The 2025 5★ No-Fly Best of Norway

Embark from the storied cliffs of Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs stand as silent sentinels to England's maritime legacy.

The romantic Rhine River flows down from the Swiss Alps and meanders through central and Western Europe until it reaches the North Sea.

Norway’s enchanting port town of Ålesund offers a quintessentially Norwegian experience with its rugged mountains and captivating fjords.

Trondheim, a historical gem in Norway's heartland, seamlessly melds its Viking roots with contemporary vibes.

Perched on the very tip of Norway, Honningsvåg is a beacon of Arctic allure. As one of the northernmost cities in the world, it serves as a gateway to the enchanting realm of the North Cape.

Tromsø, often dubbed the Gateway to the Arctic, beckons visitors with its enchanting blend of urban sophistication and untouched wilderness.

Leknes, an enchanting gem nestled within Norway's Lofoten Archipelago, beckons travellers with its harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

On the west coast of Norway, amidst rolling mountains and striking fjords, sits vibrant Bergen.

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse. Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetland’s heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands’ main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year. Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat. A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.

History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established 'Queen's Ferry' as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. Andrews—Scotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped. There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the post–WWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.

Embark from the storied cliffs of Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs stand as silent sentinels to England's maritime legacy.