Scandia
Fjords of Norway / Islands of Stockholm
August 2 - 12, 2007
UNSPOILED EUROPE
Scandinavia, true home of the Vikings, comprises the four northern
European kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, as well as
Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. For
centuries, kings and warriors jockeyed for control of the region’s
strategic position along the North and Baltic Seas. As a result these
ancient civilizations share a long, eventful history of power struggles
and intrigues almost as brutal as their unforgiving winter climates.
If you have already visited continental
Europe and enjoyed it, and are now looking for something a little different,
Norway and Sweden offer a wonderful change of pace. Nowhere else on
the continent is the climate so different, the landscape more diverse,
and the history more dramatically lurid. Follow in the footsteps of
Leif Eriksson and the Vikings, learn about the day-to-day life of farm
families, drink coffee and share ideas with cosmopolitan types, mingle
with royalty and other “queens”—all is possible in
Scandinavia.
Norway is a ruggedly beautiful country
of mountains, fjords and glaciers. It offers incredible wilderness hiking,
year-round skiing, and some of the most scenic ferry, bus and train
rides you could ever imagine. The country has nice, long summer days,
pleasantly low-key cities, unspoiled villages and rich historic sites.
Norway may have been home to the Vikings who raided, pillaged and scared
people to death, but it has also produced such world famous writers,
composers, actors and artists as Henrik Ibsen, Edvard Grieg, Liv Ullmann
and Edvard Munch. Oslo, the capital city, is nestled between forest-clad
hills along the blue waters of a fjord, and surprises many visitors
with its intimacy. The surrounding landscape is splendid for outdoor
summer activities, from bicycling to hiking.
Sweden is the third largest country in
western Europe. Because of its long, narrow shape and northerly location,
the landscape is highly diversified. There are countless lakes and waterways,
vast forests of pine, spruce, oak, and birch, majestic mountains and
glaciers, as well as wide-open countryside interspersed with idyllic
villages and vibrant cities. One of the world’s most alluring
capital cities, Stockholm is a blend of sparkling beauty and royal splendor,
built on 14 islands at the edge of the Baltic Sea. It is a vibrant,
modern city with historic charm. Nearly everywhere you look there is
a view of the water. The magnificent buildings, centuries-old lanes
and historic squares stand amidst green parks, blue skies and blue seas.,
and the city pulsates with cutting-edge culture.
Toto Tours invites you to experience the
heart of Scandanavia in Norway and Stockholm, Sweden. Join us for the
perfect summer vacation where the sun shines nearly 20 hours a day,
the temperature is always pleasantly cool and the festive atmosphere
lasts all night long!
THE ITINERARY
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Leave U.S. / Travel Day
Today is a travel day. Flights from the U.S. to Bergen, Norway typically
depart in the late afternoon or early evening, arriving the next morning.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Arrival / Free Day / Welcome Dinner
Most flights from the U.S. arrive in Bergen, Norway in the early morning.
Collect your luggage, go through customs, and catch a taxi to our downtown
hotel. If you would like to book a private transfer we will be happy
to arrange this service upon request. Once you check in at the hotel,
the entire day is free to rest up from jet-lag or do some exploring
on your own. Founded almost 1,000 years ago, Bergen may be the country’s
most picturesque city, nestled in a natural bowl surrounded by mountains
on three sides and facing the North Sea. Tonight, Toto Tours hosts a
Welcome Cocktail and Dinner at our hotel. (Dinner)
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Bergen Sightseeing
After breakfast, take a half-day walking tour of Bergen. Visit old
Bryggen Harbor and the popular Fish & Flower Market, and take photos
of Mariakirken Church which dates from the early 12th century and is
Bergen’s oldest building. Continue to the Hanseatic Quarter, named
for the Hanseatic League trade association that dominated northern European
trade during the late Middle Ages. Finally take a ride on the funicular
railway to Mt. Fløien for breathtaking views of the city and
fjord far below. You will have free time for lunch and photography on
the mountaintop. Those who wish can enjoy a leisurely walk back down
the mountain to Bergen. After returning to the hotel, the remainder
of the day is free for independent sightseeing. (Breakfast)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Fjord Crossing to Balestrand
After breakfast, the morning is at leisure. Our group meets mid-day
and commences one of the highlights of the tour—our transfer to
Balestrand via the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the
world. Our journey takes us through stunning scenery, surrounded by
snow-clad peaks and waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Our home for
the night is a beautiful, historic hotel in the village of Balestrand,
right at the edge of a magnificent fjord. (Breakfast)
Monday, August 6, 2007
From Fjords through Mountains to Capital City
This morning we ferry across the fjord to Flam. From here, an electric
train starts a spectacular 12-mile, 3,000-foot climb, chugging through
tunnels and passing between mountaintops. Finally emerging at the tiny
village of Myrdal (really hardly more than a train station), switch
trains for the scenic five-hour trip to the capital Oslo, traveling
through a region teeming with forests, rolling hills and lakes. Arriving
late afternoon in Oslo, check in at our hotel. The evening is free to
dine at a waterfront restaurant, explore the town and experience the
city’s gay nightlife. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Oslo Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of the Norwegian capital. View
the world-famous Viking Ships, the Kon-Tiki raft, and the Polar exploration
ship Fram, each representing unique episodes of Norway’s maritime
history. Tour the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park, an extraordinary
open-air showcase of work by Norway’s best-loved sculptor, Gustav
Vigeland. Continue to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump for a birds-eye view
of the city and fjord far below. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Grunerlokka
The morning, see a different side of Oslo with a half-day excursion
that includes a leisurely walk along the Akerselva River to the district
of Grunerlokka, named for the family that once owned all the land in
this area. Grunerlokka has a lot of undeniable character, with much
of it still looking the same way as it did a century ago. We will enjoy
a nice lunch here before returning to the center of town. The reminder
of the afternoon and evening are free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Train to Sweden / Stockholm
After breakfast, check out of our hotel and walk next door to the train
station to board a morning train bound for Stockholm, Sweden. Upon arrival,
we are met and transfered to our hotel for check-in.
In the late afternoon we commence a two-hour
orientation walking tour of the city often referred to as “Venice
of the North.” Some of the highlights may include the cobblestone
lanes and medieval ambience of Old Town, and the royal Drottningholm
Palace. We will also point out the location of areas with gay nightlife.
The remainder of the evening is free for independent adventures. (Breakfast)
Friday, August 10, 2007
Stockholm Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Stockholm, including
the Stadshuset (Old Town Hall), Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace), and
the Millesgarden, a sculpture garden overlooking downtown Stockholm
and the piers. One of the day’s highlights is sure to be the Vasamuseet
(Vasa Museum) that houses an extraordinary real-life sailing vessel
retrieved from the bottom of the Baltic Sea after nearly 500 years.
At the conclusion of the sightseeing tour, the remainder of the day
is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Free Day / Farewell Dinner
Today is entirely free to explore Stockholm on your own or indulge
in optional activities around town. Our group will gather together this
evening to celebrate our many Nordic adventures at a festive Farewell
Dinner. Afterwards, enjoy one last chance to enjoy the gay scene in
Stockholm. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Departure
After breakfast, transfer on your own to the Stockholm Airport for
flights home. You may arrange your flights for any convenient time today.
If you wish to stay on longer in Stockholm, we can easily extend your
stay at our centrally located hotel. (Breakfast)
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