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Fabulous Scandinavia & Imperial Russia

Scandinavia & Russia

18 Days / 12 locations in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia

Experience the Nordic highlights on this comprehensive journey of Scandinavia and Russia. Be amazed by the contrasts, from Viking Capitals to the wild nature of the Norwegian Fjords, and the enchanting palaces of St Petersburg & Moscow. . Enjoy this fabulous part of the world and appreciate a fantastic blend of history and nature!

THIS TOUR IS MONO LINGUAL

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Copenhagen
Accommodation: Scandic Copenhagen

Arrival to Copenhagen Airport,meet & greet by English-speaking representative, for Regular Arrival Transfer Service to the hotel for check-in .Please consult your welcome letter,which you will receive on check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your tour leader. A short welcome meeting will be held in the evening, where you will receive information on the upcoming tour program.The rest of the day is at leisure.

 
Day 2     Copenhagen - Oslo
Accommodation: Overnight Ferry, Copenhagen - Oslo
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we depart by private coach with your guide for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Copenhagen. This tour will be the perfect introduction to "Wonderful Copenhagen". We begin with a drive towards the City Hall Square where the famous pedestrian street "Stroget" begins. Passing by Tivoli Gardens and onwards past the New Carlsberg Glyptotheque and the National Museum. Next, it is the Old Stock Exchange and the Naval Church. We drive past the Kings New Square, the home of the Royal Danish Theatre with the world famous ballet, then through the old canal area, Nyhavn, with its picturesque houses and boats. We continue on to the impressive Gefion Fountain and the Royal residence, Amalienborg Palace. Finally, we stop by the landmark of Copenhagen, the statue of the Little Mermaid. During the tour, you can also delight in Christiansborg Palace as well asRosenborg Castle, which houses the Crown Jewels. The tour ends at the hotel.In the afternoon transfer to the pier by private coach to embark on the DFDS Seaways overnight ferry. At approximately 16:30, departure to Oslo. Buffet dinner will be served on board. Outside cabin

NOTE: Passports must be shown when travelling between Denmark and Norway on the DFDS ferry.

 
Day 3     Oslo - Geilo - Eidfjord
Accommodation: Quality Voringsfoss Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast on board. Arrival to Oslo at 09:45, after disembarking we will board our private coach. We drive across Hoenefoss, Nesbyen surrounded by a landscape, which alternates between forests of pines and lakes to arrive in the beautiful Hallingdal Valley. Proceed through Gol followed by Geilo, a small town surrounded by mountains. We continue to Hardangervidda and visit the Voringfossen waterfall, and continue to Eidfjord, where our hotel is located. Check-in and dinner at the hotel is included. Overnight at Quality Voringsfoss Hotel or similar.

The departures of June 4th, June 11th and July 30th are wait listed at Hotel Quality Voringfoss. The hotel will be confirmed latest 3 weeks prior to departure, and it will be a 4* hotel located in the fjord.

 
Day 4     Eidfjord - Bergen
Accommodation: Scandic Hotel Ornen
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will cross the splendid Hardanger fjord, by travelling across Hardanger Bridge. This Bridge has one of the longest suspension bridge spans in the world. After reaching the other side, we will continue along the fjord, passing by Nordheimsund and crossing birch forests until we arrive in Bergen –known as the capital of the fjords. In the afternoon, a panoramic sightseeing tour is included during which we will delight in St. Marys Church, Haakon’s Hall, the colourful and picturesque fish market and the old Bryggen area (No entrances included). The evening is at your leisure. Overnight at Scandic Hotel Ornen or similar.

OPTIONAL: FLOIBANEN ($30pp) View Bergen from the peak of Mount Fløyen. The Fløibanen funicular in Bergen in the heart of Bergen is one of Norway’s best-known attractions. The journey up to the peak of Mount Fløyen (320 mabove sea level) takes 5–8 minutes. The journey is an experience in itself, cutting through the steep mountain side and forests revealing more of the city below. At the top you can enjoy fantastic views over Bergen and Norwegian coast line.

 
Day 5     Bergen - Stalheim
Accommodation: Stalheim Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at your leisure to further explore the stunning fjord capital of Bergen.Early afternoon departure from Bergen and travel to the historic town of Voss, with a stunning background of snow clad mountains.After a short break, the journey continues towards Naeroy valley where our hotel is situated. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the stunning views down the Stalheim Gorge. Dinner is included at the hotel.

*The departure of June 4th and July2nd are waitlisted at Stalheim Hotel. The hotel will be confirmed latest 3 weeks prior to departure, and it will be a 4* hotel located in the fjord area.

 
Day 6     Stalheim - Flam - Fagernes
Accommodation: Fyri Resort Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, the coach continues down the Naeroy valley to Gudvangen where we embark on a ferry along the Naeroyfjord, one of the narrowest and most popular fjord journeys in Norway. Disembark in the stunning village of Flam where we will have some free time.

OPTINAL TOUR: :Flamsbana (available for pre-booking)

PRICE: $120 /PERSON

Duration: approximately 2 hours

Min. 10 persons

Flamsbanais one of the steepest train lines in the world on normal tracks. The 2-hourtrain journey runs through fantastic nature, past the Rallar road, steep mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, 20 tunnels and offers a multitude of views.In the span of a single hour,the train takes you from the ocean level at the Sognefjord in Flam, to the mountaintop at Myrdal mountain station on Hardangervidda, 863 meters over the ocean.

OPTIONAL TOUR: STEGASTEIN Viewpoint

PRICE: $55 /PERSON

Duration: approximately 2 hours

Min. 6 persons

An unmissable sightseeing trip for any visitor to Flam. The Stegastein Viewpoint is part of the Norwegian Scenic Route that runs from Aurland to Laerdal. This structure, which juts out 30 meters from the mountainside, 650 meters about the fjord, offers and unparalleled panorama. A more amazing view of the fjord, mountains and surrounding is hard to imagine.

In the afternoon, the coach journey continues along the Aurlandfjord, via Aurland and Laerdal. A photo stop is made at the popular Borgund Stave church (entrance not included) before continuing on the last part of the journey to Fagernes. Check-in and later,dinner at the hotel

 
Day 7     Fagernes - Oslo
Accommodation: Thon Hotel Opera
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we travel towards Oslo, leaving the fjords behind us. Early afternoon arrival in Oslo and check-in to the hotel. Experience a panoramic sightseeing tour of the Norwegian capital, beautifully situated by a fjord. We will enjoy the view from the Opera house, Vigeland’s Park, the Royal Palace and the main street, Karl Johan. The tour ends at your hotel from where you will have the evening to further explore the Viking capital at your own pace. Overnight at Thon Hotel Opera

The departure of June 4this waitlisted at Thon Hotel Opera. The hotel will be confirmed latest 3 week prior to departure, and it will be a 4* centrally located hotel

 
Day 8     Oslo - Stockholm
Accommodation: Scandic Grand Central Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Depart Oslo and travel (by coach or train) to Stockholm, passing through Norwegian and Swedish forests, and through the region of Varmland, the home of many legends. Late afternoon arrival to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, for check-in to your hotel. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at Scandic Grand Central Hotel or similar.

 
Day 9     Stockholm
Accommodation: Scandic Grand Central Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and depart by private coach for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour of Stockholm. The city, built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges, embraces the unique character of 13th century Old Town with modern high-tech architecture.Stockholm is proudly called “Beauty on Water”. The sightseeing tour includes a walk through the Old Town, and an inside visit to the City Hall, where the Nobel festivities take place, making for a memorable morning tour. Feel themedieval atmosphere of the Old Town "Gamla Stan", with its Cathedral and Stortorget,where the Stockholm Blood Bath took place. The tour also includes a drive to Fjallgatan where you will enjoy picturesque views of Stockholm. The tour ends at the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.

OPTIONAL :Directly after the tour take a visit to the famous Vasa Museum (not included) PRICE: $70 per person

Includes: entrance to Vasa Museum w/guided tour, private tour guide

Min. 10 persons

Scandinavia’s top museum built around the only intact 17th century warship Following the city tour visit the Swedish warship, Vasa, considered as one of the world's largest and the pride of the mighty Swedish navy. The Museum was built around the 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm's inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628; its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Painstakingly restored to its original magnificence, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.

 
Day 10     Stockholm - Helsinki
Accommodation: Overnight Ferry, Stockholm - Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast at your hotel your morning is at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the pier by private coach and departure on the Tallink Silja overnight ferry, sailing along the Baltic Sea, bound for Helsinki. Dinner will be served on board. Outside cabin

 
Day 11     Helsinki
Accommodation: Scandic Simonkentta
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is served on board before arrival to Helsinki. Private transfer to the hotel followed by a panoramic sightseeing tour. Meet with your local guide for a city sightseeing of the capital of Finland, also known as ͞The Daughter of the Baltic Sea͟. The tour includes the Senate Square, the University and Lutheran Cathedral – all displaying neoclassical architecture of the 1840’s, the colourful Market Square by the sea in the South Harbour, Kaivopuisto Park and diplomatic residences, the imposing statue of Marshall Mannerheim, the Parliament Building, Finlandia Hall, the Orthodox Russian Church Uspenski and the Sibelius Monument. A visit is also made to Temppeliaukio Church – called the ͞Rock Church͟as it is carved into solid rock (the church reserves the right not to allow the entry of visitors in case of ceremonies).

 
Day 12     Helsinki - St. Petersburg
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon depart Helsinki (By private coach or by train). To be confirmed in situ)and travel to St. Petersburg, founded in 1703 by Tzar Peter the Great andone of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Also known to the world as the "Northern Capital of Russia" and "the Venice of the North", St. Petersburg was virtually unharmed by the 1930-50s Stalinist reconstruction, and its downtown dazzles the eye of the visitor with splendid palaces, stylish monuments, straight avenues, beautiful bridges and other attractions. St. Petersburg is filled with history and mystery.Arrival atSt. Petersburg and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

 
Day 13     St. Petersburg
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will be met by a local guide for a panoramic city sightseeing tour, which will cover some of the many highlights of the city. We will drive along the Nevsky Prospect - the heart of the city, and make picture stops at the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, the Senate Square, The Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Art's Square and the Russian Museum as well as at the two magnificent churches, the "Spilled Blood" and the Nikolsky Cathedral. The city tour ends at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore this magnificent city and its treasures. Your tour escort will provide you with suggestions for tours.

OPTIONAL TOUR: :Peterhof Palace PRICE: $105 per person

Duration: approximately 4 hours

Includes: private transportation to hotel, entrance to Peterhof w/guided tour, private tour guide

Available by pre-booking & in situ

Min 10 persons

Take the opportunity to visit the Peterhof Palace, also known as the palace of theSea God. Here the fountains are not mere accessories: they are the essence of the place. They are the symbolic expression of the sea's dominion, the mist that rises from the waves as they surge against its shores. The world-famous palace, fountain and park ensemble of Peterhof, is an outstanding landmark of Russian artistic culture from the 18-19thCenturies. Founded in the very beginning of the eighteenth Century by Emperor Peter the Great, not far from his new northern capital St. Petersburg, Peterhof was intended to become the most splendid official royal summer residence. Credit for its creation should go to a great number of eminent architects, artists, and anonymous folk craftsmen. Its wonderful parks, 176 fountains of various forms and styles, and four cascades, majestic palaces, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes, remarkable collections of sculpture, painting and works of the minor arts make Peterhof a veritable gem of art unique in the world, often called "Capital of Fountains". After 1917 the Peterhof ensemble was taken into state custody and turned into architecture and art museum. Nowadays, due to the unforgettable beauty of its fountains, parks and palaces, Peterhof has become the most attractive suburban royal park and palace ensemble of northern Russia's capital for numerous Russian and foreign visitors.

*The departure of May 14th andJuly 16th will not be able to visit Peterhof Palace due to monthly close down

 
Day 14     St. Petersburg
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. We meet our local guide to continue our adventure in this charming city. You will visit The State Hermitage Museum, which occupies six magnificent buildings situated along the embankment of the River Neva, right in the heart of St. Petersburg. The leading role in this unique architectural ensemble is played by the Winter Palace, the residence of the Russian Tsars that was built to the design of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1754-62. This ensemble, formed in the 18th and 19th Centuries, is extended by the eastern wing of the General Staff building, the Menshikov Palace and the recently constructed Repository. Put together throughout two centuries and a half, the Hermitage collections of works of art (over 3,000,000 items) presents the development of world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th Century. Today the Museum is creating a digital self-portrait to be displayed around the world. The tour ends at the hotel. The evening is at leisure.

 
Day 15     St. Petersburg - Moscow
Accommodation: Intercontinental Moscow Tverskaya Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer with local guide from your hotel to the Railway station, where we will board the Sapsan Train bound for Moscow. This train ride takes you through endless Russian landscapes and along the Volga River. Afternoon arrival in Moscow and transfer to your hotel Intercontinental Moscow Tverskaya, located on the main avenue of the city, Tverskaya. The evening is at leisure.

 
Day 16     Moscow
Accommodation: Intercontinental Moscow Tverskaya Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning starts with a full day privately guided panoramic sightseeing tour of Moscow. We will see many ancient churches and cathedrals, some of them dating as far back as the 15th century, many of them having been restored or even built again; beautiful theatres and palaces; modern business complexes and hotels; buildings of late Soviet architecture such as the Moscow State University and the Central Stadium in Luzhniki, which hosted the 1980 Olympic Games. Moscow, with its some 10 million inhabitants, is vast and at times chaotic. We will visit the historic centre of the city, which includes the Red Square, Sofiiskaya Embankment, St. Sophia Cathedral, and the panorama of the Kremlin walls. We will also see the modern part of the city which includes the Vorobievy (Lenin Hills) – the highest place in Moscow, providing a beautiful view of the city and Poklonnaya Hill where there is a monument commemorating defenders of the city during World War Two. During this visit we will also experience a tour of one of Moscow’s beautiful Metro stations, a highlight in itself and a must do when visiting Moscow.After the Metro visit, free time for lunch before we continue our visit of the city. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

OPTIONALl: The Russian National Dance Show ͞Kostroma͟

Price: $120 per person, Includes: private transportation to /from hotel, 2 hours show private local tour guide

Duration : 4 hrs, 6.00pm-10.00pm

Min. 6 pax

“The Russian National Dance Show “Kostroma” is the program that reveals the history of Rus and the life of its peoples where the infinite of time and horizons broaden the boundless means of the art of dance. Vital historical milestones, traditions and customs of the multinational Russia expose originality of the hundreds of cultures of the united people of Russia plunging the audience in the times of christening of Rus, tsar’s Russia and USSR, revealing the life of the people living in the Far North, in the southern steppes, in the mountains of the Caucasus and in the Central Russia. The Russian National Dance Show ͞Kostroma͟ cleverly and with great prowess unites lyrical sketches with elements of folklore and ancient Russian epic. It uncovers the Russian culture through the nature of its people, social status and national coloring. You can witness the temporal, urban, village, military culture of Russia. The accurately created images of mother, wife, daughter, son, husband and warrior reflect the heritage of the many generations and the unique spirit of the Russian nation. 50 dancers on stage, masterly technique, outstanding acting, 15 reincarnations, 10 tons of freight, 600 unique costumes, 300 items of props, 8 sets changes – this is the fabulous reality of ͞The Russian National Dance Show ͞Kostroma͟ that captivates the audience of all ages and nationalities.

 
Day 17     Moscow
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. We meet our local guide for a half day excursion, which includes a privately guided tour of Kremlin Territory with Armoury Chamber. During this tour we will walk through the Kremlin grounds and visit the Armoury Chamber with its famous collection of Faberge eggs, jewels and royal thrones. The word Kremlin (Kreml) means a fortress or walled town; Moscow’s is the biggest and most famous. The earliest ramparts were of earth and wood, but successive rulers raised and strengthened the defences after every attack. The present brick walls date from the 1490s, though they have been frequently restored. End of the tour at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional: River cruise on the Moscow river Duration: approximately 3-3,5 hours including transportation Includes: private transportation to /from hotel, 2 hours cruise private local tour guide. 16.00 –19.30 hours

The Radisson Royal Flotilla yachts are state-of-the-art river yachts-restaurants meant for excursion and entertainment cruises along the Moskva River for citizens and visitors of Moscow. The flotilla consists of 10 white-beauty-yachts designed for year-round entertaining excursion cruises on the Moscow River. Flotilla offers all year around navigation - 365 days a year: daily cruises with fixed schedule along with touristic rides with audio excursion about attractions along the route in 2 languages on mp3 players or free iPhone application; free internet access (Wi-Fi). Once aboard the custom designed yachts, passengers enjoy the beauty and comfort possessed by these exceptional vessels. State-of-the-art technology ensures safety and reliability, allowing guests to fully relax and enjoy the splendid two-hour cruise. Two promenade decks offer panoramic visibility of picturesque Moscow.

 
Day 18     Moscow
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. An English-speaking representative will meet you for the Regular Transfer Service to Moscow Airport*(Please see notes below for this service).

Please note! Regular Departure Transfer Services included in the program are only available for transfer to Moscow Airport and only on the official end date of tour. The transfers are escorted by an English-speaking representative from Borealis Destination Management and are shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time at the airport may occur.

 

Notes

*Please note! Regular Arrival Transfer Services included in the program are only available for transfers from the Airport in Copenhagen & to the Airport in Moscow and only on the published official date of beginning& end of the tour. The transfers are escorted by an English-speaking representative and are shared with other fellow passengers;therefore,minor waiting time at the airport may occur. This transfer service is not valid for passengers with pre/post nights or passengers who require private transfers –for a supplement, private transfers can be reserved for these passengers.

Price Includes
1 Night on Board Tallink Silja Lineferry(exteriorcabin
1 Night on Board Dfds Seaways Ferry (exteriorcabin
Train Ticket for St. Petersburg-Moscow, Train Sapsan
Guided City Tours
Meals As Per Itinerary
Hotel Accommodation As in Itinerary With Daily Breakfast
All Touring Private Coach, Including All the Sightseeing Mentioned
Regular Transfers
English Speaking Tour Escort
Price Does Not Include
 Optional Excursions
 Airfare
 Russian Visa
BOR-1269
1.28.15.WP26