Spectacular Scandinavia

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Day 1 – Overnight Flight to Norway

Sit back and relax as we embark on this trip of a lifetime! An R&J Tour Director is there to assist you throughout the tour.

Day 2 – Arrive Bergen, Norway!

Arrive in Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, charmingly placed between mountains and fjords. The city was founded in 1070 and is the main capital of the fjord country. Seafaring Bergen has given the world two cultural icons — playwright Henrik Ibsen and composer Edvard Grieg. Late this morning, drive to Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg and his wife. This typical 19th century residence with a panoramic tower and large veranda overlooks Nordas Lake. Visit the house where Grieg spent his last 22 years, the museum, the graveyard, and the hut where he composed music. After time for a light lunch on your own at the Troldhaugen Café, enjoy a concert of Grieg’s music in a special concert hall. The remaining of the day is at leisure to explore this beautiful old city. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local retsaurant.

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Scandic Ørnen (2 Nights) 

Day 3 – Bergen

Start the day off with a walking tour of Bergen. A UNESCO World Heritage city, ancient Bergen looms large in Viking sagas. Until the 14th century, it was the seat of the medieval kingdom of Norway. In 1360, the German Hanseatic League set up one of its import and export offices at Bryggen, dominating trade for almost 400 years. This history comes alive as we join our English-speaking guide for a walk along the historic Bryggen wharf and visit the Hanseatic Museum, in an old merchant house. Stroll through the narrow alleyways and overhanging galleries of a bygone era, from the lively Fish Market to the Bergenhus Fortress, with cafés and boutiques selling traditional and unique crafts. Perhaps climb Rosenkrantz Tower for a panorama of Bergen’s seaport. We will take a funicular trip to the top of Mt. Fløyen to enjoy a magnificent view of Bergen and its surroundings. The afternoon is free for you to explore this seafaring town and dinner on your own to choose from one of Bergen’s delightful restaurants.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 4 – Bergen to Flam to Lofthus

Over the next few days, we’ll venture into the heart of Norway’s Fjord region and admire some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery! A day of scenic splendors begins with a drive to Voss, where we’ll embark on an express train to Myrdal. Here we will board the world famous Flam Mountain Railway for an hour-long thrilling ride descending 2,600 feet and passing through 20 tunnels, thundering waterfalls, and towering mountains en route to the quaint village of Flam. Next, enjoy a delightful leisurely cruise through majestic Sognefjord and its smaller arms and admire the grandeur of the sheer cliffs that flank the fjord. Disembark in Gudvangen where we’ll rejoin our motorcoach for a drive through the bends of the Stalheim Canyon to Lofthus, an enchanting village on the shores of Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second largest fjord. R&J 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 (2 Nights) 

Day 5 – Hardangerfjord

Explore the village or soak up the scenery after breakfast! Lofthus is located on the shores of the Hardangerfjord, in a region that is blessed with stunning natural beauty and is surrounded by snowcapped mountains. The area is abundant with pristine fjords and fertile land that is home to many fruit orchards. The day is at leisure to explore at your own pace from your ideally located resort hotel. For those that would like, we will 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! This evening we will enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 6 – Lofthus to Oslo

Today journey though Norway’s scenic countryside with a stop to view the mighty Vøringfossen Waterfall cascading 600 feet! Scenery will include 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. Later arrive in Oslo where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of this old Viking capital. Visit Frogner Park, famous for its impressive Vigeland Sculptures. We’ll also see City Hall, the waterfront, and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Scandic Olso City (2 Nights) 

Day 7 – Oslo

Today we’re treated to an exploration of the exciting city of Oslo. Experience the Resistance Museum located at the medieval Akershus Fortress. The museum documents Norway’s occupation during WWII and presents the story of Norwegians efforts at resistance. On the peninsula of Bygdoy, visit the Viking Ship Museum and view the ships dating to 800 AD, along with artifacts from the Viking age. Marvel at City Hall’s colorful murals depicting the modern history of Norway and the location from where the Nobel Peace Prize announcement is made annually. When finished in the 1950s, Norway’s leading artists, including Edvard Munch, contributed to the interior artwork. Enjoy some free time to take a stroll along the main street Karl Johan, a short walk to the Royal Palace, or ride a streetcar. The evening is at leisure for you to choose from the many outstanding restaurants surrounding the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 8 – Oslo – Board Overnight Cruise

After breakfast we will have more time to explore before heading to the pier where we will board an overnight ferry to Copenhagen. This evening dinner will be served onboard the ferry as we embark on our overnight cruise. It will be a delightful experience as we sail past the Oslo Fjord, charming towns, and small islands.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Overnight Ferry: DFDS 

Day 9 – Copenhagen

This morning after breakfast we will arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark, where past and present meet in a lively, cosmopolitan city that dates back in time to the Vikings. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this beautiful city en route to our hotel. On the drive down Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard, see the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, the renowned Little Mermaid, the magnificent Grundtvig Church, the old Stock Exchange, and Kongens Nytorv. See Christiansborg Palace, seat of the parliament and Nyhavn, world famous and recently restored district. View Old Town with its harbor and quaint painted houses. The remainder of the day is free to explore Copenhagen’s shopping district, ”Stroget” a shopper’s and stroller’s delight. Our hotel is centrally located in the lively and colorful city center, bustling with parks, cafes, restaurants and shops.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel: Scandic Copenhagen (2 Nights) 

Day 10 – Copenhagen

This is a royals-themed day trip to North Zealand, including a tour of Frederiksborg Castle. The day trip allows us to explore Frederiksborg Castle and learn about flamboyant King Christian IV who once lived here, walk through rooms like the Coronation Chapel, and then stroll through the castle’s French Baroque gardens. Then enjoy a stroll in the courtyard and to the immaculate grounds of the legendary home of Hamlet, Helsingør Castle, also known as the Kronberg Castle, made famous in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey back to Copenhagen takes us past thatched-roof inns, posh palatial residences, and magnificent forests embracing tranquil lakes. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. Tonight experience the world famous Tivoli Gardens, a famous amusement park and festive garden in Copenhagen. From fountains and lakes to brass bands, stroll amoung the beautiful flowers and listen to the music. The park opened on August 15, 1843, and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world. We will enjoy dinner in the park and some free time to explore on your own and enjoy the rides.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 11 – Copenhagen to Stockholm

After breakfast, we bid goodbye to Denmark and board the high-speed train to Stockholm, Sweden. Enjoy views of the Swedish countryside and mingle with local Scandinavians and other travelers aboard the train. Early afternoon arrival into Sweden’s capital city where our private motorcoach and local guide await us. Stockholm is comprised of fourteen islands with over two thirds of the city consisting of water, forest, or parks. Drive to Djurgarten Island for a visit to Skansen, an open-air history museum depicting Swedish life and culture from the 19th century. Explore the grounds with rebuilt traditional cottages, farms, and workshops. We end the day at the Vasa Ship Museum, displaying the 200 foot warship that sank on her maiden voyage 400 years ago. The ship was salvaged in 1961 and restored using nearly all original materials. Choose from Sweden’s many outstanding restaurants surrounding the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Hotels: Clarion Sign (2 Nights) 

Day 12 – Stockholm

Begin the morning with a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, Old Town, lined with cafes, antique shops, lanterns and museums. View Stockholm’s Cathedral, the Royal Palace (which is the largest castle in the world still in use by a king) and Stortorget Square, the heart of Old Town. There will be free time for lunch on your own. Then this afternoon we enjoy a leisurely one-hour boat cruise on Lake Malaren to Drottningholm Palace, the former summer residence of the royal family and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the magnificently appointed state apartments and linger in the stunning Baroque gardens. Return to Stockholm for a farewell dinner at a special restaurant – a perfect way to end a grand vacaton!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 13 – Stockholm to United States

After breakfast we’ll have some free time before flying home. Return home with newfound friends and rich memories of Spectacular Scandinavia!

Included Meals: Breakfast