Taste of Northern Europe:
London to Hamburg

London (Greenwich)

Whether you arrive in London via the underground or inside one
of the city's ubiquitous black taxicabs, you will immediately be
greeted by a deep sense of history and met with the unique vibrancy
of this incredible destination.

In its dark and troubled past, the city of London has survived
Roman occupancy, sackings from the Celts, Romans, Vikings and
Saxons, a Norman invasion, two great fires, the bubonic plague and
Nazi bombings. This resilient and proud city promises something for
everyone and is one of the most iconic tourist destinations.

The London Eye lifts visitors high above the river into
stretching urban vistas. Further down on the South Bank, the Tate
Modern contains one of the world's most incredible collections of
Modern Art, while the city's 30,000 stores and boutiques will
exhaust even the most avid shopper, and its 6,000 restaurants are
only too eager to demonstrate why Britons revere their chefs as
celebrities.

For those interested in exploring the country's heritage, the
Tower of London is an excellent starting-point. First constructed
in the 11th century, the Tower has been rebuilt several times as
later monarchs have left their mark. Still one of London's biggest
attractions, and a great celebration of pomp that is free to all
visitors, is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which
happens daily.

As the great dome of St Paul's reflects the colours of the
setting sun, London comes alive with an unrivalled nightlife. For
those up for something more energetic than dinner and the West End
musicals and theatre, London has a vast number of bars and
nightclubs catering to all tastes.

London (Greenwich)

Whether you arrive in London via the underground or inside one
of the city's ubiquitous black taxicabs, you will immediately be
greeted by a deep sense of history and met with the unique vibrancy
of this incredible destination.

In its dark and troubled past, the city of London has survived
Roman occupancy, sackings from the Celts, Romans, Vikings and
Saxons, a Norman invasion, two great fires, the bubonic plague and
Nazi bombings. This resilient and proud city promises something for
everyone and is one of the most iconic tourist destinations.

The London Eye lifts visitors high above the river into
stretching urban vistas. Further down on the South Bank, the Tate
Modern contains one of the world's most incredible collections of
Modern Art, while the city's 30,000 stores and boutiques will
exhaust even the most avid shopper, and its 6,000 restaurants are
only too eager to demonstrate why Britons revere their chefs as
celebrities.

For those interested in exploring the country's heritage, the
Tower of London is an excellent starting-point. First constructed
in the 11th century, the Tower has been rebuilt several times as
later monarchs have left their mark. Still one of London's biggest
attractions, and a great celebration of pomp that is free to all
visitors, is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which
happens daily.

As the great dome of St Paul's reflects the colours of the
setting sun, London comes alive with an unrivalled nightlife. For
those up for something more energetic than dinner and the West End
musicals and theatre, London has a vast number of bars and
nightclubs catering to all tastes.

Oostende (Ostend)

Located on the coast of Belgium, Ostend, also known as Oostende, is a bustling seaside city that offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its long sandy beaches, vibrant city center, and rich maritime heritage, Ostend is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

One of the main attractions of Ostend is its beautiful coastline, stretching for miles along the North Sea. The wide sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. There are also plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and cafes where visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning sea views.

For those interested in history and culture, Ostend has a lot to offer. The city played a significant role in both World Wars, and remnants of its wartime past can be found throughout the city. The Atlantikwall Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, displaying the extensive network of German bunkers and tunnels built during World War II.

Another historical landmark is the Fort Napoleon, a well-preserved fortification dating back to the 19th century. Visitors can explore the fortress, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea from its ramparts.

Ostend is also known for its vibrant art scene. The city has been home to many famous artists, including James Ensor, and still attracts numerous creatives. The James Ensor House is a museum dedicated to the life and works of this renowned Belgian painter, featuring a collection of his paintings, drawings, and personal belongings. The Museum Aan Zee (Museum by the Sea) is another cultural gem, showcasing contemporary art in a spacious and modern setting.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Ostend is also a popular destination for food lovers. The city is known for its delicious seafood, from fresh fish and mussels to shrimp croquettes and hearty fish stews. Visitors can enjoy these culinary delights at the numerous seafood restaurants and brasseries scattered throughout the city, many of which offer stunning views of the marina.

One of the best ways to explore Ostend is on foot or by bike. The city is relatively compact, and most of the major attractions are within walking distance from each other. There are also several cycling paths that wind their way through the city and along the coastline, allowing visitors to enjoy the coastal breeze and scenic views.

For shopaholics, Ostend offers a variety of shopping opportunities. The city center is home to a range of boutiques, high-street stores, and specialty shops, where visitors can find everything from fashion and accessories to local souvenirs and Belgian chocolates.

Ostend also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. At the end of July, the city comes alive with the annual Theater on the Sea Festival, showcasing a diverse range of theater performances. The Ostend at Anchor Festival is another popular event, attracting thousands of visitors with its maritime-themed activities, including ship parades, demonstrations, and concerts.

Getting to Ostend is also convenient, with regular train connections from Brussels and other major Belgian cities. The city is also well-connected by ferry to the United Kingdom, with several daily crossings to and from Dover.

In conclusion, Ostend is a vibrant seaside city that offers something for everyone. From beautiful beaches and historic landmarks to a thriving art scene and delicious seafood, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this Belgian gem. Whether you are looking for relaxation, culture, or adventure, Ostend is sure to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.

Cruising the Elbe River Rivers

Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany's second largest city,
Europe's third-busiest port and an increasingly popular destination
for tourists. Situated on the banks of the Elbe River, Hamburg has
drawn casual comparisons as the Venice of Germany, a reputation
enhanced by a network of canals and two large lakes near the city
centre. The city was strategically important as a port and is still
imbued with a strong maritime tradition. Hamburg is also a delight
for music buffs, being the birthplace of famous 19th century
composers Brahms and Mendelssohn. The city was also home to the
Beatles in their formative years, building their reputation and
earning their first recording.

Hamburg is today a distinctive mix of old
brick buildings, modern glass facades and baroque churches. Nowhere
is this more evident than the astonishing new Elbphilharmonie
concert hall, its glass edifice perched atop an old brick
warehouse. Visitors can take a free trip to the viewing deck of the
building for views out over the harbour and Speicherstadt, the
largest warehouse district in the world where the buildings are
built on foundations of timber. Every Sunday morning since 1703,
trade has sprung up at Hamburg's traditional fish market along the
harbour, where tourists can sample the sights, sounds and tastes of
local produce.

The main street running through the party
district of St Pauli is called Grosse Freiheit (Great Freedom), and
this is exactly what awaits the intrepid explorer. The city also
hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year, spanning rock
to jazz. For those whose tastes are more culturally refined,
Hamburg has a number of museums dedicated to history, art,
communications, ethnology and even spices. Lastly, Hamburg is the
gateway to the seaside and spa resorts of the Baltic and North Sea
coastline.