Scandinavian Explorer

Fjords, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen & Helsinki
plus St. Petersburg, Russia optional extension

Tour the breathtaking fjords, sophisticated capitals and lovely countryside as you explore the Lands of the Midnight Sun. Then, why not take advantage of your already-included airfare to Europe and head to Russia where you'll spend four spectacular days in St. Petersburg, lavish and magnificent former capital of Czarist Russia. An outstanding value travel adventure!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart New York. Your fascinating voyage begins as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight to Scandinavia.

Day 2: Arrive Copenhagen, Denmark. Late morning arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark's capital and delightful cultural center. On an included city tour see Hans Christian Andersen's famous Little Mermaid sculpture; Christiansborg Palace, seat of the parliament; and Nyhavn, world famous and recently restored district. This evening join your Tour Director for welcome dinner and briefing. First Hotel Vesterbro Dinner provided.

Day 3: Copenhagen, Denmark. Today is at leisure for independent exploration. Your hotel is centrally located in the lively and colorful city center, bustling with cafes, restaurants and shops. You may also join an optional "Castles of North Zealand" tour. This evening we suggest a visit to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen's famous amusement park. Breakfast provided.

Day 4: Copenhagen/Overnight Cruise. Morning is at leisure to explore on your own. A brief walk from your hotel brings you to Strøget, a lively pedestrian street featuring a delightful street atmosphere, shopping & cafés. Or go sightseeing by rickshaw. Late afternoon 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. Scandinavian Seaway Cruise Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 5: Arrive Oslo, Norway. Enjoy the splendid early morning scenery as you sail through Oslo Fjord. Disembark in Oslo and commence your tour of this old Viking capital. See the Vigeland Sculpture Park, City Hall, the waterfront and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Arrive at your hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city. Afternoon at leisure. Rica Grand Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 6: Oslo/Balestrand (Sognefjord). Over the next four days venture into the heart of Norway's Fjord Country with some of the worlds most breathtaking scenery. Travel by coach to Fondness where a short ferry ride transports you to the north side of the fjord. Continue to Balestrand, an enchanting village on the shores of Sognefjord, Norway's longest fjord. Your landmark hotel, in operation for over 100 years, faces the majestic fjord. Kvikne's Hotel Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 7: Balestrand at Leisure Day at leisure to explore at your own pace, relax or stroll along the shore of the fjord. We suggest an optional excursion to the mighty Jostedal Glacier. Here visit the Glacier Museum in Fjaerland before driving through a tunnel under the glacier to Skei, nestled in an alpine setting and surrounded by peaks covered with eternal snow. Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 8: Balestrand/Flam/Bergen: "Norway in a Nutshell." A day of scenic splendors begins with a drive through the bends of the Stalheim Canyon to Gudvangen. Embark on a delightful leisurely cruise through the sheer cliffs of majestic fjords to the quaint village of Flam. Here board the world famous Flam Mountain Railway for an unforgettable ride descending 2,600 feet and passing thundering waterfalls and towering mountains. In Myrdal change to an express train to Voss, rejoin your coach and drive to Bergen, the capital of the fjord region. Enjoy a brief orientation tour on arrival. Admiral Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 9: Bergen. After breakfast join your Tour Director for a short walk from your harbor side hotel to the colorful open-air fish and flower market. Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore this 900 year old Hanseatic town on your own.

Day 10: Bergen/Stockholm, Sweden. Today, board a flight to Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden. Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm is built on 14 islands and surrounded by bays, canals and inlets. Your morning tour includes a visit to the Town Hall where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. See Gamla Stan, the fascinating old town where the Royal Palace, the Parliament and Riddarholm Church are located. Scandic Sergel Plaza Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 11: Stockholm. A day at leisure to explore this majestic city. Explore the narrow streets of Gamla Stan or visit the Vasa Museum, a restored ship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Your hotel is well located for independent exploration. Breakfast provided.

Day 12: Stockholm/Helsinki. Fly to the charming harbor city of Helsinki, capital of Finland. On an included afternoon tour see Senate Square surrounded by 19th Century classical buildings, Templliaukio Church carved out of solid rock, and colorful Market Square. Scandic Grand Marina Hotel. Breakfast provided.

Day 13: Excursion to Tallinn, Estonia. Board a fast ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, the northernmost Baltic capital. Savor a guided walking tour of one of the most picturesque and best-preserved Medieval towns in Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore the narrow alleys and charming architecture before returning to Helsinki later today. Breakfast provided.

Day 14: Helsinki/New York. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Your exciting journey comes to an end as you touch down in New York. Breakfast provided.

St. Petersburg, Russia optional 4-day extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included airfare to Europe and add four spectacular days in St. Petersburg, Russia, "Venice of the North?"

Days 1-13: Same itinerary as the 14-day "Scandinavia Explorer" tour above.

Day 14: Helsinki/St. Petersburg, Russia. This morning embark on the renowned "Sibelius" train for a pleasant journey through the pastoral Finnish farmland and lake district. Cross the Russian border and continue along the Gulf of Finland to St. Petersburg, one of Europe's most magnificent cities, often called "Venice of the North". On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour. Pulkovskaya Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 15: St. Petersburg. The former capital of Czarist Russia was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Its architecture, natural beauty and rich culture are impressive! On this morning's tour you'll drive along the famous Nevsky Prospect and see Peter and Paul's Fortress and St. Issac Cathedral as well as other highlights. This afternoon, an expert guide will lead you on a tour of the priceless art collection at the famous Hermitage Museum, located at the Winter Palace. Breakfast provided.

Day 16: St. Petersburg. A day at leisure. You may travel outside the city to visit Peterhof Palace, the summer residence of the Czar. It was built to rival Versailles and is surrounded by magnificent gardens.Tonight enjoy an included farewell dinner featuring delicious local specialties followed by a colorful folkloric performance of dance and music. Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 17: St. Petersburg/New York. This morning fly back to the USA. Your exciting journey comes to an end as you touch down in New York later today. Breakfast provided.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Denmark, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Norway, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Sweden, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Finland, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Russia, click here.