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. Radisson Blu Royal 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. Stena Line Cruise (B,D)

Day 9: Frederikshavn/Odense/Copenhagen ( Denmark). Enjoy the splendid early morning scenery as you sail into the port of Frederikshavn, located at the northern end of Denmark's Jutland Peninsula. Embark on a scenic drive southward and cross the Little Belt waterway to the fairytale island of Funen. Arrive in the delightful 1000-year old town of Odense where you'll enjoy a guided tour and visit the original Hans Christian Andersen's house. Later journey across the world's largest suspension bridge constructed off-shore and arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital and delightful cultural center. Your hotel is centrally located in the lively and colorful city center, bustling with parks, cafes, restaurants and shops. This evening enjoy an included dinner in a famous local restaurant. First Vesterbro Hotel (B,D)

Day 10: Copenhagen: An included guided morning 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 stroll from your hotel brings you to Stroget, a lively pedestrian street with delightful atmosphere, tempting shopping and abundant cafes. 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)

St. Petersburg Extension

YOUR EXTENSION ITINERARY:

DAY 12: Helsinki/St. Petersburg (Russia). This morning board a high-speed train for the comfortable 3.5 hour ride through the scenic Finnish countryside en route to St. Petersburg, Russia. One of Europe’s most magnificent cities, St. Petersburg, the former capital of Czarist Russia, was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Its architecture, natural beauty and rich culture are unparalleled! After arriving at the city-center train station, 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. End your day with a spectacular boat ride along the Neve River and canal. Sokos Vasilievsky Hotel (B)

Day 13: St. Petersburg: Hermitage/ Peterhof Palace. This morning 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. Upon returning to St. Petersburg this afternoon discover one of its most celebrated treasures, the famous Hermitage, located at the Winter Palace. A local expert will help you discover the Hermitage's priceless art collection. The evening is free and you may wish to attend a cultural performance. (B)

DAY 14: St. Petersburg. Today is at leisure to explore at your own pace from your conveniently located upscale hotel. This evening join your fellow travelers for a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)

DAY 15: St. Petersburg/ New York. Morning 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 $799 per person/ $1099 single

Visa required for Russia.