Route Map of Tour	Aurlandfjord

2012 Dates & Rates

Day 01: ARRIVE COPENHAGEN
Arrive at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport. Transfer provided to hotel in connection with individual flight arrivals. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson BLU Scandinavia Hotel.
Your tour escort will meet you at 19.50 hrs. in the hotel lobby. (NOTE! Optional extra nights on own can be booked with us #)

Day 02: COPENHAGEN
The day starts with a 3 hours guided tour of the city. During the tour you will see the Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace (seat of the Danish Parliament), Hans Christian Andersen’s statue, Gefion Fountain, the old harbour of Nyhavn, the famous Little Mermaid and many other popular sights. Afternoon free in Copenhagen. We can recommend a tour down the popular pedestrian shopping street - Strøget, or maybe a canal tour. This evening you will be taken by your tour escort for dinner in the famous Tivoli Gardens.
Accommodation at Radisson BLU Scandinavia Hotel

Day 03: COPENHAGEN - OSLO
After a tasty Danish buffet breakfast, morning free in Copenhagen for shopping and sightseeing. Afternoon transfer by coach to DFDS Seaways terminal for your overnight cruise to Oslo, departing at 17.00 hrs. Enjoy a delicious Scandinavian buffet dinner as you cruise gently up the Kattegat on your way to Oslo. There is dancing and entertainment on board, or you may prefer to sit out on deck and watch the sunset.
Accommodation is in 2-berth outside cabins with shower/WC. We recommend bringing an overnight bag for this cruise, to avoid having to carry your suitcases to and from the cabin

Day 04: OSLO
Scandinavian buffet breakfast is being served on board, as you sail up the exciting Oslo Fjord to reach the Norwegian capital at 09.30 hrs. After disembarkation, this morning’s 3 hours guided tour of Oslo takes you to see the world-famous Viking Ships, the Polar Exploration ship Fram, the amazing Vigeland Sculpture Park and other famous sights. Afternoon free on own. Dinner and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera

Day 05: OSLO - ULVIK
After breakfast departure from Oslo, driving past the beautiful Tyri Fjord and along the picturesque Halling Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. Buffet lunch at Bardøla Mountain Hotel. After lunch cross the scenic Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the mighty 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 Brakanes Hotel, ideally located on the banks of the fjord

Day 06: ULVIK - BERGEN
After buffet breakfast, start of scenic tour along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord , famous for its many fruit orchards, arriving in Bergen around midday, the old Hanseatic capital of Western Norway and gateway to the Fjords. Afternoon 2 hour 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 panoramic views of the city and fjords way below.
Dinner and accommodation at Radisson BLU Hotel Norge, in the centre of the city, within walking distance of the Bryggen Harbor

Day 07: BERGEN - FLÅM - BALESTRAND
After a delicious buffet breakfast, departure from Bergen via Dale to the town of Voss. Descend the Næroey Valley, passing the amazing Stalheim Canyon, to the village of Flåm. Here you will board the famous Flåm Railroad, a masterpiece of engineering ascending 2.838 feet in less than one hour. The descent to Flåm offers opportunities for photos of waterfalls and spectacular scenery. After a short rest in Flåm you will start a 2 hours cruise along the narrow Aurlands and Nærøey Fjords, both branches of the Sogne Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. From the sun deck or the comfortable lounge, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks, and a variety of wildlife. After disembarking in the village of Gudvangen you will be continuing across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes for the short ferry crossing to Balestrand on the banks of the Sognefjord.
Dinner and accommodation at Kvikne’s Hotel, superbly located overlooking the fjord

Day 08: BALESTRAND - A DAY IN THE FJORDS
Day free in Balestrand, providing you the opportunity to spend a whole day relaxing and enjoying the 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's terrace 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 row boat from the hotel, or even go hiking to the nearest mountains. A walking tour of the village of Balestrand, with its historic buildings can also be arranged.
Dinner and accommodation at Kvikne’s Hotel

Day 09: BALESTRAND - GEIRANGER
After breakfast departure from your hotel by ferry from Dragsvik to Hella, followed by a scenic drive along the northern side of the Sognefjord to Sogndal. The tour continues by road to Fjaerland, passing under the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village of Skei. Descend to the beautiful 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 of views. Afterwards a typical Norwegian lunch will be served in sight of the glacier. During the afternoon the tour continues via Loen and Stryn to the picturesque village of Hellesylt. From here you board the ferry for the one hour’s cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord. During the cruise you will pass close by some impressive waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters.
Dinner and accommodation at the Union Hotel, beautifully situated overlooking the Geiranger Fjord

Day 10: GEIRANGER - OSLO
Ascend the famous Serpentine Road with amazing views of the fjord below, before crossing the rugged Grotli Mountains to the village of Lom, famous for its 14th century stave church. The tour continues alongside Lake Vågå to Otta, then descends the wonderful Gudbrands Valley towards the town of Lillehammer. Lunch in Lillehammer. After lunch the journey continues along the banks of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, back to Oslo for another night.
Dinner and accommodation at the Thon Hotel Opera

Day 11: OSLO - STOCKHOLM
After breakfast, continue by coach towards the Swedish border, crossing 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 Clarion Hotel Sign, a new Superior First Class hotel ideally located in the city centre

Day 12: 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 famous Blue and Golden Halls, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year. Afternoon free in Stockholm. Your tour escort will be happy to arrange optional visits to the impressive Drottningholm Palace or the famous Wasa Museum on request.
Please note that dinner is on own this night as experience shows that in Stockholm clients prefer to eat out at a restaurant of their own choice.
Accommodation at Clarion Hotel Sign

Day 13: STOCKHOLM - HELSINKI
Morning free in Stockholm for exploring this beautiful city, often called the Venice of the North because of its many canals and waterways. Afternoon coach transfer for embarkation on a luxurious cruise ferry of the Silja Line. 17.00 hrs: Start of your cruise to Helsinki, sailing slowly down the Stockholm archipelago past numerous small islands. Buffet dinner on board. Choice of entertainment, shops, casino, bars on board. We recommend bringing an overnight bag for this round trip cruise, to avoid having to carry your suitcases to and from the cabin.
Accommodation is in 2-berth outside cabins (Seaside) with shower/WC

Day 14: HELSINKI
Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki. Morning 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 Radisson BLU Royal Hotel

Day 15: HELSINKI - ST. PETERSBURG
Breakfast followed by transfer by coach from hotel to railway station. 10.00 hrs: Departure from Helsinki on “Allegro” high-speed train for St. Petersburg. Lunch box on train. 14.36 hrs: Arrival in St. Petersburg.
Coach transfer from railway station to hotel combined with 1 hour’s guided boat cruise along the Neva River and visit at St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Welcome dinner and accommodation at Ambassador Hotel, a first class hotel located in city centre, near the famous Mariinsky Theatre

Day 16: ST. PETERSBURG
Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.30 hrs: 3 hour 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 and bridges. Lunch at local Restaurant.
14.00 - 17.00 hrs: Tour of the world-famous Hermitage Art Museum and state rooms of the Winter Palace. Return to the hotel.
Dinner and accommodation at Ambassador Hotel

Day 17: ST. PETERSBURG
Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.30 hrs: Excursion to the town of Pushkin including tour of Catherine's Palace with its famous Amber room. Lunch at the Admiralty Restaurant. After lunch return to St. Petersburg. Rest of afternoon at leisure with time free for shopping or exploring this historical city. This evening you will be taken to see a colorful Russian folklore show at Nikolaevsky Palace followed by dinner at the Backstage Restaurant of the Mariinsky Theater.
Accommodation at Ambassador Hotel

Day 18: ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW
Buffet breakfast at hotel. 09.00 hrs: Guests continuing to Moscow will depart by hydrofoil for Peterhof, the magnificent summer residence of all the Russian Tsars. Guided tour of the Lower Park including Grand Palace (inside visit). Coach transfer to St. Petersburg railway station for a 13:00 departure on new high-speed Saspan train. Lunch on board. Arrival into Moscow at 17:45 followed by coach transfer to your hotel, centrally located 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 Hilton Leningradskaya Hotel

Day 19: MOSCOW
Morning tour of the Kremlin and Armory 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 meters 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 on of the impressive Russian Cathedrals. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Armoury Museum contains the largest collection in the world of crown jewels and coronation robes, including the wedding dress of Catherine the Great and the famous 189 carat Olov diamond. You will also see the golden horse-drawn carriages of all the Tsars and other treasures. Lunch at local Restaurant. After lunch you will walk through Red Square to rejoin your coach for a 3 hours panorama tour of the city, 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 Hilton Leningradskaya Hotel

Day 20: MOSCOW
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Morning tour of the WWII Memorial on Poklonnaya Hill followed by a visit to Novodevichy Convent, a 16th century cluster of sparkling domes, one of the city most beautiful groups of buildings and full of history and treasures. The adjacent Novodevichy Commentary is Moscow most prestigious resting place after Kremlin (entrance),. Lunch at local Restaurant. After lunch guided tour of the famous Moscow Metro, followed by a walk along the fascinating pedestrian street Arbat, know as the "Montmatre of Moscow". Rest of afternoon free for shopping at 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 Hilton Leningradskaya Hotel

Day 21: MOSCOW DEPARTURE
Buffet breakfast at hotel followed by transfer with assistance to Moscow Airport for your flight home.

Price includes:
20 nights Copenhagen - Moscow
18 nights accommodation including daily 3-course or buffet dinner (except for 2nd night in Stockholm) and buffet breakfast, in centrally located first class hotels, all rooms with private facilities
10 lunches on days 5, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20. (On day 15 packed lunch on train to St. Petersburg)
1-night cruise Copenhagen – Oslo, incl. accommodation in 2-berth outside cabin with shower/WC, buffet dinner and buffet breakfast on board
Entrance to Tivoli Gardens for dinner on day 2
3 hours guided tours of Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, and 4 hours Stockholm, all entrances included
Panorama tour of Bergen including ride on the Bergen Funicular
Ride on the Flåm Railroad Flåm-Myrdal-Flåm
2 hours cruise on the Aurlands & Nærøy fjords, and 1 hour cruise on Geiranger Fjord
Excursion in open car to the Briksdal Glacier
All internal ferry crossings in Norway
1-night 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 railway stations
Complete program in St. Petersburg, including 3 hours city tour, visit to Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace, excursion to Pushkin & Catherine's Summer Palace, excursion to Peterhof, all entrances included, hydrofoil St. Petersburg - Peterhof, 1 hour canal tour plus folklore show at Nikolaevsky Palace incl. refreshments and dinner
Train St. Petersburg – Moscow, incl. transfers between hotels and railway stations
Complete program in Moscow, including 3 hours city tour, 3 hours visit to the Kremlin and Armoury Museum, visit to WW2 Memorial and Borodino Memorial, guided Metro tour, incl. all entrances and coach transfers between restaurants and hotel
Luggage assistance at all hotels, 1 piece per person
Tour escort throughout
Transportation by modern deluxe coach with reclining seats etc.
Transfers airport/hotel on first (#) and last (#) days to correspond with flight times
# Note!! Transfers are ONLY included on tour starting/terminating days from/to main international airports, any deviations including change of flights due to travel delay will result in transfers on own and at own expense, no refunds provided for unused transfers.

NOTE!! RUSSIAN VISA MUST BE OBTAINED ON OWN. VISIT www.russianembassy.org FOR FEES, DETAILS AND FORMS. WE WILL PROVIDE THE REQUIRED VISA CONFIRMATION LETTER AND VOUCHER ONCE BOOKED AND CONFIRMED.

Click here to view the 2011-12 Scanam Terms & Conditions

2012 Prices per person sharing twin-bedded room:
English Language Tours start in Copenhagen on Saturdays
- GUARANTEED DEPARTURES