Ευρώπη

Dover, in the county of Kent in southeast England, has understandably been one of the most important ports of entry to the country for centuries, given its location on the English Channel across from France. The famous White Cliffs of Dover greet you as you arrive, and the city has a number of historic sights, including a medieval castle. For many travelers, however, it is primarily a gateway to London. Few places can compete with England’s capital for sheer energy, atmosphere and variety. London’s vibrancy—in art, in music, in architecture—is formidable. It’s a city with not only multiple attractions, grand structures and great cultural institutions (though there are plenty of those) but also scenic parks, walkable villages and striking modern additions.Culinary pioneers are reviving traditional techniques and introducing menus that are at the forefront of the world’s premier restaurant experiences. Leg-powered sightseeing (by bike or on foot) around London maximizes opportunities for stumbling across secret alleys, courtyards housing quirky art galleries and tiny old pubs serving fresh British ales. Shoppers will want to check out the items at some of the retail emporiums known the world over as well as diminutive boutiques stocking unique souvenirs.

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way. Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look – city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde – home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city – where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Το Alesund είναι μια μικρή αλλά ζωντανή πόλη με μοναδική, μοντέρνα αίσθηση. Μια προσπάθεια ανοικοδόμησης μετά από μια μεγάλη πυρκαγιά το 1904 έδωσε στην πόλη το χαρακτηριστικό αρχιτεκτονικό στυλ Art Nouveau – ή “Jugendstil” – που χαρακτηρίζεται από τις περίτεχνες λεπτομέρειες, τις ασύμμετρες προσόψεις και τις καμπύλες μορφές που μοιάζουν με φυτά, ζώα και λουλούδια. Από το πάρκο της πόλης, ανεβείτε με τα πόδια τα 418 σκαλοπάτια στην κορυφή της πόλης, την Άκσλα – θα ανταμειφθείτε με μια πανέμορφη πανοραμική θέα στην πόλη, τα νησιά και την απόκρημνη οροσειρά Sunnmorsalpane. Το Alesund είναι η έδρα του μεγαλύτερου στόλου αλιείας μπακαλιάρου της Νορβηγίας, οπότε δεν θα χρειαστεί να πάτε μακριά για να δοκιμάσετε μερικά από τα νόστιμα και φρέσκα πιάτα θαλασσινών κατά τη διάρκεια της κρουαζιέρας σας στη Νορβηγία.

Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, sits on the eastern coast of Iceland and dates back to the days of the Vikings. Despite the fearsome reputation of those who first established Djúpivogur, today what draws visitors to this remote corner of the country is its dramatic natural setting. Located on Berufjörður, it is near stunning natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. Wherever you journey in the region, youll come upon stunning vistas and a landscape shaped by glaciers and geothermal activity. The village itself is home to intriguing sites like Langabúð, a log house built in 1790 that now houses artifacts related to Iceland’s long-held folk traditions. (These include a belief in “hidden folk” who live in the ancient windswept landscapes of rock, glacier and lava.) You can also journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Icelands seabird population including cute and quirky puffins. These birds are so beloved in Iceland that they were long the symbol of the national airline and actually outnumber the countrys human population by some 25 to 1.

Για μια πόλη 18.000 κατοίκων, το Akureyri είναι πολύ ζωντανό. Βρίσκεται στην κεφαλή του Eyjafjordur, του μακρύτερου φιόρδ της Ισλανδίας, και το πρώτο πράγμα που θα παρατηρήσετε είναι το σκηνικό των δραματικών χιονισμένων βουνών. Κάντε μια βόλτα στην Παλιά Πόλη και θαυμάστε τα χλοοτάπητα σπίτια του 19ου αιώνα. Δοκιμάστε αυθεντική ισλανδική κουζίνα ή ζεσταθείτε στην αχνιστή θερμική πισίνα του Akureyri. Στη γωνία, θα βρείτε την εκκλησία βασάλτη του Akureyri, Akureyrarkirkja, με την εντυπωσιακή, φουτουριστική πρόσοψη. Οι κρουαζιέρες στην Ισλανδία σας δίνουν τη δυνατότητα να περπατήσετε στο Lystigardurinn, τον βορειότερο βοτανικό κήπο στον κόσμο, και να αναπνεύσετε τον καθαρό αέρα και το άρωμα των άγριων αρκτικών λουλουδιών.

See dramatic evidence of Icelands volcanic origins: geysers, hotsprings, vast fields of cooled lava. Swim in the naturally-warmed Blue Lagoon.

This charming Arctic settlement of around 4,500 people (and millions of wild puffins) offers unique opportunities for sightseeing. The visually dramatic setting is particularly suited to photographers looking to capture memorable vistas.

Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Isle of Lewis has a rich history and rugged beauty. Explore the islands varied scenery from fjord-like lochs and dramatic sea-cliffs to barren peat moors and romantic heather covered uplands; marvel at the mysterious Standing Stones at Callanish, the most remarkable piece of antiquity in the Western Isles; and shop for famous Harris Tweed, hand-woven and uniquely dyed using indigenous plants.

The largest town on Skye – located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland – this ports harbor is fringed by steep cliffs and the towns Gaelic heritage in evident in the local attractions. Harry Potter fans will recognize that the town is home to the fictional Pride of Portree. Everything is a short stroll away within Portree, and nearby Glasgow provides further opportunities for exploration. The mountainous Isle of Skye provides breathtaking vistas from nearly every destination. Play a round of golf in nearby Sconser or go pony trekking at Skeabost. Skye is also the ideal place for fishing and bird watching. Sample the local whisky at Talisker Distillery in Carbost or simply find a quiet spot to admire the views.

Dover, in the county of Kent in southeast England, has understandably been one of the most important ports of entry to the country for centuries, given its location on the English Channel across from France. The famous White Cliffs of Dover greet you as you arrive, and the city has a number of historic sights, including a medieval castle. For many travelers, however, it is primarily a gateway to London. Few places can compete with England’s capital for sheer energy, atmosphere and variety. London’s vibrancy—in art, in music, in architecture—is formidable. It’s a city with not only multiple attractions, grand structures and great cultural institutions (though there are plenty of those) but also scenic parks, walkable villages and striking modern additions.Culinary pioneers are reviving traditional techniques and introducing menus that are at the forefront of the world’s premier restaurant experiences. Leg-powered sightseeing (by bike or on foot) around London maximizes opportunities for stumbling across secret alleys, courtyards housing quirky art galleries and tiny old pubs serving fresh British ales. Shoppers will want to check out the items at some of the retail emporiums known the world over as well as diminutive boutiques stocking unique souvenirs.