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ITINERARY Insight Vacations - Spectacular Scandinavia and Its Fjords
Tour Pace
This is an evenly paced tour with two night stays in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Geiranger, Bergen & Oslo. The majority of the travelling days are wonderfully scenic with frequent stops both for refreshment and photo opportunities.
DAY 1 – COPENHAGEN AT LEISURE
Welcome to Scandinavia! Complimentary transfers depart from Copenhagen airport to the tour hotel. Then we are at leisure to relax or explore. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Tivoli Gardens. Hotel: Radisson SAS Scandinavia. (Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 2 – COPENHAGEN SIGHTSEEING
We meet Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, gazing across the harbour this morning. Then we visit Christiansborg and see the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces, and the Stock Exchange. Later, perhaps join a tour through the Danish countryside? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 3 – COPENHAGEN – FREDERIKSHAVN
We cross over to the Island of Fyn, where we visit the home of Hans Christian Andersen in Odense. Last year marked the 200th anniversary of his birth and the museum was completely refurbished for that event. We then head to the Jutland peninsula. We check into our hotel at Frederikshavn, before enjoying a highlight dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel: Radisson SAS Jutlandia. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 4 – FREDERIKSHAVN – STOCKHOLM
Today we leave Denmark crossing over the waters of the Kattegat to Gothenburg. Next we pass through fertile fields and along the shores of Lake Vattern, before reaching Stockholm. Hotel: First Hotel Amaranten. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 5 – STOCKHOLM SIGHTSEEING
With our local guide we visit the City Hall's 'Gold Room' where the Nobel Prize banquets are held, then we continue into the medieval island heart of the city. We view the cathedral, walk through the Old Town and see the Royal Palace. Now a highlight visit to one of Europe's greatest attractions, the Wasa Galleon - a marvellous impression of life on board a 17C naval vessel. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 6 – STOCKHOLM – FALUN
We travel via Lake Malaren to Sigtuna, once the Viking capital and now boasting Sweden's smallest City Hall. Then to Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia's oldest university to visit the Cathedral where the Swedish kings were crowned. Later, we travel through rural Dalecarlia to the ski resort of Falun. Hotel: Park Inn Bergmastaren. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 7 – FALUN – LILLEHAMMER
A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Siljan in the Dalarna region, brings us to Nusnas, where we see wooden horses being made. We continue deep into the forested heart of Sweden, passing Salen, the starting point for the annual cross country skiing marathon. Crossing into Norway, we journey to Hamar, where we pass the Olympic ice skating rink called the 'Viking Ship' on our way to Lillehammer. Hotel: Rica Victoria. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 8 – LILLEHAMMER – GEIRANGER
Lillehammer hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994 and here we enjoy a visit to the Maihaugen open-air museum to see old Norway's rural life come alive. Now we are on our way to the Norwegian Fjordland - a wonderful world of soaring mountains, icy glaciers and rivers which cascade thousands of feet into green valleys below. We follow Peer Gynt's valley and continue among vistas of waterfalls, lakes and snow-capped peaks to Lom where we see the 12th century Stave Church. Now its on to the remote village of Geiranger, a superb setting overlooking fjords & mountains. Hotel: Union. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 9 – GEIRANGER AT LEISURE
A day for relaxation in beautiful surroundings with the most breath taking scenery, which has just been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. Later maybe take an excursion along the Trolls' Road with outstanding photo opportunities at the Seven Sisters waterfall! (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 10 – GEIRANGER – FJORDLAND
We begin our day with a highlight cruise on the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord, with its towering cliffs and waterfalls. We continue through glacier country to enjoy a scenic drive along the Sognefjord, before our ferry crossing to Laerdal. Hotel: Lindstrom. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 11 – FJORDLAND – BERGEN
Sognefjord is Norway's longest and deepest fjord, and we cruise upon its majestic waters today. Then we embark on a spectacular journey on the Flam Railway, taking us from sea level to 3,000 feet, with views of mountain scenery and roaring waterfalls. We travel now to the historic port of Bergen. Hotel: Radisson SAS Royal. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 12 – BERGEN SIGHTSEEING
Bergen still largely looks to the sea for its living, as can be seen from the fish market, the largest in Scandinavia. Today is yours to explore all that this exciting town has to offer, such as the 13C Haakon's Hall. Or perhaps take the funicular railway to the top of the mountain? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 13 – BERGEN – OSLO
This morning we drive over scenic mountains and through ski-resorts on our way to the Norwegian capital Oslo. Hotel: Radisson SAS Plaza. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 14 – OSLO SIGHTSEEING
Our guided sightseeing tour today takes in the Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. We also visit Frogner Park and view the controversial Vigeland Sculptures, then a special visit to the Viking Long Ship Museum. Tonight, why not enjoy a celebration dinner at a traditional restaurant? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 15 – OSLO
Our tour ends with a transfer to Oslo Airport. (Buffet breakfast)
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