This British city is situated on the north bank of the Thames, next to a sea port and a fortress. Initially built to house railway and port workers, Tilbury became a major point of defense for England, along with neighboring town Gravesend, due to the narrowness of the Thames at this point. The forts constructed in Tilbury and Gravesend under Henry VII, due to this narrowness in the river, were of major importance as defenses during several wars, including during the Armada campaigns of 1588.

Ijmuiden is a town of 30,000 inhabitants in northern Holland at the southern entrance of the North Sea Canal and is the ideal starting point for a trip to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and has approximately 770,000 inhabitants. Besides the historic buildings that were often very high, but built very narrow, you will find many museums and religious buildings. From the Rijksmuseum (National Museum) on the famous Anne Frank House to unique churches and great markets in Amsterdam, there are many things to do and see.

Narvik is located north of the Arctic Circle and is an important port for the shipment of iron ore from Sweden. Due to the Gulf Stream, the Norwegian port of Narvik is ice-free all year round.

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Tromsø is the largest city located in the north of Norway. Tromsø is a popular spot for viewing the famous Northern Lights between September and April. The city is also the home of the most northernmost botanic gardens in the world. The location of Tromsø makes it the perfect place for outdoor activities and is a popular starting point of journeys to the Artic Cirlce, as the city is located about 350 km north of the circle. By night, this little city comes alive, offering a wide variety of restaurants offering fresh Arctic produce, in addition to a large number of bars and cultural events.

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Alta is a town of 20,000 inhabitants in northen Norway. It is a popular location for tourists interested in seeing the Northern Lights and also for birdwatchers, as many species stop here on their migration route.

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Norway's second city, Bergen is an old Hanseatic city, often referred to as 'the gateway to the fjords'. Bergen has been named as a Euopean 'City of Culture' and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing the perfect combination of historical landmarks and modern culture. The city itself is surrounded by seven mountains, a unique trait which adds to the charm of the city. The annual Bergen International Festival is one of the country's most impressive events and adds to Bergen's reputation of being a 'City of Culture'.