Norwegian Fjords with Baltic Highlights St.Petersburg & Moscow

Oslo - Ulvik - Bergen - Flåm - Balestrand - Geirganger - Oslo - Stockholm - Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Moscow

Day 1: ARRIVE OSLO
Transfer from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to hotel in connection with your flight arrival. Dinner and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera, ideally situated close to the Oslo Harbour and facing the new Opera House. 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. Descend the amazing Måbødal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord. Short ferry crossing, followed by drive along 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 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 Blu 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 amazing 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 exciting waterfalls and mountain scenery. After a 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 coach along the scenic route, 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 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 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.  Dinner and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera, ideally situated close to the Oslo Harbour and facing the new Opera House.

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, 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 Vasa Museum or take one of the popular canal tours. Accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Sign.

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 from Stockholm, sailing slowly through 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 Blu Royal Hotel, another first class hotel centrally located.

Day 12: HELSINKI - ST. PETERSBURG
Breakfast followed by transfer by coach from hotel to railway station. 10.00 hrs: Departure from Helsinki on train “Allegro” 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 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. The day begins with 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 local restaurant. After lunch, 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 and transfer to town of Pushkin followed by a visit to Catherine’s Palace including the famous Amber room. Lunch at Admiralty Restaurant. Return to St. Petersburg and spend a few hours free for leisure. 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
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Guests continuing to Moscow will have transfer to the Neva River for cruise by hydrofoil to Peterhof, the magnificent summer residence of all the Russian Tsars. Tour of the Lower Park including Grand Palace (inside visit). Coach transfer to St. Petersburg railway station for departure at 13:00 with “Sapsan” train. Lunch on board. 17:45: Arrival in Moscow followed by coach transfer 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 Hilton Leningradskaya Hotel, centrally located 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 at local 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 Hilton Leningradskaya Hotel.

Day 17: 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 Cementery is Moscow most prestigious resting place after Kremlin (entrance).  Lunch at local 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 Hilton Leningradskaya Hotel.

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