Scandinavian Explorer

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your fascinating voyage on your Scandinavian tours begin as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Stockholm (Sweden).

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Sign Stockholm

Today, arrive in Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden that was founded in the 13th century and built on fourteen islands that are connected by dozens of bridges. You’ll embark on a guided tour to see the Town Hall where the Nobel Prize banquets are held as well as Gamla Stan, the fascinating medieval old town where the Royal Palace, Parliament and Riddarholm Church are located. The tour concludes at your centrally located upscale hotel. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 3: Stockholm.

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at leisure to enjoy beautiful Stockholm at your own pace. Explore the narrow streets of Gamla Stan or visit the Vasa Museum, where you may view the restored warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Your hotel is ideally located for independent exploration.

Day 4: Stockholm/Bergen (Norway).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

This morning embark on a short flight to Bergen, the capital of Norway’s majestic fjord region. Join your tour director for a walk from your harbor side hotel to the colorful open-air fish and flower market and to the lively 14th century merchant quarter of Bryggen. Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore this 900 year old Hanseatic town independently.

Day 5: Bergen/Flam/Lofthus: “Norway in a Nutshell”.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Ullensvang Hotel

Over the next few days venture into the heart of Norway’s Fjord region and admire some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. A day of scenic splendors begins with a drive to Voss where you’ll embark on an express train to Myrdal. Here board the world famous Flam Mountain Railway for an hour-long thrilling ride descending 2,600 feet and passing through 20 tunnels, thundering waterfalls and towering mountains en route to the quaint village of Flam. Next, enjoy a delightful leisurely cruise through majestic Sognefjord and its smaller arms and admire the grandeur of the sheer cliffs that flank the fjord. Disembark in Gudvangen where you’ll rejoin your motor coach and drive through the bends of the Stalheim Canyon to Lofthus, an enchanting village on the shores of Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second largest fjord. Your landmark hotel faces the majestic fjord.

Day 6: Hardangerfjord.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Lofthus is located on the shores of the Hardangerfjord, in a region that is blessed with stunning natural beauty and is surrounded by snowcapped mountains and pristine fjords. The day is at leisure to explore at your own pace from your ideally located resort hotel, or perhaps you may wish to the charming Hardanger Folk Museum optional excursion.

Day 7: Lofthus/Oslo.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Thon Opera Hotel

Today journey though Norway’s scenic countryside with a stop to view the mighty Voeringfoss Waterfall cascading 600ft. Later arrive in Oslo where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this old Viking capital. You’ll visit Vigeland Sculpture Park where impressive bronze sculptures can be viewed. You’ll also see City Hall, the waterfront and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

Day 8: Oslo/Overnight Cruise.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: DFDS Line Cruise

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore at your own pace. You may visit the Viking Ship Museum where you can see the remains of well-preserved old wooden ships. Later, transfer to the pier located on the Oslo Fjord and embark on a comfortable overnight cruise, sailing through the North Sea. Relax on board and enjoy a sumptuous smorgasbord dinner before retiring to your private cabin.

Day 9: Copenhagen (Denmark).

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Copenhagen Island Hotel or Imperial Hotel

Enjoy the splendid early morning scenery as you sail into port to start your Copenhagen travel in Denmark’s capital and delightful cultural center. An included guided city tour features Hans Christian Andersen’s renowned Little Mermaid, Christiansborg Palace – seat of the parliament and Nyhavn, world famous and recently restored district. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own. A brief walk from your hotel brings you to Stroget, a lively pedestrian street with delightful atmosphere, tempting shopping and abundant cafes. This evening enjoy an included dinner in a famous local restaurant.

Day 10: Copenhagen.

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at leisure for independent exploration. Your hotel is centrally located in the lively and colorful city center, bustling with parks, cafes, restaurants and shops. You may also join an optional “Castle of North Zealand” tour. This evening we suggest a visit to renowned Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park.

Day 11: Copenhagen/Helsinki (Finland).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Scandic Grand Marina Hotel

Today fly to the charming harbor city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. On an included guided afternoon tour see Senate Square surrounded by 19-century classical buildings and the colorful Market Square.

Day 12: Helsinki/USA or St. Petersburg.

Meals: Breakfast

Morning at leisure to explore independently. Later today, fly back to the USA or continue your exciting journey with an extension to St. Petersburg, Russia.