Spectacular Scandinavia and Its Fjords

2010

Day 1 - DEPART USA

Overnight flight.

Day 2 - COPENHAGEN AT LEISURE

Welcome to Scandinavia - region of rare beauty! On arrival at Copenhagen Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 10:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Then you are at leisure. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner at the hotel, followed by a visit to the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world famous Tivoli Gardens.
Hotel: Radisson Scandinavia (D)

Day 3 - COPENHAGEN SIGHTSEEING

This morning visit the Christiansborg (the Danish Parliament Building) to marvel at the opulent interior. See the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces, and the Renaissance Stock Exchange. Later, perhaps join a tour through the Danish countryside? (BB)

Day 4 - COPENHAGEN - ODENSE - FREDERIKSHAVN

Cross from Zealand to the Island of Fyn, to visit the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen in Odense. Then head to the peninsula of Jutland, known as the 'garden of Denmark' because of its charming countryside and rich farmland. Your hotel is at the port of Frederikshavn, where tonight you enjoy a highlight dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Radisson Jutlandia. (BB,HD)

Day 5 - FREDERIKSHAVN - STOCKHOLM

Bid farewell to Denmark as you cross the waters of the Kattegat to Gothenburg. Continue through fertile farmland and along the shores of LakeVattern, to Stockholm, known as 'the city that floats on the water'.
Hotel: Clarion Stockholm. (BB)

Day 6 - STOCKHOLM SIGHTSEEING

The charms of Sweden's capital are revealed on your morning sightseeing tour. With your local guide, visit the City Hall's 'Gold Room' where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. Then continue into the medieval island heart of the city to view the cathedral, walk through the Old Town and see the Royal Palace. Now a highlight visit to one of Europe's greatest attractions, the unique Wasa Galleon - a marvellous impression of life on board a 17C naval vessel. (BB)

Day 7 - STOCKHOLM - SLGTUNA - UPPSALA - FALUN

Travel via Lake Mälaren to tiny Sigtuna, once the Viking capital and now boasting Sweden's smallest City Hall. Then to historic Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia's oldest university. Visit the Cathedral where the Swedish kings were crowned and the botanist Linnaeus is buried. Later, travel through rural Dalecarlia to the ski resort of Falun.
Hotel: First Hotel Grand (BB,D)

Day 8 - FALUN - LILLEHAMMER

A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Siljan in the Dalarna region, brings you to Nusnas, to witness colourful wooden horses being made. Continue deep into the forested heart of Sweden, passing Salen, the starting point for the annual cross country skiing marathon. Cross into Norway and pass the Olympic ice skating rink called the 'Viking Ship' at Hamar, on your way to Lillehammer.
Hotel: Rica Hotel Victoria. (BB)

Day 9 - LILLEHAMMER - LOM - GEIRANGER

This morning enjoy a visit to the Maihaugen open-air museum to see old Norway's rural life come alive. Now continue to the Norwegian Fjordland - a wonderful world of soaring mountains, icy glaciers and rivers which cascade thousands of feet into green valleys below. Follow Peer Gynt's valley enjoying vistas of waterfalls, lakes and snow-capped peaks to reach Lom with its 12th century Stave Church. Now its on to the remote village of Geiranger, a superb setting overlooking fjords & mountains.
Hotel: Union. (BB,D)

Day 10 - GEIRANGER AT LEISURE

A day for relaxation amidst the most breath taking scenery, which has been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. Later maybe take an excursion along the Trolls' Road with outstanding photo opportunities at the Seven Sisters waterfall! (BB,D)

Day 11 - GEIRANGER - FJORD CRUISE - FJORDLAND

Begin your day with a spectacular highlight cruise on the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Continue through glacier country where we stop for photos at the Bøyabreen Glacier. Then a scenic drive along the Sognefjord, before your ferry crossing to Laerdal, at the head of the magnificent fjord.
Hotel: Lindstroem Hotel (BB,D)

Day 12 - FJORDLAND - FLAM RAILWAY - BERGEN

Majestic Sognefjord is the world's longest and deepest fjord, and you cruise upon its magnificent waters today. Now embark on a spectacular journey on the Flam Railway, ascending from sea level to 3,000 feet, with views of mountain scenery and roaring waterfalls. Your destination tonight is the historic port of Bergen, Norway's most naturally beautiful city, with its brightly painted houses.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal. (BB)

Day 13 - BERGEN SIGHTSEEING

The ancient Hanseatic port of Bergen still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the colourful fish market, the largest in Scandinavia. Today is yours to explore all that this exciting town has to offer, such as the 13C Haakon's Hall. Or perhaps you might like to visit the home of composer Edward Grieg before ascending Mount Ulriken by cable car? (BB)

Day 14 - BERGEN - OSLO

Bid farewell to 'the wooden city' this morning travel east through the rugged landscape of the Hardangervidda. Cross scenic mountains and travel through ski-resorts on your way to the Norwegian capital of Oslo.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Scandinavia. (BB)

Day 15 - OSLO SIGHTSEEING

A guided sightseeing tour today passes the Royal Palace, as well as the spires and ramparts of Akerhus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbour. At Frogner Park view the controversial Vigeland Sculptures, before a special Highlight visit to the Viking Long Ship Museum. Tonight, why not get together with your fellow travellers for a celebration dinner at a traditional restaurant? (BB)

Day 16 - RETURN TO USA

After breakfast, departure transfers arrive at Oslo Airport at 07:15 & 10:15. (BB)