iExplore Scandinavia Experience

Tour Description

Norway is far stretched and diverse, reaching above the Arctic Circle.

If you turn Norway upside down it will stretch to Southern Europe. Big city life in Oslo is different from that of a coastal village in the arctic. You can try both within a few days. Half of Norway has sun around the clock at summer and dancing, magical, northern lights in the totally dark winter.

From the mountain ranges, glaciers, forests and Northern Lights of the last wilderness in Europe in Swedish Lapland, to the über cool capital city of Stockholm - Sweden is an adventure!

Looking for space, fresh air, stimulating cultural events and exciting activities? You have arrived at exactly the right place. Finland's seasonal contrasts and pristine natural environment provide the setting for a dazzling and inspiring variety of adventures and new experiences!

Itinerary

Denmark Pre-Tour Extension:

Day 01: Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive Copenhagen International. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met and transferred by private car to your hotel for check-in. The balance of the day is yours to relax following your journey or to begin exploring the fascinating city of Copenhagen independently.

You will be confirmed at the D'Angleterre Hotel for three nights. Denmark's leading 5- Star hotel is located in a landmark building overlooking the lovely King's Square in the heart of Copenhagen. Hotel D'Angleterre is renowned for our luxurious accommodations, fully personalized services and outstanding hospitality.

With more than 250 years of history, Copenhagen's finest hotel can also pride itself on being one of the oldest hotels in the world. They have welcomed many prominent guests, such as royalty, presidents, dignitaries and celebrities, who all have added their names to their legendary guest list.

Copenhagen seems to have several distinct images, each accurately capturing a facet of the city. It's an old merchants' town overlooking the entrance to the Baltic Sea; a progressive city tolerant of a wide range of social behavior; a metropolis whose efficiency rivals that of its Swiss counterparts; and a city with so many architectural treasures that it's known as the "City of Beautiful Spires." Put together, these images make a truly memorable picture. And given the Danes' highly tuned environmental awareness, it's a city perfect for strolling and exploration.

D'Angleterre Hotel

Day 02: Copenhagen

After a delicious Scandinavian breakfast buffet at the hotel, you will be met by your local English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby to begin your 3-hour panoramic tour of Copenhagen by private car.

Visit Amalienborg Palace, which has been the home of the royal family since 1794, and Christiansborg Palace, which now houses government offices.

Also visit Gefion Fountain, Nyhavn's colorful old harbor, and of course the Little Mermaid. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring this fairytale city on your own.

Breakfast

D'Angleterre Hotel

Day 03: Copenhagen- North Zealand- Copenhagen

Today take a lovely tour through the lush Danish countryside by private car with your private guide, exploring the castles of North Zealand. Your first stop will be Frederiksborg Castle in Hilleroed, a grand lakeside castle surrounded by gardens. This magnificent Renaissance castle features a gilded ceiling, wall-size tapestries and fine paintings, with exhibits occupying 70 of its rooms. Visit the small chapel that contains the oldest organ in the world still in use, built in 1610.

Afterwards continue to the charming village of Fredensborg for a brief stop at the summer residence of the Royal Family - Fredensborg Palace.

Continue north to the port town of Elsinore. Enjoy a luxurious buffet of typical Danish delicacies at the Marienlyst Resort hotel overlooking the sea (Not Included). The last stop on your tour will be a visit to the courtyard and ramparts of Kronborg Castle - perhaps better known as Hamlet's Castle, as it was chosen by Shakespeare as the setting of his play. Return to Copenhagen along the coastal road, renowned as the Danish Riviera, with the beautiful view of the sea on one side and impressive manor houses on the other. Your private tour will last approximately 7-hours. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure.

Breakfast

D'Angleterre Hotel

Day 04: Depart Copenhagen

After breakfast at the hotel you'll be transferred to the airport by private car with English-speaking assistance.

Breakfast

Continue with Main Tour: Norway, Sweden and Finland

Main Tour: Norway, Sweden and Finland

Day 01: Bergen, Norway

Arrive Bergen International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met and transferred by private car to your hotel for check-in. The balance of the day is yours to relax following your journey or to begin exploring the charming city of Bergen independently.

You will be confirmed for two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel Royal. Located in the heart of Bergen, adjacent to the city park, the Radisson SAS Hotel is within walking distance of historical sights and shopping.

Founded in AD 1070, Bergen is one of the most attractive cities in Norway. During the Middle Ages, Bergen was the seat of kings, as well as one of the departure points for Vikings who roamed the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. Even after Oslo emerged as Norway's capital, Bergen remained an important port city. Bryggen, Bergen's oldest and most enchanting quarter, runs along the eastern shore of Vagen Harbor and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Radisson Blu Hotel Royal

Day 02: Bergen

Enjoy a delicious Scandinavian breakfast buffet at the hotel before meeting your local English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby for a 3-hour walking tour of Bergen with your private guide.

Visit old Bryggen Harbor and the popular Fish & Flower Market. Continue to the Hanseatic Quarter, named for the Hanseatic League that dominated northern European trade during the late Middle Ages. Visit the Mariakirken Church with its Romanesque entrance and twin towers, which dates from the early 12th century and is Bergen's oldest building. Then take a ride on the funicular railway to Mt. Fløien for breathtaking views of the city and fjord far below. Kindly note that you may have to walk on uneven surfaces and stairs.

The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Bergen on your own.

Breakfast

Radisson Blu Hotel Royal

Day 03: Bergen- SogneFjord- Balestrand

Enjoy breakfast and the morning at leisure. In the early afternoon you will board a ferry from Bergen north along the coast, continuing eastward through SogneFjord to Balestrand- about a 3-½ hour journey. SogneFjord is Norway's longest and deepest fjord, and it's most dramatic. In places, sheer walls rise more than 1000 m (3280 ft) above the water while elsewhere a gentler shoreline supports farms, orchards and small towns. Balestrand, the main Sognefjorden resort destination, enjoys a mountain backdrop and a genteel, low-key atmosphere.

Upon disembarkation you will need to carry your own luggage off the ferry. Once on shore, you'll need to locate the hotel's chauffeur/porter who will transfer your luggage from the pier to the hotel. The chauffeur and van are easily spotted. The walk to Kviknes Hotel is about 75 meters (250 feet.) The balance of the day is at leisure.

You will be confirmed for the night at Kvikne's Hotel. Kvikne's Hotel has been owned and operated by the Kvikne Family since 1877. The guesthouse traditions at Balholm extend back to 1752. The original hotel was built in the traditional "Swiss" architectural style and despite the many phases of expansion and restoration, the appearance of the building remains true to the original design. As a result, Kvikne's is a modern hotel yet with a personality and "soul" that reflect centuries of tradition.

Breakfast

Kvikne's Hotel

 

Day 04: Balestrand- SogneFjord- Flam- Myrdal- Oslo

This morning embark on a ferry continuing further eastward along Sogne Fjord and south to the town of Flåm. Situated in one of the most stunning areas of Norway, Flam has mountains, waterfalls and other natural beauty.

Board the Flåm Mountain Railway, an engineering wonder that climbs 865 meters (2830 feet) along a 20 km (12 mile) route to Myrdal, passing thundering waterfalls and breathtaking scenery along the way. In Myrdal, connect with the scenic train to Oslo. Upon arrival in Oslo you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel.

Oslo's best asset is its setting. Facing a fjord and surrounded on three sides by forest, it's a fine example of Nordic scenery. But as far as cities go, Oslo seems less like a national capital and more like a big village. Densely wooded hills disguise the fact that it's home to around half a million people. Although the city has palaces, churches and museums, Oslo's highlights are definitely outdoors. In summer, you can hike in the forest or take a ferry ride across the fjord.

You will be confirmed for two nights at the Hotel Continental Oslo. The flagship of Oslo's deluxe properties, the Continental overlooks Palace Park and is opposite the National Theater. Once a baronial mansion, the meticulously maintained Victorian decor features brocaded walls hung with oil paintings and public rooms furnished with authentic antiques. Modern in spirit, the hotel is alive with sophisticated activity. The Annen Entagen restaurant is internationally famous and the Theatercafeen cafe is popular with Oslo's intelligentsia. You will find the Continental at the very hub of Oslo's bustling life and activity, only a short walk from museums, concert halls and theaters.

Breakfast

Hotel Continental Oslo

 

Day 05: Oslo

After breakfast at the hotel, depart with your local English-speaking guide for a 4-hour private guided tour of the Norwegian capital. View the world-famous Viking Ships, the Kon-Tiki raft, and the Polar exploration ship Fram, each representing unique episodes of Norway's maritime history. Tour the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park, an extraordinary open-air showcase of work by Norway's best-loved sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. Continue to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump for a birds-eye view of the city and fjord far below. The afternoon is at leisure.

Breakfast

Hotel Continental Oslo

 

Day 06: Oslo- Stockholm, Sweden

Transfer by private car to the Oslo central train station, where you board a 1st class train to Stockholm. On arrival in Stockholm you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Stockholm is a striking city that seems to float on water - part of it is built on a series of islands. It's been likened to Venice, with its location by the sea, its waterways and pedestrian-friendly bridges. It is dotted with parkland and refined architecture with patinated rooftops. The Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, evokes the 18th century. Stockholm has great jazz clubs, fine restaurants and more than a hundred museums.

The Grand Hotel Intercontinental a five-star deluxe hotel, the only one of its class in Sweden. The hotel is a classic landmark in the center of Stockholm, offering views of the harbor, Old Town and Royal Palace. The Grand Hotel opened for the first time in 1874 and has a long and fascinating history. The hotel's high standards of quality and service make it an obvious choice for many notable foreign visitors - the Nobel Laureates and their families have stayed at the Grand Hotel since 1901. The Grand Hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Breakfast

Grand Hotel Intercontinental

Day 07: Stockholm

The day starts with a private guided tour (3 hours) of the city. Stroll through the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous antique shops. Sights include the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral, and Royal Theater. A highlight of the tour is a visit to City Hall with its famous Blue and Golden Halls, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year.

This afternoon you are free to continue exploring the cosmopolitan city of Stockholm independently. You may wish to visit the excellent Vasa Museum or take one of the popular canal tours.

Breakfast

Grand Hotel Intercontinental

Day 08: Stockholm- Helsinki

The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure in Stockholm.

This afternoon you will be taken by private car to the pier for embarkation on a luxurious Silja Line cruise to Helsinki.

The cruise departs from Stockholm at 5:00 pm, sailing slowly down the delightful Stockholm archipelago past numerous small islands. Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony, the elegant flagships of the fleet with 986 cabins each, offer a selection of entertainment, bars, shops and a casino. Dinner will be served on board.

Breakfast, Dinner

Silja Serenade or Silja Symphony, Silja Class Cabin with Sea View

 

Day 09: Helsinki, Finland

Enjoy a buffet breakfast as you cruise into Helsinki. Upon disembarkation, your guide will meet you at the pier to begin your private tour of Helsinki.

Helsinki retains a small-town feel: there are no high-rise buildings and the market square is still surrounded by 19th-century architecture. Its green parks and waterways, fresh sea winds and many open-air cafes make it a perfect summer destination. Helsinki is fast becoming one of Europe's hottest destinations. It's small and intimate compared to other Scandinavian capitals, and in summer walking or cycling is the best way to appreciate its parks, markets, nearby islands and countless museums.

This morning tour Uspenski Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox cathedral built in 1868. Visit Senaatintori (Senate Square), Parliament House and Finlandia Hall. Continue to Sibelius Park and view the Sibelius monument, a modern sculpture created to honor Finland's most famous composer, Jean Sibelius. Also visit the Underground Temple. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you choose in Helsinki.

Hotel Kamp is one of the most valued historical buildings in central Helsinki, dating back to 1887. After careful and extensive restoration the Hotel Kamp re-opened its doors in May 1999, taking its place among the most luxurious of all hotels in Scandinavia. Hotel Kamp is located opposite the Esplanade Park, in the finest shopping area and pedestrian area of Helsinki, close to the South Harbor and all major cultural sights.

Breakfast

Hotel Kamp

Day 10: Day of Departure

Transfer to the airport by private car for your departing international flight.

Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

2011 Main Tour Prices:

Valid May 1 to September 30

$6,449 per person double occupancy.

$5,249 per person double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together

$1,619 single room supplement

2011 Denmark Extension Prices:

$2,749 per person double occupancy.

$1,789 per person double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together

$519 single room supplement

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of October, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions, Denmark pre- tour extension:

· Hotel accommodations as specified in the itinerary or similar properties in shared double rooms

· Three (3) Scandinavian Breakfast Buffets

· Transfers as indicated on a private basis with English-speaking assistance

· Sightseeing as indicated on a private basis with English-speaking guide

· Taxes and Service fees

Inclusions, Main tour:

· 8 nights hotel accommodations in double/twin rooms in hotels as indicated in the itinerary or similar.

· 1 night accommodation on Silja Line ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki.

· Buffet breakfast served daily in the hotels.

· Private transfers with English-speaking driver as per the itinerary.

· Private city tours with an English-speaking guide as per the itinerary.

· Entrance fees/tickets only where stated.

· Train Oslo- Stockholm in 1st class service.

· SogneFjord in a Nutshell- Bergen- Oslo including boat from Bergen- Balestrand- Flam, train Flam-Myrdal and Myrdal-Oslo.

Exclusions:

· International and domestic air and taxes

· Meals other than those indicated

· All optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in itinerary

· Items of a personal nature

· Travel Insurance

· Departure tax

· Gratuities

· Holiday surcharges

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes