Explora Journeys Northern Europe: 16 nights from Southampton with Explora IV
Jun 23, 2027

Bruges

Bruges in French, or Brugge in Dutch, (Brügge in German, in Italian anciently Bruggia) is a city in Belgium, capital and largest city of West Flanders, in the Flemish Community.

The medieval historic center of Bruges was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. In 2002, the city was the European Capital of Culture together with the Spanish city of Salamanca. Bruges is the permanent home of the College of Europe and of a Catholic diocese.

Bergen

Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, Bergen is a beautiful, charming city with beauty and entertainment for all tastes. With the bustling port of Vågen as its centrepiece, Bergen climbs up the hills with hundreds of timber-clad houses, while cable cars offer splendid views from above. Great museums, friendly people and a dynamic cultural life make Bergen a popular destination in recent times, also thanks to the surrounding natural beauty. The wonderful natural beauties of this region will leave you speechless. HardangerFjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord are similar if we consider some aspects such as: steep walls of crystal- clear rock plummeting with sublime force directly into the sea, often decorated with waterfalls and small farms that blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.

With the lively port of Vågen as its fulcrum, Bergen climbs the hills with hundreds of wooden-clad houses, while cable cars offer a splendid view from above. Great museums, friendly people and a dynamic cultural life make Bergen a very popular destination in recent times, also thanks to the surrounding natural beauty. This spectacular region will dazzle you with a truly indescribable scenario. Hardanger Fjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord are all variations on the same theme: steep walls of crystalline rock that plunge with sublime force directly into the sea, often decorated with waterfalls and small farms that blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.

Flam

Flaam is a small town with about 500 inhabitants. It is part of the municipality of Aurland, the typical example of a rural Norwegian municipality.

Flam is a good starting point for all those looking for authentic natural and cultural experiences.

Despite its small size, Flaam continues to be a destination throughout the year. The Flåmsbana is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in Flaam. This spectacular railway connects Flaam with the city of Myrdal.
What makes the station so amazing is largely the combination of the height difference of 863.5 meters. Every year, about 585,000 travelers experience traveling on one of the steepest railway lines in the world on normal tracks.

Nordfjordeid

Copenaghen

Copenhagen, literally "port of the merchants", is the capital of Denmark and one of the country's most densely populated cities. Originally a city mainly inhabited by fishermen, it became a fundamentally important port for trade.
Copenhagen is a year-round tourist destination and in summer the flow of tourists increases considerably thanks to Northern Europe cruises.

It is very common to add a stay in the city before a cruise, to take in its distinguishing relaxing atmosphere and see what it has to offer. Among its famous attractions you cannot miss the statue of the Mermaid which is located right at the entrance to the port and the Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's largest amusement parks, opened in 1843 and loved by everyone.

Copenhagen (København in Danish and 'Copenaga' in Italian [no source]) is the capital and the most populous city of Denmark with 518,574 inhabitants in the municipality (1,167,569 in the urban area). The city stretches across the islands of Sjælland and Amager and is separated from the city of Malmö in Sweden by the strait of Øresund.

Aarhus

Aarhus is a dynamic city on the peninsula of Jutland in Denmark. From here, the beach, the harbor and the forest are all within a 15-minute bike ride. 315,000 people live in Aarhus and 1.2 million people live in the metropolitan area of ​​Aarhus Area.

Aarhus is a dynamic city on the peninsula of Jutland in Denmark. The beach, the port and the forest can be reached in 15 minutes by bycicle. 315.000 inhabitants live in Aarhus and 1,2 million people live in the metropolitan area of Aarhus Area. Aarhus has been selected ar European Capital of Culture for the year 2017 and is a combination of innovation, media and communications with architecture and design and has a wide variety of cultural institutions. In Aarhus you can find gatherings of highly specialised companies, research and educational structures guided by a desire of collaboration and innovation. Aarhus stands out in renewable energy, food, health and productivity. As it is a university city, the atmosphere is a vibrating mixture of young energy. Welcome to Aarhus.

Aalborg

Oslo

Oslo, located in the south-eastern part of the country, is the capital and largest city of Norway. Oslo is a lively city that perfectly blends its rich history with modern urban development, making it a dynamic and attractive place to live and visit.

It was founded around 1040 by King Harald Hardrada and became the capital of the country in 1299 under King Håkon V. The city was partially destroyed by a fire in 1624 and its reconstruction began under the reign of King Christian IV. King Christian IV renamed the city Christiania. The original name, Oslo, was restored only in 1925. Oslo is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, hills and lakes. Thanks to its beautiful landscapes, it is possible to practice numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and canoeing.

These unique features make the city an ideal destination for nature lovers. The city is home to several world-renowned museums, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum (dedicated to the works of Edvard Munch, famous for “The Scream”), and the National Gallery. Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of these museums and share your photos with your friends! Every year, Oslo hosts one of the most important cultural events, the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded annually in the city at the City Hall.

Mandal

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a charming city with a particularly relaxing and serene atmosphere, despite its large size. The city has been a World Heritage Site since 2010 and has buildings dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most visited cities in the world.

The structure of the city is determined by a network of charming waterways. The historic center, which dates back to the 13th century, is surrounded by five concentric canals - the Grachtengordel - built in the 17th century as part of a perfectly successful expansion project designed to create a unique and refined urban environment.

It is here that the city's mercantile class built its characteristic gabled houses, with bright, gracefully decorated colors, whose romantic features are reflected in the olive-green waters of the picturesque canals.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a charming city with a particularly relaxing and serene atmosphere, despite its large size. The city has been a World Heritage Site since 2010 and has buildings dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most visited cities in the world.

The structure of the city is determined by a network of charming waterways. The historic center, which dates back to the 13th century, is surrounded by five concentric canals - the Grachtengordel - built in the 17th century as part of a perfectly successful expansion project designed to create a unique and refined urban environment.

It is here that the city's mercantile class built its characteristic gabled houses, with bright, gracefully decorated colors, whose romantic features are reflected in the olive-green waters of the picturesque canals.

Southampton

Southampton is a city positioned in the South of Great Britain and its port is one of the main ports in Europe. From the port of Southamptos it is possible to set sail for a Cunard transatlantic cruise and reach New York, or visit Amsterdam and Belgium with an MSC cruise. The city offers, further to the New Forest National Park, a wide natural park with its suggestive woods, also many museums and art galleries and remarkable architectural works. Noteworthy is King John’s Palace, of Norman origins as well as the old walls with 7 entrances to the city. An evidence of the Victorian Age is Tudor House, collecting objects dated back to that period. For the art lovers, Southampton City Art Gallery offers exhibitions of any kind of art, from drawing to photography with shows that attract many visitors.

Southampton: The UK's Grand Gateway to Global Cruises

Set sail from Southampton, the historic and vibrant port city on England's south coast, renowned as the UK's premier cruise departure point. With its rich maritime heritage, including its association with the Titanic, and excellent transport links, Southampton offers a grand beginning to voyages across the Atlantic, to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and beyond. Before embarking, explore its ancient city walls, maritime museums, and lively shopping districts. Southampton provides a seamless and exciting start to your global cruise adventure.

World-Class Journeys Begin from Southampton

Cruises departing from Southampton open up a world of possibilities, from transatlantic crossings to the Americas, sun-drenched Mediterranean escapes, and captivating Northern European explorations. Whether you dream of iconic cityscapes, breathtaking natural wonders, or culturally immersive experiences, Southampton serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the convenience of a world-class port and the anticipation of new discoveries as you leave the shores of England for unforgettable experiences on the open water, promising relaxation, entertainment, and endless exploration. Each voyage from Southampton promises a journey of a lifetime.