Northern Europe from Hamburg

The biggest port of Germany, a notorious red-light-district and elegant mansions along the Elbe River – it’s all in Hamburg! You can get to know the vibrant city of Hamburg during this great tour! On your way there is much to see: you will pass the downtown Alster Lake and the city’s exclusive residential areas, the Jungfernstieg with its luxury shops and shopping malls, the Renaissance-style City Hall and Stock Exchange, modern downtown architecture, parks and gardens, the TV tower, the exhibition centre, 19th century court buildings and plenty more. Time and traffic permitting, you will have the chance to hop off the bus for photo-stops. You will complete your tour of Hamburg with an outside visit of the city’s famous landmark “Michel” – St. Michaelis Church. The “Kramer Amtsstuben”, a well preserved complex of restored buildings, presenting the living conditions in the early 18th century will be also shown in detail.

The City of Newcastle upon Tyne, to distinguish it from the other Newcastles around the world, is located in the North of England. Founded in Roman times with the name of Pons Aelius, it became famous in the 20th century for its shipyards and coal exports. Today it is a bustling English city where you can breathe the real British atmosphere “”and have some interesting cultural visits. Popular attractions include Keep Castle, a Norman fortress from the 12th century, later transformed into a mediaeval castle; Saltwell Park, a typical Victorian Park with gardens, ponds and a maze of hedges; finally the Millenium Bridge which connects Newcastle to the twin city of Gateshead.

The port of South Queensferry is in Scotland and it’s only a short hop to Edinburgh with our Costa Cruise in Great Britain. South Queensferry is located at the mouth of the River Forth and is joined to North Queensferry by a railroad bridge, an engineering marvel declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in June 2015. South Queensferry is only 16 km from Edinburgh, an ideal destination for an excursion. Similar to Rome, the city sits on seven hills, and its historical districts, the Old Town, the New Town and Edinburgh Castle are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you visit Edinburgh, remember to have a pint of ale in Rose Street or George Street in the New Town, famous for its pubs and lively clubs.

Scotland is a land of mysterious castles, armour and legendary warriors who sprout from the fog on their steeds. Here we visit Invergordon near Loch Ness. The first things you see when you arrive in Invergordon are the endless plains dotted with castles. The port of Invergordon enlivens the city, where there is an almost intimate feel with its cafes, restaurants and the friendliness of its inhabitants. You can take a trip to the unmissable Loch Ness. Visit Urquhart Castle before returning to town and take a look around the Naval Museum. But above all, be enchanted by the architecture of buildings decorated with murals.

The Shetland Islands are the ultimate expression of Scotland: vast expanses of green, the dark sea that hits the cliff and clean air scented with musk. The rhythm of the small capital of Shetland beats to the gentle pace of fishing. On arriving at Lerwick harbour you’ll see Fort Charlotte and, outside the city, the Tower of Clickimin Broch. Take a nice walk in the surrounding hills, where maybe you’ll meet locals dressed as Vikings. Treat yourself to a visit to the city’s Museum of History and Geology and don’t leave Lerwick without tasting the excellent seafood.

The biggest port of Germany, a notorious red-light-district and elegant mansions along the Elbe River – it’s all in Hamburg! You can get to know the vibrant city of Hamburg during this great tour! On your way there is much to see: you will pass the downtown Alster Lake and the city’s exclusive residential areas, the Jungfernstieg with its luxury shops and shopping malls, the Renaissance-style City Hall and Stock Exchange, modern downtown architecture, parks and gardens, the TV tower, the exhibition centre, 19th century court buildings and plenty more. Time and traffic permitting, you will have the chance to hop off the bus for photo-stops. You will complete your tour of Hamburg with an outside visit of the city’s famous landmark “Michel” – St. Michaelis Church. The “Kramer Amtsstuben”, a well preserved complex of restored buildings, presenting the living conditions in the early 18th century will be also shown in detail.