Scandinavia Tour

Tour #5

Denmark/Norway/Fjords/Sweden

September 18-28, 2009

SCANDINAVIA has long been a favorite destination of travelers from all over the world as it is known for its castles, palaces, historic cities, spectacular Fjords and picturesque villages. When it comes to food, Scandinavians are noted for smorgasbords, open-faced sandwiches and their Danish pastries. On this tour you'll enjoy visiting the capital cities in each of these popular Scandinavian countries, that's surrounded by the sea and rugged landscape.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK…known for its culture, art, music and the home of the poet, Hans Christian Andersen. This is a city filled with medieval palaces and cobblestone streets. Be sure to take a walk on Stroget, a mile long pedestrian street and shopping mall where you will find Danish crystal, silver, porcelain and Scandinavian souvenirs.

OSLO, NORWAY…a country of spectacular scenery and where the ice-blue Fjords flow deep into the mountains with towering cliffs and valleys. There are several museums filled with Viking ships and other vessels dating back to the 10th century. Nearby is the famous Holmenkollen ski jump and the Vigeland Park that has a unique collection of statues and sculptures.

FJORDS… the first time you see the Fjords is a moment you will never forget. Mere words cannot really do the spectacular Norwegian Fjords justice as they are so beautiful and serene and that are now on the World Heritage list. The Fjords are known for their natural beauty that is derived from its narrow valleys and steep-sided rock walls with numerous waterfalls coming from the glaciers. It is for this reason that the Fjords attract visitors from all over the world.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN…is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe as it is built on 14 islands between the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren. The beautiful waterways and bridges have earned it the nickname, "Venice of the North". You'll enjoy wandering through the cobblestone streets of the "Old Town" where you can purchase famous pieces of Swedish Crystal at bargain prices.

Sep. 18 All connecting flights to Chicago or New York will arrive in time to board our jet to Scandinavia. Enjoy dinner and a movie as you cross the ocean with arrival the following morning in COPENHAGEN, DENMARK.

Sep. 19 Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day will be free to explore one of the most interesting cities in Europe filled with castles, parks and gardens. Tonight there will be a "Welcome Dinner" where you will meet all of the other friends traveling with you on this exciting tour of the Scandinavian countries.

Sep. 20 Breakfast is included daily. This morning there will be a sightseeing tour of the city. You'll see Tivoli Gardens, the National Museum, the "Little Mermaid" statue and Amalienborg Square, surrounded by four palaces. You can also take an optional tour to Kronborg Castle, famous for its setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet located along the Danish Riviera. This vibrant capital city is a lovely mix of waterways and canals, giving Copenhagen a distinctly Danish feeling.

Sep. 21 Most of the day will be free to relax and do as you please before boarding the DFDS Seaways Cruise ship where everyone will have a private cabin for the overnight journey to OSLO, NORWAY. There is a restaurant and duty-free shop available plus entertainment in the show lounge.

Sep. 22 After an enjoyable overnight cruise, all passengers will disembark the ship. You will then begin a spectacular drive through the villages and towering mountains to BERGEN, NORWAY, a delightful town surrounded by seven mountains and the sea.

Sep. 23 Today, you will enjoy a tour of Bergen including some of the 15th century houses that are now on the World Heritage list.

Sep. 24 Some of the finest scenery in Europe lays ahead today. You will begin by taking a cruise on the magnificent Sognefjord through the famous Norwegian Fjords. Next will be a journey on Europe's most daring and incredible train ride. The narrow-gage train will take your breath away as it climbs up 12 miles winding in and out through 21 tunnels and mountains along one of the world's longest, deepest and most beautiful fjords. You'll pass by snow-covered mountains, glaciers and cascading waterfalls. This is one of the most exciting railway experiences in the world as you travel across the "Roof of Norway". Everyone wonders how anyone could even imagine building a railway in these mountains. Best of all, you will stay overnight at a beautiful hotel on the shores of the Hardangerfjord where dinner is included in the picturesque dining room.

Sep. 25 Continue on a scenic drive to OSLO, Norway's capital, one of the leading port cities in the world with cruise ships and boats docked on the waterfront. Here you will see the highlights of the city including the Holmenkollen ski jump, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and other beautiful untouched nature sites. You'll find great buys on Norwegian sweaters.

Sep. 26 After your overnight stay in Oslo, you will continue to STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN where you'll spend your last two nights in Scandinavia.

Sep. 27 On this morning's tour you will see how Stockholm is made up of 14 rocky islands that are connected by more than 50 bridges. Afternoon free to browse through the narrow cobbled streets of "Old Town" and see why Stockholm ranks as one of the top shopping, business and historical centers in Europe. The Royal Palace has an excellent crown jewel exhibition. Tonight there will be a "Farewell Dinner" that everyone will surely enjoy. You can now say that you have seen the Best of Scandinavia!

Sep. 28 Take breakfast at your leisure and then everyone will be transferred to the airport for the return flight home. Lunch will be served on the airplane followed by a movie and a few hours of rest as you think about the wonderful time you had visiting the Danes, Norwegians and the Swedes. Upon arrival in the USA, everyone will clear customs and then make connections on this same day to their hometown city.