Itinerary

Day 1 USA - Helsinki - Copenhagen

Board our flight bound for Copenhagen. Cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 2 Copenhagen

Upon arrival of Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark , we start a half day panoramic sightseeing tour. Our first stop is the symbol of the city - the Little Mermaid in Hans C. Andersen's fairy tale. Our tour also features the City Hall, the Agricultural Goddess Fountain, and a photo-stop at Amalienborg Palace. Highlight of the city tour is a visit to Rosenborg Castle*, where you will see the three famous silver lions guarding the royal throne.

• Includes Dinner

Day 3 Copenhagen - DFDS Scandinavia Cruise

Today's tour features two amazing castles: the Kronborg Castle* and the Frederiksborg Castle*. First we drive north through magnificent Danish countryside to Kronborg Castle, the setting chose by William Shakespeare for his famous play "Hamlet". After lunch, head to Hillerod to visit the Renaissance-style Frederiksborg Castle, which was built by the King Christian IV, and now is the national historical museum. Finally we board the luxurious ferry* at DFDS pier to Oslo. Enjoy a spectacular Scandinavian buffet dinner on board.

• Includes Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4  DFDS Scandinavia Cruise - Oslo, Norway - Geilo

After a typical Scandinavian buffet breakfast, we disembark at Oslo. The city tour takes us to the Viking Ships Museum* for an orientation to the awesome technical skills the Vikings displayed in constructing their seafaring ships, and later to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, where granite and bronze sculptures portray joy and sorrow, life and death. Also, a scenic drive will give us a panoramic view of the city and the Oslofjord, including the Oslo City Hall, it is where the Nobel Peace Prize is given out every year. Some free time in the afternoon for leisure before traveling to Geilo, the ski resort for the Scandinavian. Enjoy our dinner at hotel.

• Includes Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Geilo - Hardangerfjord - Bergen

Drive along the valley of Hardangervidda and travel to Bergen, the gateway to the fjords of Norway. Our bus passes snow-capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls, tranquil lakes and lovely villages. After crossing the Hardangerfjord, we arrive in Bergen, Norway's second largest city and principal port on the west coast. Our first stop of city tour is the harbor-side outdoor Fish Market where you may sample the freshly seafood. Next we visit the UNESCO world heritage listed Bryggen, the historical Stave Church, and view the Norwegian traditional sod-roof houses.

• Includes Breakfast

Day 6 Bergen - Voss - Flam - Scenic Train - Tunnel - Sognefjord - Sogndal - Skei  

Enjoy the picturesque Norwegian fjords from the train* and also from the ferry* today. Travel north, pass by the mountain resort of Voss, and then board the world's steepest scenic train at Flam. The journey to Myrdal takes you through a steep and narrow valley, with views of mighty waterfalls and mountain peaks. Get off the train, continue heading north along the Sognefjord, passing through World's longest tunnel and crossing fjord by ferry boat*. Dinner and overnight accommodation at Skei.

• Includes Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Skei - Briksdal (Briksdal Glacier) - Geirangerfjord Cruise - Geiranger  

After Scandinavian buffet breakfast at hotel, we proceed to Briksdal. After city orientation tour and lunch, a walking tour shows us the world famous Briksdal Glacier. Later in the afternoon, we cruise on the Geirangerfjord and enjoy the most beautiful views of fjord in Norway. After disembarkation at Geiranger, you may join an optional excursion to the summit of Mount Dalsnibba.

• Includes Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Geiranger - Eidsdalfjord - Lillehammer

We head inland today through Eidsdal. Enjoy wonderful views of the Eidsdalfjord. Along the way there is more spectacular scenery as we drive through the valley to the 1994 Winter Olympic Town of Lillehammer. Upon arrival, enjoy free time at leisure, perhaps strolling along the streets to explore the city.

• Includes Breakfast

Day 9 Lillehammer - Karlstad, Sweden - Stockholm

Another scenic day: the rolling green pasture lands, dense forests, charming valleys, shimmering lakes, and towering mountains. We travel in our comfortable coach toward Karlstad, a lovely lake-side town of Sweden. A chance to browse in its enticing shops is given. Later we arrive in the largest city of Scandinavia, Stockholm. Very soon tourists understand that the beauty of this Swedish capital is due to its unique setting on 14 islands and to the care with which city authorities control urban development and preserve historical treasures.

• Includes Breakfast

Day 10 Stockholm - Overnight Cruise on Baltic Sea - Helsinki, Finland

Our half-day tour of Stockholm gives us an in depth introduction to this perhaps the most beautiful of all Scandinavian capitals. The visit to Vasa Museum* takes us back in time to an era when Sweden was the dominant maritime power of Northern Europe; the Vasa Ship, raised from the bottom of the sea after more than 400 years, is a testament to that power. Next visit the stunning City Hall* and its fabulous golden mosaics. It is where the Nobel Prize Banquet is held after the ceremony. Board an overnight cruise ship to Helsinki, the beautiful city by the Baltic Sea. After a splendid Scandinavian buffet dinner, we'll have plenty of time to enjoy the many facilities on board: duty free shopping, cinema, sauna, etc.

• Includes Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 Helsinki

Upon early morning arrival at Helsinki, our sightseeing tour starts immediately featuring the imaginative monument to the Finnish Composer Jean Sibelius, Russian Uspenski Cathedral, Olympic Stadium, Senate Square, Lutheran Church, Market Square, Parliament Building, and the world famous Rock Church. After dinner, we check in to our hotel.

• Includes Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 Helsinki - USA

Bid Scandinavia a fond farewell as we board our international flight back to the States. Or make the most of your vacation with an optional extension to the singular country, Russia.

• Includes Breakfast