Northern Highlights

PRICE INCLUDES:

• 10 nights’ accommodation including daily 3-course or buffet dinner and Scandinavian buffet breakfast, in centrally located first class hotels. Rooms with private facilities.

• 5 lunches on Days 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

• 3-hour guided tours of Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki, and 4-hour tour Stockholm, all entrances included.

• Ride on the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien.

• 3-hour cruise on the Næroy and Sogn Fjords, and 1-hour cruise on the Geiranger Fjord.

• All ferry crossings.

• Overnight cruise Stockholm—Helsinki, including accommodation in 2-berth outside cabins with shower/WC, buffet dinner and breakfast on board.

• Luggage assistance at all hotels, except on first day arrival.

• Tour escort throughout.

• Transportation by modern deluxe coach with reclining seats, etc.

DAY 1: USA departure from several GATEWAY Cities including Chicago, Newark, Seattle, Minneapolis and Detroit, with add-on connecting city fares available. All subject to availability. Cocktails, meals and movies provided in-flight.

DAY 2: ARRIVE OSLO

You’ll arrive at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport where you transfer either via the new high-speed rail (every 19 minutes) or by motor coach to Oslo and your hotel located in the city center close to the Karl Johan Boulevard. You have time to rest or explore and shop at the Aker Brygge, a renewed harbor area with restaurants and all kinds of shops. Visit the Akerhus Fortress and the Resistance Museum, City Hall or the Munch Museum. Your tour escort will meet you at the hotel. DINNER and accommodation at the: Hotel: RICA VICTORIA HOTEL–OSLO (D, B) (D=Dinner / B=Breakfast)

DAY 3: OSLO

This morning you’ll start your three-hour CITY TOUR of this Norwegian capital. You’ll visit the world-famous Viking ships out at Bygdøy Island, the Polar exploration ship Fram and the amazing Vigeland Sculpture Park with its 200 sculptures in granite and bronze. Your tour will continue after lunch with a drive to Holmenkollen for a panoramic view of the city and fjords and a look at the international ski jump. Dinner tonight at your hotel. Hotel: RICA VICTORIA HOTEL–OSLO (d, b)

DAY 4: OSLO—BERGEN

After breakfast departure from Oslo, driving past the beautiful Tyri Fjord and along the picturesque Halling Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. Buffet lunch at Bardøla Mountain Hotel. After lunch cross the scenic Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the mighty Vøringsfoss Waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 m., the highest in Norway. Descend the amazing Måbödal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord. Short ferry crossing, followed by drive via Voss and Dale to Bergen, the old Hanseatic capital of Western Norway and gateway to the Fjords. Hotel: RADISSON SAS HOTEL NORGE (D, B)

DAY 5: BERGEN

Your day will start with a three-hour CITY TOUR of this "gateway to the fjords". You’ll visit the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbor with its gabled warehouses, the Hanseatic Quarter and the historic MARIA CHURCH. Ride on the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien, for panoramic views of Bergen and the fjords below. This afternoon will be free to shop and explore the old narrow streets and souvenir shops of this wonderful city. Hotel: RADISSON SAS Hotel NORGE (d, b)

DAY 6: BERGEN—BALESTRAND

After a refreshing buffet breakfast, your coach will take you on a scenic tour alongside the Hardanger Fjord, via the towns of Norheimsund and øystese, before descending the impressive Næroy Valley with its high mountain peaks. Buffet lunch at Stalheim Hotel, with breathtaking views of the Stalheim Canyon. After lunch, short drive to Gudvangen at the head of the narrow Næroy Fjord, where you board the Express Boat for the start of a 3-hour cruise along the Næroy, Aurlands and Sogn Fjords. From the sun deck you can relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery, waterfalls and wildlife of the fjords. Disembark in Balestrand, considered the most scenic resort on the Sognefjord. Hotel: Kvikne’s Hotel (d, b)

DAY 7: BALESTRAND—GEIRANGER

Today’s tour starts with an impressive ascent of the Gaular Mountains, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops, followed by a scenic tour alongside Lake Jølster, before descending to the lovely Nord Fjord. Your coach will make a detour to visit the famous Briksdal Glacier, before arriving in the fjordside village of Loen. Lunch at Loenfjord Hotel. This afternoon you will enjoy a one-hour cruise by ferry on the famous Geiranger Fjord, passing close by such magnificent waterfalls as the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil. Disembark in the picturesque village of Geiranger, amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Hotel: UNION Hotel (d, b)

DAY 8: GEIRANGER—OSLO

From the top of the famous Serpentine Road, you have the opportunity to digest some fantastic views of the fjord, before crossing the exciting Grotli Mountains to Lom, renowned for its well-preserved 14th century stave church. The tour continues via Lake Vågå, before descending the magnificent Gudbrands Valley to the popular tourist town of Lillehammer. Lunch at Quality Hafjell Hotel. Stop to visit the famous Olympia Park with panoramic views of the town, before continuing the journey alongside Lake Mjøsa back to Oslo. Hotel: RICA VICTORIA Hotel (d, b)

DAY 9: OSLO—STOCKHOLM

After breakfast departure from Oslo, continuing by coach toward the Swedish border, crossing into the attractive province of Värmland to arrive in the city of Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden. Lunch at historic Stads Hotel. 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 Hotel: SCANDIC Hotel CONTINENTAL (d, b)

DAY 10: STOCKHOLM

You’ll have a hearty Scandinavian breakfast before your day starts. This morning you’ll really enjoy a 4-hour guided tour of Stockholm, often called the "Venice of the North" because of its many canals and waterways. During the tour, you’ll see all the famous sights including the Royal Palace, Parliament Building, the Island of Djurgården and the Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous antique shops and lots of wonderful restaurants. Highlight of the tour is a visit to City Hall with its famous Blue and Gold halls where the Nobel Prize Banquet is held each year. The walls of the Gold Room are covered with gold mosaics depicting the history of Stockholm and setting – truly magnificent! Please note that lunch is not included in the itinerary for today. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for you to explore and the tour escort will be happy to arrange optional visits to the lovely Drottningholm Palace or, highly recommended, the famous Vasa Museum, or a 2-hour canal tour.
Hotel: SCANDIC HOTEL CONTINENTAL (D, B)

DAY 11: STOCKHOM—HELSINKI

Morning is free to shop for stylish textiles, silver, crystal, stainless steel, handmade arts and crafts with a late afternoon transfer by coach to the pier for an overnight cruise on the Silja Line. Your ship leaves at 6:00 PM for your cruise to Helsinki, Finland, sailing through the narrow channel amid the numerous small islands and skerries of the Stockholm archipelago in the rays of the setting sun and across the Baltic. Scandinavian buffet dinner (smörgåsbord) on board with a wide variety of different meats and fish as well as hot dishes. Choice of entertainment, bars, shops and casinos on board. Accommodation in 2-berth outside cabins with shower/WC.

DAY 12: HELSINKI

Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki harbor. After disembarkation, a 3-hour guided tour of Helsinki. Famous sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple and much more. During the afternoon you can explore the busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbor. Finnish crystal and leather goods are an excellent buy. Hotel: SCANDIC HOTEL MARSKI (d, b)

DAY 13: HELSINKI—ST. PETERSBURG

For guests on the 12-night tour Oslo-Helsinki, this ends after breakfast at hotel, with transfers to Helsinki Airport to connect with indivudual flight departures.

Guests continuing to St. Petersburg depart by coach after breakfast. Drive via the town of Hamina, to cross the Russian border during the morning. During the late afternoon arrive in St. Petersburg, a city of outstanding architectural beauty, famous for it magnificent palaces, cathedrals, fountains and bridges. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel: Hotel PRIBALTIYSKAYA (d, b)

DAY 14: ST. PETERSBURG

After buffet breakfast, your motor coach will take you on your excursion to the very roots of St. Petersburg, including a visit to The Peter and Paul Fortress, burial place of the Russian Tsars. Other famous sights include the Admiralty, Palace Square, Smolny Convent, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, etc. After lunch in a typical Russian restaurant, you’ll enjoy an afternoon excursion to the world famous Hermitage Art Museum. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel: Hotel PRIBALTIYSKAYA (d, b)

DAY 15: ST. PETERSBURG

The day starts with a coach excursion to Peterhof, summer residence of all the Tsars, accompanied by our English-speaking Russian guide. LUNCH in restaurant at Peterhof. Return to hotel with time free for shopping or exploring this historical city. This evening you will be taken to see a Russian folklore show at Grand Duke Nicholas Palace. After the show, DINNER at a popular restaurant in the city.
Hotel: Hotel PRIBALTIYSKAYA (b)

DAY 16: ST. PETERSBURG—HELSINKI

After buffet breakfast, departure by coach from St. Petersburg and return to Helsinki. Arrive back in the Finnish capital in late afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel: SCANDIC HOTEL MARSKI (d, b)

DAY 17: HELSINKI DEPARTURE