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.

Alesund is a Norwegian port town located in the North-West, which owes much of its architectural prowess to the fact that it had to be rebuilt anew in 1904 in Art Nouveau style after a big fire outbreak. The mountain of Aksla is where the best views in town can be enjoyed from. The mountain has 418 steps which lead to the town park. Ålesund is a good base for trips to the surrounding fjords such as the Geirangerfjord

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.

Overnight

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.

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.

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.