GRAND TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA,

ST. PETERSBURG & MOSCOW 2008
 

21 days / 20 nights, Copenhagen – Oslo - Bergen - Sogne Fjord - Nærøy Fjord -

Briksdal Glacier - Geiranger Fjord – Stockholm – Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Moscow

English departures: Tuesdays, July 01, 15 & 29
Portuguese departures: Tuesdays, June 24 / July 08 & 22

All departures are guaranteed

Day 1 ARRIVE COPENHAGEN (D)
Arrive Copenhagen Airport. Transfer to hotel in connection with individual flight arrivals. Dinner and overnight at the Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel.

Accommodation: Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel

Day 2 COPENHAGEN (B, D)
The day starts with a 3 hours guided tour of the city. Famous sights include the Royal Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace (Danish Parliament Buildings), Gefion Fountain, Nyhavn, and of course the famous Little Mermaid. Afternoon free for exploring this fairytale city. In the evening you will be taken to dinner at the Tivoli Gardens.

Accommodation: Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel

Day 3 COPENHAGEN - OSLO (B, D)
Morning free in Copenhagen. Afternoon transfer by coach from hotel to DFDS Seaways terminal for your overnight cruise by ferry to Oslo, departing at 17.00 hrs. Enjoy your first Scandinavian smörgåsbord dinner as you cruise gently up the Kattegat. Accommodation in 2-berth outside cabins with shower/WC. We recommend you to bring an overnight bag for this cruise, to avoid having to carry suitcases to and from your cabin.

Accommodation: onboard DFDS Seaways

Day 4 OSLO (B, D)
A delicious buffet breakfast is being served as you cruise along the enchanting Oslo Fjord. Arrival in Oslo at 09.15 hrs, followed by 3 hours guided tour of the Norwegian capital. You will visit the world-famous Viking Ships, the Polar exploration ship Fram, and the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park. This will be followed by an excursion to Holmenkollen for a Birdseye view of the city and fjord far below. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel, ideally situated close to the Karl Johan boulevard and Royal Palace.

Accommodation: Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel

Day 5 OSLO - ULVIK (B, D)
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.

Accommodation: Rica Brakanes Hotel

Day 6 ULVIK - BERGEN (B, L, D)

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 pack houses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter. You will also ride on the funicular to Mt. Fløyen, for the best views of the city and fjords way below. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson SAS Hotel Norge, centrally located on Ole Bull’s Square, close to the pedestrian shopping streets and within walking distance of the old Bryggen harbour.

Accommodation: Radisson SAS Norge Hotel

Day 7 BERGEN - FLÅM - BALESTRAND (B, L, D)
After breakfast departure from Bergen and drive via Dale to the town of Voss. Descend the Nærøy Valley, passing the Stalheim Canyon, to the fjord village of Flåm. Board 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 thundering waterfalls and mountain scenery. After short rest in Flåm, board our sightseeing boat M/S Lady Elisabeth for a 2- hour cruise along the narrow Aurlands and Nærøy Fjords, both branches of the Sogne Fjord, longest and deepest fjord in the world. Spectacular scenery of cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks, and a variety of wildlife await you.
After disembarking in Gudvangen, continue by coach across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes, for the short ferry crossing to the beautiful fjord resort of Balestrand. Dinner and accommodation at Kvikne’s Hotel, anno 1877, superbly located on the banks of the fjord and surrounded by mountains.

Accommodation: Kvikne's Hotel

Day 8 BALESTRAND - DAY IN THE FJORDS (B, D)
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 hotel’s 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 noteworthy sites can also be arranged. Dinner and accommodation.

Accommodation: Kvikne's Hotel

Day 9 BALESTRAND  - FJÆRLAND - GEIRANGER

(B, L, D)
After breakfast departure from your hotel by ferry, for a one hour’s cruise along the fjord 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 world-famous Briksdal Glacier. The journey up to the glacier will be made in open cars to give you the best of views. Afterwards a typical Norwegian lunch will be served in sight of the glacier. During the afternoon the tour continues via Loen and Stryn, to the picturesque village of Hellesylt. From here you go on board the ferry for the one hour’s cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord, possibly the most impressive of all the Norwegian fjords. During the cruise you will pass close by some magnificent waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters. Dinner and accommodation at the excellent Union Hotel, overlooking the Geiranger Fjord.

Accommodation: Union Hotel

Day 10 GEIRANGER - LOM - OSLO (B, L, D)

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 Gudbrandsdalen Valley to the popular tourist town of Lillehammer. Stop for lunch in Lillehammer. After lunch the journey continues alongside Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s 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 overnight on top of the Holmenkollen Hill.

Accommodation: Holmenkollen Park Hotel

Day 11 OSLO - STOCKHOLM (B, L, D)
After breakfast departure from Oslo, continuing by coach towards the Swedish border. Cross into the attractive province of Vãrmland to arrive in the city of Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden. Lunch in Karlstad. 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 the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel, centrally located overlooking the waterways of Stockholm, and only 10 minutes walk from

the Old Town.

Accommodation: Sheraton Stockholm Hotel

Day 12 STOCKHOLM (B, L)
The day starts with a 4 hours 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. Lunch at hotel (instead of evening dinner). Afternoon free in Stockholm, with possibility to visit the famous Wasa Museum or take one of the popular canal tours.

Accommodation: Sheraton Stockholm Hotel

Day 13 STOCKHOLM - HELSINKI (B, D)
Morning free in Stockholm. Afternoon transfer from hotel to pier, for embarkation on a luxurious cruise ferry of the Silja Line. 17.00 hrs: Departure of cruise from Stockholm, sailing slowly down the glorious archipelago past numerous small islands. Dinner onboard. Choice of entertainment, bars, shops and casino. Accommodation is in 2-berth outside cabins (seaside) with shower/WC. We recommend bringing an overnight bag for this cruise, to avoid having to carry suitcases to and from the cabin.
Accommodation: onboard Silja Line

Day 14 HELSINKI (B, D)
Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki. After disembarkation 3 hours guided tour of Helsinki. Famous sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple, and much more. Afternoon free in Helsinki. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, a first-class hotel conveniently located in the centre of Helsinki.

Accommodation: Radisson SAS Royal Hotel

Day 15 HELSINKI - ST. PETERSBURG (B, L, D)
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 includes 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.

Accommodation: Ambassador Hotel

Day 16 ST. PETERSBURG (B, L, D)
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.

Accommodation: Ambassador Hotel

Day 17 ST. PETERSBURG (B, L, D)
Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.00 hrs: Departure by hydrofoil for Peterhof, the magnificent summer residence of all the Russian Tsars. Tour of the Lower Park including Monplaisir, Bath House (inside visit), Grand Cascades etc. Return to the city by coach. 13.30 hrs: Lunch at the Restaurant Adamant.
After lunch, 1 hour’s guided boat cruise along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg. This evening you will be taken to see a colorful Russian folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace, with snacks during the intermission. Dinner at the Backstage Restaurant of the Mariinsky Theatre. Accommodation: Ambassador Hotel

Day 18 DEPART ST. PETERSBURG (B)
Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.00 hrs: Guests continuing to Moscow have 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 coach transfer with guided assistance to St. Petersburg Airport, including luggage handling at airport. Economy class flight from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Arrival in Moscow followed by coach transfer with English-speaking guide to your hotel in the Russian capital. Moscow was founded in the 12th century, built as a wooden fortress on the banks of the Moscow River to keep out barbarian invaders from the east. Today it is a modern city with wide boulevards and green parks, yet proudly preserving its historic monuments and impressive buildings from previous eras. Dinner and accommodation at Tverskaya Marriott Hotel, a centrally located 4 star hotel.
Accommodation: Tverskaya Marriott Hotel
 

Day 19 MOSCOW (B, L, D)
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Morning tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Museum, with local English-speaking guide. This tour lasting approx. 3 hours has to be done on foot as no coaches are allowed inside the area. The Kremlin, which was the home, not only of the Tsars, but also of Lenin and Stalin, is surrounded by 7 meters thick walls and covers an area of 29 acres. You will pass by the Lenin Mausoleum and the grave of the unknown soldier, where brides still leave their wedding bouquets, to visit one of the impressive Russian Orthodox Cathedrals. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Armoury Museum, containing the largest collection in the world of crown jewels and coronation robes, including the wedding dress of Catherine the Great and the famous189 carat Olov diamond. You will also see the golden horse-drawn carriages of all the Tsars and many other treasures. 13.00 hrs: Lunch in Godunov Restaurant. After lunch walk through the Red Square to rejoin your coach for a panoramic city tour, including a visit to Saviour Cathedral. On this tour you will see the amazing golden, blue and green towers of the Orthodox churches, the Bolshoy Theatre, Gorkij Park (Moscow’s largest entertainments park), the State University of Moscow, and numerous other famous sights. Return by coach to hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Tverskaya Marriott Hotel

Day 20 MOSCOW (B, L, D)
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Morning: Guided tour of the WW2 Memorial on Poklonnaya Hill, followed by a visit to Borodino Panorama – the largest panoramic painting of the Borodino Battle with Napoleon in 1812. Russian lunch at Sudar Restaurant. After lunch guided tour of the famous Moscow Metro, ending with a walk along the fascinating pedestrian street Arbat, known as the ’Montmartre of Moscow’. Rest of afternoon free for shopping in the GUM department store or exploring Moscow on your own. We can recommend a visit to the Pushkin Museum, famous for its collection of monuments from Ancient Egypt, or the popular Tretiakov Art Gallery. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Tverskaya Marriott Hotel
 

Day 21 MOSCOW DEPARTURE (B)
Buffet breakfast at hotel followed by transfer with assistance to Moscow Airport for your flight home.

 ROB

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 Related Tours:

 Grand Tour of Scandinavia

 Grand Tour of Scandinavia & St. Petersburg

 Departure Dates 2008

 English departures: Tuesdays, July 01, 15 & 29

 Portuguese departures: Tuesdays, June 24

 July 08 & 22

 Prices in US Dollar

 Grand Tour of Scandinavia, St. Petersburg & Moscow, 21 days