FJORDS AND NORTHERN CAPITALS |
A suggested program
13 days Oslo, Bergen (2), Balestrand, Geiranger, Oslo, Stockholm (2), overnight cruise, Helsinki
Pricing is subject to season and availability.
*13 days Oslo-Helsinki
*11 nights accommodation
*11 breakfast,
16 days Oslo (2), Bergen (2), Balestrand, Geiranger, Oslo, Stockholm (2), overnight cruise, Helsinki, Ivalo, Hammerfest, North Cape, Honningsvåg, St. Petersburg (3), Helsinki
Pricing is subject to season and availability
Price includes:
*16 days Oslo-Helsinki-North Cape
*14 nights accommodation
*14 breakfast,
Both tours include:
-All entrances as described in the itinerary according to
length of chosen tour
-English speaking guide for tours chosen
-Transportation by private coach, or private car, cruises, ferry crossings and airport/hotel
transfers
Oslo is a perfect introduction to the version of Fjord and Northern Capitals Tour. The Viking capital claims the heritage of these explorers from her commanding position at the head of the Oslofjord. The coach tours from the Old World charm of Bergen to the top of canyon viewpoints and the blue ice chill of the glaciers. Descend into the awesome majesty of the longest fjord in the world-catch your breath as the ferry sails by cascading falls and towering cliffs.
The rolling countryside opens onto the largest lake in Sweden, an idyllic luncheon viewpoint before reaching the archipelago of Stockholm-"Venice of the North." Old Town's cellar restaurant and antique shops contrast with the sumptuous Royal Palace and the rich blue and gold room and tiled mosaics of City Hall. Refresh your memories on a sunset cruise to Helsinki.
The imposing Suomenlinna fortress guards the stylish inner harbor of Helsinki-an elegant skyline of domed cathedrals and modernist architecture. Browse the designer shops lining the broad promenades and perhaps enjoy a night out in this colorful city. End your tour and explore on your own, perhaps into the medieval mysteries of the Baltics and St. Petersburg; or extend to the Land of the Midnight Sun!
North Cape Extension
Time to see Karasjok, SAMI cultural and political capital of the Lapps. Experience their culture, their resonating Joik chanting and browse the many shops displaying unusual and colorful handicrafts. The attractions of the villages are special as you see how hardy the people are in their pristine landscape. Keep alert to spot reindeer herds grazing in their summer open pasture!
Day 1 Departure from home city
Day 2 Arrive Oslo
Refresh and get acquainted with the capital! Your tour escort will meet you at the hotel and there will be time to pursue suggested activities.
Day 3 Oslo
3 hour city tour (Viking ships at Bygdøy Island, the Polar exploration ship Fram, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Holmenkollen viewpoint ad international ski jump)- afternoon free
Day 4 Oslo - Bergen
Scenic route through villages and mountains- Tryfjord- Hallingdal Valley- Geilo Resort town
Buffet lunch at Bardøla Mountain Hotel
Hardanger Mountain Plateau- Hardanger Fjord- Towns of Dale- Bergen
Day 5 Bergen
3 hour city tour highlights (Bryggen Harbor, Fish and Flower Market, Hanseatic Quarter and Maria Church) ride up the Mt Fløien Funicular- afternoon free
Day 6 Bergen - Balestrand
Scenic tour alongside the Hardanger Fjord
Lunch on board sightseeing boat
Stalheim Canyon-board ferry at Gudvangen- 3 hour cruise of Nærøy, Aurlands and Sogn Fjords- Balestrand
Day 7 Balestrand - Geiranger
Ascent of the Gaular Mountains-viewpoint- Lake Jølster- Nord Fjord- Briksdal Glacier Lunch at Loenfjord Hotel
1 hour cruise of Geiranger fjord-Seven Sisters- village of Geiranger
Day 8 Geiranger - Oslo
Serpentine Road viewpoint - Lom Stave Church - Gudbrands Valley - Lillehammer international ski jump
Lunch in Lillehammer- Lake Mjøsa - Oslo
Day 9 Oslo – Stockholm
Cross countryside and Swedish border - Karlstad on Lake Vänern
Lunch at historic Stads Hotel
Scenic lake and forest route - arrive Stockholm late afternoon
Day 10 Stockholm
4 hour city tour highlights ( Royal Palace, Parliament Building, the Island of Djurgården and the Old Town Gamla Stan and City Hall)- Afternoon free
Day 11 Stockholm - Helsinki
Morning and early afternoon free
Overnight cruise to Helsinki by luxury liner, Silja Line or Viking Line, departing at 6:00 pm - views of the channel narrows and islands of the archipelago
Day 12 Helsinki arrival
Either by Silja Line or your "Northcape Journey Tour" begins today!
3 hour city tour highlights (Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliment House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument and the Underground Temple)
Day 13 Helsinki: Heskinki-Ivalo-Hammerfest Or Helsinki Home...
Fjord/Countryside & Northern Ports return flights to USA or late morning flight on Finnair to Ivalo for the start of your tour/extension to the North cape & Land of the Midnight Sun. Drive northwest towards Norway passing Lake Inari, scared lake of the Sami, through Karasjok and along the path of the wild grazing reindeer herds. Arrive in Hammerfest.
Day 14 Hammerfest - Honningsvåg - North Cape
Enjoy a 3 hour city tour of Hammerfest, including the musuem of WWII Reconstruction, Hammerfest Church and the Polar Bear Society Clubhouse. Lunch at the hotel and depart for Honningsvåg
Day 15 Honningsvåg - Ivalo - Helsinki
Return to Ivalo with a stop in Karasjok, a most interesting and cultural time to experience Sami lifestyle. See many of the Sami dressed in their colorful attire as well as taste some of their hearty reindeer stew in a Laavo tent!
Flight back to Helsinki
Day 16 Helsinki departure
This tour ends after breakfast in the hotel and includes your transfer to the Helsinki Airport and home.
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