Edinburgh

Yesterday we were in the magnificent City of Edinburgh.  We enjoyed a fascinating City tour that included the Edinburgh Castle, a drive along the historic Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace (the Queen's residence in Edinburgh), Royal Park, world famous Princes Street and the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.  Some of the group traveled to St. Andrews, located on the Fife coast and visited the Old Course, where the game of golf originated.  In the evening we attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo- the largest festival in the world- our guide said.  The action-packed program was held on the Castle Esplanade-stirring music of Massed Pipes and Drums.

    View of Edinburgh from Edinburgh Castle 

                                                       

    With our guide, Ronnie, in front of Holyrood Palace

     The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Scotland

Yesterday, Sunday, we went to see Scotland's most famous lake, Loch Ness, world-renowned for its mythical monster.  A vsit to 14th century Urquhart Castle, situated in a magnificent setting right by the loch's edge, is one of the most photographed scenes in Scotland.

Saturday - Day at Sea

Yesterday, Saturday, we enjoyed a relaxing day at sea.  The ship, Eurodam, offers computer classes, cooking classes, and Royal High tea.  It also has one of the best spas on the sea.

Scandinavian Nature

Yesterday, Friday, we had a full day of spectacular sights-mountains and fjords. We took the Trollstigen road with 11 hairpen bends on the way down the mountain, ringed by the Bishop, King and Queen peaks. .A day of beautiful roaring waterfalls and peaceful nature.

The Islands West of Bergen

Today we went out of Bergen into the beautiful countryside. We enjoyed lappar with jelly and cream (a type of pancake) and a stop by the colorful restored boathouses (pictured).  The fascinating group of islands west of Bergen consists of the counties Sund, Fjell and Øygarden. The population is spread over a large area of more than 100 large and small islands, protecting the city of Bergen from the North Sea storms. The countryside is full of contrasts from harsh and barren areas to sheltered and luxuriant.  We passed through lots of bridges and tunnels that connect the islands. 

Oslo - Day 2

They say in Norway that they have summer one week a year, and we have been blessed with some really perfect days. Today Tuesday we were on own in Oslo and walked to see the historic Grand Hotel. The Nobel Peace winners stay there. A visit to the Church to the Rose Garden to see the Memorial for the bombing victims.  Last stop City Hall to see the room where the Nobel Peace prize is awarded.(Pictured here).   Sailed out of Oslo in the late afternoon.. The scenery was spectacular.

Oslo, Norway - Day 1

Today we had a lovely tour of Oslo. It is a very beautiful city known for its diverse architecture. Our tour included Akershus Fortress, the Royal Palace, the Parliament, Holmenkollen Ski Jumping Hill (one of the highest ski jumps in the world) and a stroll through Vigeland Sculpture Park.  The Park features 212 bronze and granite sculptures all designed by Gustav Vigeland (The Monolith is pictured here).