Itinerary

Day 1:
BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
ARRIVAL IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Danish capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 3:
COPENHAGEN. Day at leisure in Hans Christian Andersen’s friendly city. See some of the more famous sights on your included orientation drive. An optional tour of Zealand’s castle is also available. (B)

Day 4:
COPENHAGEN-FREDERIKSHAVN. After breakfast start the journey northwards, enjoying the drive across the new Storebaelforbindelsen bridge, which will connect you to the fairytale island of Funen. Via Odense, Hans Christian Andersen’s home, and the Little Belt waterway, head for Frederikshavn on the rural Jutland peninsula for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 5:
FREDERIKSHAVN AREA-OSLO, NORWAY. A pleasant two-hour ferry ride from Frederikshavn across the strategic Kattegat to Gothenburg, Sweden’s thriving second-largest city and one of Europe’s major seaports. From here follow the inland route and cross into Norway. Evening arrival in Oslo. (B)

Day 6:
OSLO-TELEMARK AREA. Vistas of Akershus Castle, the 4th-century fortress guarding the harbor, are a highlight on the included morning tour which features the soaring City Hall, National Theater, Parliament, Royal Palace, Broadcasting House, and Gustav Vigeland’s stark sculptures of people and animals in Frogner Park. In the afternoon, drive through the Telemark region to your overnight hotel. (B,D)

Day 7:
TELEMARK AREA-BERGEN. Take the scenic route this morning for a visit to Vemork, where the heavy water plant was blown up by a commando unit of British and Norwegians known as the Heroes of Telemark. Visit the Vemork Museum, then proceed through the Telemark region with its lakes, winding valleys, and rugged gorges backed by towering mountains. En route a picture stop at the 500-foot Latefoss Waterfall, then by ferry across the Hardangerfjord from Utne to Kvanndal. Continue to Bergen, Norway’s picture-perfect Hanseatic seaport. (B)

Day 8:
BERGEN. Built on seven hills with the fjords on one side and the 1,000-foot Mount Floyen on the other, Bergen was the home of composer Grieg. The optional sightseeing excursion takes in the main sights, including St. Mary’s Church, one of the oldest in Norway, and also a panoramic view of the city from one of the surrounding hills. Tonight an optional folklore evening. (B)

Day 9:
BERGEN-SOGNEFJORD CRUISE-FAGERNES. More spectacular scenery as you drive towards the Sognefjord where you embark for a breathtaking cruise on one of Norway’s most mighty fjords. Today may well be the highlight of your journey. Overnight in Fagernes. (B,D)

Day 10:
FAGERNES-KARLSTAD, SWEDEN. First to Lillehammer of Olympic fame. See the highlights of this famous winter sports resort on the included visit. Then great scenery: green valleys, shimmering lakes, and towering mountains. Drive towards Gjovik and, after a stop, motor along beautiful Lake Mjosa and continue through Värmland’s unspoiled wilderness of forest and lakes to Karlstad. (B)

Day 11:
KARLSTAD-STOCKHOLM. Leave Karlstad this morning and head east towards Stockholm via Alfred Nobel’s Bofors, the ancient garrison town of Örebro, and modern Eskilstuna, world famous for its stainless steel. Just before reaching Stockholm stop in Mariefred to view the Castle of Gripsholm. The Swedish capital’s beauty is due to its unique setting on 14 islands between Lake Mälar and the Baltic. Join the optional evening outing. (B)

Day 12:
STOCKHOLM. This is perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals, because the crystalline waters which flow through its intersecting canals give a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. Your included city sightseeing takes in all the highlights. (B,D)

Day 13:
YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Copenhagen, Frederikshavn, Odense, Gothenburg, Telemark, Vemork Museum*, Fagernes, Lillehammer, Karlstad, Mariefred
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Mon. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Tue. ARRIVAL IN ROVANIEMI, FINLAND. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring Rovaniemi. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3:
Wed. ROVANIEMI. A whole day to enjoy the capital of Finnish Lapland. For hundreds of years it was famous for exporting furs and salmon to the world’s rich and powerful. Unfortunately, the town was totally destroyed during World War II. The new town, which you’ll visit this morning, was designed by Alvar Aalto in the shape of reindeer antlers. Sights include Lappia Hall, the Town Hall, the new modern church with its intriguing frescoes, and the Arctic Center. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion to find out more about Lapland. (B)

Day 4:
Thu. ROVANIEMI-SAARISELKÄ. As you cross the Arctic Circle (66°31’N), you are in incomparable, unspoiled Lapland, land of reindeer and the midnight sun. Stop at the Santa Claus Workshop with a chance to meet Father Christmas himself. North to Sodankylä where you see the charming Vanha Kirkko, Lapland’s oldest wooden church dating back to the 17th century. At Tankavaara visit the Gold Museum and try panning for gold if you wish. Overnight in Saariselkä, on the edge of the virgin wilderness and part of Finland’s major national park. It is the largest winter sport center in Finland and in summer a paradise for hikers and mountain bike lovers. (B,D)

Day 5:
Fri. SAARISELKÄ-HONNINGSVAG, NORWAY. Via Ivalo you drive to Inari for a visit to the fascinating open-air museum giving insights into Sami life and folk art. On into Norway and across the beautiful Porsangen Fjord to Honningsvag on the island of Mageroya, home to 4,000 people and 5,000 reindeer. Tonight one of the highlights of this tour is the included drive to the North Cape, Europe’s last northern outpost, on a sheer cliff rising 1,000 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. From May 11 to July 31, if the sky is clear, you’ll see the midnight sun rolling just above the horizon! (B,D)

Day 6:
Sat. HONNINGSVAG-COASTAL CRUISE-HAMMERFEST- ALTA. One of the highlights of this tour is today’s fjord cruise from Honningsvag to Hammerfest. You will enjoy some of Norway’s most beautiful coastal and mountain scenery as you cruise southwards. Disembark at Hammerfest and drive to Alta, situated at the mouth of the world’s richest salmon river, for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 7:
Sun. ALTA-NARVIK. Continue your unforgettable journey south along the stunning shoreline of Norway. The road meanders along Kvaenangenfjord and Lyngenfjhord. You are now in the Troms Province, still way beyond the Arctic Circle but with a climate mild enough to allow very successful farming. Stop for pictures at the thundering Malselvfossen Waterfall. Hear about fierce World War II battles as you approach Narvik, rebuilt after near total destruction. (B)

Day 8:
Mon. NARVIK-MO. Visit Narvik’s War Museum and relive how Norwegian troops, with the help of their allies, showed the world that the Nazi war machine was not invulnerable. Enter Nordland; not far from Mo you cross the Arctic Circle again and are back in a world where the sun rises and sets every day of the year. Overnight in the little town of Mo I Rana. (B)

Day 9:
Tue. MO-TRONDHEIM. On the agenda today: the ancient octagonal church of Mosjöen; the spectacular Laksforsen Waterfall; the forests and rivers of Namsdalen Valley; and vistas of Trondheimsfjord, the World War II hideout of the German battleship Tirpitz. (B,D)

Day 10:
Wed. TRONDHEIM-ROROS. Spend this morning getting to know something about Norway’s third-largest city, also known as the “Gateway to the North.” The main sight in town is the Nidarosdomen, the most famous cathedral in Norway. In the afternoon travel southeast through some fine alpine scenery to Roros, not far from the Swedish border, for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 11:
Thu. ROROS-LAKE FEMUND-MORA AREA, SWEDEN. Grand mountain scenery and beautiful Lake Femund are part of today’s journey south on the way to Mora. In the heart of the Dalarna region, this is the most typical and unspoiled countryside in the whole of Sweden. (B,D)

Day 12:
Fri. MORA-UPPSALA-STOCKHOLM. Continue your scenic drive skirting Lake Silian and its typical Dalarnian shore-side villages. A short stop in the university city of Uppsala, then just a few more miles before reaching Sweden’s capital Stockholm for an overnight. (B)

Day 13:
Sat. STOCKHOLM-BALTIC SEA CROSSING-HELSINKI, FINLAND. Stockholm is perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals. The effect of its crystalline waters flowing through the city’s intersecting canals gives a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. Sightseeing includes the City Hall and other landmarks. The afternoon is free for your own exploration. In the evening embark on the Silja Line ferry to Helsinki. On board you can enjoy music, dancing, and shopping. (B)

Day 14:
Sun. HELSINKI. After breakfast on board, disembark for your city sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Highlights will include the City Hall and Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, the monumental railway station, and the great Lutheran Cathedral. An afternoon of leisure or for some individual exploring. (B)

Day 15:
Mon. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Rovaniemi, Sodankyla, Tankavaara, Inari, North Cape, Narvik, Mo, Trondheim, Mora, Uppsala
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sat. ARRIVAL IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Danish capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 3:
Sun. COPENHAGEN-BERLIN, GERMANY. A morning to enjoy Hans Christian Andersen’s friendly city. Sightseeing includes the Little Mermaid sitting on her rock by the Langeline Promenade, and the rococo Amelienborg Palace. In the afternoon drive to Gedser for the two-hour ferry crossing to Rostock. Then past Lake Plaurer to Berlin for an overnight. (B)

Day 4:
Mon. BERLIN-POZNAN, POLAND. No longer divided but every bit as fascinating, Berlin is the new German capital shadowed by a tragic past yet clearly set for a bright future. The old West Berlin now merges with the new East Berlin into a harmonic blend of imperial and contemporary architectural styles. See it all on the optional sightseeing tour. Also take a stroll down the Kurfürstendamm, aptly described by novelist Tom Wolfe as the “longest coffee shop in Europe.” In the afternoon cross the River Oder into Poland for an overnight in Poznan. (B,D)

Day 5:
Tue. POZNAN-WARSAW. Travel eastwards this morning across the flat Polish lowlands to the country’s capital, Warsaw. This afternoon join the optional sightseeing with a Local Guide. This is an excellent introduction to Warsaw’s historic center, magnificently restored after massive wartime destruction. (B)

Day 6:
Wed. WARSAW-VILNIUS, LITHUANIA. Journey northeast by way of Bialystok towards Augustow and Suwalki. Cross the Lithuanian border for the relatively short drive to Vilnius for an early evening arrival. (B,D)

Day 7:
Thu. VILNIUS. Vilnius has been the capital of Lithuania since the 13th century and the old town reflects in its architecture the influence of the various peoples who have at different times been the dominant force. Lithuanians, Russians, Jews, Muslims, and Swedes all contributed to the making of this city. After breakfast join the included city sightseeing tour. The itinerary will take in St. Stanislav’s Cathedral, Gedeminas’ Castle, St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Church, St. Anna’s Church, the Gate of Dawn, and the old university. Later in the afternoon enjoy some leisure time or take the optional excursion to visit Trakai Castle. This evening there’s an optional folklore dinner. (B)

Day 8:
Fri. VILNIUS-PILSRUNDALE, LATVIARIGA. An interesting journey today as you travel right across Lithuania into Latvia for a stop in Pilsrundale to visit the baroque Palace of Rundale, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace was built by the great architect Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. More lovely countryside before reaching Riga. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Sat. RIGA. The capital of Latvia is rightly considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Baltics. On the included tour of the old city with Local Guide, you will be briefed on some of the most eventful parts of the city’s 800-year history. Founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert, head of the Order of Teutonic Knights, the old town is a mixture of narrow streets, parks, river banks, and a canal flanked by old houses and lofty church spires. The main sights in the old town are Riga Castle and the Dome Cathedral. (B)

Day 10:
Sun. RIGA-PARNU, ESTONIA-TALLINN. A very interesting itinerary today since it will start with a drive through the Gauja National Park, known as the “Livonian Switzerland,” a land dotted with castles, parks, picturesque countryside, and a variety of fauna and flora seen only here. The park is traversed by the Gauja River. Next, head to the Baltic coastline for the drive to the Estonian border and a stop in Parnu, Estonia’s most fashionable seaside resort. Then travel northwards to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, for two overnights. (B,L)

Day 11:
Mon. TALLINN. Start the day with an included sightseeing tour to appreciate Tallinn’s history and beauty. The old town, now on the list of World Heritage Sites, is certainly the most interesting part of the city. Also worth noting are the Hanseatic merchant houses, the mile-long town wall, the medieval Town Hall, and the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. (B,D)

Day 12:
Tue. TALLINN-ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. Drive east today towards the border town of Narva with the impressive Hermann Fortress. Then start the journey to St. Petersburg, considered by most travelers to be Russia’s most fascinating city. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Wed. ST. PETERSBURG. St. Petersburg was created in 1703 by the iron will of Peter the Great. He made it the capital of all the Russias and ensured that it should rival any other European capital in splendor, beauty, and distinction. Palaces, parks, monuments, squares, wide boulevards, and 600 bridges delight visitors with their symmetrical beauty, and the River Neva adds to the city’s charm. During World War II the city was besieged for 900 days and much of it was destroyed, along with hundreds of thousands of its inhabitants. This morning’s included sightseeing excursion will acquaint you with the best of the city’s highlights. (B)

Day 14:
Thu. ST. PETERSBURG-VYBORG, FINLAND-HELSINKI. Realize the huge expanse of Russia as you take a last glimpse of St. Petersburg. Set off north, traveling between Lake Ladoga to the east and the Gulf of Finland to the west, before crossing into Finland and its capital, Helsinki. (B)

Day 15:
Fri. HELSINKI-BALTIC SEA CROSSING-STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. The included tour of the Finnish capital covers the sedate Empire-style palace on Senate Square and the cathedral. The afternoon is free for your own exploration. In the evening embark on the Silja Line ferry to Stockholm. On board you can enjoy music, dancing, and shopping. (B)

Day 16:
Sat. STOCKHOLM. Dock in Stockholm, perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals. The effect of its crystalline waters flowing through the city’s intersecting canals gives a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. The best way to see and appreciate the highlights of Sweden’s capital is to join the included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. (B,D)

Day 17:
Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Berlin, Warsaw, Pilsrundale, Parnu
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Thu. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Fri. ARRIVAL IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the Russian capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 3:
Sat. and Sun. MOSCOW. Sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning will include a drive into Red Square, then a walk past St. Basil’s, a visit to the Kremlin and one of its cathedrals, and finally one of Moscow’s famed underground Metro stations. Free time to join other optional activities or do your own exploring of Russia’s fascinating capital. (B daily)

Day 4:
Sat. and Sun. MOSCOW. Sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning will include a drive into Red Square, then a walk past St. Basil’s, a visit to the Kremlin and one of its cathedrals, and finally one of Moscow’s famed underground Metro stations. Free time to join other optional activities or do your own exploring of Russia’s fascinating capital. (B daily)

Day 5:
Mon. MOSCOW. INCLUDED EXCURSION TO SERGIYEV POSAD-OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO ST. PETERSBURG. Enjoy a day excursion which will include a visit to “The Trinity Monastery of St. Sergiyev,” founded by St. Sergiyev, one of Russia’s most revered holy men. To this day thousands flock to the monastery not only as an act of religious belief but also to see what is one of Russia’s greatest and most splendid architectural treasures. It is also used by film makers because of its five-tiered Bell Tower, uniquely beautiful and equally photogenic. After dinner in Moscow, transfer to the station for your overnight train to St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Tue. ST. PETERSBURG. After arrival in St. Petersburg enjoy breakfast before the included visit to the Peterhof Palace and its gardens. This historic building was almost totally destroyed during World War II and most lovingly restored to its original splendor just a few years ago. (B,L)

Day 7:
Wed. ST. PETERSBURG. See the highlights on the city tour with a Local Guide. Created in 1703 by Peter the Great, this city was made the capital of all the Russias. Although not one of Russia’s oldest, it is steeped in history, particularly from the early 20th century to the end of the World War II when it endured one of the longest and cruelest sieges in modern history. A whole afternoon to do some individual exploring and get to know more about this fascinating city. (B)

Day 8:
Thu. ST. PETERSBURG. There is no greater attraction in this city than a visit to the Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace built by the Swiss/Italian architect Rastrelli in 1754 during Empress Elizabeth’s reign. It remained the home of the imperial Russian Royal Family up to 1917. Its collection of paintings spans all eras and is particularly well known for its French Impressionist and modern art. The inside architecture is of outstanding beauty; note the magnificent Jordan staircase. A day to be remembered. (B)

Day 9:
Fri. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visit to Sergiyev Posad
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Wed. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Thu. ARRIVAL IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the Russian capital.

Day 3:
Fri. MOSCOW. AFTERNOON EMBARKATION. Spend some more time in this great city. In the afternoon transfer to your cruise ship for embarkation. Time to get acquainted with the various amenities available on board. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Day 4:
Sat. MOSCOW. Sightseeing with a Local Guide visiting the Kremlin’s interior. Walk past the enormous Czar Bell and Cannon, the Palace of Congress, and Offices of State to arrive in historic Cathedral Square. Encircling the square are the Annunciation, Assumption, and Archangel Michael cathedrals, three of the Kremlin’s best-known architectural treasures. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Sun. MOSCOW-UGLICH. Almost a whole day in Moscow. Time enough to shop in the great Gum department store or to go back to see more of Arabat Street before sailing for Uglich. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Mon. UGLICH. Approach the ancient town of Uglich on the banks of the Volga and watch out for the blue cupolas of the Cathedral of the Resurrection, dotted with golden stars. Then an included visit to the local kremlin. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Tue. UGLICH-YAROSLAVL. Enjoy the city tour of 1,000-year-old Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities, including a visit to the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Wed. YAROSLAVL-GORITSY. Cross the impressive Rybinsk reservoir on the way to Goritsy. Visit the beautiful Krill-Belosersk Monastery. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Thu. GORITSY-KIZHY. Today visit tiny Kizhy Island situated at the edge of Lake Onega. Your tour will include several examples of 19th-century peasant architecture, including a watermill, windmill, threshing mill, and barns. You’ll visit the Transfiguration Church with its 22 cupolas, treasury of icons, and its unique iconostasis, and then stop at the Museum of Wooden Art. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Fri. KIZHY-MANDROGUI. Stop today in Mandrogui surrounded by verdant countryside. The village is famous for its museum of a locally produced vodka. Time to taste some and, if you wish, try the famous Russian pancakes (blini). (B,L,D)

Day 11:</