500 REASONS TO EXPLORE NORTHERN EUROPE

#XperienceTravelTheTaylorWay

Actually, 553. That’s how many enriching, active, delectable and fascinating Crystal Adventures are set to showcase the cultural nuances and rich beauty of Northern Europe and the Baltic in 2017 alone – a whopping 58 of the shore-side options brand new. (We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2018!) Throughout remote and exotic locales like Isafjordur, Iceland and Honningsvag, Norway, plus more familiar bucket-list spots like Amsterdam, Netherlands and Belfast, Ireland, travelers seeking a summer to remember need look no further than Crystal Symphony.

From May 31 through August – sailing the storied region of kings and kilts, fjords and fairways – the award-winning ship will carry guests from one discovery to the next in the elegance and luxury that seems perfectly suited to the proud history of the destinations.

St. Petersburg’s Church on the Spilled Blood

While we can’t include all 553 experiences awaiting you in Northern Europe in one blog post, we have selected a handful of our favorites… and we can’t wait for you to discover your own favorites.

Explore the abandoned village of Hesteyri (from Isafjordur, Iceland), where until the 1940’s, 80 rugged residents weathered (literally) the remote terrain without electricity or even roads. Accessible only by boat, and only in the summer, the village now welcomes visitors to its abundant hiking trails, but the fascination remains as the sense of the past lingers.

Embrace the G forces on a MiG fighter jet (from St. Petersburg, Russia). Crystal was a pioneer in offering this adrenaline rush for guests, usually reserved for those in uniform or with a need for speed that borders on the insane. It is still one of the most thrilling cultural adventures offered anywhere in the world, and one you won’t be able to adequately describe when you return to terra firma. Put on your helmet, give the thumbs up, and zoom over the Moscow landscape below at twice the speed of sound. If you dare.

Hike at the top of the world (from Brønnøysund, Norway). It’s difficult to reach further north than the North Cape without visiting Santa Claus himself. Sans plans to encounter the man in the red suit, we recommend you opt for the exhilarating journey to Nordkapp, where you’ll challenge new heights of geography and fitness during a hike up Torghatten.

Spend some quality time with the Crown Jewels (London/Tilbury, England), during a privileged private visit to the Tower of London. This kind of glamour is typically reserved for British spy films, and is the perfect balance to all the high-flying adventure you’ll find in other destinations.

Graffiti on the East Side of the Berlin Wall

Step into the Cold War epicenter (Berlin/Warnemünde, Germany). Few places tell the stories of the past like Berlin, and the Cold War story still echoes in the beautiful city. From the bitter battles of World War II to the Cold War, and now to the modern reunification and optimism, this immersive experience offers fascinating perspectives on events that shaped the world.

This is only the beginning. Start planning your 2017 or 2018 Crystal journey through Northern Europe and discover your own favorite adventures.

The post 500 REASONS TO EXPLORE NORTHERN EUROPE appeared first on CRYSTAL INSIDER.

from CRYSTAL INSIDER http://ift.tt/2q1baXa Visit Taylor & Co. Travel’s AllInclusive website at http://ift.tt/2ndHCGE for all your travel, wedding & accessory needs, and to book your Crystal Cruises Xperience or Destination Wedding!!!
via IFTTT