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 Copenhagen ( Denmark). Late morning arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital and delightful cultural center. An included city tour features Hans Christian Andersen’s renowned Little Mermaid, Christiansborg Palace - seat of the parliament and Nyhavn, world famous and recently restored district. This evening join your Tour Director for welcome dinner and briefing. First Vesterbro Hotel (D)

Day 3: Today is at leisure for independent exploration. Your hotel is centrally located in the lively and colorful city center, bustling with cafes, restaurants and shops. You may also join an optional “Castles of North Zealand” tour. This evening we suggest a visit to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park. (B)

Day 4: Copenhagen/Overnight Cruise. Morning 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 rich browsing opportunities. Late afternoon 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. Scandinavian Seaway Cruise (B,D)

Day 5: Arrive Oslo ( Norway). Enjoy the splendid early morning scenery as you sail through Oslo Fjord. Disembark in Oslo and commence your tour of this old Viking capital. See Vigeland Sculpture Park, City Hall, the waterfront and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Arrive at your hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city. Afternoon at leisure. Grand Hotel (B)

Day 6: Oslo/Balestrand (Sognefjord). Over the next four days venture into the heart of Norway’s Fjord Country with some of the worlds most breathtaking scenery. Travel by coach to Fondness where a short ferry ride transports you to the north side of the fjord. Continue to Balestrand, an enchanting village on the shores of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord. Your landmark hotel, in operation for over 100 years, faces the majestic fjord. Kvikne’s Hotel (B,D)

Day 7: Day at leisure to explore at your own pace. We suggest an optional excursion to the mighty Jostedal Glacier. Here visit the Glacier Museum in Fjaerland before driving through a tunnel under the glacier to Skei, nestled in an alpine setting and surrounded by peaks covered with eternal snow. (B,D)

Day 8: Balestrand/Flam/Bergen: “Norway in a Nutshell.” A day of scenic splendors begins with a drive through the bends of the Stalheim Canyon to Gudvangen. Embark on a delightful leisurely cruise through the sheer cliffs of majestic fjords to the quaint village of Flam. Here board the world famous Flam Mountain Railway for an unforgettable ride ascending 2,600 feet and passing thundering waterfalls and towering mountains. In Myrdal change to an express train to Voss, rejoin your coach and drive to Bergen, the capital of the fjord region. Enjoy a brief orientation tour on arrival. Admiral Hotel (B)

Day 9: Bergen. Join your Tour Director for a short walk from your Bergen harborside hotel to the colorful open-air fish and flower market. Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore this 900 year old Hanseatic town on your own. (B)

Day 10: Bergen/Stockholm ( Sweden). This morning, fly to Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden that was founded in the 13th century and built on 14 islands. On a guided tour see the Town Hall where the Nobel Prize banquets are held as well as Gamla Stan, the fascinating old town where the Royal Palace, Parliament and Riddarholm Church are located. Scandic Park Hotel (B)

Day 11: A day at leisure to enjoy this majestic city. Explore the narrow streets of Gamla Stan or visit the Vasa Museum, a restored ship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Your hotel is well located for independent exploration. (B)

Day 12: Stockholm/New York. Fly back to the USA or continue your exciting journey with an extension to St. Petersburg & Helsinki. (B)

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

YOUR EXTENSION ITINERARY:

DAY 12: Stockholm/ Helsinki ( Finland). Fly to the charming harbor city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. On an included afternoon tour see Senate Square surrounded by 19-century classical buildings, Temppelliaukio Church, carved out of solid rock and the colorful Market Square. Scandic Grand Marina Hotel (B)

Day 13: Full day at leisure to explore Helsinki at your own pace. You may also take a fast ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, one of the most picturesque and well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore the narrow alleys and charming architecture before returning to Helsinki later today. (B)

Day 14: Helsinki/ St.Petersburg (Russia). Embark on the renowned “Sibelius” train for a pleasant journey across the Russian border and along the Gulf of Finland to St. Petersburg, one of Europe’s most magnificent cities. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour. Oktiabrskaya Hotel (B)

Day 15: St. Petersburg, the former capital of Czarist Russia was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Its architecture, natural beauty and rich culture are impressive! Today, drive along the famous Nevsky Prospect and see Peter and Paul’s Fortress, St. Issac Cathedral and other highlights. This afternoon, an expert guide will lead you on 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. (B)

Day 16: A day at leisure. You may travel 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. Tonight enjoy an included farewell dinner featuring delicious local specialties followed by a colorful folklore performance. (B,D)

Day 17: St. Petersburg/ New York. Fly back to the USA. (B)

YOUR EXTENSION INCLUDES:

• Flight from Stockholm to Helsinki

• Rail transportation between Helsinki and St. Petersburg

• Accommodations at first class hotels with private bath

• 6 meals: 5 full buffet breakfasts (B) and one special dinner (D)

• Folklore dance and musical performance

• Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees as specified in itinerary

• Experienced English speaking
  local guides

Visa required for Russia.
Visa fees not included.