| Day 1 - Tuesday, September 2
Departure from USA (D on Flight)
Today, depart on your overnight transatlantic flight to Copenhagen, Denmark. Or request international departure from the city of your choice, dependent upon availability.
Day 2 - Wednesday, September 3
Copenhagen (B on flight, D)
Arrival in Copenhagen. Enjoy a guided tour of the city including “The Little Mermaid”, Amalienborg Palace and more. Transfer to your hotel. Free time this afternoon to relax or explore. Of interest on your own: the Glyptotek, the Round Tower (1642), Carlsberg Brewery or Strøget, the worlds longest pedestrian street. Dinner this evening at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. Overnight at Comfort Hotel Sydhavnen or similar.
Day 3 - Thursday, September 4
Copenhagen - Malmö, Sweden - Lund - Osby - Växjö
(B, D)
This morning cross the incredible Öresunds Bridge to the “Kingdom of Sweden”. In the city of Lund where half-timbered buildings
from the 16th century blend seamlessly with the modern landscape, tour 12th-century Lund Cathedral with its amazing astronomical clock. At Osby watch handcrafters create Christmas julbock, ornaments and tomtes at Göinge Hemslöjd. Continue to Växjö for dinner and overnight at Quality Hotel Konserthuset or similar.
Day 4 - Friday, September 5
Växjö - Kosta-Boda - Orrefors - Eksjö
(B, D)
This morning visit the extensive museum at the Emigrant Institute to learn about the exodus to “The New Land” in the 1800’s. Continue to the world renowned “Crystal Kingdom” enjoy a tour and shopping at the 266 year old crystal factory of Kosta-Boda. Travel north in the province of Småland, to Eksjö for a walk in the charming town center from the 16th and 17th Centuries. Dinner and overnight at Eksjö Stadshotell or similar.
Day 5 - Saturday, September 6
Eksjö - Gränna - Stockholm (B, D)
On the shores of Lake Vättern (Sweden’s second largest lake), stop at Gränna, the polkagris (peppermint candy) capital. Visit Gränna Glassworks for a delightful demonstration by master glassblowers. Stop at the Berg Locks on the Göta Canal before continuing to the capital city of Stockholm. Dinner and overnight in Stockholm at Clarion Collection Hotel Tapto or similar.
Day 6 - Sunday, September 7
Stockholm (B, D)
A full day in Stockholm begins with a guided tour of this beautiful city. See the impressive City Hall, the famous Vasa Ship Museum and more. The afternoon is free to explore the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town), or visit the famous department stores of NK or Åhlen’s. Dinner at historic Rosendals Wärdshus or similar. Overnight at Clarion Collection Hotel Tapto or similar.
Day 7 - Monday, September 8
Stockholm - Uppsala - Sundborn - Rättvik
(B, D)
Head north into the province of Uppland to the university town of Uppsala to tour the inspiring Uppsala Cathedral. Continue to the folk tradition-rich province of Dalarna stopping at Avesta to see the world’s largest Dala Horse. In the small village of Sundborn visit the home and studio of beloved artists Carl & Karin Larsson. Continue to Rättvik on the shores of Lake Siljan. Dinner and overnight at Hantverksbyn/Vidablick Hotel or similar.
Day 8 - Tuesday, September 9
Rättvik - Nusnäs - Mora - Oslo (B, D)
At Nusnäs see where genuine Dala horses are made, cut by machine and carved by hand by local woodcarvers. Travel to Mora to tour the fantastic home of world-renowned artist Anders Zorn called Zorngården. Drive through the forests of Dalarna and Värmland to Torsby for dinner and overnight at Hotel Björnidet.
Day 9 - Wednesday, September 10
Oslo (B, D)
This morning cross the border into Norway. Continue to Oslo, the capital city of Norway. Enjoy a delightful tour of 1000 - year old city, including Kon Tiki Museum, Viking ship museum, Vigeland Park and more. Free time in the afternoon. Dinner & overnight at Thon Hotel Europa or similar.
Day 10 - Thursday, September 11
Oslo - Myrdal - Flåm - Fjord Cruise -
Stalheim - Voss - Bergen (B, D)
This morning take the train to Myrdal to board the Flåm mountain train, which descends 2,900 feet in 12 short miles through breathtaking scenery to the village of Flåm. Cruise the Aurlandsfjord and the narrowest of fjords, the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. Transfer by bus up the Stalheim Canyon to the Stalheim Hotel for dinner, then continue through Voss for late evening arrival in Bergen. Overnight at the Grand Hotel Terminus or similar.
Day 11 - Friday, September 12
Bergen (B, D)
A guided tour of the charming city of Bergen includes the Hanseatic Quarter, the Fish Market, and the home of composer Edvard Grieg. Free time this afternoon. Enjoy shopping in the old warehouse district of Bryggen or ride the Funicular up the mountain side to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Farewell dinner and entertainment this evening at the Fana Norwegian Folklore Show.
Overnight at the Grand Hotel Terminus or similar.
Day 12 - Saturday, September 13
Bergen - Departure to USA (B)
After breakfast, transfer by bus to Bergen’s Flesland Airport for the return flight to Chicago via Copenhagen. Arrival in Chicago at 5:30 p.m. local time. Some connections to certain cities will not be possible and an overnight stay (on your own) in Chicago is a possibility.
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