Summer travel is always something we look forward to, and 2019 is no exception! After a busy start to the year with trips to Hawaii, Italy, and the Caribbean, we’re gearing up for an exciting European adventure. This summer, we’re not just taking one trip—we’re embarking on two! Our plans are packed with scenic views, family fun, and exploration, so let me share a sneak peek of what we’ve got lined up.
Scandinavian Journey: Norway, Denmark, and Sweden
Our first stop is Norway, a destination close to my heart since it’s my ancestral homeland. It’s especially exciting because my parents are joining us on their first European trip, and we can’t wait to share this adventure with them. This trip will last over two weeks and will be split into three parts, with my parents traveling with us for the first two segments.
We’ll begin in Bergen, Norway, a charming coastal city famous for its picturesque landscapes. After soaking in the sights of Bergen, we’ll embark on a cruise through the Norwegian Fjords, taking in some of the most stunning views in Europe. Our journey will end in Copenhagen, Denmark, where we’ll spend a few days exploring the city before my parents head home.
Bergen, Norway
Our adventure in Bergen kicks off with the usual jet lag battle, but we’ve learned that staying awake on the first day helps us adjust to the new time zone more quickly. Once we’ve settled in, we’ll be exploring Bergen’s maritime heritage, starting with a visit to the Bergen Maritime Museum to check out Viking ships. We also plan to explore the Fish Market and, if the weather cooperates, take a cable car ride up Mount Ulriken for breathtaking views of the city.
On our third day, we’re renting a car for a road trip to visit the Borgund Stave Church, an iconic 800-year-old wooden church. Along the way, we’ll stop in charming villages and enjoy the scenic drive through Aurlandsfjellet National Route before heading back to Bergen.
Norwegian Fjords Cruise
The next part of our trip involves a 7-night cruise through the Norwegian Fjords aboard the MSC Meraviglia. This will be our first time on this ship, and my parents’ first cruise, so we’re all excited to see what it has to offer.
The cruise includes several scenic stops. In Geirangerfjord, we’ll hike to a glacier, followed by a visit to Flam, where we’ll take a boat ride down the Naeroyfjord. We’ll also visit Stavanger, where we’ll enjoy a mini-cruise through the Lysefjord before continuing to Kiel, Germany, and finally ending in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Exploring Denmark and Sweden
After the cruise, the trip continues with just the four of us—Holly and the kids. We’ll start by exploring Copenhagen, where we plan to visit historical sites like Kronborg Castle (the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet) and Frederiksborg Castle. If time allows, we’ll also make a stop in the town of Roskilde. From there, we’re heading to Sweden for the day to explore Malmö and maybe a few quaint villages along the way.
Highlights in England and Scotland
Next, we’re off to England and Scotland for the second part of our summer adventures. We decided to split these trips into two separate vacations, but next year we’re planning to combine them for a longer European trip.
We’re starting in London, where we’ll revisit some of our favorite tourist spots, like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Hampton Court Palace. We’ll also take in a West End show and do some casual sightseeing around the city.
England’s Lake District
From London, we’ll rent a car and head north to the Lake District for four days of hiking and relaxation. We plan to take a leisurely road trip, stopping by famous sites like Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, and Windsor Castle. We’ll spend a night in York before reaching our Airbnb in the Lake District. Once there, we plan to do a lot of hiking and exploring the area’s charming villages.
Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, and Edinburgh
After the Lake District, we’ll cross over into Scotland. We’ll start in Loch Lomond, where we’ll enjoy some family time in nature, before heading north to Loch Ness. We’re planning to stay in Inverness and check out Stirling Castle on our way back down to Edinburgh.
In Edinburgh, we’ll spend a couple of days soaking in the sights, with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and plenty of time to explore the city on foot.
Final Thoughts
This summer promises to be one of our most exciting yet. From the stunning fjords of Norway to the historic landmarks of Denmark, and the scenic beauty of England and Scotland, we’ve got an incredible adventure lined up. It may be a lot to take in, but we’re looking forward to every moment.
If you want to follow along on our travels, be sure to check out our social media pages for updates and photos. And, of course, we’ll be sharing reviews of both trips once they’re done. We also have a busy fall and winter ahead with another trip to Italy, a Mediterranean cruise, and possibly a beach getaway to Aruba!
Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
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