19 August

Sweden: Lysekil

The town of Lysekil is situated at the mouth of the Gullmarsfjord on the west coast of Sweden, on a coastline characterised by red granite cliffs and scattered islands. Highlights include the excellent Havets Hus aquarium and the charming streets of the compact Old Town, the Gamlestan

20 August

Norway: Oslo

The intriguing city of Oslo, Norway’s capital, has so much to offer, from the open air Norwegian Folk Museum to the amazing Vigeland sculpture park, and from the Holmenkollen Ski Museum to the Munch Museum’s collection of memorable paintings. History, art and culture are what defines this lovely city.

21 August

Denmark: Skagen

Situated at the very northern tip of Jutland, Skagen is famed for its wonderful light and beautiful coastal scenery, which attracted many artists during the 19th century. Today it’s a popular destination for well-to-do Danes, drawn here by the beaches, charming architecture and spectacular sunsets.

22 August

Norway: Mandal

23 August

Norway: Rosendal

Rosendal is famous for the Barony, an historic manor house and Renaissance garden that was home to some of Norway’s most distinguished nobles between 1655 and 1927. Rosendal is also near to the beautiful Hardangerfjord and Folgefonna National Park.

24 August

Norway: Olden

Olden is a lovely little village surrounded by green meadows and rippling mountain scenery, at the mouth of the Oldeelva river. The most popular excursion is a trip to the nearby Briksdalsbreen, an arm of the vast Jostedalsbreen glacier.

25 August

Norway: Kristiansund

Spread over several islands on an impressive natural harbour, Kristiansund is intimately connected to the sea, and is famous for its 'klipfish' - a dish of dry, salted cod. The city was badly damaged by fire during the war, and was rebuilt in a distinctive, multi-coloured style.

26 August

Norway: Trondheim

Trondheim’s wooden buildings look much as they would have done in the Middle Ages, rebuilt in the same style and layout throughout history. Here also Norway's national sanctuary, Nidaros Cathedral, was built over the grave of St. Olav, Norway's patron saint, with parts dating back to the 12th century.

27 August - At sea

28 August

Norway: Hammerfest

Situated over 600 miles beyond the Arctic Circle, Hammerfest claims to be the world’s northernmost town, although other Arctic settlements would contest this. It’s also the only place where you can join the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, a slightly eccentric club with some 250,000 members worldwide.

29 August

Norway: Honningsvåg

The port of Honningsvåg is the gateway to Europe’s most northerly point, the North Cape, and enjoys 24-hour daylight in summer. Aside from tourism, fishing is the major industry in this part of Norway, and the region is also said to be inhabited by trolls.

30 August

Norway: Tromsø

Tromso’s location well within the Arctic Circle means the summer months are lit by the Midnight Sun, a compensation for long dark winters. Explore the streets with their multi-coloured wooden houses, see the amazing architecture of the Arctic cathedral, or take the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen for a fantastic view.

31 August - At sea

1 September

Norway: Ålesund

When Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II agreed to foot the bill to rebuild it. The result was the stunning Art Nouveau architecture that you see today, which blends elements of the German 'Jugendstil' with Viking flourishes.

2 September

Norway: Måløy

The little town of Måløy is a major fishing port, on the sheltered eastern side of Vågsøy island. Nearby sights include the Kannesteinen rock, sculpted by the sea into a bizarre mushroom-like shape, while further afield is the Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to continental Europe’s largest glacier.

3 September

United Kingdom: Lerwick

Lerwick is the only town of any size in the Shetland islands, and originally grew up around the herring trade. Highlights include the charming 18th century architecture along the waterfront and the informative Shetland Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the islands.

4 September

United Kingdom: Invergordon

Invergordon’s deep natural harbour makes it a popular jumping off point for the Scottish Highlands, and most cruise ship visitors will head inland on excursions to Loch Ness, Culloden battlefield or the nearby city of Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

5 September - At sea

6 September

Belgium: Zeebrugge (Bruges)

Zeebrugge’s main attraction is its proximity to Bruges. This beautifully preserved old town is a magical maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer.

7 September

Arriving in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of our very favourite cities to visit, as well as also being a perfect base to explore the nearby landscape of windmills and dikes. There is a wealth of famous museums and galleries to choose from, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.