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Categories Summer Tours Scandinavia Baltics Escorted Tours

Experience the Nordic highlights on this comprehensive journey of Scandinavia and other Nordic capitals. Be amazed by the contrasts, from Viking Capitals to the wild nature of the Norwegian Fjords, and the enchanting palaces of St Petersburg. Enjoy this modern, yet exotic area with its medieval history and feel the essence of the north!

Itinerary

Arrival in Copenhagen, transfer by own means. Meet your tour escort at the hotel's reception at 6.00pm. Enjoy a welcome drink while getting information about the upcoming tour.

Breakfast at your hotel. This morning you will depart by private coach with your local English-speaking guide for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour. This tour will be the perfect introduction to "Wonderful Copenhagen". We start with a drive towards the

City Hall Square where the famous pedestrian street "Stroget" begins. We pass the Tivoli Gardens, dating back to 1843 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 vessels. We continue on to see the impressive Gefion Fountain and then make a photo stop at the Royal residence, Amalienborg Palace.

Finally we stop by the landmark of Copenhagen, the statue of the Little Mermaid, known from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. During the tour we shall also appreciate the Christiansborg Palace, housing the Danish Parliament and the Rosenborg Castle which houses the Crown Jewels. The tour will end at the hotel.

The afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Morning free at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the pier by private coach to embark the Scandinavian Seaways cruise ship. At 17:00, departure to Oslo. Accommodation in outside cabins. Dinner buffet will be served on board.

Please note: passports are needed.

Enjoy breakfast onboard. 9.30am arrival to Oslo. Disembarkation and departure by private coach. Driving across Honefoss, Nesbyen, surrounded by a landscape which alternates with forests of pines and lakes, we arrive to Hallingdal Valley, very well known in Norway. Just few kilometers away from there, we will find Gol followed by Geilo, a small town surrounded by mountains and very famous for its ski runs. We will drive along the impressive Hardangerfjord. Afterwards, bordering the impressive fjord, we will arrive to Lofthus, one of Edvard Grieg's favorite haunts, and one of the most beautiful points of the fjord. Dinner and overnight at Ullensvang Hotel, fjordview room.

Short drive to Kinsarvik to embark a ferry that will carry us to a crossing along the splendid Hardanger fjord, the widest in Norway. After we disembark in Kvandal, we will continue by coach, bordering the fjord, passing by Nordheimsund and crossing forests of birches until we arrive in Bergen, the capital of the fjords, Norway's second city and one of the three university cities in the country. Arrival to Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. Early in the afternoon, meet the English-speaking local guide for a 3-hour city sightseeing during which we will appreciate St. Mary Church, Haakon's Hall, the colorful and picturesque fish market and the Hanseatic Museum. Tour ends at the hotel.

Morning departure from Bergen and travel to the historic town of Voss, with a stunning background of snow clad mountains. Here we board a train which will take us across the mountain plateau to Myrdal where we change to the World famous Flam railway, the highlight of the day. Experience one of the most spectacular rail journeys, descending down from the Mountain station of Myrdal to the quaint fjord village of Flam. Here we have some free time before embarking the afternoon ferry, which will carry us on a breathtaking crossing along the lovely Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The coast offers very strong contrasts, sometimes you will experience rocks falling dramatically into the fjord and other times the river turns into a wonderful green. Disembarkation in Balestrand and arrival at your hotel, located on the edge of the stunning fjord. Dinner and overnight at Kvikne's Hotel in fjordview room.

Depart by coach to Dragsvik, from where we will cross the beautiful Sognefjord once again, before disembarking in Hella. We will then continue driving via Sogndal, through several picturesque villages, forests of birches and crops, until we arrive in Skei, located at the foot of Europe's biggest mainland glacier named "Jostedalsbreen". After a short break we continue our journey to Loen from where we continue to the Briksdal Glacier. Here we travel by small motorized Troll cars to the very snout of the glacier and experience the breathtaking blue ice. We board the coach again, driving via Loen and Stryn and onto Geiranger to our hotel, the stunning 4th generation run Hotel Union. Here we will spend two nights in the wonderful surroundings of mountains and fjords, and get the most out of this extraordinary part of the world. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in fjordview room

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will take the ferry, crossing the dramatic and ever so impressive Geiranger Fjord, UNESCO's World Heritage listed, situated among lush mountains and wild waterfalls. Travel from Geiranger to Hellasylt and be inspired by this beautiful unspoiled landscape. After disembarkation in Hellasylt, you will travel up to the Dalsnibba view point of Geiranger (weather permitting). This is probably the most fantastic view in the world at

1, 500 meters above the sea level. En route lunch is included on today's scenic drive. We return to the hotel in the afternoon where a special tour of the Veteran car collections is included at the hotel. A number of these beautiful cars were used to show tourists around the Geiranger area in the 1920's and 1930's and they are still in excellent condition. Dinner at your hotel.

Early morning departure by coach to the capital Oslo. We travel via Lom, where we can admire the oldest wooden church in Norway, which dates from the 12th Century. We will continue, via Otta, leaving the fjords area of Central Norway, which is characterized by mountains and lakes and which is the major attraction in the country. Late in the afternoon we will arrive in Oslo and check-in to our hotel.

After breakfast, meet our local English-speaking guide for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour in the Norwegian capital, beautifully situated by a fjord. We will enjoy a magnificent view of the Oslo Fjord from Holmenkollen Hill, with the famous ski jumps where the Winter Games were held in 1952. Among other highlights, we will visit the Viking Ship Museum, with its three Viking vessels. The Vigeland's Park, one of the major Scandinavian cultural treasures, will welcome us with the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, who dedicated his life to his artistic works. We will also pass by the Royal Palace and the main street, Karl Johan as well. The tour ends at the hotel, from where you will be free to explore the Viking capital at your own pace.

Depart by coach to Stockholm, passing through Norwegian and Swedish forests, and through the region of Varmland, the home of many legends. We will continue to Karlstad and Mariefred, where we make a stop to admire the outside of Gripsholm Castle, dating from the 16th Century. During our trip we will see changing landscapes, varying between green forests and crystalline lakes. We arrive in Stockholm late in the afternoon for check-in to the hotel.

Grand Hotel or Hotel Sheraton

Meet our local English-speaking guide and depart by private coach for a 3-hour city sightseeing. The city of Stockholm, built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges, embraces the unique character of the 13th century Old Town and modern high-tech architecture. Stockholm's islands are bordered by Lake Malaren in the west and the Baltic Sea in the east where the archipelago with it's 30.000 islands awaits exploration. Renowned for its beauty, Stockholm is also the hub of the Baltic area with easy access to the Nordic capitals and the Baltic countries. The capital is a big city with a small town personality. Its handy size and short walking distances makes it easy to cover a lot in a short time. Stockholm is proudly called Beauty on Water and a sightseeing tour including a walk in the Old Town and inside visits to the City Hall, where the Nobel festivities take place, and the Cathedral makes a memorable morning tour. Discover a city of contrasts. Go back 750 years in time and feel the medieval atmosphere of the Old Town "Gamla Stan" as you wander through the narrow streets. The seven hundred year old cathedral of Stockholm, Seat of the archbishop, will be visited during your stroll in the Old Town, where you will also get a chance to see Stortorget; where the Stockholm Blood Bath took place. An inside visit is paid to the best known of the city's symbols, the City Hall, where the Nobel Banquet takes place in the Blue and Golden Halls. The tour ends at the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.

After breakfast at our hotel your morning is at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the pier by private coach and departure on the Tallink overnight ferry, sailing along the Baltic Sea, bound for Tallinn. Buffet dinner will be served on board.

Breakfast buffet on board before arrival to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Meet with our local guide for transfer to your hotel. Following this is a 3-hour city sightseeing tour starting with a short tour on the coach, through the city center and around the ancient city walls, ending up at Toompea Hill for a walking tour. The walking tour of the Tallinn Old Town includes the Toompea Hill with the Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Dome Church. We will make a stop at the Viewer Square (panorama platform), onwards along Lahike Street to the Lower Town. We will walk further through this historic part of Tallinn to the Old Town Hall Square, with views of the Old Town Hall, the Old Town Pharmacy house and the Church of Holy Ghost. We continue our walk along Pohavaimu Street to the Latin quarter of Tallinn Old Town where you will find open markets, studios and shops of artisans who daily practice their craft. Then it's a short walk back to your hotel where the tour ends. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Breakfast buffet at your hotel. The morning is at leisure until your transfer from your hotel to the Tallinn Ferry terminal. Travel across the Baltic Sea and enjoy the scenery on the fast ferry ride from Tallinn to Helsinki. On arrival in Helsinki, meet and greet by your local English speaking guide for a 3 hours city sightsseing of the capital of Finland, also known as "The Daughter of the Baltic Sea". The tour includes the Senate Square, the University and Lutheran Cathedral, all displaying neo-classical architecture of the 1840's the colorful Market Square by the sea in the South Harbor, Kaivopuisto Park and diplomatic residences, the imposing statue of Marshall Mannerheim, the Parliament Building, Finlandia Hall, the Ortodox Russian Church Uspenski and the Sibelius Monument. A visit is also made to Temppeliaukio Church, called the "Rock Church" as it is carved into solid rock. The tour ends at your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel. Early departure by private coach through the Finnish countryside until crossing the boarder and later arriving in St. Petersburg, a city founded in 1703 by Czar Peter the Great and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Also known to the world as the "Northern Capital of Russia" and the "the Venice of the North", St Petersburg was virtually unharmed by the 1930-50s Stalinist reconstruction, and downtown dazzles the eye of a visitor with splendid palaces, stylish monuments, straight avenues, beautiful bridges and other attractions. St. Petersburg is filled with history and mystery. Where else would you find a city which is only 300 years old, yet full of myths and legends!

On arrival in St. Petersburg you will be met by your local English speaking guide for a 3 hour panoramic city sightseeing tour which will cover some of the many highlights of the city.

You will drive along the Nevsky Prospect, the heart of the city, and make picture stops at the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, the Senates Square, the Peter and Paul's Fortress and the 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 tour ends at your hotel for check-in. Evening at leisure.

Day is at leisure to further explore this magnificent city and its treasures.

Breakfast at your hotel. Meet our local guide for a full day excursion which will include Peterhof, the palace of the Sea 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 18-19th Centuries. 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, often called "Capital of Fountains", unique in the world. 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, for numerous Russian and foreign visitors, suburban royal park and palace ensemble of the northern Russia's capital.

At noon we will have lunch and after that we 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) present the development of the world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th Century. Today the Museum is creating its digital self portrait to be displayed around the world. Computer technologies enable the State Hermitage Museum to provide people from all over the world with wider access to information about the Museum and its treasures. The excursion ends at your hotel. Evening free.

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Notes