Håholmen, Norway

Håholmen, Norway - among CNNs 10 secret European summer getaways:

 Quote:

"Dodging tourists tethered to cruise ships in Norway's fjords is no easy feat. To get away, many Norwegians retreat to the jagged, UNESCO-free Lofoten Islands, but under-sung Nordmøre also gets its share of locals seeking refuge.

Perched just off Norway's western coast, just 20 minutes south of Kristiansund, is Håholmen Havstuer (from $200; Kårvåg, 6530 Averøy; 47-71/517-250), a renovated 17th-century fishing camp turned posh retreat. Take a ten-minute crossing on the hotel's private boat and enjoy fish soup and bacalao fireside atop the Håholmen dining room's burnished timber floor -- with nary a mega cruise ship in sight.
http://www.classicnorway.no/haholmen-havstuer" (CNN)

Håholmen is also close to Aalesund, the Geirangerfjord and Hjorundfjord.
Spring and summertime is the right season to visit this area if you don`t like snow and cold weather!

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Aalesund, Norway

Aalesund town is located in north west of Norway. Aalesund is adjacent to the famous Hjorund og Geiranger fjords.  The legend Gange Rolf or in France better known as Rollo was born and raised in this area. He was the founder of the dynasty of the dukes in Normandy in France. He is also a forfather of Queen Elisabeth II. Aalesund is a very small town, not a place to have a wild night out. But the area around is stunning. Mountains going straight down into the fjords, awesome remote islands, no words can describe the landscape. But it is very very expensive traveling in Norway, the food, beer – you name it! But you won`t regret a trip to this area – I`ll promise you!! If you`re a sunseeker go to Spain or something, if you looking for nice surroundings, great views and quiet life go to Aalesund!

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Leeds, UK

I have visit Leeds 7 times during the last 3 years. It is a friendly and trendy city.
Staying in Leeds, you`ll be near cities like Manchester, York and Liverpool. The airport is located in Bradford, but I prefer to use Manchester Airport as my destination - more connections direct from Europe. Leeds is the UK´s largest centre for business outside London. You might get a cheap stay at the Etap hotel, but it is very noisy in the weekends. If you book in advance at the Hilton hotel, you will get it almost at cheap as Etap. And you will get nice and quiet rooms as well :-). 

If you fancy stylish shopping, Leeds will be a Mecca for you. At the Victoria Quarter you will find several hot designer brands. At Royal Armouries you will find weapons and armour of warriors though the ages from early medival knights to the modern day soldier. This is one of my favorites what to do in Leeds “thing”. The area around the Armouries are very quiet and nice, very next to the river. Many of the restaurants in Leeds are Italian inspired, the food is okey. I prefer Asian food and my favorite restaurant is the Thai Edge in Calverly Street. Unique food and warm hospitality. If you are looking for a quick asian lunch you can try the buffet at No. 1 Oriantal Buffet. The selection of dishes is huge.
Plenty for veggies too. But this is not the place for nice and relaxing meal. For the price you pay the food is good.

Remember that Leeds have a soccer team with an impressive history. Check out for soccer games while you are in Leeds and enjoy the atmosphere at Elland Road. Have a good time in Leeds folks! 










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Grand Hotel Oslo, Norway

The Nobel Peace Prize has been presented in Norway since 1901. The prize is presented every year on December 10th. The laureates always stays at the Grand Hotel. All laureates receive ovations on the balcony from the crowd.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of the ceremony and see the prize winner in person, you can get a cheaper stay at Rica Vicoria Hotel or Thon Hotel Cecil close to Grand Hotel.
Be prepared with your camera and make sure you have enough memory to store all the good times that you will be enjoying.

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York, UK

The city walls extend for 2.5 miles and enclose an area of 263 acres.

As “Vikings” we wanted to take a closer look at the city of York or Jorvik as the Vikings called the city 1000 years ago!

The largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe!

It took us only 20 minutes by train from Leeds to York. In York you will find wealth of cultural attractions like York Minister , Jorvik Viking Museum among several other museums and attractions.
Discover what life was really like over 1000 years ago at the Jorvik Viking Centre!

The walls that surround the city are some of the finest and most complete city walls in England.

The walls still retain all four of their impressive gateways into the city.

Enjoy the sights of the city onboard a riverboat, or take a stroll in the narrow streets with the old charming houses. The city appears busy and romantic at the same time. Take step out of the main streets and take a drink and relax at a cosy pub.

Newgate market has 110 stalls in a market square within Europe's largest single pedestrianised area. Prominent since the Middle Ages, Newgate market is the heart and soul of the city lying between The Shambles and Parliament Street.

We really loved  York, nice atmosphere and great views!

In the event that you have plans to make use of your electronic devices in your destination country, you will require your plug adapter. It will be wise for you to purchase this prior to your traveling owing to the fact that it might be more difficult to find them in your destination country.

 

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Blagaj - Bosnia & Herzegovina

On our way back to Croatia a local guy told us about a small town called Blagaj. We hit the road and drove 12 km south of Mostar.  We parked the car and strolled a couple of hundred meters or so upwards a small pathway.
 
OMG!! What a highlight of the tour -  Unsurprisingly, not only the Ottoman sultan was impressed, we were breathtaken too!

Fish restaurant

Buna Spring and the adjacent Ottoman house and monastery called the Dervish House, were impressive views.

This 16th century house/monastery was built for the Dervish cults and is still one of the most mystical places in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A man we spoked to, said there is a ghost in the old house...spooky :-)!

We had an awesome lunch at the restaurant, with fresh trout and ice cold local beer.
It was nice sitting down at a lovely restaurant and watch the cold green river rushing out of a cave under a towering cliff. 

We were told this is the largest karst spring in Europe and it gives rise to Buna river.  The river emerges from an underground stream after it carved its way through the irregular limestone commonly found in this part of Europe. 

Fresh trout - Cold beer - Life is good!

If you visit Bosnia & Herzegovina make sure you don´t miss Blagaj! 

I highly recommend Bosnia & Herzegovina, it is a beautiful country - and everything is cheap!

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