Timeless Scandinavia Various Dates

Transcription

1 Timeless Scandinavia Various Dates Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, as you uncover the innovative spirit, natural beauty and rich culture of Scandinavia. You ll learn about its nautical heritage during a private canal cruise in multi-coloured Gothenburg, appreciate cutting-edge architecture in pristine cities such as Copenhagen and stand in awe of deep and magnificent fjords. This legendary journey beautifully blends bold tales of the past with slick contemporary design and outstanding natural gems. Call or Village Travel Ladies on the Go (BC Reg 72526) info@villagetravel.ca

2 Day 1 - Welcome to Copenhagen. Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. On arrival at Copenhagen airport, you will be met and transferred to you centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or perhaps explore some of the nearby attractions, including the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. At 17:30, meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with wine, hosted at a distinctive restaurant in the heart of the city.(dinner with Wine) Day 2 - Highlights of Copenhagen. Home to some of the world s happiest people, cutting-edge architecture and natural splendours, Copenhagen is the perfect introduction to the Nordic culture. Join your Local Expert for an insightful tour of the city, starting with seeing Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing out from the harbour. See the Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Government, and the Renaissance Stock Exchange. Finish your exploration with a visit to the Amalienborg Palaces, home to the Danish royal family, including Crown Prince Frederick and Crown Princess Mary. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps explore the city s cobbled lanes by bicycle, followed by a candle-lit dinner at a trendy cafe? Your Travelling Concierge is available to assist you with dinner reservations.(breakfast) Day 3 - Øresund Bridge and Highlights of Gothenburg. Travel across the iconic Øresund Bridge and tunnel, spanning the Øresund Strait and connecting Denmark to Sweden. Known for being the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe, this award-winning 8 kilometre structure offers stunning vistas of land and sea. Your journey continues along Sweden s west coast to the cosmopolitan port city of Gothenburg. On arrival in Gothenburg, step onboard your private charter for a sightseeing cruise through the city s charming Dutch-style waterways. Sail past wharves, shipyards and renowned buildings, while your Local Expert shares insights into the region s culture and nautical history. The evening is at your leisure. Perhaps you ll stroll along the Kungsportsavenyen, Gothenburg s Grand Boulevard, to enjoy dinner in one of the many bistro s, trattoria s or restaurants.(breakfast) Day 4 - Cross-country to Stockholm. Travel cross-country, journeying towards Sweden s capital city, Stockholm. En route, marvel at the sight of stunning Vättern, allegedly home to a monster resembling Nessie of Loch Ness. On arrival in fashionable Stockholm, check into the elegant hotel At Six, recently awarded Europe's Best Hotel at the International Hotel and Property Awards. In the evening, join your fellow guests at Kaffegillet Gamla Stan, a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town. Enjoy a meal typical of the region such as venison stew or maybe Baltic-caught fish, served with seasonal vegetables and wine.(breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

3 Day 5 - Highlights of Stockholm. Set upon 14 glistening islands, Stockholm is a model city of contemporary design, inspiring museums and extraordinary beauty. Join your Local Expert for an eye-opening tour of the city with visits to the City Hall's marvellous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held every year. Then continue to the medieval island heart of the city to view the cathedral, walk through the Old Town and see the Royal Palace. Your exploration comes to an end at the Vasa Museum, which houses the world-famous Vasa Galleon, a naval vessel that was salvaged from a shipping lane near Stockholm. Step into a world of nautical command, as you marvel at the grandeur of the world s only preserved 17th century ship, complete with intricately-carved decorations. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps strolling along Stockholm s promenade or enjoy a meal in your hotel's Dining Room, recently awarded Best Restaurant in a Hotel at the International Hotel and Property Awards.(Breakfast) Day 6 - Majestic Bergen. Take in the mesmerising vistas of vast lakes and legendary forests, as you fly on your included flight from Sweden to Norway bound for the historic port city of Bergen. A favourite destination for travellers, Bergen is a masterpiece of colourful wooden houses, deep fjords and rolling hills. It s also home to a large student population, which brings a lovely vibrancy to the city. Once you ve settled into your centrally located hotel, spend the day at leisure, perhaps take a stroll along the old Hanseatic Wharf dating back to the 14th century? In the evening venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal served with wine.(breakfast / Dinner with Wine) Day 7 - Edvard Grieg's Bergen. Join your Local Expert for an insightful tour of this ancient Hanseatic port city, which still largely looks to the sea for its living. Start with a visit to the picturesque and lively Fish Market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. Stroll past its many stalls where handicrafts and souvenirs are sold and continue on to the 13th century Haakon's Hall. You re invited for a special visit to Troldhaugen, the former summer home of Norway s renowned composer and pianist, Edvard Grieg. Situated on a promontory jutting into Lake Nordaas with outstanding views over the water, it offered the composer total tranquillity and inspiration for his music. See his villa, the wooden hut in which he composed his Romantic-era masterpieces, and the site where he and his wife are buried. Your visit concludes with a moving music recital, hosted in the museum s chamber music hall.(breakfast) Day 8 - The Flåm Railway and Geiranger. Bid farewell to Bergen, as you make your way to the Myrdal Station for a journey of a lifetime aboard the historic Flåm Railway an experience most people only dream about! Hailed as one of the world s most beautiful train journeys, the Flåm Railway transports you past soaring snow-covered peaks, thundering waterfalls, and dramatic

4 fjords. Marvel at the engineering genius of the railway, covering an impressive height difference of 866 metres. In the afternoon continue on to Geiranger and settle into your hotel set against a backdrop of fabulous fjord scenery and mountains.(breakfast / Dinner with Wine) Day 9 - Fjord Adventure. The village of Geiranger is a gateway to dramatic glaciers, fjords and endless hiking trails. Explore Geiranger Fjord Your Way, on one of two experiences. Your first choice is to embark on an adrenaline-fuelled RIB boat cruise. Along the way, you ll marvel at waterfalls and canyons and listen to tales about the people who once lived on the fjord farms. Your second choice is a spectacular guided kayaking adventure through the heart of the fjord. Paddle past quiet coves, magnificent waterfalls and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, as your guide fills you in on the local way of life. Rest assured no previous experience is needed.(breakfast / Dinner with Wine) Day 10 - Cross-country to Oslo. Enjoy a full day of being driven through the most spectacular scenery imaginable, as you journey to Oslo. Sit back and take in views of lush farmlands, towering peaks and deep forests are complimented by picturesque timber cabins and small hamlets. Pass the Olympic town of Lillehammer on your way to Oslo, Norway s design-focused capital city. Settle into your luxurious hotel where modern and historic styles blend, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Why not retreat to the hotel spa and pamper yourself with one of the many treatments on offer?(breakfast) Day 11 - Highlights of Oslo. Oslo is the hidden gem of Scandinavia, boasting everything from cutting-edge design and fascinating museums to a plethora of natural wonders, including fjords, waterways and rolling hills. Gain an insider s perspective during a guided city tour led by a passionate Local Expert. See the medieval spires and ramparts of the harbour-side Akershus Fortress, observe the opulent Royal Palace, and discover Norway s past when you visit the enlightening Viking Ship Museum. Continue to spectacular Frogner Park, where over 200 of Gustav Vigeland's intriguing sculptures are displayed, and see how he expertly portrayed human emotion through every life stage through his craft. In the afternoon, you re invited for an after-hours VIP visit to the Hollmenkollen Ski Jump museum, an iconic symbol of Norway, to explore 4,000 years of skiing history and to drink a toast at the top of the ski jump, while appreciating panoramic views of the city. Round off your memorable journey with a Celebration Dinner and wine at one of the city's top restaurants, Grand Café Oslo, as you toast to new friendships.(breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

5 Day 12 - Farewell Oslo. After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and transfer to the Oslo airport for your onward journey. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.(breakfast) Call or Village Travel Ladies on the Go (BC Reg 72526) St., White Rock, BC V4A4H1 info@villagetravel.ca