Scandinavian Holiday
Topic: European ToursSample Itinerary
DAY 1 - DEPARTURE
The big day has arrived at last! Check in for your overnight flight to Europe. You're on your way!
DAY 2 - HAMBURG
Good morning! You have just arrived at Hamburg. Following customs formalities, you'll meet your tour manager and transfer to the motorcoach for the drive to central Hamburg. Your introduction to this city will include a boat ride on the Aussenalster. Afterwards, see the Town Hall, some of the Counting Houses, the historic harbors and other points of interest. Then you'll transfer to the hotel for check-in and room assignment. This evening, if you're up to it, why not join us for a trip to the Planten und Blomen Park and a drive through the "sailor district."
DAY 3 - LÜBECK, PUTTGARDEN, RODBYHAVN, ROSKILDE
The first stop will be in Lübeck. In its Old Town, you'll see the Holstentor, the Town Hall. After this visit, travel to Puttgarden where you'll board a ferry for the one-hour crossing to Rodbyhavn, Denmark. Then it's on to Roskilde. Upon arrival, visit the Roskilde Domkirke and time permitting, also stop to see the Viking Ship Museum. After this visit, check in at the hotel for a two-night stay.
DAY 4 - COPENHAGEN, ROSKILDE
Today you're off for a full-day excursion to Copenhagen. Your sightseeing starts at Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Parliament. Next, travel by way of Charlottenborg Palace to the colorful Nyhavn District and Amalienborg Palace. After time for independent lunch, visit Rosenborg Palace for a tour, which will include the Marble Room, the Crown Jewels, and Knight's Hall. Next you will see the statue of the "Little Mermaid." The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Later this evening you'll reboard the coach for the return drive to Roskilde.
DAY 5 - HILLERØD, HELSINGOR, HELSINGBORG, JONKOPING
This morning you'll travel northward to Hillerød where a photostop will be made at Frederiksborg Castle. Next, continue on to Helsingør the site of the world-famous Kronborg Castle. After touring the castle, you'll cross the Øresund by ferry. You're now in Sweden. Following a short stop in Helsingborg, drive to Jönköping for the overnight.
DAY 6 - GRANNA, LINKOPING, NORRKÖPING, STOCKHOLM
On the road again, you will trace the shores of Lake Vättern to reach Granna. After a short stop, continue to the port of Norrköping to take a stroll on the Grottninggatan where you will see the Clock Tower. Next, drive to Stockholm and spend the next two nights here.
DAY 7 - STOCKHOLM
Your morning city tour with a local guide will include Stockholm's Old Town, the Stock Exchange, and the Great Church. Then you'll see the Royal Palace. Afterwards, there will be free time for shopping and sightseeing. Next you'll visit the Vasa which will be followed by a stop at Skansen. Later in the evening you'll return to the hotel.
DAY 8 - GRIPSHOLM, OREBRO, BROFORS, KARLSTAD
Before leaving the Stockholm area, you'll visit Gripsholm Castle on the shores of Lake Malar. Then you'll head westward through the scenic Lake District. You'll have glimpses of Eskilstuna, Orebro, and Brofors. Your home for tonight will be in Karlstad.
DAY 9 - KONGSVINGER, HAMAR, LILLEHAMMER
You'll be up and on your way early today, pursuing a northeasterly route into Norway and on to
Lillehammer. Upon arrival you'll visit the Olympic Stadium. Time permitting, a stop will be
made on the
Stortorget, the market square. Then you'll continue to the hotel for check-in.
DAY 10 - VAGA, LOM, SKJOLDEN
Today you will make a trip through a less traveled and most scenic part of Norway on the way to Vaga. Next, stop in Lom for some free time. Then you'll travel along the Sognefjell Highway. Overnight accommodations will be in Skjolden.
DAY 11 - FJORD CRUISE, VOSS, BERGEN
Travel to Kaupanger, where you will board a ferry for the trip to Gudvangen. Your cruise will take you on the Sognefjord and the Naeroyfjord. You will dock in Gudvangen and make your way via motorcoach to Voss for a break. Later, you'll continue your travels into Bergen for the overnight.
DAY 13 - BRYGGEN, EIDFJORD, GEILO
Your morning tour with a local guide will include Bryggen, the Bergenhus Fortress, St. Mary's Church, and Troldhaugen. This afternoon, you'll travel eastward to Bruravik to board a ferry for the crossing to Brimness. Continue to the small town of Eidfjord. Near this town you will visit the spot where the Bjoreia plunges vertically 600 feet into a narrow rock basin. Later, travel through the Hardangervidda Plateau to the ultimate destination for the afternoon - the resort town of Geilo.
DAY 14 - TORPO, GOL, OSLO
This morning's trip takes you to Torpo to see one of the oldest remaining stave churches. Then continue into Oslo. Your schedule for this afternoon calls for a stop at the Bygdøy Peninsula of Oslo. Here you will visit the open-air Norsk Folkemuseum and the Kon-Tiki Museum. After this visit, it's on to the hotel to check in for a two-night stay.
DAY 15 - OSLO
This morning you'll have a formal introduction to Oslo. Your sightseeing tour will include a visit to the Radhuset. You will also see Akershus Castle, the Cathedral, and Parliament building. A stop will also be made at the Royal Palace before continuing to the impressive Frogner Park. The afternoon is free to finish your shopping in Oslo's beautiful shops and stores.
DAY 16 - RETURN
All too soon, it's time to head for home! Transfer to the Oslo International Airport for the return flights to the U.S.
