Cruises - Azores Cruise Club

104
SCandinaVia, The BalTiC & UK
porTS of Call
IjmuIden (for Amsterdam), Holland
Criss-crossed by bridges and canals, Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the north.
But its waterways are not all it’s famous for. In fact, mention the name of Holland’s
capital city and you’ll get a whole list of associations. Clogs, cheese and windmills
top the list, followed closely by World War history, cutting-edge art and coffee
shops. One thing’s for sure, when you join the millions of tourists that flock to the
city every year, you won’t have to look hard to find something that interests you.
• Sit back and relax onboard Amsterdam’s most traditional mode of transport –
a canal boat. Pleasure cruises have been running up and down the city’s
waterways since 1621.
• Discover the secret hideout where Anne Frank and her family hid from the
Nazis during the Second World War. The tiny annex is now part of a museum,
where you can follow the Franks’ story from the beginning to the tragic end.
• Cast an eye over the paintings of one of the 20th century’s most influential
artists. The Vincent Van Gogh museum showcases a selection of the painter’s
work, including the famous Sunflowers still life.
Invergordon, Scotland
A small port town in the Highlands of Scotland, Ivergordon puts rollercoaster hills,
mirror-like lakes and abandoned villages at your fingertips. Its biggest claim to fame,
though, is the mysterious Loch Ness, where the prehistoric monster ‘Nessie’
is thought to roam its 23-mile body of water.
• Head north to see Dunrobin Castle. Not only has it got a really Cinderella-esque
appearance, it’s surrounded by immaculate gardens. What’s more, falcon displays
are put on daily, and there’s a museum.
• Take a boat ride around Loch Ness, and see if you can spot ‘Nessie’ yourself.
You’ll be taken to Urquart Bay, where most of the sightings have been reported.
• Explore further afield and make tracks for the Shin Falls at the River Shin.
Here, you’ll see the Atlantic salmon battle their way upstream in a bid to
get back to the Loch where they were born.
Isafjord, Iceland
Encased in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Westfjords peninsula, this chocolate
box coastal town dates back to the 9th century. It's a tranquil little place where
life operates at a deliciously lazy pace. Cocooned in the heart of the rugged
West Fjord, the islands and inlets nearby are a magnet for wildlife with a host
of rare sea birds making a home here.
• Call in at the Maritime Museum, whose four 18th-century buildings house
lots of interesting artefacts linked to the local fishing industry.
• Talking of fishing, take a stroll along the peaceful harbour on nearby Vigur Island
and watch fishermen bringing in the day's catch, plucked from the icy waters.
• Arm yourself with a set of binoculars and go on the hunt for seabirds,
like puffins. Your search will take place against the backdrop of majestic
mountains and glittering glaciers. Superb.
Kalundborg, Denmark
This bustling market town in the west of Denmark has got an interesting past
that’s well worth unravelling. Its narrow streets are made for strolling so grab
a map, pack your camera and get ready to explore. If that sounds too much
like hard work, you’ll be glad to hear the town’s surrounded by beaches.
Or perhaps you’ll prefer a trip to Copenhagen, where shops, sights, museums
and galleries conspire to steal your heart.
• Lace up your walking boots and get to know Kalundborg. Lose yourself in the
old part of town, whose slender streets are crammed with houses up to 500
years old. And don’t miss Kalundborg Church, whose 5 towers spear the skyline.
• Get a unique perspective on the sights of Copenhagen by taking a mini-cruise
down the old canal. You’ll see the Naval Church, the old Stock Exchange and
the newly-opened Opera House.
• Head for Denmark’s exquisite capital, Copenhagen, and tick off some of
its most famous landmarks. The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace and
Tivoli Gardens – wow.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 230 2800 | thomson.co.uk/cruise
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication.
See page 3.