Scandinavia

Day 02 – Copenhagen
We’ll arrive in Copenhagen, where past and present meet in a lively, cosmopolitan city that dates back in time to the Vikings.  On the drive down Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard, we’ll see the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, the Little Mermaid, the magnificent Grundtvig Church, the old Stock Exchange, and Kongens Nytorv.  We’ll also see Christiansborg Palace and Old Town with its harbor and quaint painted houses.  The afternoon will be free to explore Copenhagen’s shopping district,  “Stroget,” a shopper’s and stroller’s delight. We’ll have an evening to experience the world famous Tivoli Gardens.  From fountains and lakes to brass bands, stroll among the beautiful flowers and listen to the music.  A welcome dinner awaits in one of the elegant garden restaurants.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Hotel First Vesterbro

Day 03 – Copenhagen to Oslo
We’ll motor along the Danish countryside of North Zealand passing colorful villages and pretty landscapes to the remarkable Frederiksborg Castle, which contains the National History Museum.  After lunch at a country Danish inn, we’ll visit one of the world’s most famous castles.  Begin a stroll in the courtyard and to the immaculate grounds of the legendary home of Hamlet, Kronborg Castle.  Our journey back takes us past thatched-roof inns, posh palatial residences, and magnificent forests embracing tranquil lakes.  We’ll embark on the overnight cruise to Oslo, enjoying dinner on board the ship.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 04 – Oslo
Breakfast on board will be a delightful experience as we sail past the Oslo Fjord, charming towns, and small islands.  Upon arriving in Oslo, explore this exciting city with sights including Frogner Park, famous for its Vigeland Sculptures.  We’ll visit the Viking Ship Museum, where the 2,000-year-old ships and artifacts from the Viking era make history come alive.  See the medieval fortresses of Akershus, the Royal Palace, the busy port, and stop at Oslo’s City Hall.  We’ve arranged for some leisure time, so you can perhaps take a harbor cruise, experience the Resistance Museum at Akershus Fortress, or visit the Munch Museum, housing the collection of Norway’s most famous artist.  Take a stroll along the main street Karl Johan, a short walk to the Royal Palace, or ride a streetcar.  Enjoy a leisurely evening as you choose from the many outstanding restaurants surrounding the hotel. 
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hotel Bristrol

Day 05 – Oslo to Lofthus
After breakfast at the hotel we’ll begin our journey into some of Norway’s beauty.  Scenery includes, farm-dotted landscapes with brilliant blue lakes, rushing rivers, and impressive waterfalls.  We’ll motor through tunnels, along sheer rock walls, and around hairpin turns.  Our magnificent journey will end in the fjord village of Lofthus.  R&J Tours has chosen one of the best hotels in Norway, perfectly set on the fjord with snow-capped mountains as a back drop.  Evening dinner will be served at the hotel.
Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Ullensvang Hotel

Day 06 – Lofthus to Bergen
Explore the village or soak up the scenery after breakfast!  We’ll depart by afternoon ferry on the Hardanger Fjord to the fjord village of Kvanndal.  Here we’ll board our coach and motor through charming villages, along the shores of the fjord with mountains looming.  Visit the Steinstoe Farm and meet the family of one of the largest fruit farms in the area.  Coffee and cakes are at the farm to enjoy.  Soak in spectacular scenery as we continue to Bergen.  Stop at the breathtaking 100-foot waterfall on the Fosselva River before we arrive in Bergen for a two-night stay.  Our lovely hotel offers a grand location on the Bryggen and within walking distance to the fish markets!  Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel First Marin

Day 07 – Bergen
A free morning will be given in this delightful city.  Later, we’ll visit Bergen, Norway’s second largest city with a lovely location set on the water.  Sea trade has been a large part of Bergen’s 900-year-old history and we will see the colorful fish markets and learn about its history.  Tour the Hanseatic Waterfront, the Hansa Museum, St. Mary’s Church (famous for its Baroque Pulpit) before we visit Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg.  Grieg composed many of his best known works here.  Our hotel offers the perfect base to enjoy some free time with dinner on your own to choose from one of Bergen’s delightful restaurants.  Options are many—from a quiet stroll down the cobble-stoned streets, museums, or perhaps take an optional trip with the cable car to Mount Floyen for a breathtaking view of this seafaring town.
(The May departure tour will be in Bergen during Bergen International Music Festival.  Tickets to local concerts and events are available for purchase.)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 08 – Bergen to Balestrand
After breakfast we’ll motor along the shores of beautiful Soer Fjord and along the Vosse River, one of the finest salmon rivers in Norway.  We’ll arrive in Voss, where we’ll board our train for the small fjord village of Flaam.  Enjoy some free time in the village before we board the Flaam Railway, ascending more than 2,900 feet in less than one hour. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Flaam Valley and the thundering sound of waterfalls. By boat, we’ll experience the longest and deepest fjord in the world, the Sogne Fjord, and the impressive Aurlands Fjord.  We’ll sail past cascading waterfalls, isolated hamlets, and steep mountain sides.  By coach, we’ll motor through valleys, with rainbow-dancing waterfalls, isolated hamlets, and steep mountain sides en route to Balestrand, our home for the evening.  R&J Tours has chosen Kviknes Hotel, which has belonged to the Kvikne family for more than 100 years.  Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Kviknes Hotel

Day 09 – Balestrand to Geiranger
An experience is in store for us that we will long remember as we step back in time and travel to Briksdal Glacier by open car, past powerful rivers and up the twisting roads, which is an arm of the largest glacier in Northern Europe.   We’ll later continue to the fjord village of Hellesylt and sail from there on the world-famous Geiranger Fjord with its sheer rock walls and numerous waterfalls: The Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil.  Look closely and you may see the abandoned farm of Skagaflaa high above you.  R&J Tours has carefully chosen the spectacular Union Hotel, perfectly nestled into the most incredible scenery, world renowned for its majestic mountains, deep fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls.  This first-class hotel has traditions dating back to 1891.  Dinner will be served in this gorgeous setting! 
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Union Hotel

Day 10 – Geiranger to Kvitfjell
We’ll wind along the Gudbrandsdalen Valley—the valley of valleys—where we’ll see charming villages with a stop in the old village of Lom to visit the 12th-century Stave Church.  We’ll travel along the “roof of Norway,” a vastness of lakes and snow-capped peaks.  Spectacular scenery will be experienced today as the coach climbs Dalsniba viewpoint, the highest spot in the district reachable by road (weather permitting).  Enjoy this impressive view of Geiranger Fjord and the surrounding mountains.  Experience a breathtaking descent on the spectacular Geiranger Mountain Road, descending some 3,300 feet with 20 hairpin turns and several bridges.  We’ll experience a traditional Norwegian-style hotel with cogged logs and solid timber that is located above the Olympic downhill area, with a superb view of the Gudbrandsdal Valley, complete with a traditional Norwegian dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Gudbrandsgard

Day 11 – Kvitfjell  to Tallberg
We’ll arrive in Lillehammer, the site of the 1994 Winter Olympics, and spend some time here before we visit the Dala Horse Factory, where we will see the woodcarvers at their best making the famous Red Dala Horses.  Cross Norway’s Forest Capital, along Lake Mjosa as we hear tales of the famed trolls.  Visit Maihaugen, the largest open-air museum in northern Europe.  Here we will find 120 buildings and thousands of artifacts collected from the Gudbrandsdalen Valley.  Our accommodations are on beautiful Lake Silijan, Sweden, where we’ll enjoy a Swedish country dinner at our charming inn. 
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Tallbergsgardens Hotel

Day 12 – Tallberg to Stockholm
As we pass through Dalarna, note that Sweden’s ancient folklore traditions are probably maintained more strongly in the province of Dalarna than in any other part of the country.  We’ll visit the old university town of Uppsala with its impressive Gothic Cathedral and Uppsala University, the oldest in Sweden.  Time permitting, we’ll stop in the charming village of Sigtuna with narrow streets and a rich history dating back to the year 1000.   Upon arriving in Stockholm, we’ll check into our hotel for a two-night stay.  Choose from one of Sweden’s many outstanding restaurants surrounding the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Scandic Continental

Day 13 – Stockholm
Beautiful Stockholm sightseeing abounds after breakfast where we’ll visit the famous City Hall, with it’s elegant Golden Hall, site of the Nobel Prize Banquet.  Stroll through the Old Town with its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings and the 13th-century Cathedral.  See the Royal Palace and the Stock Exchange before continuing on to the Southern Island for a splendid view overlooking the city and harbor.  Visit the fascinating Vasa Ship Museum home to the Vasa Ship which sank in the Stockholm harbor on its maiden voyage more than 300 years ago.  Enjoy some free time in Stockholm before our farewell dinner celebration at a special restaurant just outside of Stockholm, perfectly situated on beautiful Lake Malaren—a perfect way to end a grand vacation.
Included Meals: Breakfast