Costa Fascinosa - August 17, 2023

Kiel is a city in north central Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein, a port on an arm of the Baltic Sea, at the eastern entrance of the Nord-Ostsee (or Kiel) Canal. The city has been noted as a port since the 10th century because of its excellent harbor, which is a tideless fjord. The city has a university and is a popular center for pleasure boating.

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.

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.

Tromso, the home of the famous Northern Lights Observatory, is beautifully situated on a forest-covered isle. Take a leisurely island drive and visit the Tromso Museum and an ultra-modern cathedral, whose design was inspired by the ice of the Arctic. Again, the preservation of old ways and integration with present-day technology is remarkable.

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.

Situated along the innermost arm of the Nordfjord, this picturesque village of western Norway is surrounded by some of Scandinavia's most captivating scenery. Here lies the largest glacier in all of Europe, the Jostedal, towering nearly 6,200 feet over a deep valley. The green fields, serene lakes, and cascading falls of this region are simply breathtaking.

This is a classic Norwegian town full of colorful charm. You can wander up narrow streets into the surrounding hills or enjoy Gamte Bergen, the old town, with cobbled streets and wonderful little shops and bakeries.

Kiel is a city in north central Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein, a port on an arm of the Baltic Sea, at the eastern entrance of the Nord-Ostsee (or Kiel) Canal. The city has been noted as a port since the 10th century because of its excellent harbor, which is a tideless fjord. The city has a university and is a popular center for pleasure boating.