Things We Learnt In:

Originally a medieval city balanced precariously on a rock and overlooked by an inactive volcano, Edinburgh is now the incredibly diverse capital of Scotland. Grey, imposing and thoroughly beautiful, it has so much to offer even if your time in the city is limited. In order to make the most of your time, especially if you are time poor, then we've put together our favourite things from Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle At the very top of the Royal Mile is possibly one of the most iconic buildings on Edinburgh's skyline- Edinburgh Castle. Originally built in 1130 Edinburgh Castle is a World Heritage Site and encompasses over 800 years of Edinburgh's history, following the lives of numerous royal residents and the social and economic growth of Edinburgh itself. Within the Castle walls are different buildings to explore, memorials to those lost at war, museums of the multiple uses of the Castle and the Crown Jewels. Some might argue that the real jewel in the crown thou...

Perched on a semicircle of fjords, Oslo is the picturesque and vibrant capital of Norway. Oslo is known for its Viking history, modern architecture and outdoor activities it is hardly surprising that Oslo was consistently voted one of the highest ranked large European cities for quality of life of its residents. If you're planning a trip to Oslo, then the following tips will make sure it is especially memorable for you. Akershus fortress and castle  With a commanding position on a cliff in the harbour, the Akershus castle has stood in place since the 1300's, later becoming fortified in 1592. Open between 6am and 9pm each day, entrance is free to the fortress to walk around the grounds and admire the views. If you are so inclined you can sit with your legs over the edge of the fortress and admire the view across the fjords. My Travelling Buddy was happy to do this but my cowardice for heights is well documented (among our other travel fails! ) so I chose to stick to t...

It could be argued that Norway's most infamous exports are the Vikings. These ferocious warriors made their way across the seas to Europe and further afield, initially to trade and later to raid and conquer between 793AD and 1066AD. There is evidence that the Vikings used many different types of ships - from long ship war vessels to small rowing boats for transporting live stock. The most incredible thing about this is, the evidence still exists- you can visit the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo and see three preserved Viking Ships! How to get to the Viking Ship Museum The Viking Ship Museum commands pride of place on Bygdoy, also known as the Museum Islands, in the Oslo fjords. There are three options for making your way to the Viking Ship Museum: 1. Driving: parking is available behind the museum although you should expect to pay in the Summer months. 2. Public Bus: bus 30 can be taken from outside Oslo Central Station towards Bygdoy, a journey of approxim...