NORDIC EXPLORER: THE BEST OF CITIES  & FJORDS

14 days / 13 nights, Oslo - Bergen - Sogne Fjord - Geiranger Fjord

Stockholm Helsinki- Stockholm - Copenhagen

Guaranteed departures: Tuesdays June 06, 13, 20, 27 / July 04, 11, 18, 25 / Aug 01, 08*, 15* 2006
* Departures for 7, 9 & 11 day programs only

Welcome to the Nordic Explorer and Scandinavia complete! This comprehensive tour features the Nordic Capitals along with three of the most spectacular fjords in Norway. From Oslo by motor coach across the wild Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau, with stop at Norway's highest waterfall, the Vøringsfoss. Descend to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord, often called the Orchard of Norway. Cross by ferry and continue to the fjord capital of Bergen. Follow the Norway Nutshell route via the steep hairpin turns of the Stalheim Canyon Road, cruise from Gudvangen through the Aurland and narrow Nærøy Fjord into the Sogne Fjord to Balestrand. Overnight at the historic Kvikne's Hotel, dating back to 1850, one of the most popular resorts in Norway; the favorite for Emperors, Politicians, Artist. Along the Gaular Mountain Road, alongside Lake Jølster, you reach the Jostedal Glacier, largest glacier plateau in Europe, and the magnificent Geiranger Fjord.

Day 1 ARRIVE OSLO (D)
Transfer from Oslo Airport to hotel in connection with your flight arrival. Dinner and overnight at Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel, located in the city center.

Day 2 OSLO (B, D)

After breakfast, depart on a 3-hour guided tour of the Norwegian Capital, including visits to the world-famous Viking Ships, the Polar exploration ship Fram, and the amazing Vigeland Sculpture Park. Afternoon excursion by coach to Holmenkollen for panoramic views of the city and the Oslo fjord. Dinner and overnight at Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel.

Day 3 OSLO – BERGEN (B, L, D)
Morning departure from Oslo. Drive through the Hallingdal Valley to the mountain resort of Geilo, where we have a delicious buffet lunch at Bardøla Mountain Hotel. Continues across the wild Hardanger Mountain Plateau, stopping at Fossli and the Vøringsfoss Waterfall. Descend to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord, often called the "Queen of the Fjords". Short ferry crossing, before continuing via Voss and Dale to Bergen, capital of Western Norway and gateway to the fjords. Dinner and overnight at Clarion Admiral Hotel, overlooking the old Bryggen Harbour.

Day 4 BERGEN – BALESTRAND (B, L, D)
Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of Bergen, including a visit to the popular Fish & Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbor and the old Hanseatic Quarter. Ride on the funicular Fløybanen to Mt. Fløyen for breathtaking views of the city and fjord. After lunch we drive to the town of Voss and across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes for a short ferry crossing to Balestrand. Dinner and overnight at Kvikne’s Hotel. 

Day 5 BALESTRAND (B, L, D)
After breakfast we have a short drive where we board the M/S Lady Elisabeth.
Enjoy a 2-hour cruise along the Sogne Fjord, through the narrow and winding Nærøy Fjord to Gudvangen. After lunch we drive through Stalheim Canyon, to the villages of Flam and Aurland. We cross the fjord once more by ferry to arrive back in Balestrand. Dinner and overnight at the Kvikne’s Hotel. 

Day 6 BALESTRAND – GEIRANGER (B, L, D)
Morning departure by ferry to Fjaerland. Continue by coach along the scenic route passing under Jostedal Glacier. Descend to the beautiful Nord Fjord to Olden. From here we journey to the Briksdal Glacier where lunch is served with the glacial view. After lunch we drive to Hellesylt for a cruise along the majestic Geiranger Fjord, passing famous waterfalls and narrow gorges. Dinner and overnight at the famous Union Hotel.

Day 7 GEIRANGER OSLO (B, L, D)

After breakfast, your tour crosses the Grotli Mountains to Lom, then following Lake Vågå, descends the majestic Gudbrandsdal Valley, renowned for its old farmsteads and beautiful river, to the world-famous town of Lillehammer. After lunch time to visit the Olympic Park. Continue alongside Lake Mjøsa, largest lake in Norway, to arrive back in Oslo during the early evening. Dinner and overnight at Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel.

Day 8 OSLO STOCKHOLM (B, L, D)

Breakfast at your hotel. Continue by coach towards the Swedish border, crossing into the charming province of Värmland. Arrive in the city of Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden. After lunch the tour continues through the idyllic Swedish countryside, a landscape of forests and sparkling lakes, before reaching the Stockholm late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel.

Day 09 STOCKHOLM (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. The day starts with a 4-hour guided tour of the city. Famous sights include the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral, and Royal Theatre. Take a stroll through 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, perhaps a visit to the famous Wasa Museum, take a canal tours, or a cruise through the archipelago surrounding Stockholm, built on 14 islands. 
Dinner and overnight at the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel.

Day 10 STOCKHOLM HELSINKI (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. You will have the morning free in Stockholm. Afternoon transfer from hotel to pier, for your overnight cruise on the luxurious Silja Line. Depart Stockholm, sailing through the picturesque archipelago past numerous islands, and across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki. Enjoy a fabulous Scandinavian buffet dinner and entertainment on board the luxurious Silja Line ship. Overnight in your comfortable outside cabin on board the luxurious Silja ship.

Day 11 HELSINKI STOCKHOLM (B, D)

Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki, often called the "Daughter of the Baltic". Retain your cabin on the ship while we spend the day in this exciting sea faring city. We proceed on a 3-hour guided tour of Helsinki. Famous sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple, and much more. Afternoon at leisure to explore the busy market place or bustling harbor. This evening embark for the return cruise to Stockholm. Dinner and overnight on board Silja Line.

Day 12 STOCKHOLM COPENHAGEN (B, L, D)

After a tasty buffet breakfast, arrive back in Stockholm. Proceed the city of Jönköping, situated at the southern end of Lake Vättern. Lunch in Jönköping. Continue through the picturesque province of Hallandia to the city of Malmö. Cross the new Öresund Bridge from Sweden to Denmark, to arrive in wonderful Copenhagen during the early evening. Dinner and overnight at Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel. (For tours starting on June 06 & July 04 accommodation at Radisson SAS Royal Hotel).

Day 13 COPENHAGEN (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. The day starts with a 3-hour guided tour of Wonderful Copenhagen. Visits include the Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Danish Royal Family, Gefion Fountain, Christiansborg Palace (Danish Parliament buildings), the old harbor of Nyhavn, and the famous Little Mermaid. Afternoon free for exploring this fairytale city. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner in the famous Tivoli Gardens. Overnight at the Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel.
(For tours starting on June 04 & 06 accommodation at Radisson SAS Royal Hotel).

Day 14 COPENHAGEN USA (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to Copenhagen Airport for individual flight departures. Your fabulous tour through Scandinavia has come to an end.

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Departure Dates

Guaranteed departures 14 days

Tuesdays, June 06, 13, 20, 27

July 04, 11, 18, 25
Aug 01, 08*, 15*
* Departures for 7, 9 & 11 day programs only

Prices in US Dollars

Nordic Explorer, 14 days