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What to Do in Norway
Travel Julia Mitchell Travel Julia Mitchell

What to Do in Norway

One of my favourite countries that I’ve travelled to in recent years, read this article to learn more about Norway and the many things there are to see and do.

What to Do in Norway

Norway is known for its outstanding natural beauty and glistening natural fjords, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, water sports and winter activities. Rich in arts and culture, the country has strong ties to the Vikings and a number of bustling towns and cities to explore.

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What To Do In Zurich
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What To Do In Zurich

As Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich is much more than just a financial hub. Here you’ll find medieval streets and world class museums alongside panoramic viewpoints and lakeside walks, making it the ideal place to both explore and relax.

Zurich truly blends historic charm with modern culture, meaning there really is something for everyone. It’s also well located as a base for day trips, with nearby locations including the snowy peaks of the alps and glistening glaciers in Engelberg.

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The Best Things To Do In Porto, Portugal
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The Best Things To Do In Porto, Portugal

Here are the very best things to do during a visit to Porto.

Portugal is a fantastic destination to visit in Europe, known for its warm weather, fantastic dining scene, iconic Azulejo tiles, and so much more.

As the country’s second largest city, Porto has much to offer visitors. From wine tasting and cooking classes, to what is considered to be the world’s most beautiful bookshop, the city is packed with things to do - there’s even plenty of activities that don’t cost a penny.

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Where to Stay in Mallorca, Spain - A Complete Guide
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Where to Stay in Mallorca, Spain - A Complete Guide

Here’s my complete accommodation guide to the beautiful Mediterranean island Mallorca.

As one of the Spanish Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a popular holiday destination known for its beautiful sandy beaches and sunny summer sunshine.

There’s lots to see: think sun-washed coves, quaint mountain villages and long, lively evenings that drift from tapas to slow walks by the marina. Then there’s the capital city, Palma, which has plenty of things to see and do, including a picturesque old town and vibrant seafront.

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Should You Stay at the Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown
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Should You Stay at the Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown

Here’s everything you need to know about the Henri Hotel in Downtown Hamburg, Germany.

Hamburg is a beautiful waterfront city, with plenty of things to see and do. I first visited as part of a cruise, crossing from Southampton on Cunard’s Queen Anne.

There are lots of fantastic places to stay in the city - in fact, I wrote a whole blog post about it. The Henri Hotel Hamburg comes highly recommended, and I’m writing this to make sure that you don’t miss out like I did.

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Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal - a Complete Guide
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Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal - a Complete Guide

Here’s everything you need to know about finding a place to stay in Porto - Portugal’s second largest city.

Located in the north-west of Portugal, Porto sits alongside the Douro River and has a history as an important trading site. Originally named Portus Cale by the Romans who first established the settlement (Portus being the Latin word for port), this was later shortened to Porto, as we know it today.

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Honfleur Hotels - A Complete Guide
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Honfleur Hotels - A Complete Guide

Here’s everything you need to know about booking accommodation in the French coastal town of Honfleur.

Located on the north coast of France, Honfleur is one of Normandy’s most beautiful seaside towns. Colourful buildings line the tranquil Old Harbour, and the surrounding streets bustle with quaint shops and restaurants.

It’s a wonderful place to visit, with a great atmosphere and plenty to see and do.

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The Best Day Trips from London to Paris
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The Best Day Trips from London to Paris

For me, one of the best things about living in the UK is having Europe right on our doorstep.

Paris is particularly close thanks to the Channel Tunnel, and takes just over two hours to reach by train from central London. There’s no need to catch a flight or board a ferry, making the journey from England to France feel seamless.

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The Best Day Tours and Trips from Paphos
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The Best Day Tours and Trips from Paphos

There’s so much to see in Cyprus, and Paphos makes an excellent base for exploring the island.

Located on the south coast, here you’ll find a wide variety of activities and excursions to suit all tastes.

Whether you prefer sampling the local wine, sailing through the sparkling Mediterranean Sea or learning about the island’s fascinating history, Paphos is the ideal destination for you.

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The Best Hotels in Paphos, Cyprus - a Complete Guide
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The Best Hotels in Paphos, Cyprus - a Complete Guide

Located right on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is a beautiful island that left me feeling completely enchanted.

Surprisingly, the country hadn’t been on my radar until I was invited to attend a friend’s wedding in Paphos - a fantastic coastal city on the south of the island.

As the fourth largest city in Cyprus and a major tourist hub, I found that Paphos is studded with archeological sites, lined with beautiful beaches and chock full of luxurious hotel resorts.

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The Library Hotel Wellness Retreat in Cyprus - Review
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The Library Hotel Wellness Retreat in Cyprus - Review

Here’s my full review of the Library Hotel Wellness Retreat in Kalavasos, Cyprus.

When I was invited to attend a wedding in Cyprus, I knew that I wanted to spend some time exploring the island and venture outside of the usual tourist hotspots.

After a bit of research I stumbled upon the The Library Hotel Wellness Retreat, which is located in the village of Kalavasos, just a short distance from Limassol.

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Queen’s Bay Hotel Paphos - Review
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Queen’s Bay Hotel Paphos - Review

Here’s my full review of the gorgeous Queen’s Bay Hotel near Paphos in Cyprus.

The minute I returned from my stay at the Queen’s Bay Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, I couldn’t wait to sit down at my desk and write this review.

My partner and I booked our trip to Cyprus after being invited to attend the wedding of a close friend. We’d never visited the country before, and excitedly started planning a trip.

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Viator - Best Paris Tours & Day Trips
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Viator - Best Paris Tours & Day Trips

Here’s my guide to the best Paris tours and day trips available on Viator.

You’ve booked a trip to Paris! Congratulations, you’re going to have the most amazing time.

There’s so much to see and do in the city - from climbing the Eiffel Tower and touring the Palace of Versailles to taking part in food tours and sailing down the Seine river.

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Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland - A Complete Guide
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Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland - A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Zurich? Here’s my complete guide to hotels and accommodation in Switzerland’s largest city.

Located in the north of Switzerland, Zurich is a beautiful city that’s rich with Swiss culture. There’s so much to see; from the delicious Lindt Chocolate Museum and charming Old Town to the trendy nightlife and fondue eateries, there really is something here for everyone.

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Where to Stay in Hamburg, Germany - A Complete Guide
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Where to Stay in Hamburg, Germany - A Complete Guide

Here’s my guide to the best accommodation in Hamburg, featuring options for all budgets.

Located in the north of Germany, Hamburg is a large port city with more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London combined.

Here you’ll find the world’s largest miniature railway (which is much more impressive than it sounds), the oldest opera house in Germany, and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.

Take a cruise along the harbour, visit the historic warehouse district and learn about Hamburg’s history in one of the many museums - there’s even one all about chocolate.

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Where to Stay in Bucharest, Romania - A Complete Guide
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Where to Stay in Bucharest, Romania - A Complete Guide

I recently travelled to Bucharest as part of my 30th birthday celebrations and had an absolutely fantastic time.

The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a vibrant and bustling city of more than 1.75 million, with a further 2.3 million living within the surrounding metropolitan areas.

While I was initially drawn to the area by Bucharest’s viral spa and water park, I was lured into its old town by the beautiful architecture, modern vibe and abundance of restaurants and bars.

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Things to Do in Haugesund From a Cruise Ship
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Things to Do in Haugesund From a Cruise Ship

The Norwegian Fjords is a gorgeous destination for a cruise holiday, served by a variety of cruise lines including P&O, Celebrity and Princess. Haugesund is just one of many possible cruise stops, located in the North Sea, in between Stavanger and Bergen.

The port here is large and able to accommodate a wide range of ships, including P&O’s Iona and Arvia, which are the largest British cruise ships to date.

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What to Do in Ålesund From a Cruise Ship
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What to Do in Ålesund From a Cruise Ship

Known to be one of Norway’s most beautiful fjord cities, Ålesund is a picturesque location that begs to be explored.

The city centre is just a 10 minute stroll from the cruise port, meaning there’s no need for most people to take a taxi or shuttle. For those who would prefer not to walk, the City Sightseeing Train is available at the cruise terminal and offers 70 minute tours around the city. These are easy to book when you arrive and depart every 20 minutes when a cruise ship is in port.

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What to Do in Olden From a Cruise Ship
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What to Do in Olden From a Cruise Ship

Home to less than 1000 people, Olden is a beautiful village located at the end of Nordfjord. Disembarking the cruise ship here felt like stepping into a perfect picture postcard, which is exactly what I imagined when I planned my trip to Norway!

Bear in mind that you won’t find many shops or other amenities here, and public transport is very limited, so make sure you set out with a good pair of walking shoes and dressed for the weather. Whether you’re looking to book an exciting excursion or explore on a budget, there’s plenty of things to do in stunning Olden.

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Hotel Wedina Review - Hamburg’s Literary Hotel
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Hotel Wedina Review - Hamburg’s Literary Hotel

When I planned to sail on Cunard’s newest cruise ship, Queen Anne, during her first voyage into Hamburg, I was delighted to discover that the city has its very own literary hotel.

Based in the St Georg district of central Hamburg, the hotel itself is very easy to find with its striking red exterior. We arrived after a short drive from the cruise port, which we booked on Uber, and were greeted by their friendly reception staff in their flawless English.

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