burgeoning reputation as Europe's hidden gem and it boasts a picturesque allure that few cities can rival. The European City of Culture award in 2011 was a symbol of the country's increasing integration with the European Union and offered Tallinn a chance to showcase and upgrade its cultural marvels. Walk into the old town through Viru Gates past flower vendors and the smells of roasting nuts. Town Hall Square is the heart and soul of Tallinn and when you walk the narrow cobbled streets that open out into it you’re walking the same pathways that Tallinn's people have walked since the 13th century. Surrounded by practically complete medieval walls lose yourself in deep museums and visit pretty churches like St. Olaf church - one of the city's most famous with its sharp green spire puncturing the sky. Head to Kohtuotsa platform in the upper town for views of the city's sea of red roofs interrupted by church towers and rounded turrets. From here climb Toompea Castle's central hill before visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - easily recognisable by its bold colours and trio of black onion domes. |
| 16th16 | JulJul | 202525 | Tallinn, Estonia | | 13:00 |
| Estonia's history is sprinkled liberally with long stretches of foreign domination, beginning in 1219 with the Danes, followed without interruption by the Germans, Swedes, and Russians. Only after World War I, with Russia in revolutionary wreckage, was Estonia able to declare its independence. Shortly before World War II, in 1940, that independence was usurped by the Soviets, who—save for a brief three-year occupation by Hitler's Nazis—proceeded to suppress all forms of national Estonian pride for the next 50 years. Estonia finally regained independence in 1991. In the early 1990s, Estonia's own Riigikogu (Parliament), not some other nation's puppet ruler, handed down from the Upper City reforms that forced Estonia to blaze its post-Soviet trail to the European Union. Estonia has been a member of the EU since 2004, and in 2011, the country and its growing economy joined the Eurozone. Tallinn was also named the European City of Culture in 2011, cementing its growing reputation as a cultural hot spot. A fairytale city of new and old Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO listed old towns in Northern Europe and balances the traditional and contemporary astutely. A beautiful Baltic capital of storied culture and history Tallinn is riding the wave of a burgeoning reputation as Europe's hidden gem and it boasts a picturesque allure that few cities can rival. The European City of Culture award in 2011 was a symbol of the country's increasing integration with the European Union and offered Tallinn a chance to showcase and upgrade its cultural marvels. Walk into the old town through Viru Gates past flower vendors and the smells of roasting nuts. Town Hall Square is the heart and soul of Tallinn and when you walk the narrow cobbled streets that open out into it you’re walking the same pathways that Tallinn's people have walked since the 13th century. Surrounded by practically complete medieval walls lose yourself in deep museums and visit pretty churches like St. Olaf church - one of the city's most famous with its sharp green spire puncturing the sky. Head to Kohtuotsa platform in the upper town for views of the city's sea of red roofs interrupted by church towers and rounded turrets. From here climb Toompea Castle's central hill before visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - easily recognisable by its bold colours and trio of black onion domes. |
| 17th17 | JulJul | 202525 | Visby, Sweden | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| Gotland is Sweden's main holiday island, a place of ancient history, a relaxed summer-party vibe, wide sandy beaches, and wild cliff formations called raukar (the remnants of reefs formed more than 400 million years ago). Measuring 125 km (78 miles) long and 52 km (32 miles) at its widest point, Gotland is where Swedish sheep farming has its home. In its charming glades, 35 varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from all over the world. Sweden's holiday island of choice Visby is a pretty medieval city that has been delightfully frozen in time. A dramatically walled Hanseatic trading centre Visby faces out across a 60-mile gulf towards the Swedish mainland. An island of sparse scenic landscapes Gotland is dotted with quiet fishing villages roaming sheep and unusual limestone natural structures. With beautiful beaches as well as spell-binding history crowds from across Scandanavia and beyond set sail for these escapist shores every summer. Set on the Baltic Sea's largest island the steep medieval walls of Visby are at once a gorgeously picturesque and incredibly imposing welcome to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest section the red-roof capped Gunpowder Tower is one of Sweden's oldest surviving constructions. Inside the walls the elegant Cathedral of St. Mary's rises with its pair of pepper-pot towers. Visby has an irresistible tangle of medieval streets with photo-opportunities waiting around every narrow bend. The scattering of ruined churches adds another layer of eerie beauty while a splash of colour is provided by blooming botanical gardens thriving within the island's mild climate. A place of rich history visit museums to learn the island's whole story - from its formation to the ancient inhabitants who have occupied its shores. For the best view head to Hogklint - a coastal cliff area on the south of Visby. Or explore the island via beautiful coastal bike trails. |
| 18th18 | JulJul | 202525 | Riga, Latvia | 09:30 | 19:00 |
| Rīga has an upscale, big-city feel unmatched in the region. The capital (almost as large as Tallinn and Vilnius combined) is the business center of the area while original, high-quality restaurants and hotels have earned Rīga some bragging rights among its Western European counterparts. The city also doesn't lack for beauty—Rīga's Old Town (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) is one of Europe’s most striking examples of the art nouveau architectural style. Long avenues of complex and sometimes whimsical Jugendstil facades hint at Rīga's grand past. Many were designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, the father of Soviet director Sergei. This style dominates the city center. In many ways, the wonder of Rīga resides less in its individual attractions and more in the fabric of the town itself. In the medieval Old Town, an ornate gable or architrave catches the eye at every turn. The somber and the flamboyant are both represented in this quarter's 1,000 years of architectural history. Don't hesitate to just follow where your desire leads—the Old Town is compact and bounded by canals, so it's difficult to get totally lost. When the Old Town eventually became too crowded, the city burst out into the newer inner suburbs. The rich could afford to leave and build themselves fine fashionable mansions in the style of the day; consequently, city planners created a whole new Rīga. Across the narrow canal, you'll find the Esplanāde, a vast expanse of parkland with formal gardens and period mansions where the well-heeled stroll and play. Surrounding this is the art nouveau district. Encompassing avenues of splendid family homes (now spruced up in the postcommunist era), the collection has been praised by UNESCO as Europe's finest in the art nouveau style. The best examples are at Alberta 2, 2a, 4, 6, 8, and 13; Elizabetes 10b; and Strēlnieku 4a. If the weather permits, eschew public transport and stroll between the two districts, taking in the varied skylines and multifaceted facades, and perhaps stopping at a café or two as you go. The city has churches in five Christian denominations and more than 50 museums, many of which cater to eclectic or specialist tastes. Centred around a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Old Town Latvia’s capital is a quirky and artistic place - with an extensive collection of gleaming art-deco architecture. With a quirky underbelly and beautifully preserved fairytale architecture it’s no wonder Riga is affectionately known as the Baltic Berlin. Ascend the tower of St. Peter's Church for a view down over the gingerbread-architecture below. The House of Blackheads is one of the city’s standouts a historic trade guild’s meeting place it adds grace and grandeur to the spacious town square. The much-photographed Three Brothers lean together with their pastel-shaded facades and idiosyncratic personalities. Look out across the River Daugava for an example of modern Riga - the steel and glass of the National Library building. The Freedom Monument stands a full 42 meters tall and is a proud statue marking Lativa’s incredibly hard-won independence. Cavernous hangers – that once housed bomber zeppelins from the First World War – now host one of Europe’s biggest and best food markets. Soak up the smells and sights of Riga Central Market where you can taste pickles smoked herring and piragis – local rolls stuffed with bacon. Take time out in brightly painted cafes and flower-laced courtyards which serve up refreshments and dizzyingly strong self-brewed craft beers. Or head to the greenery of Bastejkalna Park to stroll the banks of the canal and over ornate bridges. |
| 19th19 | JulJul | 202525 | At Sea | | |
| 20th20 | JulJul | 202525 | Warnemünde, Germany | 08:00 | 23:00 |
| Warnemünde, officially a suburb of Rostock, is a quaint seaside resort town with the best hotels and restaurants in the area, as well as 20 km (12 miles) of beautiful white-sand beach. It's been a popular summer getaway for families in eastern Germany for years.There is little to do in Warnemünde except relax, and the town excels brilliantly at that. However, Warnemünde is a major cruise-ship terminal. Whenever there is more than one ship at dock, the town explodes with a county fair–like atmosphere, and shops and restaurants stay open until the ships leave at midnight. The city celebrates the dreifache Anlauf, when three ships dock simultaneously, with fireworks. Warnemünde, officially a suburb of Rostock, is a quaint seaside resort town with the best hotels and restaurants in the area, as well as 20 km (12 miles) of beautiful white-sand beach. It's been a popular summer getaway for families in eastern Germany for years. There is little to do in Warnemünde except relax, and the town excels brilliantly at that. However, Warnemünde is a major cruise-ship terminal. Whenever there is more than one ship at dock, the town explodes with a county fair–like atmosphere, and shops and restaurants stay open until the ships leave at midnight. The city celebrates the dreifache Anlauf, when three ships dock simultaneously, with fireworks. |
| 21st21 | JulJul | 202525 | At Sea | 11:30 | 00:30 |
| One of the world's great canals the 60-mile-long Kiel Canal provides a spectacular water shortcut through Northern Europe. Opened in 1895 following eight years of construction at the hands of 9 000 men it has been upgraded twice since to serve the growth of both the ships it can accommodate and the rise in demand. The long waterway links the North Sea with the Baltic and this engineering marvel is now one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Sparing ships from an arduous 280-mile journey around the sometimes challenging waters of the Danish peninsula. Ships from pleasure yachts to giant tankers cruise the gently curving artificial waterway - which is fringed by walls of forest green fields and occasional soaring bridges. The western entrance branches off from the mouth of the Elbe river at Brunsbüttel and you'll easily spot the eastern entrance at Kiel-Holtenau where you are saluted by a Venetian bell tower as you sail the town's fjord. Huge locks raise and lower the water level at the entrances and the leisurely transit takes roughly eight hours with plenty to look out for along the way. The Rendsburg High Bridge is a spectacular structure spanning the wide canal. It features a hanging gondola which can swing people and vehicles across from one side of the bank to the other. More recently the dramatic archway of the Levensau High Bridge was added. |
| 22nd22 | JulJul | 202525 | Hamburg, Germany, disembark the Silver Shadow | | |
| Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame. Nestled snugly between the Baltic and North seas Germany's second-biggest city is intersected by a frayed network of rivers and canals spanned by hundreds of pretty bridges. This quirky heritage-filled city has a distinct character and open outlook all of its own and continues to relish its role as Germany's gateway to the world. The water brought Hamburg its wealth and vast redbrick warehouses stack up against the waterfront in the Speicherstadt district - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They linger from the era when the city was a Hanseatic League trading capital and the warehouses essentially formed a city unto themselves with goods brought and exchanged from distant shores. Elsewhere the Reeperbahn is a notorious and unabashed street of nocturnal mischief with shifty neon-lit nightclubs in amongst the city's famous red-light district. Hamburg has a much more wholesome side too however and is a powerhouse of museums theatre and culture. It’s littered with over 100 music venues and the city played a crucial role in The Beatles’ early story. The spectacular Elbphilharmonie concert hall with its wavy surrealistic interior is a work of art in and of itself. The city has been named a European Green Capital and the vast Lake Alster adds to the airy pleasant atmosphere providing a spacious oasis of tranquillity. Planten un Blomen is another burst of zesty colour where fountains fan out and lilypads float on rhododendron-lined lakes. |
