Cruises - Azores Cruise Club

106
SCandinaVia, The BalTiC & UK
porTS of Call
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Lerwick is the capital and main port of the Shetland Islands, a string of green atolls
scattered about a hundred miles off the north coast of Scotland. Historians believe
the archipelago’s sweeping farmland and plunging valleys have been inhabited since
the Stone Age. And around 5,000 archaeological sites testify to this theory.
• Near the southern tip of the Shetland Mainland is Jarlshof, an archaeological
site that’s often referred to as one of the most significant ever discovered in the
British Isles. Its remains span the Bronze Age, the Iron Age and the Viking era,
and you can see stone walls, little houses and tools among the ruins.
• Head up to Fort Charlotte for spectacular views over the rugged Shetland coast –
the stronghold overlooks the whole of Lerwick. Since 1837, it’s has been used for
everything from a jail to a courthouse, and even a coastguard station.
OLden, Norway
This sleepy hamlet sprang into life in the 18th Century. Today, it's best known as the
gateway to the gleaming Briksdalsbreen Glacier, one of Norway's 'must see' sights.
• Gaze in wonder at the million-year-old and ever advancing glacier. Nothing can
prepare you for the awesome sight ahead of you - the glacier is a shimmering
mass of blue ice that'll leave you lost for words.
• Uncover the secret of Olden Lake’s looks. This huge body of water is known as
Norway’s most beautiful lake and its unique green appearance has something to
do with a substance called ‘glacier milk’.
OsLO, Norway
It may be small but Oslo crams in more to see and do than other cities twice its size.
It’s one of those rare places that’s got the balance just right. On the one hand, it’s all
world class museums, neon-lit shops and buzzing bars and restaurants. On the
other, it’s leafy parks, pristine gardens and tree-lined boulevards. Then of course
there’s the setting to think about. Encased in fjords, peaks and forests, it’s fair to say
Oslo’s got beauty well and truly on its side. No wonder a serene vibe runs through
this oh-so-sophisticated Norwegian gem.
• Meander along Karl Johans Gate, which cuts through the heart of Oslo.
It’s packed with shops, cafés and restaurants, not to mention sights like
the Royal Palace and the old university.
• Of course, Norway’s known for its rich Viking heritage and nowhere is it
more proudly displayed than at the Viking Ships Museum. Inside you’ll find
the world’s best collection of Viking boats, with three spectacular examples
on display.
• Talking of museums, art-lovers among you will relish a wander round the
Edvard Munch Museum. It’s packed with thousands of paintings by Norway’s
most renowned artist.
POrtree, Isle of Skye
Portree is your portal to the rugged green island of Skye. Dominated by
grassy moors and a rocky mountain range, the island was roamed by clans back
in prehistoric times. As such, it’s got a string of archaeological sites that stem
from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages. In Portree itself, houses painted in
pinks and blues line the waterfront, looking out over the harbour’s bobbing
fishing boats and the snow-capped mountains of the neighbouring isles.
• The Cuillin Mountains are a cluster of 18 granite peaks, the highest of which
pierces the sky at over 3,000 feet. To the east, the mountains are a fiery red,
while in the west they’re black. Join a walking tour of the foothills to see them
in all their glory.
• Head south of the Cuillins and you’ll come to the unspoiled Rubha an
Dunain peninsula. This uninhabited slither of land is freckled with ancient
sights, including a stone burial chamber from Neolithic times, and an
Iron Age fort. Check out the Viking canal, too.
• Portree’s epicentre is Somerled Square, a hub of butchers, bakeries and cafés.
Stop for a pot of tea and some traditional Scottish girdle scones.
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.