Picturesque
Peaks & Fjords

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

Along the River Tyne’s northern bank sits Newcastle upon Tyne, or simply Newcastle, a city that is quickly becoming one of the largest shipbuilding centers in the world. Dating as far back as a Roman settlement and named after the castle built by William the Conqueror’s eldest son in 1080, it holds a rich history ready for exploration. The city’s main attraction, The Castle Keep, invites you to imagine life in medieval times. But Newcastle also contains modern appeal with contemporary architectural designs, like the renowned Gateshead Millennium suspension bridge. For a scene of serenity, venture out to Jesmond Dene Park. These lush woodlands with tranquil pools, rock crags, plunging waterfalls and hiking paths create a picture of absolute peace.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

In the heart of Gandsfjord sits the cosmopolitan Sandnes surrounded by stunning nature, bringing together the best of both worlds. Lush scenes amid rugged cliffs make the perfect hiking trails at Varlivarden and Rogaland. Gather with your new companions for a trek to Manafossen, a rushing, free-fall cascade that reinvigorates your soul. A rich culture of horse farming comes to life at Tryggvi Islandshestgård, where you may experience a guided ride with a local expert. Between these breathtaking scenes of nature lies the legendary history of the Vikings at a recreated traditional village, Sandnessjøen, that invites you and your fellow explorers to journey to the past. Nearby in Hafrsfjord, the famous Swords in Rock monument stands tall and proud as an homage to this Viking heritage. Take the Nuart Sandnes Art Trail to admire the vibrant street art that tells the story of Norway’s history from past to present, and where the artists believe their culture’s future is headed.

When you think of Norway, among the images that come to mind are those of brightly painted wooden buildings with a backdrop of ice-capped mountains. In a nutshell, you’ve envisioned Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city that’s an easy access gateway to the fjords. Start with an unforgettable funicular ride to the top of the iconic Mount Floyen, rising over 1,000 feet above sea level in a seamless eight minutes. Back on the ground, you will not tire of snapping images of Bergen’s famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen. You will also find that Bergen is a city for foodies, with a commitment to organic and sustainable food that has earned it the additional UNESCO designation of City of Gastronomy.

Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, Flåm is located off one of the hidden arms of the Sognefjord. To fully appreciate the breadth of this region, leave the harbor behind to reach Gudvangen, a tiny hamlet at the tip of spectacular Nærøyfjord. This 11-mile-long fjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rated by the National Geographic Society as the world’s number one natural heritage site. In addition to attracting naturalists, this destination will surely delight avid cyclists with some of the best, most scenic routes. If you prefer to take in the scenery in comfort, climb aboard the Flåm Railway and get ready for one of Europe’s most dramatic and visually stunning train adventures.

The tiny village of Geiranger is home to major adventures, as the area’s unique natural surroundings were created during a succession of ice ages when glaciers carved out deep fjords and shaped the high mountains. The crown jewel of all the Norwegian fjords is Geirangerfjord. The entire area, from the snow-covered mountain tops to the clear, blue water, were included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Among the extraordinary features are the Seven Sisters waterfalls, jutting out from the cliff sides in seven separate cataracts and creating a curtain you can walk behind. Travelers seeking a thrilling experience will appreciate the 11 hairpin turns of Trollstigen mountain road, each bend with its own moniker often named after the person who supervised its construction.

Spread across three islands and ringed by dramatic mountains, Ålesund is imbued with whimsy and romance. Dressed elegantly in its signature Art Nouveau architecture, you can appreciate the turrets, spires and medieval ornaments that adorn the town. In a small park at the base of Mount Aksla, you’ll find a picture-postcard view of Ålesund, the Art Nouveau city center and the surrounding alpine landscapes of Sunnmøre. If dramatic views are what you seek, Trollstigen Road is an exciting roadway through enormous mountains, offering amazing views of Norway. The ultimate adventure is Trollveggen, the Troll Wall, which is the highest perpendicular rock face in Europe.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Between the Arctic Ocean and the majestic Lofoten peaks, Reine will leave you speechless. Its beauty is limitless and so are the endless ways you can take in its natural wonders, from cycling to hiking to kayaking. With 24 hours of daylight, this is also an amazing destination to photograph and capture that unique Arctic light. What makes Reine so famous is the access to Reinebringen, a verdant mountain that offers an incredible viewpoint of Reine and her neighboring villages, Sakrisøy and Hamnøy. On the water’s edge you can embark on a kayaking expedition for a different perspective of the famed mountain and take in the harbor, small islands with bird sanctuaries, wild shores and the beaches that comprise this idyllic setting.

Not only will you witness magnificent fjords and glaciers throughout Tromsø, Norway, but you will also immerse yourself in a sophisticated cultural life and architectural delights. A superb example of blending the built environment with the natural setting is the Arctic Cathedral, an architectural marvel made up of aluminum-coated concrete panels, making it a stunning façade resembling an iceberg. To see the real icebergs, all you have to do is take the Fjellheisen cable car 1,525 feet above sea level for incredible views of the Norwegian fjords. You can also stroll around the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, visit the Science Centre of Northern Norway or gain new knowledge at the city’s museums including the Polar Museum, Tromsø University Museum, and Perspektivet Museum.