Northern Highlights and St. Petersburg extension

Transcription

1 Northern Highlights and St. Petersburg extension Do you love the buzz of the city but also love the peace and tranquility of the countryside? If the answer is yes then this holiday is perfect for you. We have made this tour for those people who not only love city life but love the countryside too. Rolled into one holiday, we have mixed three countries with three capital cities, and absolutely dozens of Scandinavia's most celebrated attractions. You could be in the heart of Norway's famous fjords on one day, and the next day you might be having dinner in Sweden's capital city, Stockholm. Highlights of the tour include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Geirangerfjord, Norway's only site listed for its incredible beauty - and that's saying a lot about a place that's continually voted as the world's most beautiful country! You will also experience Stockholm's diverse landscape by exploring its nearby forest region, and a tour of the City Hall where the prestigious Nobel Prize ceremony is held each year. Last but not least the final leg of the tour will take you to Helsinki, Finland's capital city where you can explore its busy market place, underground temple and the famous Uspenski Cathedral. ITINERARY DAY 1 - ARRIVE OSLO Transfer from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to hotel in connection with your flight arrival. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson BLU Plaza Hotel Oslo, ideally situated close to the Karl Johans Gate. Your tour guide will meet you at before dinner in the hotel lobby. 1 night OSLO - Radisson BLU Plaza Hotel Oslo DAY 2 - OSLO TO ULVIK

2 After breakfast you will visit the world-famous Viking Ships. 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. Dinner at your hotel, ideally located on the banks of the fjord. 1 night Eidfjord - Brakenes Hotel DAY 3 - ULVIK TO BERGEN After buffet breakfast, descend the amazing Måbødal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord. Cross the Hardanger Bridge. 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. Lunch at local restaurant. 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. 1 night BERGEN - First Hotel Marin DAY 4 - BERGEN TO FLÅM TO 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 2.838ft in less than one hour. The descend 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 Sognefjord, 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 at Gudvangen at the head of the Nærøyfjord, continue by coach across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes, for the short ferry crossing to the beautiful village of Balestrand. Dinner at your hotel, superbly located on the banks of the fjord and surrounded by mountains. 2 nights BALESTRAND - Kvikne's Hotel DAY 5 - BALESTRAND AND 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. DAY 6 - BALESTRAND TO GEIRANGER After breakfast, departure from your hotel by ferry from Dragsvik to Hella, followed by a scenic tour along the northern side of the Sogn Fjord to Sogndal. The tour continues by road to Fjaerland, passing under the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village of Skei at the northern end of

3 beautiful Lake Jolster. 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 gerianger 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 Geirangerfjord. 1 night GEIRANGER - Union Hotel DAY 7 - GEIRANGER TO 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 Vaga, before descending the magnificent Gudbrands Valley to the popular tourist town of Lillehammer. Lunch in Lillehammer. After lunch, the journey continues alongside Lake Mjosa, Norway's largest lake, back to Oslo. Dinner and hotel in Oslo. 1 night OSLO - Radisson BLU Plaza Hotel Oslo DAY 8 - OSLO TO STOCKHOLM After breakfast departure from Oslo, continuing by coach towards the Swedish border. Cross into the attractive province of Varmland to arrive in the city of Karlstad on Lake Vanern, 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 centrally located Clarion Hotel Sign. 2 nights STOCKHOLM - Clarion Hotel Sign DAY 9 - STOCKHOLM The day starts with a 4-hour 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. DAY 10 - STOCKHOLM TO HELSINKI Morning free in Stockholm. Afternoon transfer from hotel to pier, for embarkation on a luxurious cruise ferry of the Silja Line 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. 1 night ONBOARD - Silja Line Cruise Ferry DAY 11 - HELSINKI

4 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 your centrally located hotel. 1 night HELSINKI - Haven Hotel DAY 12 - HELSINKI TO ST. PETERSBURG BY TRAIN Buffett breakfast at hotel. Transfer by coach from the hotel to the railway station at Departure from Helsinki on train 'Allegro' for St. Petersburg. On arrival in St. Petersburg there is a coach transfer from the railway station to the hotel combined with an hour's guided boat cruise along the neva River and a visit to St. Isaac's Cathedral. A welcome dinner including a shot of vodka (of course, we are in Russia!) and a glass of wine are served at the hotel during the evening. 3 nights ST. PETERSBURG - Ambassador Hotel DAY 14 - TOUR OF ST. PETERSBURG Buffet breakfast at hotel and 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 and the tour includes sights such as the Square of Arts, The Russian Museum, the Cathedral of Our Saviour on the Spilt Blood, Griboedov Canal, Nevsky Prospect, the Palace Square with the Winter Palace, the spit of the Basil's Island, the Menshikov Palace, the Senate Square, and the Bronze Horseman. A visit will also be paid to Peter and Paul Fortress. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, transfer to town of Pushkin followed by a visit to Catherine's Palace including the famous Amber room. Return to St. Petersburg. 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 Dostoevsky Restaurant. DAY 13 - ST. PETERSBURG RIVER CRUISE Buffet breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with a transfer to Neva River cruise harbour for cruise by hydrofoil to Peterhof, including the Grand Palace and lower parks with fountains. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch there is a tour of the world-famous Hermitage Art Museum and the State Rooms of the Winter Palace. Return to the hotel for dinner. DAY 15 - ST. PETERSBURG DEPARTURE Buffet breakfast at the hotel followed by transfers to St. Petersburg Airport to connect with homeward flights.

5 DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES Departure Day: Tuesdays by air from London Heathrow Departure Dates: See price panel Duration: 14 nights Dep. Dates Price from Single Supp. per person 18 Jul What's Included: Scheduled flights with British Airways from Heathrow to Oslo and from St. Petersburg to Heathrow including taxes. 13 nights hotel accommodation including daily 3-course or buffet dinner (except on second day in Stockholm) and buffet breakfast, in centrally located hotels, all rooms with private facilities. 6 lunches on days 2, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14, plus packed lunch on train Helsinki St. Petersburg. 3 hours guided tours of Helsinki and 4 hours Stockholm. Visit to the Viking Museum of Oslo and Stadshuset (City Hall) of Stockholm. Panoramic tour of Bergen incl. ride on the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien. Ride on the Bergen and Flåm Railways, Voss-Myrdal-Flåm. 2 hours cruise on the Sogn and Nærøy Fjords, and 1 hours cruise on the Geiranger Fjord. Excursion in open car to the Briksdal Glacier. All internal ferry crossings in Norway. Overnight cruise Stockholm Helsinki, incl. accommodation in 2-berth outside cabins with shower/wc, dinner and buffet breakfast on board. Train Helsinki St. Petersburg, including coach transfers between hotels and railways stations. Complete programme in St. Petersburg, including 3 hours city tour, visit to Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac s Cathedral, Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, Pushkin, 1 hour s guided canal tour, plus folklore show at Nikolaevsky Palace incl. snacks during intermission and dinner at Backstage Restaurant. Hydrofoil from St. Petersburg to Peterhof, incl. entrance to Lower Parks and Grand Palace. Luggage assistance at all hotels while with the group. Robinson Scandinavia tour escort throughout. Transportation by modern deluxe coach with reclining seats and seatbelts. Transfers airport/hotel on first and last days of the tour. Transfers to/from a different airport than the one mentioned in the tour programme may incur a supplement.

6 INFO+ Our Escorted Tour Partners - Robinson Scandinavia These tours are operated by our partners Robinson Scandinavia with whom we have a long standing relationship. Robinson are known for the very high standard of service they provide and appeal to those people who seek a standard of accommodation and services far above that often offered in a package tour program. Whether visiting one of the fascinating Nordic capitals, experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian fjords, or cruising the Baltic, you will find the very best has been selected for your comfort and enjoyment. Hotel Accommodation All hotels in this programme are rated as first class (i.e. 4 stars by Scandinavian standards), and have in addition been selected because of their excellent locations. All city hotels are centrally located, whilst fjord hotels are situated in areas of outstanding natural beauty and close proximity to their respective fjords. Hotel Rooms Hotel rooms in Scandinavia are normally furnished with twin beds, which can be moved together to form a double bed or placed separately. Please note that single rooms are generally smaller than doubles, and are often equipped with a shower instead of a bath. Purpose-built triple or family rooms are likewise unusual in Scandinavian hotels. Whilst it is possible for 3 persons to share a room, this will normally be a double room with an extra bed, with correspondingly less space to move about in. Meals Buffet breakfast is included during every day of the tour. Dinners (3-course or buffet) are included most days, but please note that in Stockholm and Copenhagen we have found that the majority of clients prefer to eat dinner at a restaurant of their own choice. In Russia, both lunch and dinner are included every day. On days which are mostly spent travelling by coach inside Scandinavia, lunch is also included. Days on which lunch is included, are carefully indicated under the list of services for each tour. Please note that hotel kitchens in Scandinavia normally close around hrs, and that in the case of late arrivals it may not be possible to serve dinner after this time. We regret that no refund can be made to clients who arrive too late for dinner. Similarly no refund can be made for clients who are unable to take breakfast at the hotel because of early flight departures. Beverages are not included in the tour price, except where specifically stated in the itinerary. Vegetarian or special diet meals can normally be arranged; just let us know at the time of booking in order that we may ensure delicious alternatives are prepared for you. Tour Language Robinson Scandinavia operates this program of tours in English only. Tour Escorts Tour Escorts have been specially chosen, not only for their outstanding knowledge of the countries and places you will visit, but also for their personal appearance and proven ability to look after

7 people. Likewise, uniformed coach drivers are employed not only for their years of driving experience, but also for their dedication to giving friendly service and attention to the needs of their passengers. Your Tour Escort will normally meet you in the reception at your hotel at 1950 in the evening on the first day of the tour. Guaranteed Departures No minimum number is required! All departures are guaranteed - no matter the number of persons booked. Children Out of consideration to other passengers, and because such tours are generally considered unsuitable for younger children, children under 12 years of age are not allowed on these escorted coach tours. Visas All nationalities require a visa for visiting St. Petersburg. You can either obtain these directly by contacting the Russian Embassy in London or Edinburgh, or we do offer a visa service through one of our travel partners. Click here for more details. Luggage Passengers may bring 1 piece of luggage per person on the coach. Hand luggage must be stowed on the overhead shelf. For reasons of security and as a precaution against theft, we strongly advise the use of hardback suitcases which can be locked. On domestic flights inside Scandinavia and Russia, passengers are allowed a maximum of 20 kilos of luggage per person. Luggage Handling Luggage handling is included in all hotels, however you will be responsible for handling your own luggage when embarking and disembarking from cruises. City sightseeing tours These are guided by a local authorised guide. Museums and other places, to which entrance is included, are specified in the list of services for each tour. The mention of a famous sight, such as a royal palace, does not imply that entrance to this place is included in the program. Panorama tours A panorama tour is intended to familiarise you with the city or town by showing you the major points of interest. Transportation may be by coach or on foot, and the tour may be conducted by a local guide or by your tour escort. A panorama tour does not include any entrances. Airport Transfers Transfers by car, taxi or bus between the local airport mentioned in the tour itinerary and your hotel on both arrival and departure are always included in the price of our escorted coach tours. Transfers will be arranged to coincide as conveniently as possible with your flight arrival and departure times. All clients will be met at the airport, in the arrivals hall past the customs and passport control, by the driver or a representative of Robinson Scandinavia, who will carry a sign displaying the surnames of

8 the passengers. In the case of delayed arrivals due to flight changes or any other causes, then Robinson Scandinavia is no longer responsible for providing the transfer. We regret that no refund can be given to clients who do not make use of the transfer offered in the tour program. For clients arriving or departing on a different day from that published in the tour programme, Robinson Scandinavia will be pleased to arrange a special transfer; however such transfers will be subject to a supplement, available on request. Please note that certain airlines now offer cheaper flights to alternative airports from the main city airport, even though these airlines may advertise the destination as Oslo, Stockholm, etc. Such airports can be situated more than 2-hours drive from your hotel. If you are arriving at or departing from a different airport from the one mentioned in the tour program, it is essential that Robinson Scandinavia is informed about this in advance. Supplements for transfers to/from other airports will gladly be given on request.