Norway
Capitals of Scandinavia
& the Baltic Sea
June 14th to June 29th, 2011
A special tour planned and escorted by Gerhard Meng
highlighting the best of the Norwegian fjords and the famous capitals of Scandinavia
including seven nights aboard the luxurious and grand MS Seven Seas Voyager
Join me on an enriching journey through a fascinating part of northern Europe. As we travel by coach, ferry boats, train and ship, our adventure will unfold the story of proud and determined countries that have survived dramatic political and economic pasts. We’ll visit vibrant ports that thrived in the 14th to 17th centuries. Scandinavia will feel modern and affluent, yet the Viking history and traditions are still part of everyday life. The spectacular landscapes of Norway are some of the most scenic in the world.
Seven nights of the tour will be aboard the MS Voyager. The atmosphere will be easy going informality in a luxurious environment. Service and comfort will be the six-star standard for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises is renowned. The European stewards and staff are meticulously trained and eager to meet every need. Maximum passenger capacity is 700, served by a crew of 447. Cabins are spacious with a minimum of 356 square feet and all have a private balcony. When not cruising, accommodations will be in first class and deluxe hotels that have been selected for their amenities, location and comfort.
The tour has been planned for your convenience. Leisure time is always balanced with scheduled activities. All gratuities, port charges, shore excursions, transfers and porterage are included in the cost of the tour. All meals are included, except two dinners and six lunches. I will be available to meet flight arrivals in Bergen and will help with airport transfers on the day the tour is completed in Copenhagen.
It would be my pleasure to have you join me.
Gerhard Meng
Director, Gerhard’s Odysseys
PRICE PER PERSON: $7,595 land and cruise cost (single surcharge applies)
• Seven nights in outstanding hotels
• Get Acquainted reception in Bergen
• Seven nights aboard the grand MS Seven Seas Voyager – “H” category cabin, with balcony
• All breakfasts are included, twelve dinners and eight lunches.
• Complimentary wine, beer, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks during all meals and at all times throughout the ship while cruising aboard the MS Seven Seas Voyager
• Hosted group cocktail party each evening on the ship.
• Free in cabin mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell party on board the MS Seven Seas Voyager.
• Personalized tours of towns visited with local guides and entrance fees.
• Shore excursions at all ports visited during the cruise
• All gratuities, port charges, visas, taxes, service charges for the restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers, local guides and the MS Seven Seas Voyager crew. No additional tipping
• Transfers between airports, hotels and the ship.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at the hotels and on the ship
• Laminated luggage tags and tour information packet.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
• Escorted by Gerhard Meng.
• Special feature: a brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk for
those who would like to start or finish the day with a bit of exercise.
DAILY ITINERARY
Tuesday, June 14th - to Europe
Overnight flight across the North Atlantic to Bergen.
Wednesday, June 15th - Bergen
Arrival in Bergen. Gerhard will meet you at the airport and provide a transfer to our luxury hotel located on the Hardangerfjord. Enjoy the view of the spectacular fjord from your room or the lovely garden area. Relax after your flight at the hotel’s indoor or outdoor swimming pools and wellness center. Solstrand Hotel
Thursday - Flam
This morning our local guide will show us the highlights of Bergen, including the historic wharf district and famous fish market. In the afternoon we travel along the mountain roads to the small village of Flam. Our hotel tonight is on the Aurlandsfjord. Every room will have a balcony with a panoramic view. Hotel Flamsbrygga
Friday - Flam
Today we cruise the spectacular Sognefjord, the longest (130 miles) and the deepest (3,700-ft) fjord in the world. Lunch at the historic Mundal Hotel. Stop in Laerdal to see one of the country’s best preserved examples of a traditional Norwegian wooden stave church, unchanged since it was built 800 years ago. Hotel Flamsbrygga
Saturday - Oslo
We ride on the famous Flamsbana Railway, one of the world’s steepest lines. The ascent to the mountain station of Myrdal will pass through 20 tunnels and climb 2,845 feet in just 12 miles. This exciting stretch of track attracts tourists from all corners of the world. In Myrdal we board a train to Oslo, arriving in time for sightseeing with our local guide.
Hotel Continental
Sunday - Örebro
This morning we depart Norway on our private coach and travel through Sweden’s lovely countryside to our next destination, Örebro. Our hotel was constructed in 1858 and is one of Sweden’s most historic hotels. It is situated less than five minutes walking distance from Örebro Castle built in 1560. Elite Stora Hotellet
Monday, Stockholm
Arrival in Stockholm, “Venice of the North”. The city is built on 14 small islands that are part of a 24,000 island archipelago. We’ll explore the old quarter with its maze of cobbled lanes, narrow waterways and winding alleys. We also tour the impressive City Hall, where Nobel Prize festivities take place. Sheraton Stockholm
Tuesday - MS Voyager - sail at 6pm
Morning at leisure to explore more of Stockholm. Go shopping or tour the Vasa Museum, featuring an ornate royal warship that sank in Stockholm’s harbor in 1628 and was raised in 1961. Late in the afternoon we board our ship and set sail on the Baltic Sea.
Wednesday - in port from 11 am to 6 pm
Helsinki is the capital, cultural and political center of Finland. It is an easily navigated city with wide streets, colorful gardens, parks and architectural delights.
Thursday - in port overnight
Tour of St. Petersburg, imperial capital of the Russian Czars. Afternoon free time. Our ship will anchor overnight, allowing for an evening concert or the ballet.
Friday - depart port at 6 pm
Another full day of sightseeing St. Petersburg. We’ll visit the world renowned Hermitage Museum, with its impressive collection of Old Masters.
Saturday - in port from 8 am to 6 pm
Our tour of the walled city of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, will begin in the medieval city center. Step back in time as you gaze upon the 700 year old Dome Cathedral and wander the maze of narrow streets. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sunday - in port from 8 am to 2 pm
Gotland is an island of ruins and artifacts linking it to a rich Viking history and periods of greatness during the Middle Ages. The city of Visby is surrounded by a 13th century stone wall that protects the modern and the medieval. The large flocks of sheep on the island produce a fine wool that you can buy in its natural state or fashioned into the local crafts such as sweaters, mittens and scarves.
Monday - in port from 8 am to 8 pm
The ship docks in Warnemünde, a German sea resort on the Baltic. We’ll explore the nearby city of Rostock with its old towers, fortifications, churches and 15th century gabled houses. An optional full day excursion to Berlin will also be available.
Tuesday - Copenhagen
This morning we explore and discover Denmark’s lively fun-loving capital with our guide. The city is well known for its traditional charm and friendly people. The afternoon is at leisure for last minute shopping and sightseeing. Admiral Hotel
Wednesday, June 29th - return to USA.
Pack up your happy memories. Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we regretfully bid farewell to Europe and jet back home to North America. Transfer to Copenhagen’s International Airport
GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 29 GUESTS – Please phone for instructions if you would like to join the tour.
RESERVATIONS: Early reservations are essential. A deposit of 11% of the tour cost is required within six days of reservation. This can be charged to a credit card. Final payment must be by check. You will receive an invoice for the final payment that will be due 95 days prior to departure.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Air fare from North America to Bergen and returning from Copenhagen is not included in the tour price.
CABIN UPGRADES: The tour price is based on accommodation in “H” category cabins and may not be available at time of reservations. Upgrades are available to higher category cabins at an additional cost. Ask us for details.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Depending upon the category of cabin reserved on the Ms Seven Seas Voyager, the single supplement will be approximately 55% to 75% of the tour cost.
COST OF TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE: Expenses of passports, laundry, telephone and items of a personal nature; beverages other than those mentioned as being included; excess baggage charges; health and accident and baggage insurance; or any services other than those specifically mentioned as being included. Gerhard’s Odysseys is not responsible for delays or missed portions of your cruise relating to flight delays or incorrect travel documents.
For more information about the MS SEVEN SEAS VOYAGER
Regent Seven Seas, Inc. manages and owns the MS Voyager and the ship’s registry is the Bahamas. Shore excursions are provided and operated by Regent Seven Seas, Inc.
Questions? Call us at 503-223-2402
Free unlimited shore EXCURSIONS
For more INFORMATION about Bergen, Oslo & Stockholm