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Scandinavian Explorer

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Scandinavian Explorer including the Fjords, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki plus a fabulous 4-day extension to St. Petersburg in Russia!

Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark
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!

Our Scandinavian Explorer
Touring Program

Scandinavian Explorer 14 Day Tour 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 (D)

Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park, Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park, Copenhagen   © Cees van Roeden
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. (B)

Sightseeing by Rickshaw, Copenhagen
Sightseeing by Rickshaw, Copenhagen   © Christian Alsing
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 (B,D)

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 (B)

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 (B,D)

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. (B,D)

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 (B)

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 (B)

Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
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. (B)

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. (B)

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. (B)

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. (B)

Important Note: June 8 and September 14 tours follow a revised sequence: Stockholm - Bergen - Balestrand - Oslo - Copenhagen - Helsinki.

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.

Sailing Scandinavia
© Christian Alsing
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 (B)

Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland

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. (B)

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. (B,D)

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. (B)


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.

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Scandinavian Explorer & St. Petersburg
Included Features

AAdvantage • Round trip flights from New York (JFK) via scheduled Finnair wide-body jet service (flight schedule)

• All intra-Scandinavia and Russia flights, ground and sea transportation

• Superior first class hotels with private bath

• On 13 day tour, 15 meals: 11 full buffet breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D)

• On 17 day tour, 22 meals (St. Petersburg extension): 15 full buffet breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 6 dinners (D)

• Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees

• Professional English-speaking tour director and local guides

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ADDITIONAL COSTS
Service Price
Single Room Supplement: Scandinavian Explorer $675
Single Room Supplement: Scandinavia & St. Petersburg $875
Optional Tour #1 $000
Optional Tour #2 $000
Airport Taxes & Fees $000
Visa Fees $00
Item #1 $000
Item #2 $00
Item #3 $000
Item #4 $00
Item #5 $000

Please Note: June 8 and September 14 tours follow a revised sequence: Stockholm - Bergen - Balestrand - Oslo - Copenhagen - Helsinki.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Wait-listing on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities. Rates are per person, double occupancy.

Business class upgrade: add $1895 ($1495 June-August)
(New York/Helsinki/New York).

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Additional costs: U.S. and Scandinavia departure taxes ($250) and Russia visa fee not included.

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