Norway may be considered a pricey destination by some, but its breathtaking sights definitely make the squeeze on your wallet seem reasonable. Norway is a perfect mixture of interesting cities and sprawling wilderness. The capital, Oslo, is the obvious starting point from which to explore this beautiful country.
The most ancient of Scandinavia's capital cities, Oslo is a charming city to amble around with breathtaking views of mountains and fjords and a lively character. The university buildings, in particular, are a joy to see due to their grand design. At Universitsgata 13 lies the Nasjonalgalleriet, which has the largest and finest collection of art on display in Norway.
The Kon-Tiki museet showcases the balsawood raft in which Thor Heyerdahl made his now notorious 1847 voyage across the Pacific in an attempt to prove the first Polynesian settlers could have sailed from pre-Inca Peru. History enthusiasts should then head to the Vikingskipshuset to stand in awe of three ninth-century Viking ships, which were retrieved from ritual burial mounds in southern Norway, each embalmed in clay. The Frammuseet is also of interest as it allows you to come aboard one of Roald Amundsen's ships, Fram, the ship that carried him all the way to Antartica in 1912. The ship is complete with nearly all its original fitting and s such gives unexpectedly in depth insight into the life and conditions of early Polar explorers.
Oslo is also home to the famous Munch Museum, located just outside of the centre. Edvard Munch is Norway's most illustrious painter. His signature works of the 1890s are on display here as well as earlier paintings, lithographs and woodcuts. The star attraction is predictably the museum's copy of The Scream, which was mysteriously returned after being stolen in 2004.
Staying in the capital doesn't mean you have to forgo getting close to nature. The islands of the inner Oslofjord are perfect to visit in the summertime. The nearest island, Hoved'ya, is a captivating place to visit. The ruins of a twelth-century Cistercian monastery on the island sit astride the island, which is covered in farmland and deciduous woods. The most southerly island Lang?yene is also worth a visit due to its pretty beaches.
Planning your visit
A key stage in planning your holiday is organising travel insurance. Make sure you get the best deal by comparing providers online. Getting to Oslo is relatively straightforward. The main low-cost carriers are Ryanair and Norwegian Air Shuttle. Norway's long coastline is served by a number of ferry companies, most notably DFDS Seaways and Color Line. Oslo airport has excellent links to local transport, with direct buses or trains to the city centre.
Visitors are usually drawn to vacations in La Manga because of the beaches and endless sunshine. The unique land formation of the La Manga strip has become a Mecca for tourists. There is more to La Manga and the Mar Menor region than sand and surf, though. The area is rich in history and culture. Tourists who embark on vacations in La Manga can't help but soak up the culture along with the sunshine.
The resort area of La Manga Del Mar Menor is located at the southern tip of the Costa Blanca. It consists of a 22 kilometer strip of land which separates part of mainland coastal Spain from the Mediterranean Sea. The result of this unique land formation is Mar Menor, Europe's biggest saltwater lake. At its deepest, it reaches a mere eight meters, making it warm year round. In fact, it can reach a temperature of 30 degrees in August at the height of summer. A typical vacation in La Manga usually consists of ample time swimming the azure blue waters while participating in water sports. Mar Menor is home to some of the world's best kite-surfing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba-diving and windsurfing.
The history of La Manga Del Mar Menor is as rich as its terrain and natural resources. It was likely first inhabited by the ancient Romans, as indicated by remains and artifacts discovered there. The Romans highly valued the Mar Menor for its salt content. They eventually developed a lucrative salt-mining industry. Today, its salt is still mined and sold around the world. It is used to season regional cuisine, and its flavor is second to none.
Today's La Manga is a mix of modern architecture and old-world flair. It offers tourists the best of city amenities like shopping, dining and dancing. At a closer look, its ancient history is still evident in its older buildings.
A vacation in La Manga means that tourists are strategically located near other rich historical areas. Two in particular, Cartagena and Murcia, are well worth the half day's drive from La Manga Del Mar Menor. Both have distinctive cultures and are significant cities in Spain's history.
Murcia is the capital city of the region of Murcia. It rests in a low-lying and fertile plain famous for its vineyards. It is known for its production of fine wine. Murcia is actually home to three different denominations of origin for wine: Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla. Visitors can tour one of its many wineries and sample some of Murcia's best vintages. It is also a renowned bullfighting city. Visitors can learn more about bullfighting history at the Bullfighting Museum of Murcia. Cap the visit off by taking in a bullfight for a truly authentic experience. Murcia is also home to centuries-old cathedrals and plazas for further exploration of the city's history.
Cartagena's history is largely centered around its longstanding naval port. It is home to the Naval Museum as well as the famous National Museum for Underwater Archeology. An abundance of ancient ruins have been uncovered in Cartagena. They attest to its military significance, as well as its importance as a port. Some of these ruins can be viewed close up. Many artifacts are housed in several of Cartagena's history museums.
A vacation in La Manga is an ideal way to combine the best in relaxation and cultural education. Perhaps this is why so many who vacation in La Manga return year after year.
Both Elmo Populous & Michael Lee are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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