Sirena - August 25, 2025

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, and is a major regional seaport located off the northern coast of Scotland. The Cathedral of St. Magnus, a red sandstone structure, is the town's most prominent landmark. Other architectural specimens, such as Earl's Palace, Bishop's Palace, and Tankerness House, add to Kirkwall's picturesque quality.

Lerwick is a town in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago north of the Scottish mainland. Historically a major fishing port, Lerwick today attracts those drawn to the combination of Norse and British culture in the area. Every January, the Up-Helly-Aa fire festival features a Norse ship that is dramatically dragged through the town and burned.

Experience the Land of the Midnight Sun in Spitsbergen's main settlement, located at the head of Advent Bay. Take a moment to appreciate the world of the North. As you look out upon the coastline, you'll immediately be impressed by the natural spectacle, full of seals, walrus, and whales--not to mention thousands of species of seabirds.

Welcome to the top of the world! The village of Honningsvag, bathed in the eerie light of the midnight sun, is the northernmost community in Europe, set in a land of vast forests, dramatic fjords, and crashing waterfalls. Just up the coast is North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, with breathtaking views towards the Barents Sea and the North Pole.

Harstad is located on Hinn-ya, the largest island of Norway. It is a fishing center and a bunkering place for coastal steamers and trawlers. Nearby is the fortified church of Trondenes built in the 13th century.

A sheltered harbor where pleasure boats flock and dramatic views of Lofoten Islands in the distance make Bodo a delightful place for sightseeing. The highlight of an excursion here is the new Aviation Museum, one of the country's finest exhibits.

Trondheim has been the home of Norway's royal residence since AD 997 when it was founded by King Olaf I. The city is still home to Stiftsgarden, a huge wooden palace. Around AD 1100, Saint Olaf II began to perform miracles for his people, making Trondheim a major pilgrimage destination. Be sure to visit Nidaros Cathedral, certainly one of Europe's premier Gothic-style churches, where the Norwegian kings are still crowned.

Located along the North Sea, Zeebrugge is located ten miles north of Brugge (Bruges) and serves as its port. The Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal connects the seaside resort with the cultural mecca that is its sister city. Visitors to Brugge will see stunning representations of gothic and roman architecture and collections of Dutch and Belgian art.

Climb the hill beyond Belfast Castle for a stunning view of this charming city. Soak up the nine thousand years of Irish history at the Ulster Museum in the Botanical Gardens. Sit on one of Belfast's many benches and watch the street musicians or head to the pub for a pint. Stroll the streets and marvel at the city's Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Great Britain's Isle of Man combines a scenic location with a rare glimpse into the era of the highlanders. Douglas is the capital of Isle of Man, and features a spellbinding view of the Irish Sea. Visitors are immediately struck by the Tower of Refuge, an intricate 19th-century structure built to guard the Isle harbor. Travelers can trace the progression of Isle history at the Manx Museum.

Discover the relics of old Ireland on a port call to Dun Laoghaire, located only 15 minutes from Dublin. In Dublin, visit Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Tour the emerald countryside of Portmamock, and visit nearby Malahide Castle, or see the magnificent Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow. Save time, too, for Dublin's colorful pubs, or a visit to the world-renowned Guinness brewery.

Plymouth, an important English naval and commerce base, was the last port touched by the pilgrims of the Mayflower. There is a monument in the city commemorating the arrival of the first transatlantic airplane in 1919. Tourists should visit the Royal Citadel, Armada memorial, Naval War Museum, aquarium, and the impressive Roman Catholic Cathedral.

The former home of pirates and navigators, Honfleur is today a town of fishermen, writers and artists. Situated between two hills at the mouth of the Seine, Honfleur was untouched during WW2 and has retained all its charm - picturesque houses, cobbled streets, and its harbour, enclosed on three sides by improbably tall, narrow buildings.

It is a leading French port with daily ferry service to Ramsgate and Dover, England. Probably founded c.7th cent. A.D. and often fortified, Dunkirk played a key role in the struggles in Europe that extended over centuries; it was ruled successively by Flanders, Burgundy, Austria, France, England, and Spain.