Pittwater Life February 2023 Issue

Stark beauty of Northern Europe
There is nothing quite like exploring
Scandinavia and Northern Europe
by sea as you trace ancient Viking trade
routes. A year-round destination, you can
glide through shimmering Norwegian
fjords, sail into dynamic progressive cities
like Copenhagen, Stockholm and
Reykjavik, soak up the midnight sun
and go in search of the otherworldly
Northern Lights.
You’ll discover remote outposts
surrounded by magnificent natural
beauty as you learn the incredible
true story of the Vikings along the
way.
Travel View’s Gail Kardash says
there’s a reason aptly named
Viking Cruises are considered the
Scandinavia and Northern Europe
experts.
“Their chairman Torstein Hagen
hails from Norway and began his
shipping career there, so they have an
unparalleled understanding of its culture,
landscapes and people,” she said.
“The bespoke voyages allow you to
immerse yourself in the unique history
and culture of each destination on a
deeper level, offering a window into a
destination’s rhythms of local life.”
Destinations include:
Tromso – Norway’s gateway to the Arctic,
where striking wooden structures and
neoclassical architecture are symbolic
of this quaint city. During Winter it is
one of the best destinations in the world
to witness the magical Aurora Borealis.
Home of the Arctic cathedral (pictured).
Reykjavik – The world’s most northerly
capital and settled by the Vikings in 870
AD. Today, Reykjavik is big on character
and renowned for its devotion to the arts.
Stockholm – A city of contrasts, the historic
Gamla Stan district features medieval
architecture and cobblestone streets fit for
a fairytale, while the other side of the city
is home to world-class galleries, trendy
restaurants and modern boutiques.
Bergen – Surrounded by majestic snowcapped
mountains, magnificent fjords
and glaciers with a rich heritage
as a Hanseatic League trading
port, beautifully preserved in the
vibrantly painted wooden buildings
of Bryggen Wharf.
“Incredible optional excursions
along the way include the
Arctic tundra by Husky sled, a
quintessential way to experience the
stark beauty of northern Norway and
its pristine, snow-covered wilderness
and towering fjords,” Gail said.
“You can also pay a rare visit to
the remote port of Honningsvåg in
Northern Norway on a ‘King Crab
safari’, where you’ll see how prized
six-foot king crabs are harvested. Back
ashore, you’ll feast on your catch, with
preparation tips from your cook.” – NW
*Viking Cruises are offering savings of
$1800 to $3600 per couple on a range
of cruises ranging from 8 to 29 days’
duration. More info call Travel view on
9918 4444.
Travel Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
FEBRUARY 2023 83