17 Day Scandinavia & Baltic Highlights Tour
DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe. The Trip Documents provide instructions for airport check-in and for your arrival in Scandinavia. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - DENMARK . . Arrival at Copenhagen Airport. Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in your Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager for the transfer to your nearby Copenhagen Airport area hotel. During the “Welcome to Scandinavia” dinner, get acquainted with your fellow travelers. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - DENMARK . . Copenhagen.
This morning, a local guide will introduce you to the treasures of Copenhagen, including Amalienborg Palace, residence of the queen and royal family; Frederiks Kirke, also known as the Marble Church; and Copenhagen’s trademark statue of the Little Mermaid. Following your city tour, Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district is the perfect setting for an independent lunch amid the colorful townhouses and historic wooden ships that line the canal. The afternoon is free to continue your exploration of Copenhagen or join your tour manager for an optional Danish Castle excursion. This evening, entrance is included to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park and pleasure garden, where you can take in the vibrant nightlife over an independent dinner at one of the park’s many restaurants. (Breakfast)
DAY 4 - DENMARK . .Copenhagen - Odense – Aalborg –Hirtshals. Denmark is made up of the Jutland Peninsula as well as more than 400 islands. Zealand and Funen are the largest islands. Upon departing the Danish capital, located on Zealand, travel west to Funen via the 18 kilometer (11.25 mile) Storebælt (Great Belt) Fixed Link, consisting of two bridges and a tunnel. By late morning, arrive in Odense for an included visit to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Born in 1805, from humble beginnings, Andersen went on to enormous fame for his beloved fairy tales including “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” The afternoon stop is in Aalborg, on of Denmark's oldest towns. Continue north on the Jutland Peninsula to the port city of Hirtshals, where you will embark on an overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway. Dinner will be served on-board. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - NORWAY . . Bergen – Voss – Stalheim. Wake up to the invigorating breeze of the North Sea, and arrive in Bergen's harbor by mid-day. Bergen is one of Europe’s oldest port cities, established as a center of trade by the 12th century. Bergen’s old wharf, known as Bryggen, is a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. Wander among the historic row houses where you will find potters, jewelers and leather crafters, as well as restaurants and cafés. Departing Bergen, take in the pure Norwegian scenery on the way to Voss. After an independent dinner, transfer to your hotel in Stalheim. (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - NORWAY . . Flåm Railway – Fjord Cruise – Stalheim. Spectacular scenery abounds today! Experience a one hour journey on the scenic Flåm Railway, taking you past mountains, waterfalls and stunning landscapes. The railway itself is an engineering marvel, descending 2844 feet as you approach Flåm. Pause in Flåm to have a relaxing independent lunch and explore the village shops or the railway museum. This afternoon, board a fjord steamer for a two-hour cruise through the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, the world's narrowest fjord and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark at Gudvangen where your motor coach will be waiting to return you to your Stalheim hotel for a relaxing dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 - NORWAY . . Borgund – Oslo. This morning, visit the Borgund Stave Church. Made of wood and coated in a unique natural tar, stave churches dotted the countryside of Norway during the Middle Ages. Built around 1180, Borgund is exceptionally well preserved and is one of the most distinctive stave churches still standing. From Borgund, lush wooded areas, hills, lakes and resort villages complement the journey towards Oslo. Make an afternoon stop before reaching your Oslo hotel for check-in and an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - NORWAY . . Oslo. A local city guide will accompany you and provide insight into Oslo’s scenic waterfront, fjord-influenced landscape and Norwegian culture. The fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park is included in your orientation tour of Oslo. You’ll also see landmarks such as the Parliament building, Royal Palace, and Oslo City Hall – venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that Oslo has to offer. Aker Brygge, the revitalized waterfront district, is a pleasant place for an independent lunch and for further exploration. Considerations for how to spend your afternoon leisure time inlcude touring the Akershus Fortress, studying intriguing works of art at the Munch Museum, or joining the optional Bygdoy Peninsula excursion, including the Fram and Viking Ship Museums. Dinner is independent this evening, providing the opportunity to experience Oslo’s rich culinary culture. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - SWEDEN . . Stockholm. Today is a full day of travel from Oslo to Stockholm. Take in the beautiful scenery as you pass by rich farmlands, pine forests, small towns and pristine lakes. Make a stop in one of the small towns for an independent lunch, and dinner will be served after check-in at your Stockholm area hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - SWEDEN . . Stockholm. Start the day with an overview of city landmarks by motor coach, followed by a walking tour through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. Situated on Stadsholmen Island and two islets, Gamla Stan dates back to the 13th century and consists of medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and well-preserved Gothic buildings including the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, and the Riddarholmen Church (one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm). For your independent lunch in Gamla Stan, try a Swedish smörgåsbord at one of the many restaurants. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or join your tour manager for an optional Drottningholm Palace excursion. This evening, return to Stockholm city center for an independent dinner in the lively and bustling Swedish capital. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 - SWEDEN . . Stockholm - Skansen & Overnight Cruise to FINLAND. Stroll along Stockholm's harbor or join your tour manager for the optional Vasa Museum excursion. By lunchtime, transfer to Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum. Founded in 1891, Skansen features 150 Swedish farms and dwellings illustrating the different social conditions in which people lived between the 16th and the early 20th century. Staff members are dressed in period clothing and provide insight into daily Swedish life over the past 500 years. The museum is also home to the Stockholm Zoo, which features native Nordic animals. Enjoy an independent lunch in Skansen before transferring to the harbor to check-in for the overnight cruise to Helsinki, Finland. Explore the ship before dining on a lavish buffet dinner. Spend the rest of your evening experiencing all that the ship has to offer including tax free shopping, musical entertainment, and dancing. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - FINLAND . . Helsinki. While you have breakfast on deck, the island-dotted shores of Finland come into view. The cruise ship will dock in Helsinki by mid-morning. Board the motor coach and proceed to the city center where a local guide will join you to share some of the city's most attractive sites including the Rock Church, Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Cathedral. For your independent time this afternoon, Helsinki’s open-air markets sell traditional foods and local treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. Check-in at your hotel and join your fellow tour members for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - ESTONIA . . Tallinn. Transfer to the Helsinki ferry terminal for a two-hour crossing over the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, Estonia. Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best maintained medieval cities in Europe. A local guide will take you on a walking tour through the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town. This well preserved 13th century city is divided into two distinct parts: Toompea Hill, which was home to the gentry that lorded over the countryside; and the Lower Town where merchants traded goods from around the world on the Town Hall Square. Find a quiet restaurant in the Old Town for an independent dinner or participate in the optional Olde Hansa Dinner excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - ESTONIA . . Tallinn – Parnu & LATVIA . . Riga. Depart Tallinn this morning and travel to Parnu, a medieval city which also happens to be Estonia’s ultimate summer holiday destination due to its romantic laid-back atmosphere, sandy beaches, spas and restaurants. Stop at a local market to purchase snack items for a picnic along the beach promenade, or enjoy lunch at one of the sidewalk cafés. This afternoon, continue your journey into Latvia, where you will spend the next two nights in the capital city of Riga. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - LATVIA . . Riga. Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a skyline of Gothic spires mingled with one of the world’s richest collections of Art Nouveau architecture. A local guide will point out some of the highlights of Riga including the Castle, St. Peter’s Church and Dome Cathedral. Following the city tour, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. For lunch, wind your way through the enormous Central Market offering savory sausage, cheese, black bread, smoked fish and other local favorites. Or, enjoy a hearty meal at a friendly bistro. You may wish to try the mysterious Riga Black Balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made with natural ingredients mixed in pure vodka. Riga's Old Town is in walking distance and is an excellent place to soak up the local sights and flavors during an independent dinner. (Breakfast)
DAY 16 - LITHUANIA . . Vilnius. Your mid-day destination today is Lithuania’s capital city of Vilnius. The Old Town of Vilnius bustles with fairy tale charm and offers quaint cafés and restaurants, for an independent lunch. Begin your afternoon on a walking tour with a local guide who will provide valuable insight into the city’s history and culture amid Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Following the city tour, take some additional time to browse the boutiques and flower vendors before transferring to the hotel for a “Farewell Dinner” with your fellow tour participants. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 17 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Early morning transfer to the Vilnius Airport for the return flight home.