Scandinavia Escorted Tour Northern Highlights 2009 11 nights Oslo - Helsinki     from Euro  2525 or 14 nights Oslo - St. Petersburg   from Euro 3.965 or  17 nights Oslo - Moscow    from Euro 5.195 Dollar rate varies depending the exchange rate

Northern Highlights  
11 nights Oslo - Helsinki 
 Guaranteed departures:
  June 26;  July 03, 10, 175, 24, 231
   
Day 1: ARRIVE OSLO
Transfer from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to hotel in connection with your flight arrival. Dinner and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera, centrally located facing the new Opera House and close to the Oslo Fjord and Harbour. Your tour escort will meet you at 19.50 hrs in the hotel lobby.

Day 2: OSLO – ULVIK
After breakfast departure from Oslo, driving via Hønefoss along the charming Halling Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. Buffet lunch at Bardøla Mountain Hotel. After lunch cross the wild Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 m., the highest in Norway. Descend the amazing Måbødal
Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord. Short ferry crossing, followed by drive around the Ulvik Fjord, a branch of the Hardanger Fjord, to the picturesque village of Ulvik. Dinner and accommodation at Rica Brakanes Hotel, ideally located on the banks of the fjord.

Day 3: ULVIK - BERGEN
After buffet breakfast, start of scenic tour along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord, famous for its many fruit orchards, via the towns of Øystese and Norheimsund, arriving in Bergen around midday. Afternoon 2 hours tour of Bergen, including a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled packhouses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter.
You will also ride on the funicular to Mt. Fløien, for the best views of the city and fjords way below. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson SAS Hotel Norge, centrally located on Ole Bull’s Square, close to the pedestrian shopping streets and within walking distance of the old Bryggen harbour.

Day 4: BERGEN – FLÅM - BALESTRAND After breakfast departure from Bergen and drive via Dale to the town of Voss. Descend the Nærøy Valley, passing the Stalheim Canyon, to the fjordside village of Flåm. Board your train for an exhilarating ride on the amazing Flåm Railway to Myrdal, a masterpiece of engineering ascending 2.838 feet in less than one hour. The descent from Myrdal to Flåm offers opportunities for photo shots of some exciting waterfalls and mountain scenery. After short rest in Flåm, start of approx. 2 hours cruise by boat along the narrow Aurlands and Nærøy Fjords, both branches of the Sogn Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks, and a variety of wildlife. After disembarking in Gudvangen at the head of the Nærøy Fjord, continue by coach across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes, for the short ferry crossing to the beautiful resort of Balestrand. Dinner and accommodation at Kvikne’s Hotel, superbly located on the banks of the fjord and surrounded by mountains.

Day 5: BALESTRAND – A DAY IN THE FJORDS
Day free in Balestrand, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding beauty and nature of the fjords. The day starts with a traditional Norwegian buffet breakfast in the hotel’s elegant dining room. You may want to spend the morning relaxing on the hotel terrace, breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the spectacular views. We can also recommend a visit to the local aquarium and art gallery, or you may prefer to rent a bike or rowing boat from the hotel, or even go on foot up to the nearest mountains. A walking tour of the village of Balestrand, with its historic buildings and other interesting sites can also be arranged. Dinner and accommodation at Kvikne’s Hotel.

Day 6: BALESTRAND - GEIRANGER
After breakfast departure from your hotel by ferry from Dragsvik to Hella, followed by a scenic tour along the northern side of the Sogn Fjord to Sogndal. The tour continues by road to Fjærland, passing under the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village of Skei at the northern end of beautiful Lake Jølster. Descend to the Nord Fjord, making a detour at Olden to visit the world-famous Briksdal Glacier. The journey up to the glacier will be made in open cars to give you the best views. Lunch will be served in a nearby mountain restaurant facing the glacier. After lunch the tour continues around the Nord Fjord via Loen and Stryn, to the picturesque village of Hellesylt. From here you go on board the ferry for the one hour’s cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord, possibly the most impressive of all the Norwegian fjords. During the cruise you will pass close by some magnificent waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters. Dinner and accommodation at the excellent Union Hotel, overlooking the Geiranger Fjord.

Day 7: GEIRANGER – OSLO
From the top of the famous Serpentine Road, you have the opportunity to digest some amazing views of the fjord, before crossing the rugged Grotli Mountains to Lom, well known for its 14th century stave church. The tour continues via Lake Vågå, before descending the magnificent Gudbrands Valley to the popular tourist town of Lillehammer. Stop for lunch in Lillehammer. After lunch the journey continues alongside Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, back to Oslo and Holmenkollen, home of the worldfamous ski jump, offering unforgettable views of the city and Oslo fjord way below. Dinner and accommodation at the famous Holmenkollen Park Hotel.

Day 8: OSLO - STOCKHOLM After breakfast departure from Oslo, continuing by coach towards the Swedish border. Cross into the attractive province of Värmland to arrive in the city of Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden. Lunch in Karlstad. After lunch the tour continues through a landscape of forests and sparkling lakes to reach the Swedish capital in the late afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Sign, a new first class hotel, centrally located.

Day 9: STOCKHOLM
The day starts with a 4 hours guided tour of the city. Famous sights include the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral, Royal Theatre, etc. You will also visit the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous antique shops. Highlight of the tour is a visit to City Hall with its impressive Blue and Golden Halls, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year. Afternoon free in Stockholm, with possibility to visit the famous Wasa Museum or take one of the popular canal tours. Accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Sign. Please note that dinner today is not included in the program, as our experience shows that whilst in Stockholm guests prefer to eat out at a restaurant of their own choice. Your tour escort will gladly advise and make table reservations for you.

Day 10: STOCKHOLM - HELSINKI
Morning free in Stockholm. Afternoon transfer from hotel to pier, for embarkation on a luxurious cruise ferry of the Silja Line. 17.00 hrs: Departure of cruise from Stockholm, sailing slowly down the picturesque archipelago past numerous small islands. Dinner on board. Choice of entertainment, bars, shops and casino. Accommodation is in 2-berth outside cabins (seaside) with shower/WC. We recommend you to bring an overnight bag for this cruise, to avoid having to bring suitcases to and from your cabin.

Day 11: HELSINKI
Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki harbour. After disembarkation 3 hours guided tour of Helsinki. Famous sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple, and much more. During the afternoon you can explore the busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbour. Finnish crystal and leather goods are an excellent buy. Dinner and accommodation at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, another first class hotel centrally located.

Day 12: HELSINKI DEPARTURE
Buffet breakfast at hotel, followed by transfer to Helsinki Vantaa Airport to connect with your homebound flight.

Price includes:

11 nights Oslo - Helsinki

* 10 nights accommodation including 3-course or buffet dinner (except on second night in Stockholm) and daily Scandinavian buffet breakfast, in centrally located first class hotels, all rooms with private facilities.

* 4 lunches on days 2, 6, 7, & 8.

* 3 hours guided tour of Helsinki, and 4 hours Stockholm, all entrances included.

* Panorama tour of Bergen incl. ride on the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien.

* Ride on the Flåm Railway, Flåm-Myrdal-Flåm.

* Approx. 2 hours cruise on the Sogn and Nærøy Fjords, and 1 hours cruise on the Geiranger Fjord.

* Excursion in open car to the Briksdal Glacier.

* All visits as mentioned in itinerary.

* All ferry crossings.

* Overnight cruise Stockholm - Helsinki, incl. accommodation in 2-berth outside cabins with shower/WC, dinner and buffet breakfast on board.

* Luggage assistance at all hotels.

* Robinson Scandinavia tour escort throughout.

* Transportation by modern deluxe coach with reclining seats etc.

* Transfers airport/hotel on first and last days. Transfers to/from a different airport than the one mentioned in the tour programme may incur a supplement.

Northern Highlights + St. Petersburg

July 03, 17*, 31

*= 14 nights Oslo – St. Petersburg only

Day 1: ARRIVE OSLO
Transfer from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to hotel in connection with your flight
arrival. Dinner and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera, located in city centre facing the new Opera House and close to Oslo Fjord and Harbour. Your tour escort will meet you at 19.50 hrs in the hotel lobby.

Days 2 – 11: OSLO - HELSINKI
Same program as Northern Highlights tour, days 2 – 11 Dinner and accommodation at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, centrally located first class hotel.

Day 12: HELSINKI - ST. PETERSBURG
Early breakfast followed by transfer by coach from hotel to railway station.
07.42 hrs: Departure from Helsinki on Finnish train ’Sibelius’ for St. Petersburg. Lunch box on train. 14.26 hrs: Arrival in St. Petersburg. Coach transfer from railway station to hotel combined with visit to Peter & Paul Fortress, burial place of the Russian Tsars, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Welcome dinner incl. shot of vodka and 1 glass wine, and accommodation at Ambassador Hotel, a four star hotel located in the city centre, near the famous Mariinsky Theatre.

Day 13: ST. PETERSBURG
Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.30 hrs: 3 hours panoramic tour of the city by coach with local English-speaking guide. St. Petersburg is a city of outstanding architectural beauty, famous for its magnificent palaces, cathedrals, fountains and bridges. 12.30 hrs: Lunch at the Hermitage Restaurant or similar. 14.00: Tour of the world-famous Hermitage Art Museum and the State Rooms of the Winter Palace. Return to hotel. Dinner and accommodation at Ambassador Hotel.

Day 14: ST. PETERSBURG
Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.00 hrs: Departure by hydrofoil for Peterhof, the magnificent summer residence of all the Russian Tsars. Tour of the Lower Park including Monplaisir, Bath House (inside visit), Grand Cascades etc. Return to the city by coach. 13.30 hrs: Lunch at the Restaurant Adamant, within walking distance of your hotel. 14.45 hrs: 1 hour’s guided boat tour along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg. This evening you will be taken to see a colourful Russian folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace, with snacks during the intermission. Dinner at the Backstage Restaurant of the

Mariinsky Theatre. Accommodation at Ambassador Hotel.

Day 15: ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW
For guests on the 14 night tour Oslo – St. Petersburg, this ends after buffet breakfast at hotel with transfers to St. Petersburg Airport to connect with homeward flights.
Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.00 hrs: Guests continuing to Moscow have excursion to town of Pushkin including tour of Catherine’s Palace with its famous Amber Room. 12.00 hrs: Lunch at Admiralty Restaurant. After lunch coach transfer with guided assistance to St. Petersburg Airport, including luggage handling at airport. Economy class flight from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Arrival in Moscow followed by coach transfer with English-speaking guide to your hotel in the Russian capital. Moscow was founded in the 12th century, built as a wooden fortress on the banks of the Moscow River to keep out barbarian invaders from the east. Today it is a modern city with wide boulevards and green parks, yet proudly preserving its historic monuments and impressive buildings from previous eras. Dinner and accommodation at Tverskaya Marriott Hotel, a centrally located 4 star hotel.

Day 16: MOSCOW
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Morning tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Museum, with local English-speaking guide. This tour lasting approx. 3 hours has to be done on foot as no coaches are allowed inside the area. The Kremlin, which was the home, not only of the Tsars, but also of Lenin and Stalin, is surrounded by 7 metres thick walls and covers an area of 29 acres. You will pass by the Lenin Mausoleum and the grave of the unknown soldier, where brides still leave their wedding bouquets, to visit one of the impressive Russian Orthodox Cathedrals. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Armoury Museum, containing the largest collection in the world of crown jewels and coronation robes, including the wedding dress of Catherine the Great and the famous189 carat Olov diamond. You will also see the golden horse-drawn carriages of all the Tsars and many other treasures. 13.00 hrs: Lunch in Godunov Restaurant. After lunch walk through the Red Square to rejoin your coach for a panoramic city tour, including a visit to Saviour Cathedral. On this tour you will see the amazing golden, blue and green towers of the Orthodox churches, the Bolshoy Theatre, Gorkij Park (Moscow’s largest entertainments park), the State University of Moscow, and numerous other famous sights. Return by coach to hotel. Dinner and accommodation at Tverskaya Marriott Hotel.

Day 17: MOSCOW
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Morning: Guided tour of the WW2 Memorial on Poklonnaya Hill, followed by a visit to Borodino Panorama – the largest panoramic painting of the Borodino Battle with Napoleon in 1812. Russian lunch at Sudar Restaurant. After lunch guided tour of the famous Moscow Metro, ending with a walk along the fascinating pedestrian street Arbat, known as the ’Montmartre of Moscow’. Rest of afternoon free for shopping in the GUM department store or exploring Moscow on your own. We can recommend a visit to the Pushkin Museum, famous for its collection of monuments from Ancient Egypt, or the popular Tretiakov Art Gallery. Dinner and accommodation at Tverskaya Marriott Hotel.

Day 18: MOSCOW DEPARTURE
Buffet breakfast at hotel followed by transfer with assistance to Moscow Airport for your flight home.

Price includes:

14 nights Oslo – St. Petersburg
* 13 nights accommodation including daily 3-course or buffet dinner (except on second day in Stockholm) and buffet breakfast, in centrally located first class hotels, all rooms with private facilities.

* 6 lunches on days 2, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14, plus packed lunch on train Helsinki – St. Petersburg.

* 3 hours guided tours of Helsinki and 4 hours Stockholm, all entrances included.

* Panoramic tour of Bergen incl. ride on the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien.

* Ride on the Flåm Railway, Flåm-Myrdal-Flåm.

* 2 hours cruise on the Sogn and Nærøy Fjords, and 1 hours cruise on the Geiranger Fjord.

* Excursion in open car to the Briksdal Glacier.

* All internal ferry crossings in Norway.

* Overnight cruise Stockholm – Helsinki, incl. accommodation in 2-berth outside cabins with shower/WC, dinner and buffet breakfast on board.

* Train Helsinki – St. Petersburg, including coach transfers between hotels and railways stations.

* Complete programme in St. Petersburg, including 3 hours city tour, visit to Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace, excursion to Peterhof, all entrances included, hydrofoil St. Petersburg - Peterhof, 1 hour’s canal tour, plus folklore show at Nikolaevsky Palace incl. snacks during intermission and dinner at Backstage Restaurant.

* Luggage assistance at all hotels.

* Robinson Scandinavia tour escort throughout.

* Transportation by modern deluxe coach with reclining seats etc.

* Transfers airport/hotel on first and last days. Transfers to/from a different airport than the one mentioned in the tour programme may incur a supplement.

17 nights Oslo – Moscow
All above mentioned services plus –

* 3 nights accommodation in Moscow, including daily 3-course or buffet dinner and buffet breakfast, in centrally located first class hotel, all rooms with private facilities.

* 3 lunches on days 15, 16 & 17.

* Flight economy class St. Petersburg – Moscow, including luggage handling at airports, and guided transfers.

* Excursion to town of Pushkin incl. visit to Catherine’s Palace.

* Complete programme in Moscow, including panoramic city tour, 3 hours visit to the Kremlin and Armoury Museum, guided Metro tour, visit to WW2 Memorial and Borodino Panorama, incl. all entrances and coach transfers between restaurants and hotel.

*Dollar rate varies depending the exchange rate

  Children under 12 years of age are not allowed on the  tour. 

  Children between the ages of 12 and 18 will only be accepted if accompanied by an adult. 

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