Costa Diadema: KEL - KEL - KEL07A34

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, delights everyone – from history lovers eager to explore magnificent Baroque palaces to gourmands looking to indulge in Michelin-starred restaurants.

In the city center, you’ll find three impressive royal landmarks: Christiansborg Palace (seat of the Danish Parliament), Rosenborg Castle (home to the Danish crown jewels), and Amalienborg Palace (residence of the Danish royal family).

Culture and history enthusiasts can enjoy numerous museums and galleries, while those seeking relaxation will appreciate the city's laid-back pace, extensive cycling paths, and beautiful parks – we recommend a leisurely coffee along the Nyhavn canal or the thrill of historic rides at the Tivoli Gardens amusement park. The city’s symbol, The Little Mermaid statue, pays homage to the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen and is a must-see photo spot.

Whether you're looking for an urban adventure, royal grandeur, world-class dining, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere of Scandinavian life – Copenhagen will win you over with its effortless elegance and warm hospitality.

     Hellesylt is the gateway to some spectacular Norwegian scenery nestling in the country of fjords. Surrounded by steep rocky mountains, dissected by cascading waterfalls and decorated with thriving fruit trees, the fjords are among the Earth's most inspiring landscapes. The air is pure, the water clear and nature unspoilt.
     The evolution of the fjords began some three million years ago when Norway was covered by an ice cap, thinner along the coast than inland. When the climate became milder, the ice began to melt, producing great waterfalls that dug into the soil and descended towards the sea. This created valleys that were subsequently filled by the ocean, forming the fjords.
     Three of the most magnificent Norwegian fjords are in the counties of Möre og Romsdal and Sogn og Fjordane. They are Geirangerfjord, at one end of the 110km long Storfjord, Hjörundfjord, described as the 'nave of a Gothic cathedral' and Romsdalfjord, surrounded by beautiful mountains that turn amber in the reflection of the sun on the icy waters. The many waterfalls of the area are a great attraction, as is Horningdalsvannet, the deepest lake in the world, reaching a depth of 600 metres and according to local folklore inhabited by some very strange marine life. A short distance away in the direction of the tourist village of Stryn is the perpetually snow-capped Tsytig glacier, a meeting point of two mountain ranges. The village of Geiranger lies in a steep, long valley at one end of the fjord of the same name. In addition to the spectacular attraction of the fjord, the area is known for its river salmon fishing and its cod fishing out to sea. An interesting excursion from Geiranger is Djupavnett Lake and the Dalsnibba glacier, dissected by numerous rivers and waterfalls.

     Geirangerfjord is the name of a large fjord in western Norway, one of the most beautiful in the country, attracting a constant stream of passenger ships.
     The hill-top village of Geiranger lies at the end of a steep, long valley. In addition to the spectacular attraction of the fjord itself, the area is known for its river salmon fishing and its cod fishing out to sea. Geiranger is also renowned for the hospitality of the local people and for the peaceful way of life. It is very popular among walkers.
     An interesting excursion from Geiranger is Djupavnett Lake and the Dalsnibba glacier, dissected by numerous rivers and waterfalls.

Visiting Ålesund on a Northern Europe cruise means stepping into a fairy-tale atmosphere. After a devastating fire, the town was rebuilt in the early 20th century in an impressive Art Nouveau style.

The streets of Ålesund are filled with charming turrets, spires, and beautiful decorative details that give the town its unique character. You can admire the heart of Ålesund from above by climbing the 418 steps to the panoramic viewpoint of Mount Aksla, which offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and the Sunnmøre Alps.

Alternatively, take a scenic walk to Sukkertoppen (“Sugar Peak”), starting from Hessa. For a deeper experience of traditional coastal architecture, visit the island of Godøy, home to the picturesque fishing village of Alnes, located right by the beach. There you’ll find local crafts and homemade delicacies sold in charming courtyard stalls.

A visit to Geirangerfjord is also a must — one of the most beautiful and famous fjords in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you're up for more adventure, try the Ørnevegen (“Eagle Road”), a winding mountain pass that climbs from sea level to 620 metres through just 11 sharp hairpin bends!

Ålesund is a city where Norwegian character, European elegance, and dramatic nature come together. Whether you’re a lover of architecture, landscapes, photography, or simply in search of peace in one of Europe’s most beautiful corners – Ålesund will not disappoint.

     This is a city that, throughout a history dotted with numerous problems and even moments of great drama, has owed much of its drive, success and pride to the sea. In terms of its population and commerce Stavanger is nowadays Norway’s fourth most important city. Starting out as a small North Sea fishing village in perennial danger of Viking invasion, Stavanger managed to carve itself out a primary role in the Norwegian fish, food, shipbuilding and oil (and its derivatives) storage industries becoming, as a consequence, one of northern Europe’s most important ports. Of the city’s 110,000-strong population, around a third work in industries directly dependent on the port or its related businesses. Stavanger also has the highest immigration levels in Norway: it has been estimated that at least 7% of the population was born outside the city (either elsewhere in Norway or, in more recent years, abroad) before moving here, attracted by the plentiful employment and the chance to forge themselves a successful working life here, a city where working between 10-12 hours a day is par for the course.
     This is why Norwegians describe Stavanger as both the country’s most important town and its most important port. For this reason it is a city with a dual image - just like other provincial cities it has a very strong communal spirit where everyone knows and is happy to assist each other. So much so, in fact, that struggling businesses often receive support from more successful companies and employees migrate from one company to another without causing problems but rather contributing to an elastic workforce that has little comparison in Europe. Indeed it is this continual turnover of staff in the town and port that has made Stavanger Norway’s most cosmopolitan and international city.
     The old town, notable for its traditional local architecture with its little coloured wooden houses and picturesque cobbled streets, is truly beautiful, and is the heart of the city when it comes to shopping, nightlife and entertainment. Everyone works but nobody steals: this is another saying around these parts because Stavanger is also particularly proud of the fact that it is a 30,000-strong city with the lowest crime rates in Norway. If an old lady sprains her ankle while shopping it makes headline news here.
     In recent years the city has also attracted more tourists and large cruise ships for whom Stavanger is always a stopping-point on the way to visiting Rogaland, which has one of the most beautiful views of the Norwegian fjords, and the breathtaking Pulpit Rock on Lysefjord.
     The modern history of Stavanger, without doubt inhabited since the Stone Age and strongly characterised by a long Viking domination beginning around 800 A.D., began in 1825 when the sloop “Restauration” left for New York on 4th July with 52 pilgrim fathers, victims of religious persecution, aboard.
     In the following years a further 800,000 Norwegians left their homeland, departing from Stavanger with the United States the destination. More evidence of the growing importance of a city that, thanks to the continual stream of money sent back from US emigrants, has developed into the influential town it is today.

When it comes to the sea, there is no more important place in Germany – and arguably in Northern Europe – than Kiel. This port city in Schleswig-Holstein is a vital link between the Baltic and North Seas, located at the head of the Kiel Canal.

Kiel is also one of Northern Europe’s major cruise and shipbuilding centers, and it is especially known for Kieler Woche (Kiel Week), one of Europe’s largest regattas. Don’t miss a visit to the Kiel Aquarium, with its rich collection of marine life from the Baltic and North Seas.

Nature lovers can enjoy the expansive Baltic Sea beaches, seaside promenades, and picturesque botanical gardens with over 14,000 plant species. For those seeking historical and cultural experiences, fascinating open-air museums in Molfsee and the Baroque fortress in Eutin are located not far from Kiel.

Choose a Kiel cruise for unforgettable adventures in this captivating part of Germany.