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Scenes of the North With Moscow Extension

Scandinavia and Russia Deluxe

21 Days / 14 locations in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia

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 and the exciting city of Moscow.. Enjoy this modern, yet exotic area with its medieval history and feel the essence of the north!

This tour is bi-lingual.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Copenhagen
Accommodation: Villa Copenhagen

Arrival to Copenhagen Airport, meet & greet by English-speaking representative, for Regular Arrival Transfer Serviceto the hotel* for check-in (Please see notes below for this service). Please consult the Borealis Destination Management welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in at your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your tour leader. A short welcome meeting will be held at 19:00, where you will receive information on the upcoming tour program. The rest of the day is at leisure.

*The departures of July 1 and August 5 will not be accommodated at Hotel Copenhagen Marriott. The hotel will be reconfirmed latest 4 weeks prior to departure and it will be a centrally located hotel of 4-5 stars category.

 
Day 2     Copenhagen
Accommodation: Villa Copenhagen
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we depart by private coach with our local guide for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour. The tour will be the perfect introduction to "Wonderful Copenhagen". We start with a drive towards the City Hall Square where the famous pedestrian street "Stroeget" begins. We pass the Tivoli Gardens, dating back to 1843 and onwards past the New Carlsberg Glyptotheque and the National Museum. Next up 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 for 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, you can also delight in the exterior of Christiansborg Palace, as well as Rosenborg Castle, which houses the Crown Jewels. The tour will end at the hotel. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

 
Day 3     Copenhagen - Oslo
On Board the M/S Crown of Scandinavia
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

After breakfast, the morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the pier by private coach to embark the DFDS Seaways overnight ferry. At 4.30pm, departure to Oslo. Buffet dinner will be served on board. (Commodore Class cabins are with Queen Size beds. Clients requesting Twin beds will be accommodated in Outside 2 berth cabins, not Commodore Class. Breakfast is however still provided in Commodore class restaurant)

NOTE: Passports must be shown when travelling between Denmark and Norway on the DFDS ferry. Clients travelling with E.U. identification cards only may not be allowed on-board

 
Day 4     Oslo
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel the Hub
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast on board. Arrival to Oslo at 9:45am. We will meet our local guide for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour of the Norwegian capital, beautifully situated by the fjord. We will enjoy the view from the Opera house before heading off to Bygdoy Island. Here we will visit one of the most popular museums, the Viking Ship Museum (entrance included), with its three Viking vessels. The Vigeland Park, one of the major Scandinavian cultural treasures, will welcome us with sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, who dedicated his life to his artistic works. We will also pass by the Royal Palace and the main street, Karl Johan. The tour ends at the hotel, from where you will be free to explore the Viking capital at your own pace.

 
Day 5     Oslo - Geilo - Lofthus
Accommodation: Ullensvang Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we drive across Hoenefoss, Nesbyen surrounded by a landscape, which alternates between forests of pines and lakes to arrive in the beautiful Hallingdal Valley. Just a few kilometres away, we will visit Gol followed by Geilo, a small town surrounded by mountains and famous for its ski resorts. In Geilo we will take the time to enjoy a delicious lunch at the beautiful old Dr.Holms Hotel (included). Afterwards the tour continues to the impressive Hardanger fjord, where we arrive at Lofthus, one of Edvard Grieg's favorite haunts, and one of the most beautiful points of the fjord. Dinner at the hotel is included.

The departure of June 22nd will not be accommodated in rooms with fjord view. Instead rooms with mountain view are confirmed

 
Day 6     Lofthus - Bergen
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Royal
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart from Lofthus and travel back along the fjord until reaching Brimnes where we will cross the splendid Hardanger fjord, by travelling across the Hardanger Bridge. The bridge has one of the longest suspension bridge spans in the world. After reaching Bruravik on the other side, we will continue by coach, along the fjord, passing by Nordheimsund and crossing through forests of birches until we arrive in Bergen. Bergen is the capital of the fjords, Norway’s second largest city and one of the three university cities in the country. Early in the afternoon, we meet our local guide at the hotel, for a 2-hour panoramic sightseeing tour during which we will delight in St. Marys Church, Haakon’s Hall (no entrances), the colorful and picturesque fish markets and the old Bryggen area. The evening is at leisure

 
Day 7     Bergen - Flam - Loen
Accommodation: Alexandra Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure from Bergen and travel to the stunning village of Flam where you will have the opportunity to board the world famous Flam railway (Optional). You may also choose to drive to the extraordinary and spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint (Optional) 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord or simply stay in Flam and enjoy the area at your own leisure. Before leaving Flam we embark on a short ferry trip along the Sognefjord –the longest and deepest fjord in the country. In the afternoon we will drive through the impressive mountains of Gaula, to get to Loen at the end of the day.Loen is a town beautifully situated between the mountains, lakes and fjords.Dinner and accommodation in the prestigious hotel Alexandra

This evening we recommend you enjoy a ride with the sky lift just located next to your hotel. The view is breathtaking.

OPTIONAL: :Flamsbana (available for pre-booking)

PRICE: $120 /PERSON

Duration: approximately 2 hour

Flamsbana is one of the steepest train lines in the world on normal tracks. The 2-hour train 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 asingle 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 abovethe ocean

OPTIONAL: Stegastein Viewpoint

PRICE: $55/PERSON

Duration: approximately 2 hours

Minimum 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

 
Day 8     Loen - Briksdal - Geiranger
Accommodation: Union Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Morning OPTIONAL: Briksdal Glacier, an arm of Europe’s largest Glacier Jostedalsbreen.

PRICE: $85 /PERSON

Available by pre-booking only

Duration: approximately 3 hours

After arriving at Briksdal Glacier, we will make avisit to the foot of the glacier, travelling by small motorized “Troll cars” and walking through Norwegian nature to the very snout of the glacier. Here we experience the glacier’s breathtaking blue ice. After the visit, there will be free time for lunch at your own discretion.*It is not possible to book this excursion on site. THIS EXCURSION MUST BE PRE-BOOKED WITH TRAVEL BOOKING TO ENSURE ITS IMPLEMENTATION.Passengers not joining the optional excursion, who prefer to enjoy the hotel and its facilities, will be picked up at approximately 3.00pm. .We leave Loen and continue our journey throughthe wonderful Norwegian mountains to Hellesylt to embark the ferry, crossing the dramatic and ever so impressive, UNESCO’s World Heritage listed, Geiranger Fjord, situated amongst lush mountains and wild waterfalls. Arrival in Geiranger and check-in. Before dinner,a special tour of the Veteran car collection of The Mjelvafamily is offered. 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 the hotel is included

 
Day 9     Geiranger
Accommodation: Union Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we travel north to explore two of the most dramatic and visited areas of Norway; The Eagle’s road and Trollstigen or Troll’s path. The steepest section of Road 63 between Geiranger and Eidsdal is called Ornevegen, or "The Eagle Road͟" as driving along its eleven hairpin turns at 620 meters (2,030 ft) above sea level feels a little like being airborne. At the uppermost bend is the most spectacular viewpoint of the road, Ornesvingen, offering breath-taking views over the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Continue to to Linge crossing the Storfjord from Eisdal and from here to the Troll’s path. Driving Trollstigen is a dramatic and exciting experience. Some places it's cut into the mountain; and some parts are built on top of stone walls. An impressive bridge in natural stone carries it across the Stigfossen waterfall. The road is a result of hard work and an impressive piece of engineering work dated 100 years back in time. His Majesty King Haakon VII opened the road in the summer of 1936. At top of Trollstigen there are viewpoints and steel walkways which allow you to get close to the dramatic mountains and waterfalls (Weather permitting as road closures can occur). Lunch stop en route (not included). In the afternoon, we arrive back at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel is included.

 
Day 10     Geiranger - Lom - Oslo
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel the Hub
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure by coach to the capital, Oslo. First visit to the famous point of Dalsnibba, an observation point located 1.476 meters above sea level, with a spectacular view of the famous Geiranger Fjord, UNESCO World Heritage. (The visit to Dalsnibba is subject to climate permission - cannot be guaranteed). Continue via Lom where we can admire the oldest wooden church in Norway, which dates from the 12th Century. Late in the afternoon, we arrive in Oslo and check-in at the hotel. Thereafter you will have the chance to join the group on a 2-hour guided Walking City Tour

 
Day 11     Oslo - Stockholm
Accommodation: Haymarket by Scandic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the 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 and check-in at the hotel. The evening is at leisure.

 
Day 12     Stockholm
Accommodation: Haymarket by Scandic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet with local guide and depart by private coach for a 3-hour city sightseeing. The city of Stockholm is built on 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges. The city embraces the unique character of the 13th century Old Town and modern high-tech architecture. Stockholm's islands are bordered by Lake Mälaren in the west and the Baltic Sea in the east where the archipelago, with its 30.000 islands awaits exploration. The capital is a big city with a small town personality. Stockholm is proudly called ͞Beauty on Water͟ and a sightseeing tour, which includes a walk in the Old Town and a visit to the City Hall, makes for 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 its narrow streets. The seven hundred year old cathedral of Stockholm, Seat of the Archbishop, will be seen during your stroll through 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 one of the city’s best known symbols, the City Hall with its Blue and Golden Halls, wherethe great Nobel banquet is held. The tour ends at the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.

OPTIONAL: VASA Museum following regular sightseeing

PRICE: $70 /PERSON

Duration: approximately 2 hours

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

Min 10persons. Available by pre-booking & in situ

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 harbour 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 13     Stockholm - Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the pier by private coach to board the comfortable overnight ferry of Tallink Silja Line, sailing along the Baltic Sea, bound for Helsinki. Dinner will be served on board.

 
Day 14     Helsinki
Accommodation: Kamp Hotel
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 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 Orthodox Russian Church Uspenski and the Sibelius Monument. A visit is also made to Temppeliaukio Church called the ͞Rock Church͟ as it is carved into solid rock (the church reserves the right not to allow the entry of visitors in case of ceremonies

 
Day 15     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 Greatand one 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 at St. Petersburg and transfer to the hotel for check-in

 
Day 16     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: Peterhof Palace PRICE: $105 per person. Duration: approximately 4 hours Includes: private transportation to hotel, entrance to Peterhof w/guided tour, private tour guide

Min 6 persons

 
Day 17     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 an 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 18     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 at Moscow and transfer to Intercontinental Tverskaya Hotel, located on the main avenue of the city, Tverskaya. The evening is at leisure.

NOTE: Your tour escort will continue services until the end of the tour in Moscow.

 
Day 19     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

OPTIONAL: National Russian Dance show ͞Kostroma͟

PRICE: $120 per person. Duration: approximately 4 hours i Includes: private transportation to /from hotel, 2 hours show private local tour guide. 6.00pm - 10.00pm.

Min 6 persons

Available by pre-booking: Subject to availability

*Due to the late season start, this optional is not available for the departure of May 25

 
Day 20     Moscow
Accommodation: Intercontinental Moscow Tverskaya Hotel
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 defenses after every attack. The present brick walls date from the 1490s, though they have been frequently restored. We end the tour at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

OPTIONAL: River cruise on the Moscow river PRICE: $100 per person. Duration: approximately 3-3,5 hours Includes: private transportation to /from hotel,

2 hours cruise private local tour guide. 4.00pm - 7.30pm.

Min 6 persons Available by pre-booking only

Subject to availability

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 21     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)

 

Notes

*IMPORTANT NOTE! Regular Arrival Transfer Services, included in the program, are only available for transfers from Airport in Copenhagen and only on the official date of beginning of the 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.

Price Includes
Bi-Lingual Tour Escort Days 1-21
Arrival and Departure Transfers
Hotels Accommodation in Standard Double/Twin Rooms With Private Facilities
1 Night on Dfds Seaways Ferry (commodore Class – Except if Twin Is Request
1 Night on Tallink Silja Ferry in Outside Cabin
Daily Breakfast, Buffet Style
All Tours by Private Coach, Including All the Sightseeing Mentioned in the
Visits, Excursions and Entrances As Mentioned in the Program
Guided Tours in the Cities of Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo, Stockholm, Tallinn
Porter Service at Hotels, on Dfds Seaways and Railway Stations
Sapsan Train St. Petersburg to Moscow
Price Does Not Include
 Russian Visa
 Transatlantic Air
 Optional Excursions
BOR-1269
1.28.15.WP26