Beautiful places in Norway with Geotrips

From the urban city of Oslo to Kirkenes up north and many places in between, the ten most popular destinations on geotrips.co.uk represent Norway’s diverse culture and nature.

Oslo

Between the Oslofjord and the forests lies Norway’s capital and largest city, with a vibrant social scene and special combination of nature experiences and city life.

Bergen 

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and lies clambering up the mountain sides, overlooking the sea. In this modern city you can roam through living history before continuing on to explore some of the wildest and loveliest fjords of Norway.

Trondheim

Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city. Getting here is easy, and it’s a perfect base for exploring the region.

Flåm

Each year, several hundred thousand visitors arrive in Flåm. No wonder, as the tiny village is one of Norway’s most dramatic and spectacular sites.

The Lofoten islands

Lofoten is known for excellent fishing and nature attractions, and small villages off the beaten track. Kayak between the islands, go fishing for the catch of your life, or look for sea eagles soaring in the sky.

Tromsø

This Arctic city is not only packed with culture and history – it’s also one of the best places to see the northern lights.

The Stavanger region

In breathtaking surroundings with fjords, mountains and long, white beaches, Stavanger also boasts an impressive assortment of museums and cultural events.

The Geirangerfjord

The deep, blue, UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation.

Kirkenes and Eastern Finnmark

Teeming bird rocks in Hornøya, a snow hotel, dramatic war stories and a witch monument in Vardø are amongst the attractions awaiting visitors in Kirkenes and Eastern Finnmark

The Ålesund and Sunnmøre area

Go hiking or skiing, admire the city’s unique Art Nouveau architecture, explore the fjords, or just kick back and enjoy the view.

 sourcee: visitnorway.com

 
 
 
 

Europe's most breathtaking sights -- Geotrips

If you want to travel far away while staying in Europe, the best idea is to discover the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

Discover the most beautiful European landscapes with the Azores but also the wonderful Douro Valley in Portugal. You probably already know the Mont Saint-Michel but what about Bonifacio, Hallstatt, Hallerbos Forest or the Lofoten Islands?  

Choose your most beautiful landscape and book your stay in one of the best European destinations.

The Azores    Portugal

Leave the Portuguese coasts and get to Madeira Islands It is a perfect destination for nature and trekking lovers. Further in the Atlantic Ocean, more than 1400 kilometers from Lisbon are The Azores. This group of 9 volcanic islands offer breathtaking landscapes.

Galesnjak Island   Croatia

Welcome to the island of love. A few kilometers from Zadar, the Galesnjak Island, also known as Cupid Island is the only island in the world with a heart shape.

That shape was discovered by a cartographer in the late 19th century .The island is very small with an area of 130 square metres. It does not house any hotel or restaurant.

Hallstatt   Austria

Hallstatt, a wonderful Austrian village that is so beautiful that its perfect copy was rebuilt in China (so was Colmar in Alsace which was reproduced and rebuilt in Malaysia). In both cases the originals are obviously more authentic.

Come and discover this small village of 800 inhabitants by staying in Hallstatt or in the nearby town of Salzburg.

Tuscany   Italy

Tuscany is one of the best places to live a peaceful retirement in Europe. The capital is the beautiful and romantic Florence. Tuscany has other great cities such as the very famous Pisa. Tuscany is obviously one of the most beautiful regions in Italy.

Rhine waterfalls    Switzerland

The Rhine waterfalls, among the largest waterfalls in Europe, will amaze you. If you are sporty climb the rock in the middle of these waterfalls and take a picture with the Swiss flag.
 

The Svartissen Glacier   Norway

Welcome to the confines of Europe, close to the Arctic Circle and discover the Svartissen Glacier, the second largest glacier in Norway, from tourist route number 17 which runs along the entire Norwegian coast. 

Mullerthal Region   Luxembourg

In the Mullerthal Region – Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland, the visitor can spend a diversified vacation. Echternach, the eldest city of the country, is considered as historic hot spot and capital of the whole region. Hikers will encounter a well signalled hiking net throughout the whole region and they may discover impressive rock formations, romantic brook valleys, amazing view points on the valley of the Sûre. The small villages are quite charming and the old ruins of the castles of Beaufort and Larochette as well as the Schiessentümpel cascade are worth a visit.

 
The Douro Valley   Portugal

The Douro Valley is simply splendid in photos, but discovering it  will make you speechless. No photos or videos can make you feel the beauty of the landscape classified as a Unesco world heritage.

The Faroe Islands    Denmark

Situated between Scotland and Iceland the Faroe Islands are autonomous and constituent of Denmark. "Faroe Islands" means "island of the sheep" With 1400 km2 of preserved nature on 18 islands they are perfect for people who like low temperatures (11 degrees in summer and not less than 3 degrees in winter).

 

Come and discover the incredible flora of the Faroe Islands but also its inhabitants and enjoy one of the most beautiful scenery in Europe.

Positano    Italy

Positano is a postcard destination. This destination, which is also one of the best destinations for a honeymoon in Europe, is one of the most romantic villages on the Amalfi Coast. You may know the legend: Neptune created the village to please one of his nymphs.

Bled    Slovenia

Bled is one of the most famous destinations in Slovenia. Its magnificent castle listed among the most beautiful castles in Europe overlooks the lake of Bled on which you can see the only island of Slovenia. Come and discover Bled by booking your hotel, guesthouse, apartment at the best price guaranteed and your best activities and tours.

Oludeniz    Turkey

Come discover the beauty of the natural landscapes that make Oludeniz one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Under the blue flag, you will enjoy pure turquoise water and the quiet of a protected nature reserve.Go paragliding in Oludeniz and fly over one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

The Lofoten Islands   Norway

The Lofoten Islands are a dream destination for many travellers from all over the world. This archipelago offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. It is a quiet and peaceful place inhabited by  a few fishermen  who enjoy the fishy waters of Lofoten.

 

This archipelago owes its name "Lofoten" to its form, that of the footprint of a lynx.

Come and see the best tours and activities in Norway and book your accommodation on the Lofoten Islands at the best price.

source: europeanbestdestinations.com 

The Cheapest Destinations (and Months) for a Summer Trip to Europe

School’s (almost) out for summer—which means it’s time to start planning a getaway. If Europe is on your agenda, Geotrips has you covered with lots of ways to save money as you plan. But the very first step is knowing how to be in the right place at the right time.

Stockholm

Cheapest month to go: July
Best for: Solo travelers]

This city has such a vibrant café culture, you’ll feel like a local just by settling in with a journal, coffee, and a kardemmumabuller (translation: a supremely delicious, only-in-Sweden variety of the cinnamon bun made with plenty of cardamom instead.) Going in July means a 16 percent saving over trips in June, when summer prices are at their peak—and it also means long days of Scandinavian sun. While you’re there, be sure to hit the coast for fresh-from-the-fishermen shellfish, usually piled high on rye toast.

Positano

Best month to go: June
Best for: Couples

You can break the bank staying at a hotel like Le Sirenuse a global standard setter for service and style. But you can make up some of the difference by traveling in June rather than July, when prices max out in this seaside stunner of a destination.

Prague

Cheapest month to go: July
Best for: Groups

July brings tons of cultural events to Prague—everything from the supersized Bohemia Jazz Fest to a staging of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in the same theater where it first premiered in 1787. Stay in the beautiful new Boho Hotel, which just opened in December with minimalist, grey-on-white interiors in the historic city center.

Madrid

Cheapest month to go: August
Best for: Groups

Going in August means you’ll encounter pretty hot temperatures and some store closures in Madrid—but you’ll also save 21 percent over a trip in June. The good news is that if you’re smart about planning, neither of those two caveats will get in your way. For one thing, museums like the Prado are still open—and have far fewer crowds (along with plenty of air conditioning). And there’s always plenty of gazpacho and sangria to keep you cool, nearly anywhere you look.

Krakôw

Cheapest month to go: July
Best for: Solo travelers

After many years of flying under the radar, Poland’s second city is taking a turn in the spotlight—it’s even ranked in the top 10 T+L’s World’s Best Cities. Credit the renaissance to a young generation of creative thinkers, ready to infuse the city’s medieval buildings with a vibrant new energy. (The city’s stunning architecture largely survived WWII due to a series of failed air raids.) Rub elbows with the city’s emerging tech crowd at places like Pauza, a locally beloved bar on the second floor of a former tenement house.

Berlin

Cheapest month to go: August
Best for: Groups

Nobody seems to understand why Berlin is so affordable in August; unlike other capitals that shut down for the month, Berlin is at its most alive this month. Get tickets to the International Beer Festival or Dance in August—both events that draw continental crowds—and book yourself in to Das Stue, our favorite design-driven property in town, for a true bucket list trip.

Edinburgh

Cheapest month to go: June
Best for: Groups

August is Festival month in Edinburgh, when the city’s calendar of events is as packed as its hotel rooms. Going in June will save you a whopping 29 percent, and there’s still tons to do. After you’ve made your way through the city’s main sights, head straight to picture-perfect Victoria Street, a curved, cobblestone street right off the George IV Bridge, where you’ll find Cuttea Sark, the city’s best place to buy tea. (Get the Blue Lady black tea with grapefruit essence. It’s a perfect souvenir.)

Dubrovnik

Cheapest month to go: June
Best for: Families

While Europe’s who’s who spend their summers yachting up the Dalmatian Coast, you can live the fabulous life in this stunningly preserved seaside city. Stay in the 19-room Pučić Palace, take a dip in one of the city’s pristine beaches, and walk the walls of the medieval fortress at sunset. Need a clue on why those historic ramifications look so familiar? Dubrovnik’s Old Town makes many a cameo in Game of Thrones.

Bruges, Belgium

Cheapest month to go: July
Best for: Couples

You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a fairy tale when you see the 13^th-century architecture that makes Bruges one of the most charming places on earth. For a breath of modernity in a city that’s all about the beautifully aged, stay at The Van Cleef. Once home to the legendary Van Cleef family, the 700-year-old estate has been updated as a boutique hotel where the whimsical design can only be characterized as a riotous, perfectly layered mash-up of patterns and colors.

Barcelona

Cheapest month to go: August
Best for: Families

Barcelona offers great value all summer—and despite the fact that August offers the best prices, traveling in June or July will only cost you three percent more. Roam L’Eixample, with its fabulously over-the-top Gaudi buildings, and pop into La Boqueria market for a feast that’ll only cost a few bucks. Then collapse into bed at Casa Bonay, undoubtedly the most stylish new hotel in town.

Amsterdam

Cheapest month to go: July
Best for: Groups

Strolling the canals is perfect for a romantic couples’ retreat, but Amsterdam has tons to offer for groups. Check out world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum (complete with a hot new restaurant), stay at ultra-hip hotels like the Hoxton, and hit the Nine Streets district for amazing shopping. The more hands you’ve got, the more bags you can hold.

Dublin

Cheapest month to go: August
Best for: Families

The Guinness capital of the world, for families? Believe it. Dublin has Europe’s largest enclosed urban park just west of its downtown core - the 1,700-acre Phoenix Park includes gardens, tree-lined boulevards, a zoo, and a tea parlor. (The city also has a great children’s museum and aquarium.) Be sure to tack on a stay at Ashford Castle, where everyone (adults included!) can feel pampered as royalty.

Lisbon 

Cheapest month to go: August
Best for: Couples

It’s always been a strong candidate where affordable European destinations are concerned, but Lisbon isn’t just attractive for its value. It’s also an emerging design mecca, with tons of artisans putting a modern spin on traditional wares (we’re talking hats, shoes, jewelry—the fun stuff). Be advised that June is the most expensive summer month to travel, when a trip costs 14 percent more than it does in August.

source: travelandleisure.com

10 of the best adventure holidays in Europe

Walk, cycle, kayak or horse ride around some of the continent’s most stunning and remote corners

Horse riding in Cappadocia, Turkey. Photograph: Keren Su/Corbis

Horse-riding, Turkey

The Persians named Cappadocia “the land of beautiful horses” after its wild mountain ponies – and the striking landscape of deep canyons and strangely shaped rocks is perfect for an unusual horseback adventure. Ride Worldwide has an eight-day group trip that crosses plateaux, canters along valley floors and explores remote villages. With up to six hours in the saddle each day, it’s best for intermediate riders and above. Riders camp each night in a tipi (putting them up themselves), and dine in traditional style on kilims and rugs in the central tent. There’s also an option of guesthouse or boutique hotel accommodation.

Long distance treks, Balkans

Stopping to admire the scenery on a long distance trek in Montenegro. Photograph: Rene Mattes/Hemis/Corbis

A walking and cycling trail, the Via Dinarica, launched two years ago and runs for 1,000km from Slovenia’s Dinaric Alps in the north to Macedonia, via Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. There are three options: the high mountain White Trail, the Green Trail, which is ideal for cyclists, and the easier Blue Trail, along the Dalmatian Coast. Local company Green Visions has tailor-made guided trips on the White Trail, and a Best of Via Dinarica group hike through Montenegro and Bosnia.

Wildlife adventure, Spain

On the trail of the elusive Iberian lynx in Spain. Photograph: Pete Oxford/Corbis

The Iberian lynx once roamed over half of the Iberian peninsula. Today it’s the rarest cat in the world and only found in two locations: the vast, coastal Doñana national park south of Seville, and the rugged Andújar natural park in the north of Andalucia. There’s plenty of adventure to be had in both parks – from 4x4 safaris to guided hikes – but for a good chance to see the elusive lynx, The Travelling Naturalist has a seven-night, expert-led group trip to both parks, where visitors also learn about conservation, and might spot other wildlife such as mouflon wild sheep and Spanish imperial eagles.

Cycling, Romania

With ancient forests, high mountains and Unesco-protected villages where life hasn’t changed for centuries, Transylvania offers one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, and plenty of fascinating history and culture, too. Adventure doesn’t need to be fast-paced; British firm The Slow Cyclist has new group and independent trips for 2016, lasting from three days to three weeks. Its four-day Enchanted Saxon Transylvania trip covers 90 miles, from the Saxon village of Cund south-east to Viscri at an unhurried pace with plenty of time to stop at local homes, visit shepherds on hilltops and discover little-visited historic sites.

Sea kayaking, Estonia

Estonia’s Baltic coast is wild and unspoilt. Many of its 1,500 islands, which were used in the 1950s for Soviet military testing, are now wildlife havens. Explore by kayak, paddling between islands with eerie remains of Russian watchtowers and abandoned farmhouses, and prolific birdlife. Adventure operator Reimann Retked offers several kayaking group trips, with hikes and camping on remote isles. Its two-day Prangli and Kolga Bay Islands tour visits four islands, with a stay on Prangli, still home to about 150 people. Scuba diving is an option on some trips.

Mountain hiking, Slovakia

Mountain walkers have plenty of options in Europe, with countless adventurous routes (Switzerland alone has over 30,000 miles of marked trails). For a less expensive alternative to the Alps, try Slovakia’s High Tatra, which runs along the border with Poland, offering dramatic walks with 20 summits of over 2,500m in just 26km. The soaring views of rocky peaks, lush valleys and sparkling lakes are reward for burning thigh muscles. To plan an independent trip, Geotrips.co.uk has details of routes and hotels. Alternatively, Utracks offers a new challenging guided eight-day group hut-to-hut trip: a head for heights and ability to walk with your own backpack for up to eight hours a day is recommended.

Canyoning, Corsica

This ruggedly beautiful French island might be a favourite for stylish beach holidays, but with more than 50 summits of over 2,000 metres, it offers challenging hiking, too (the GR20 trail is one of the toughest in Europe). It’s also something of a canyoning and climbing mecca, and local operator Altipiani Corsica’s trips include a seven-day individually tailored canyoning adventure, abseiling and scrambling down cliffs and jumping into rivers in some of the more remote areas of the island. There’s a choice of camping or hotel accommodation.

Diving and trekking, Iceland

With its wild volcanic landscapes, glaciers and hot springs, Iceland offers everything an adventure needs. Diving between the North American and Eurasian plates in the incredible Silfra fissure is an incredible underwater experience. Dive Worldwide has a three-night individual trip , including flights. Back on land, hiking dramatic, other-worldly terrain created by the lava formed when Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010 is the basis of a new, group, five-day hiking trip with Discover Adventure, including flights and most meals. Other highlights, such as the Skógá river and the 60-metre-high Skógafoss waterfall, are included, with accommodation in mountain huts along the way.

Road trip, Norway

With its mix of mountains, fjords, remote villages and quiet coastal roads, Norway is a strong contender for an adventurous self-drive. Go in summer when the days are long, pack a tent and wild camp along the way (it’s legal here, though there are great campsites and cabins, too). Among the most spectacular drives is from Bergen north to Trondheim which includes a stretch on the Atlantic Road, with eight bridges linking islands, and the chance to spot seals and whales. It’s about 430 miles, and winds through the longest road tunnel in the world and the zig-zag bends of Trollstigen. Fly back from Trondheim or, time-permitting, head back to Bergen via Sogndal. Norwegian flies to Bergen and Trondhein from Gatwick.

Ice climbing, Switzerland

For those who don’t mind the cold, a week of ice-climbing and mountaineering in the Swiss Alps offers an exhilarating winter adventure. A seven-night trip with the International School of Mountaineering involves sleeping in huts and bivouacs, carrying provisions and tackling untracked peaks . You do need to have experience, but for beginners there’s also a six-night Ice Climbing Skills option. All trips start from Leysin, less than two-hours from Geneva, and exact routes depend on weather conditions.

Source: theguardian.com

 

10 of the Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Here are 10 trips everyone should take in Europe in 2017.

Paris

It may seem cliché, but Paris will always be the most beautiful city in Europe to us. No matter how many other cities we see, we still come back to the City of Lights and gaze upon it with wonder and awe. Walking through the city streets at night is one of our favourite things to do.

Venice

Many people don’t love Venice, but we think it is because they have never stayed there long enough. We would watch cruise lines and bus tours come in for a day and zip right back out before they had a chance to really explore Venice. We spent six days total in Venice and loved getting lost in its back alleys, taking boat trips through the canals and enjoying quiet drinks on a bistro terrace.

Budapest

Budapest is probably the most beautiful city by the water. Walking over the chain bridge to witness the beauty of Buda and Pest looking back at one another across the Danube is pure perfection. When the lights come on in Budapest, make your way down to the river and take in the splendour of the two cities.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen holds a special place in our hearts. We weren’t there for long, but each day was a treat to explore this enchanting city. With Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid and an endless stream of canals, Copenhagen definitely deserves to be named one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Santorini

I debated whether to put Santorini into this post or not. Is it a city or is it a destination? Should Athens be ahead of Santorini instead? The thing is, we didn’t find Athens to be a beautiful city over all. There are beautiful parts to the city, but a lot of it is disjointed. However, Santorini took our breath aways. So when choosing a Greek city to add to our most beautiful European Cities list, it was the first place to come to mind. Santorini is heavenly. I don’t think there is a more beautiful spot on earth than overlooking the Caldera from the white washed buildings of Oia. With blue domes, marble walkways and incredible cave hotels and dwellings, it is a place like no other.

Prague

We had often heard that Prague was beautiful and when we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Yes it is busy and crowded, but if you step out of the main trail, you’ll find quiet spots to grab a bite or a pint. If you wake up early and walk around the city, you will have it all to yourselves. Dave and I were amazed to see that people didn’t really get started until after well after 9:00 am giving us plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful architecture in private.

Florence

Florence is truly a city of art. With every turn you make you will run into sculptures or intricate etching in the architecture. It’s a city that you can walk slowly through and enjoy each and every building you lay eyes upon. The Duomo stands proud in the centre of the city and endless cobblestone streets weave around allowing you to get lost and simply enjoy.

San Marino

San Marino is a city and an independent republic in the middle of Italy. It sits high on a hill overlooking possibly the most beautiful view we’ve ever seen from a city. It overlooks the Italian Apennines, rivalling the beauty of Tuscany. San Marino is the oldest surviving sovereign State in the world and it’s known as the Serene Republic. Serene it is indeed.

Bern

Bern, Switzerland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the political centre of Switzerland. It doesn’t feel like a political hub though, this city was made for walking. The walkways of Bern are all covered making for pleasant shopping in any type of weather. Seeing Bern from the river reinforces our decision of why we included it in our list of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever visited.

Barcelona

The more we visit Barcelona, the more we love it. At first we weren’t fans of the works of Gaudi, but as we got to know him a bit more, we fell in love with his innovative, colourful and playful architecture. With a beautiful waterfront, quiet parks, downtown walking streets and bustling markets, Barcelona is definitely up there as one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.

Source: theplanetd.com