YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating voyage to Scandinavia begins as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Stockholm ( Sweden). This morning arrive in Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden that was founded in the 13th century and built on fourteen islands that are connected by dozens of bridges. You’ll embark on a guided tour to see the Town Hall where the Nobel Prize banquets are held as well as Gamla Stan, the fascinating medieval old town where the Royal Palace, Parliament and Riddarholm Church are located. The tour concludes at your centrally located upscale hotel. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing. Scandic Grand Central Hotel (D)

Day 3: Stockholm. Today is at leisure to enjoy beautiful Stockholm at your own pace. Explore the narrow streets of Gamla Stan or visit the Vasa Museum, where you may view the restored warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Your hotel is ideally located for independent exploration. (B)


Day 4: Stockholm/Bergen ( Norway). This morning embark on a short flight to Bergen, the capital of Norway’s majestic fjord region. Join your tour director for a walk from your harbor side hotel to the colorful open-air fish and flower market and to the lively 14th century merchant quarter of Bryggen. Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore this 900 year old Hanseatic town independently. Clarion Admiral Hotel (B)

Day 5: Bergen/Flam/Lofthus: “Norway in a Nutshell”. Over the next few days venture into the heart of Norway’s Fjord region and admire some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. A day of scenic splendors begins with a drive to Voss where you’ll embark on an express train to Myrdal. Here board the world famous Flam Mountain Railway for an hour-long thrilling ride descending 2,600 feet and passing through 20 tunnels, thundering waterfalls and towering mountains en route to the quaint village of Flam. Next, enjoy a delightful leisurely cruise through majestic Sognefjord and its smaller arms and admire the grandeur of the sheer cliffs that flank the fjord. Disembark in Gudvangen where you’ll rejoin your motor coach and drive through the bends of the Stalheim Canyon to Lofthus, an enchanting village on the shores of Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second largest fjord. Your landmark hotel faces the majestic fjord. Ullensvang Hotel (B,D)

Day 6: Hardangerfjord. Lofthus is located on the shores of the Hardangerfjord, in a region that is blessed with stunning natural beauty and is surrounded by snowcapped mountains. The area is abundant with pristine fjords and fertile land that is home to many fruit orchards. The day is at leisure to explore at your own pace from your ideally located resort hotel. (B,D)

Day 7: Lofthus/Oslo. Today journey though Norway’s scenic countryside with a stop to view the mighty Voeringfoss Waterfall cascading 600ft. Later arrive in Oslo where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this old Viking capital. You’ll visit Vigeland Sculpture Park where impressive bronze sculptures can be viewed. You’ll also see City Hall, the waterfront and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Radisson Blu Nydalen Hotel (B)

Day 8: Oslo/Overnight Cruise. Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore at your own pace. You may visit the Viking Ship Museum where you can see the remains of well-preserved old wooden ships. Later, transfer to the pier located on the Oslo Fjord and embark on a comfortable overnight cruise, sailing through the North Sea. Relax on board and enjoy a sumptuous smorgasbord dinner before retiring to your private cabin. DFDS Seaways Cruise (B,D)

Day 9: Copenhagen ( Denmark). Enjoy the splendid early morning scenery as you sail into the port of Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital and delightful cultural center. An included guided city tour features Hans Christian Andersen’s renowned Little Mermaid, Christiansborg Palace - seat of the parliament and Nyhavn, world famous and recently restored district. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own. A brief walk from your hotel brings you to Stroget, a lively pedestrian street with delightful atmosphere, tempting shopping and abundant cafes. This evening enjoy dinner in a famous local restaurant. First Vesterbro Hotel (B,D)

Day 10: Copenhagen: Today is at leisure for independent exploration. Your hotel is centrally located in the lively and colorful city center, bustling with parks, cafes, restaurants and shops. You may also join an optional “Castles of North Zealand” tour. This evening we suggest a visit to renowned Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park. (B)

Day 11: Copenhagen/Helsinki ( Finland). Today fly to the charming harbor city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. On an included guided afternoon tour see Senate Square surrounded by 19-century classical buildings, Temppeliaukio Church, carved out of solid rock and the colorful Market Square. Scandic Grand Marina Hotel (B)

Day 12: Helsinki/USA. Morning at leisure to explore independently. Later today, fly back to the USA or continue your exciting journey with an extension to St. Petersburg, Russia . (B)

YOUR EXTENSION ITINERARY:

DAY 12: Helsinki/Overnight Cruise. Morning at leisure to explore Helsinki at your own pace. Later today transfer to the pier and embark on a comfortable overnight cruise on the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland en route to St. Petersburg, Russia. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board before retiring to your private cabin. St. Peter Line Princess Maria Cruise Ship (B,D)

Day 13: St.Petersburg ( Russia). Today dock in St. Petersburg, one of Europe’s most magnificent cities. The former capital of Czarist Russia was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Its architecture, natural beauty and rich culture are unparalleled! After disembarking your cruise ship, you’ll be met by a local expert and enjoy a guided city tour. Drive along the famous Nevsky Prospect and see Peter and Paul’s Fortress, St. Issac Cathedral and other highlights. Later, continue to discover the treasures of St. Petersburg on a guided a tour of the priceless art collection at the famous Hermitage Museum, located at the Winter Palace. End your day with a spectacular boat ride along the Neve River and canal. The evening is free and you may wish to attend a cultural performance. Sokos Vasilievsky Hotel (B)

DAY 14: St. Petersburg/Peterhof Palace/ Overnight Cruise. The morning is at leisure to explore at your own pace. This afternoon enjoy an included guided excursion outside the city to visit Peterhof Palace, the summer residence of the Czar. It was built to rival Versailles and is surrounded by magnificent gardens. At the conclusion of this memorable excursion return to the pier and board your cruise ship for the overnight voyage back to Helsinki. Dinner on board is included. (B,D)

DAY 15: Helsinki/ New York. Morning arrival in Helsinki. Disembark the cruise ship and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Your memorable journey concludes as you arrive New York later today. (B)

YOUR EXTENSION INCLUDES:

ST. PETERSBURG EXTENSION:
Add $899 per person/ $1199 single

◊ U.S. & Canadian passport holders taking this extension do not require visa for Russia under the visa-free cruise rules.