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Tour Info

Leave Sat. June 09
Return Sun. June 24

Air & Land - $5,490

* may NOT be offered in 2013 *
 

The Best of Scandinavia 16 Days

Denmark - Sweden - Norway

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

We begin our Scandinavian journey today with a departure in the evening for the west coast. The flight schedule will be out 90 days prior to departure.

Day 2 To Europe.

We touch down on the west coast in the early morning and connect with our flight to Europe. An exciting time lies ahead as we jet toward Scandinavia.

Day 3 Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Welcome to Denmark! After a comfortable overnight flight we land in Copenhagen, clear Customs, and are met and transferred to the First Vesterbro Hotel. The balance of the day is free to rest or start exploring Denmark's fun-loving capital. After we settle into our rooms Lois will take those interested on a short walk. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink hosted by our Scandinavian tour director.

Day 4 In Copenhagen.

The Danes have a word for their capital city: Hyggelig, which means warm and cozy. Built on a human scale with charm and grace, its streets are a pleasure to walk through. On our guided morning tour see the Church of Our Savior and the Stock Exchange on the way to Christiansborg Palace, where we visit the elegant Royal Reception Rooms. Drive past the National Museum and the Royal Theater, stop for pictures of Amalienborg Palace with its lovely flower gardens, and view the world-famous statue of the wistful Little Mermaid. Tonight enjoy the bright lights and animation of Tivoli Gardens, the city's colorful amusement park. (B)

Day 5 Via Funen to Arhus.

A morning drive over one of the world's largest suspension bridges constructed off-shore takes us to the fairytale island of Funen. Here we visit Hans Christian Andersen's Home at Odense then cross the Little Belt waterway to Jutland. Arrive in Arhus and visit Den Gamle By, a fascinating collection of completely furnished old Danish town houses. After we check into the Scandic Arhus City Hotel there is time to shop in the pedestrian area near the hotel. (B), (D)

Day 6 By Ferry to Gothenburg, Sweden.

At Frederikshavn we board a ferry for the three-hour crossing of the strategic Kattegat to Gothenburg, Sweden's thriving second-largest city. We see its landmarks during an orientation drive, and later we might want to mingle with the locals in the Liseber Amusement Park. This is a country so civilized that even barnyard animals enjoy the protection of stringent laws. Scandic Europa. (B), (D)

Day 7 To Stockholm.

Crossing the width of southern Sweden we see the area often referred to as the breadbasket of the country, miles of fertile farmland strewn with tidy farms. Pastoral scenes alternate with glimpses of major industrial centers that contribute to the wealth of the modern country: Jonkoping, home of the safety match industry; Huskvarna, noted for its sewing machines and bicycles; and Norkoping, a major Baltic Sea port. In the late afternoon we arrive in Stockholm and check in to the Scandic Sergel Plaza. (B)

Day 8 In Stockholm.

The Swedish captial's beauty is due to its unique setting on 14 islands between Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea and to the care with which the city authorities control urban development and preserve historical treasures. Our sightseeing with a local guide features the Royal Palace, Riddarholm Church, and the blue and gold chambers in the City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held. Kungsgatan's smart shops, skyscrapers, and futuristic condominiums on the shores of Lake Malar form a striking contrast to the Old Town sights. Afternoon at leisure. Our tour director can arrange an optional excursion to the fascinating Wasa Ship Museum. (B)

Day 9 Via Uppsala to Mora.

This morning we visit Uppsala, the country's oldest university town. Among this area's treasures is a twin-spired Gothic Cathedral with glorious stained glass windows. After our visit to the Cathedral we travel via the prehistoric burial mounds of Old Uppsala to Dalarna, home of the symbol of Sweden--the Dala Horse. We overnight in pretty Mora by Lake Siljan, once the home of painter Anders Zorn and now host to the longest ski-race in the world, Vasaloppet. Best Western Mora Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 10 To Lillehammer, Norway.

We say goodbye to Sweden today and enjoy a scenic drive through rustic Dalarna and across the Norwegian border. Then trace the course of the Glomma River to strategic Elverum, rebuilt after total destruction during World War II. On via Lake Mjosa to Lillehammer. At the fascinating Maihaugen Open-Air Museum an expert explains the rich collection of ancient Gudbrandsdal farmhouses, dwellings, workshops, tools, and weapons. Radisson Blu Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 11 To Flam.

An unforgettable day in the region many Norwegians prefer for their vacations. Majestic mountains, dark pine forests, sparkling lakes, silvery trout streams, trim villages, and prosperous farms all the way on our leisurely journey through Valdres and the Fillefjell area. Before arriving in Flam we stop for pictures at Borgund's stave church, famous for its beautiful exterior. Fretheim Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 12 To Bergen.

Today we are in for a real treat: Embark at Flam for a leisurely two-hour cruise on the spectacular Sognefjord. Land at Gudvangen and motor through the narrow Naeroydal Canyon up to Stalheim for a dazzling panoramic view. Afternoon arrival in picturesque Bergen, a cluster of brightly painted houses squeezed between the harbor and seven surrounding mountains. On our orientation tour we will hear about its 11th-century origins and its association with the Hanseatic League. Visit the colorful fish market, stroll through the narrow lanes of ancient Bryggen, or ride the funicular up to Mount Floyen. First Marin Hotel. (B)

Day 13 To Geilo.

We drive along the beautiful Hardangerfjord, then cross by ferry before climbing up to Voringfoss, Norway's most celebrated and mightiest waterfall. Then continue across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau to the ski resort of Geilo. Dr. Holms Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 14 Via Torpo to Oslo.

In Torpo we admire a Stave Church, symbol of Norwegian heritage. We travel along the scenic road between the Steinsfjord and the ice-blue Tyrifjord and arrive in Oslo, the Capital of Norway. Scandic Edderkoppen Hotel. (B)

Day 15 In Oslo.

Founded in 1050, Olso is a study in farsighted urban planning, seeking growth in harmony with nature. More than any other Scandinavian capital, this city recalls the days of the Vikings and the great legends of the Norse. It is a narrow strip of a city backed up against the mountains and facing out to sea. It has about it the relaxed, buoyant feeling of a frontier outpost. Panoramic sightseeing with a local guide features such landmarks as the National Theater, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Today's highlights include Frogner Park with Gustav Vigeland's famous stark sculptures and the ornate City Hall. The last afternoon of our great Scandinavian journey is free, with a chance to join an optional excursion to the relics of a glorious seafaring past. Tonight we savor a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of our vacation. (B), (D)

Day 16 Homeward Bound.

Wonderful memories are with us as we depart Oslo today for the west coast where, after clearing Customs, we connect with our flight to Honolulu. (B)