Norway Sweden Finland Russia Tour

Shorter and longer versions of this tour are available.

Please see:

Northern Highlights Tour

Northern Highlights Tour With St. Petersburg & Moscow

Transfer from Oslo Airport to hotel in connection with your flight arrival. Dinner and accommodation.

After breakfast departure from Oslo, driving via Hønefoss along the charming Halling Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. Buffet lunch at Bardøla Mountain Hotel. After lunch cross the wild Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 m., the highest in Norway. Descend the amazing Måbødal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord. Short ferry crossing, followed by drive around the Ulvik Fjord, a branch of the Hardanger Fjord, to the picturesque village of Ulvik. Dinner and accommodation at Rica Brakanes Hotel, ideally located on the banks of the fjord.

After buffet breakfast, start of scenic tour along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord, famous for its many fruit orchards, via the towns of Øystese and Norheimsund, arriving in Bergen around midday. Afternoon 2 hours tour of Bergen, including a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled packhouses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter. You will also ride on the funicular to Mt. Fløien, for the best views of the city and fjords way below. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson SAS Hotel Norge, centrally located on Ole Bulls Square, close to the pedestrian shopping streets and within walking distance of the old Bryggen harbour.

After breakfast departure from Bergen and drive via Dale to the town of Voss.

Descend the Nærøy Valley, passing the Stalheim Canyon, to the fjordside village of Flåm. Board your train for an exhilarating ride on the amazing Flåm Railway to Myrdal, a masterpiece of engineering ascending 2.838 feet in less than one hour. The descent from Myrdal to Flåm offers opportunities for photo shots of some exciting waterfalls and mountain scenery. After short rest in Flåm, board Robinson Scandinavias own sightseeing boat M/S Lady Elisabeth for start of approx. 2 hours cruise along the narrow Aurlands and Nærøy Fjords, both branches of the Sogn Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. From the sun deck or the comfortable lounge, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks, and a variety of wildlife.

After disembarking in Gudvangen at the head of the Nærøy Fjord, continue by coach across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes, for the short ferry crossing to the beautiful resort of Balestrand. Dinner and accommodation at Kviknes Hotel, superbly located on the banks of the fjord and surrounded by mountains.

Day free in Balestrand, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding beauty and nature of the fjords. The day starts with a traditional Norwegian buffet breakfast in the hotels elegant dining room. You may want to spend the morning relaxing on the hotel terrace, breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the spectacular views. We can also recommend a visit to the local aquarium and art gallery, or you may prefer to rent a bike or rowing boat from the hotel, or even go on foot up to the nearest mountains. A walking tour of the village of Balestrand, with its historic buildings and other interesting sites can also be arranged. Dinner and accommodation at Kviknes Hotel.

Departure from your hotel on a one hour fjord cruise to Fjærland. Continue by coach along the scenic route passing under the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe to the village of Skei. Descend to the beautiful Nord Fjord making a detour at Olden to visit the famous Briksdal Glacier. The journey up to the glacier will be made in open cars to give you the best view. A typical Norwegian lunch is served in sight of the glacier. During the afternoon the tour continues via Loen and Stryn to the picturesque village of Hellesylt. Here you go onboard the ferry for the one hour cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord, possibly the most impressive of all Norwegian fjords. During the cruise you will pass close to some magificent waterfalls such as the Bridal Veil and Seven Sisters. Dinner and accommodation at the famous Union Hotel, overlooking the Geiranger Fjord.

From the top of the famous Serpentine Road, you have the opportunity to digest some amazing views of the fjord, before crossing the rugged Grotli Mountains to Lom, well known for its 14th century stave church. The tour continues via Lake Vågå, before descending the magnificent Gudbrands Valley to the popular tourist town of Lillehammer. Stop for lunch in Lillehammer. After lunch the journey continues alongside Lake Mjøsa, Norways largest lake, back to Oslo and Holmenkollen, home of the world-famous ski jump, offering unforgettable views of the city and Oslo fjord way below. Dinner and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera.

Continue by coach towards the Swedish border, crossing into the attractive province of Värmland to arrive in the city of Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden. Lunch. After lunch the tour continues through a landscape of forests and sparkling lakes to reach the Swedish capital in the late afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at Stockholm Clarion Sign Hotel, a first class hotel ideally located in the center.

The day starts with a 4 hour guided tour of the city. Famous sights include the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral, Royal Theatre, etc. You will also visit the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous antique shops. Highlight of the tour is a visit to City Hall with its famous Blue and Golden Halls, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year. Afternoon free in Stockholm, with possibility to visit the famous Vasa Museum or take one of the popular canal tours. Accommodation at Clarion Sign Hotel.

Morning free in Stockholm. Afternoon transfer from hotel to pier, for embarkation on a luxurious cruise ferry of the Silja Line that departs at 5.00 pm. Departure of cruise from Stockholm, sailing slowly down the picturesque archipelago past numerous small islands. Dinner on board. Selection of entertainment, bars, shops and casino. Accommodation is in 2-berth outside cabins (seaside) with shower/WC.

Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki. Morning 3 hour guided tour of Helsinki. Famous sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple, and much more. During the afternoon you can explore the busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbor. Finnish crystal and leather goods are an excellent buy. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, a first class hotel.

Early breakfast followed by transfer by coach from hotel to railway station. 07.42 hrs: Departure from Helsinki on Finnish train ’Sibelius’ for St. Petersburg. Lunch box on train. 14.26 hrs: Arrival in St. Petersburg. Coach transfer from railway station to hotel combined with visit to Peter & Paul Fortress, burial place of the Russian Tsars, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Welcome dinner incl. shot of vodka and 1 glass wine, and accommodation at Ambassador Hotel, a four star hotel located in the city centre, near the famous Mariinsky Theatre.

Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.30 hrs: 3 hours panoramic tour of the city by coach with local English-speaking guide. St. Petersburg is a city of outstanding architectural beauty, famous for its magnificent palaces, cathedrals, fountains and bridges. 12.30 hrs: Lunch at the Hermitage Restaurant. 14.00: Tour of the world-famous Hermitage Art Museum and the State Rooms of the Winter Palace. Return to hotel. Dinner and accommodation at Ambassador Hotel.

Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.30 hrs: Excursion to town of Pushkin including tour of Catherine’s Palace with its famous Amber Room. 12.00 hrs: Lunch at Admiralty Restaurant. After lunch, 1 hour’s guided boatcruise along the Neva River. This evening you will be taken to see a colourful Russian folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace, with snacks during the intermission. Dinner at the Backstage Restaurant of the Mariinsky Theatre. Accommodation at Ambassador Hotel.

This tour of the highlights of Northern Europe ends after breakfast, with transfers to St. Petersburg Airport in connection with your flight home.

Notes