sweden_norway

Renaissance

TRAVEL

Quality

Convenience

Value

Sweden

Helsingborg During the Middle Ages, Helsingborg was an important Danish town, as a military base
and administrative center for northern Skåne. In later years, the town suffered and fell into decline due
to the constant wars between Denmark and Sweden. And it wasn't until their industrial revolution at the
beginning of the 19th century that Helsingborg began to turn around, and a new era based on
technology, innovation and enterprise began. The harbor was expanded, industries were established
and railways constructed, and the town's population increased dramatically. Today it's a bustling port
and northern hub in the dynamic Öresund region. Stockholm (Nynäshamn) Nynäshamn, your
gateway port to Stockholm, affords a commanding view of the capital of Sweden. Stockholm is a city
of 14 islands linked by boats and graceful bridges. Its history stretches seven centuries, and it is
Sweden's center of art and culture. It is also as famous for being the home of the Nobel Prize. Gamla
Stan Stockholm's historic old town is a warren of narrow cobbled streets and buildings dating from the
15th to the 19th centuries. Royal Palace Gracing the waterfront, this former royal residence displays
its exquisite collections of tapestries, porcelain, and Baroque and Rococo furnishings. Vasa Museum
This museum's centerpiece is the 17th-century warship Vasa, the oldest fully preserved ship in the
world.

Finland

Helsinki is the center of Finnish commerce and culture, as well as the nation's capital. The skyline
features a dramatic blend of classical architecture and clean modernism, with Russian and Swedish
influences throughout. Much more than, simply, the nation where saunas originated, Finland -- Helsinki
in particular -- delight visitors with a vital sense of heritage as well as enthusiasm. Senate Square
Dating from the early 19th century, this square is the focus of the city and boasts fine neoclassical
buildings, St. Nicholas Cathedral, and the University of Helsinki. Temppeliaukio Church Blasted
and carved from solid granite and topped with a huge copper dome, this church is one of the most
unique structures in the world. Market Square The colorful and lively Kauppatori or Market Square is
where everyone comes to buy the freshest fish, fruits, vegetables and flowers, and where you'll find
every conceivable local handicraft and souvenir for sale.

Norway

Oslo is the oldest and least populous capital in Scandinavia. The city offers excellent theater, great
cafés and quality shopping, as well as a rich history, with some of the most fabled maritime legends in
the world as homeland to the seafaring Vikings. Vigeland Sculpture Park This park features over
650 statues by sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Works of all sizes in granite, bronze and wrought iron depict
the many stages and episodes of human life. Viking Ship Museum This fascinating museum
features three remarkably preserved oaken longships from the 9th century. Folk Museum Set in a
beautiful wooded area of Bygdoy Peninsula, this open-air museum features a superb group of old
buildings, gathered from all over Norway, that represent the history and culture of the country.