SCANDINAVIA - Norwegian Legends & Scandinavian Capitals with Baltic Cruise 14 Days
OSLO – NORWEGIAN FJORDS – COPENHAGEN – STOCKHOLM – BALTIC CRUISE – HELSINKI
Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region centered on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe and includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. With a royal history, UNESCO World Heritage sites, sustainable living and Nordic cuisine, the region offers unique explorations including Vikings, Sami Culture, design and architecture, Northern lights, the Mid Night Sun, the Fjords and much more!
itinerary & prices
Day 1: Oslo
Welcome to Oslo! Oslo is the capital of Norway, the “Viking Capital”, founded in 1040 by the Oslo Fjord, and home to many fascinating museums and beautiful green parks full of sculptures. In the very city center you will find the Karl Johan pedestrian street, and don’t forget to pass by the impressive opera house. Individual arrival to Oslo and transfer to the hotel. Check-In is guaranteed after 4 pm, in case of earlier arrival, the hotel can assist with luggage storage. At 6 pm, meet your tour escort and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby for a short introduction to the upcoming adventure through the Norwegian Fjords. Overnight at the centrally located CLARION COLLECTION HOTEL FOLKETEATRET, perfectly located within walking distance from the pedestrian street Karl Johan.
Day 2: Oslo – Lillehammer – Lom – Geiranger (BD)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Leave Oslo by coach, driving along the Lake Mjosa, the largest lake in Oslo, towards the Olympic city of Lillehammer, where the 1994 winter Olympic Games took place. After a brief stop in Lillehammer, continue towards Lom where we will have a photo stop to admire the 12th century stave church. Continue the journey through the Otta Valley to Geiranger. Dinner and overnight at the beautiful UNION HOTEL GEIRANGER.
Day 3: Geiranger – Balestrand (BD)
After a breakfast buffet at the hotel, embark on a 1-hour cruise along the spectacular, UNESCO-listed Geiranger Fjord with the impressive waterfalls: “the bridal Veil” and “the Seven Sisters”. Arrive in the village of Hellesylt and drive via the Nord Fjord and along the scenic route to Skei. En route stop to enjoy a Norwegian waffle with coffee. Continue the journey passing the Gaular Mountain National Park, making a stop by the viewpoint before arriving at the idyllic village of Balestrand, located on the shores of the fjord and surrounded by high mountains. This unique spot is a good candidate for the most beautiful place on earth. The area is known for its fertile land and fruit trees. We will pay a visit to the Cider House to enjoy a tasting. Dinner and overnight in fjord view rooms at KVIKNE’S HOTEL.
Day 4: Balestrand – Flam Railway – Bergen (B)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Leaving Balestrand might be difficult, but ahead awaits two of the most famous experiences in Norway, the Sogne Fjord and the Flåm Railway. Arrival in Gudvangen, at the head of the Næroy Fjord - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with small farms scattered on the steep hillsides of the fjord, cascading waterfalls, and towering snowclad mountains. Board a 2 hour’s mini-cruise of the Næroy and Auerland fjords – both branches of the Sogne Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Disembark in the fjord side village of Flåm and after a short rest, board the world-famous tourist train Flåm Railway, one of the most exceptional railroad trips in the world. With breath-taking views at every curve, it will take you up to the mountain station of Myrdal. In Myrdal, change train and leave by the Bergen Railway to Voss, where your driver will be waiting to take you to Bergen, the “Capital of the Fjords”. Overnight at the SCANDIC ORNEN HOTEL, centrally located.
Day 5: Bergen (B)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. In the morning, enjoy a walking tour with your tour escort, covering the famous open air fish market, stroll across to Bryggen where the traditional wooden medieval buildings remain as in the times of the Hanseatic League. Rest of the day off or join an optional, panoramic bus tour to the coastal side. Overnight at the centrally located SCANDIC ORNEN HOTEL.
Optional on Day 5
Take a panoramic drive along the west coast through the fishing Island of Sotra up to for an opportunity to explore a different landscape and take in the wonderful views along this less travelled route
(Photo stops along the way).
Duration: 4 hours
Escorted by tour escort
$56pp (min 10 guests)
Day 6: Bergen – Geilo (BD)
After the breakfast buffet at the hotel. In the morning, we will take the funicular up to the top of Mount Floyen for a stunning view of Bergen and the surrounding fjord. Depart from Bergen and stop off at the impressive Voringsfoss waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 meters before entering into the Hardanger Fjord area with its romantic landscape of fruit orchards and rounded mountains. Continue on the Hardanger Mountain Plateau, crossing the Hardanger Fjord Bridge for an afternoon arrival in the city of Geilo, a famous ski area during the winter. Dinner and overnight in the VESTLIA RESORT or HIGHLAND LODGE beautifully located by the Hardangerviddda Mountain Plateau.
Day 7: Geilo – Oslo (BD)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Drive back towards Oslo via the Hallingdal Valley. Upon arrival in Oslo, you will be taken on a city tour of Oslo with your tour escort. Famous sights include the Frogner Park which is home to famous sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, the Royal Palace, the medieval fortress Akershus, the Opera house, the City Hall and much more. The day finishes with a visit to the Fram Museum. Overnight and dinner at the centrally located CLARION COLLECTION HOTEL FOLKETEATRET.
Day 8: Oslo – Night Cruise (BD)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel and check out. Make the most of the free morning – we recommend a visit to the Munch Museum or the Nobel Peace Center. In the early afternoon, transfer to the port for departure on an overnight cruise towards Denmark and Copenhagen. Enjoy a large Scandinavian buffet on board as you sail through the Oslo Fjord. There are a variety of bars and a nightclub on board. Accommodation on board in 2-berth sea view cabins with shower/ WC (no luggage service onboard).
Day 9: Copenhagen (B)
Breakfast buffet on board. Morning arrival in Copenhagen and transfer to your hotel after a city tour with your tour escort. Check in is guaranteed after 4pm, in case of earlier arrival, the hotel can assist with luggage storage. Head out to explore the Danish capital. Founded in the 10th century as a fishing village, the Danish capital is now a city full of beautiful buildings and exciting museums – but be careful, Copenhagen is a biking city, about 60% of the population use bike as their main transportation. Enjoy a walk along Stroget, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, or enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the many outdoor cafés in the old port area of Nyhavn, or maybe take a canal tour. Or, in the summertime, the harbor is 10 minutes’ walk from your hotel if you feel like taking a swim with the locals. Accommodation at the RADISSON BLU SCANDINAVIA HOTEL located only 15 minutes’ walk from city center.
Day 10: Copenhagen – Stockholm (B)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. In the morning transfer from your hotel to Copenhagen train station for departure by train (2nd class) towards Stockholm, Sweden’s capital. During this approximate 5½ hours train ride you will pass the world-famous Oresund bridge between Denmark and Sweden. Arrival in Stockholm and transfer to the nearby hotel. Overnight at the centrally located CLARION HOTEL SIGN.
Day 11: Stockholm (B)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Morning city tour with local guide, including entrance to the City Hall where you can see the Nobel Prize room among others beautiful rooms. Rest of the day free to enjoy this wonderful city. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, was founded in 1252 and is built on 14 islands which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the North”. It has many fun activities on offer, such as cruises on the Lake Mälaren, the interactive ABBA Museum, or go on a boat & bus sightseeing tour on an amphibian bus or perhaps just sit at a café in the Old Town and enjoy a cup of coffee. Your tour escort will be happy to help you plan activities. Overnight at CLARION HOTEL SIGN.
Day 12: Stockholm – Night Cruise (BD)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Make the most of a free morning to continue exploring the city. In the afternoon, transfer to the port for departure on an overnight cruise towards Finland and Helsinki. Enjoy your large dinner buffet with beverages included on board as you sail into the Baltic Sea. Make the most of the variety of bars, nightclub and tax-free shopping on board. Overnight on board in 2-berth sea view cabins with shower/WC.
Day 13: Helsinki (B)
Breakfast buffet on board before arriving in Helsinki. City tour 3 hours with local guide, including entrance to the Temppeliaukio church, or “rock church” excavated directly into solid rock. Check in is guaranteed after 4pm, in case of earlier arrival, the hotel can assist with luggage storage. Helsinki was founded in 1550 and has been under both Swedish and Russian rule until Finland gained its independence in 1917. Helsinki is known for being home to very beautiful churches, like the white cathedral in the city centre, the orthodox cathedral Uspenski, but the city is also full of interesting museums, and don’t forget to look into some of the design shops of brands such as Marimekko, Artek (Alvar Alto), and Iittala. It is also possible to take a walk to the market hall on the harbour. Overnight at GLO HOTEL KLUUVI, centrally located hotel close to shopping and the famous Esplanade Park.
Day 14: Helsinki (B)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel and transfer on own (or book an optional transfer) to Helsinki Airport Vantaa.
Single room supplement is extra. Please contact us for Single travel alone and Single room supplement.
INCLUSIONS
2 nights in Clarion Collection Folketeateret Hotel in Oslo (1 Dinner included)
1 night in Union Hotel Geiranger in Geiranger (Dinner Included)
1 night in Kvikne’s Hotel in Balestrand (Dinner Included) (Fjord view room)
2 nights in Scandic Ornen Hotel in Bergen
1 night in Vestlia Resort or Highland Lodge in Geilo (Dinner Included)
1 overnight Cruise from Oslo to Copenhagen in Seaview cabins (Dinner included)
1 night in Radisson Blu Scandinavia in Copenhagen
2 nights in Clarion Hotel Sign in Stockholm
6 days transportation starting and ending: Oslo
Transfer hotel – port: Oslo
Transfer port – city tour – hotel: Copenhagen
Transfer hotel – train station: Stockholm
3 hours city tour Stockholm
1 x English speaking tour escort for duration: Oslo to Copenhagen
1 x Geirangerfjord mini cruise
1 x Norwegian waffles including coffee/tea
1 x Cider Tasting
1 x Sognefjord mini cruise in ECO boat
1 x Train from Flåm Myrdal
1 x Train from Myrdal to Voss
1 x Return Ticket for Funicular Train Bergen
1 x Entrance to the Fram Museum in Oslo
1 x Train from Copenhagen to Stockholm
1 x Local guide 3 hours Stockholm
1 x Entrance to Stockholm City Hall
Multiple photo stops for breath taking views
EXCLUSIONS
• Luggage handling
• Lunches Dinners where not specified on the itinerary
• Transfers to/from train stations or piers Forward transfers to connecting tours
• Personal expenses, international airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver
Notes:
Any transfers between the hours of 8pm and 6am will have a surcharge of $65. For transfers of groups of 6+ guests please request rate via email. Any pre and post nights for the tours are upon request.