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BEST OF SCANDINAVIA RUSSIA & EASTERN EUROPE 19 DAYS

This is a boutique tour designed specially for the discerning travellers desiring an exclusive & classy programme. This is a saying “If you have never been to Scandinavia, you have never lived!” Scandinavia's scenic marvels are a feast for the eyes and mind. Norway's magnificent fjords, Danish fairytale country and Sweden's lake and forests. Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen one of most beautiful towns in the world. An overnight cruise on a luxury ship (Outside cabins)… fun, fjords and fascination… the hallmarks of a great tour is provided is the Scandinavia we show you. Travel is on grade 1 airlines; many sectors by air, some by coach, some by first class train and overnight cruise. First class hotels, Porterage of one piece of checked baggage is provided all through. Sumptuous breakfast daily, sit down Indian restaurant meals all through except on 3 occasions when continued style dinner is provided. Magnificent palaces, sprawling and beautifully laid out cities full with great architecture and ambience, treasure houses and forests, vibrant evening entertainment and a world apart… that is what Russia and Central Europe are all about. St. Petersburg, Moscow, Imperial Vienna, the lovely twin cities of Buda & Pest on the Danube and Golden Prague, (awarded the tile of “European City of Culture 2000” and UN Heritage City) are all there. As you explore these destinations and its attractions with our guide, you will soon find yourselves running out of describe them. The beauty and charm of these cities, palaces and treasure houses leave many a West European destinations, their palaces and gardens by the way side. Shopping for Crystals, Cut glasses, fine Porcelain and Caviar are exclusive and at friendly prices. A tour fit for the connoisseur !

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

* Stockholm * Hamarvoss * Bergen Flam railride * Oslo Copenhagen 
* DFDS Cruise * St. Petersburg * Moscow * Prague * Vienna * Budapest

THE TOUR FEATURES

Day 01: Arrive Stockholm (ID)

On arrival Swedish Capital Stockholm… “Beauty on Water”, we do immigration and customs formalities, proceed to hotel. Hotel check in time 1400 hrs and we will try for too get the rooms as soon as possible. Evening at leisure. Stockholm is a unique Archipelago of Islands and outlets. An orientation of the city prior to Indian dinner. We shall also visit the Vasa museum… having an interesting of old world Viking ships. Stockholm nightspots do not close until down. So those wanting a taste of it should be prepared to go back to the hotel on their own. (It is safe)
Day 02: Stockholm (BF, ID)


Morning breakfast. Morning City Sightseeing of the Royal Swedish Capital including, Fjallgatan Viewpoint, Royal Palace, Old Town, Kings Garden, and other major sights. We shall visit the “City Hall” where the dinner for Noble Lauretes is held. Time to stroll along the riverfront. Balance day at leisure. Indian dinner.
Day 03: Stockholm Hamar 450 kms /  6 hrs driving time (BF, D)


Morning breakfast. Then we thereafter drive to Hamar via Orebro, Karlskoga, Karlstad and Kongsvinger. Afternoon packed lunch. Arrive Hamar and check into hotel. Continental dinner at Hotel. Enroute we shall see from a distance the Bofors Factory.
Day 04: Hamar Voss 450 kms / Cruise + Coach (BF, D)


Morning breakfast. A day to remember as we pack our bags and board our coach post breakfast for a drive to Laerdal lying in a beautiful and dramatic landscapes for a 2 hour cruise on Sognefjord which will be scenic memories for a lifetime. The Sognefjord, the narrow valleys, the snow clad summits and the wild waterfalls take your breath away. We arrive at Gudvangen on the cruise. After cruise we will board our coach and drive to Voss. On arrival Voss we check into hotel. Continental dinner.
Day 05: Bergen Area Flam Rail Ride (BF, D)


Breakfast is served at your hotel. 0800 hrs we will take you to Voss railway station for your train to Myrdl and then to Flam… which is often described as one of the most breathtaking experience. For 50 minutes the view through the carriage window is a constantly changing panorama of skyhigh show covered mountains, thundering waterfalls and green pastures at the bottom of the valley. Arrive Flam. Here we board our coach for onward journeys to colourful Bergen. Over the Hardangervidda (Hardanger Plateau) which is a bit like the landscape inside the Arctic Circle. We take the funicular ride to the top at Floijen, a fantastic view viewpoint where we can spot incredible scenery of Bergen and its fjords. Then descend to Bergen. 3 hours of free time to experience this 900 years old clean and well kept city. Wander along the city's narrow paths and alleyways, taste the fresh seafood at the Fish Market and hear Edvard Grieg's music performed at his home, Troldhaugen. And spend time at Bryggen, the old wharf (the waterfront with its colourful houses which you would have seen in any photograph of Berggren). Free time here. Dinner at hotel.
Day 06 : Oslo 450 kms / 8 hrs driving (BF, ID)


Breakfast. Today board your coach for a drive to Oslo. From Bruravik we will have a short cruise across the Hardanger Fjord to Brimness. Then drive through especially scenic countryside to Geilo. Stop at Geilo… the famous ski center. Our journey through the Hardangervidda (Hardanger Plateau) which is a bit like the landscape inside the Arctic Circle, waterfalls en route. Great scenery. Then continue to the Viking Capital Oslo. Dinner at Indian restaurant an arrival. Check into hotel.
Day 07: Oslo Copenhagen (BF, D) (Overnight Cruise)


Breakfast. Morning we take a you on a sightseeing tour with an English speaking guide for a 2 hours Panoramic City Sightseeing tour including the Holmenkollen Skijum, Royal Palace, Karl Johan, Viking Museum and the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park where you will have some free time to admire the Array of modern sculptures, Akers Brygge and other major sights. Late afternoon transfer to the pier to board your ship for a memorable overnight DFDS cruise to the Danish capital Copenhagen. Dinner is served on board. Outside Cabins.
Day 08: Arrive Copenhagen (BF, ID)


Scandinavian buffet breakfast on board ship. On arrival proceed for a city tour with English Speaking Guide on a 3 hours City Sightseeing tour of Copenhagen, including Stock-exchange, Amalienborg Palace where Denmark's “Cycling Monarchy” has its city home, the Little Mermaid, Tivoli Gardens, Geifon Fountains, Stroget Shopping Street. Then we will be transfer to your hotel and check in. Evening transfer to visit the Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli Gardens is a cross between an Old Fashion funfairs, a series of Beer Gardens, sophisticated open air restaurants, concert houses, dance halls and manicured gardens… Evening is free to feel Copenhagen... walk down the Stroget… the pedestrian street. Window shop only. Copenhagen is a city by the sea and has the edge: it blows cobwebs away. Because of its geographical position it manages to be both Scandinavian and European, with a touch of the Baltic. It is fun. New buildings are limited to 4 stories. So much so that within about ½ a mile form of the harbour the colorful pennants that fly along with the Dannebrog from ships' masts are as likely to mark the skyline as church spires. These quickly acquire their characteristic green color from the salty air and give Copenhagen one of its nicknames: 'City of Green Spires'. Dinner at Indian restaurant.
Day 09: Copenhagen St. Petersburg (BF, ID)


Scandinavia Buffet Breakfast is served at your hotel. Then transfer to airport for your flight to St. Petersburg. Arrive St. Petersburg… one of the most beautiful cities in the world and recently restored to its original name after Peter the Great. Often called “Venice of the North”, St. Petersburg will astound you with its exquisite canals, convents, palaces and parks. You'll be captivated by its skyline, studded with golden cupolas of lavish churches and pastel-shade Baroque buildings. City sightseeing tour takes in Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Peter and Paul fortress, the Statue of Peter the Great. Dinner at Indian restaurant. (Night life here has few parallels)
Day 10: St. Petersburg (BF, ID)


0830 hrs Morning excursions to Petrodvorets, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, to visit the elaborate summer Palace of Peter the Great. At the end of the tour and as you reminiscence the sightseeing yesterday, you will agree that a lot of what you see in West Europe pales before the magnificent and grandeur of the Palaces of the Czars. Note: During your stay in Russia you may wish to witness a Ballet Show. Tickets are usually available through private sources and cost around US $ 100 per person in Moscow and Us $ 50 per person is St. Petersburg. The shows start at 2000 hrs. Please inform the tour leader in advance.
Day 11: St. Petersburg Moscow (BF, ID) Overnight Train


Breakfast. Today we visit the Hermitage Museum formerly the Winter Palace. You will marvel at the unrivalled collection of masterpieces, ornate decors and the stunning Rococco interiors and stately staircases. Just about everything is GRAND! Afternoon at leisure.
Day 12: Arrive Moscow (BF, ID)


Arrive Moscow and transfer to your hotel. Breakfast is served at the hotel. There will be some wait for rooms to be allotted. According to an Old Russian proverb “there is nothing above Moscow except the Kremlin, and nothing above the Kremlin and its spiritual heart, St. Basil's Cathedral… an architectural masterpiece remain the nation's landmark symbol. Yet Russia's capital offers wonder after wonder you will love dramatic Red Square, the world famous Bolshoi Theatre, GUM departmental store and the Metro's Lavish marble halls. After breakfast board your coach at 0900 hrs for a half day city tour of Moscow covering such famous highlights as St. Basil's multi-coloured onion domed Cathedral, the Kremlin Walls, Red Square and Lenin's tomb. Afternoon a tour of the Russian Metro. There is a saying “the treasures of Russia are stored in the under grounds of Moscow”. You will appreciate this as we take you a short Metro tour. Each station in the central area is a veritable museum! Balance day free. Dinner at Indian restaurant.
Day 13: Moscow (BF, ID)


Morning excursion to Armoury Museum and Kremlin. See the fabulous treasures of the Czars including and impressive collection of imperial jewels, golden thrones, a collection of world famous Faberge eggs (5 of the 8 ever made are hosted here) and ornate icons. They are stunning. See the fine 18th century Senate building and seat of the Russian President. Afternoon free. We suggest you spend time walking around the famous Red Square… The replica of which you will not find any where in the world. May be buy Caviar, Amber and Matryoskha dolls. Dinner at India restaurant. Evening: included visit to the famous 
Day 14: Moscow Prague (BF, ID)


Breakfast. Transfer to airport for your flight to Prague via Copenhagen. Arrival in the Czech capital and transfer to the city, then to the Indian restaurant for dinner followed by transfer to your hotel and check in. The Golden City Prague. If there is any place that can rival Paris for its charms… this is the place. On arrival Prague we proceed for a memorable city is beautiful at day even more at night. The iron curtain has been brought down and the city has sprung to life with buildings renovated / scrubbed… with many a building in bright pastel colors. Evening life in Prague is equally interesting and there is something for all tastes… nightclubs, Discos, Operas and Concerts, Folk Shows or simply walking around the area of Old Quarter, Wencelas Square and the Vltava river front… is a fascinating experience with the charms of the Golden City. Russian Circus. Several of our clients who had done this programme with us earlier had asked… “Why a Circus?” After the tour they said “our tour would not have been complete without its inclusion”.
Day 15: Prague (BF, ID)


0830 hrs Morning the Grand city tour covers the Old city center, including Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter, culminating at the fabulous Prague castle (Hradcany) on the other side of the River Vltava. The we leave you at the Old Quarter with the Weneslas Square nearby. Stroll the streets… see the illuminations. Afternoon & evening is free for you to shop. We will leave you at a Crystal factory outlet. Here you will find the best of Crystal made anywhere… fine Bohemian crystal and cut (etched) glass unmatched anywhere in the world.
The nicest things are the down to earth and affordable prices. This is Czech shopping at its best and a delight forever to addon your home. Dinner is at Indian restaurant.
Day 16: Prague Vienna (BF, ID)  340 kms / 5 hrs driving time 


Morning depart for the Imperial Capital via Brno. This is the border where you must get your tax refund vouchers endorsed should you have purchased any item in Prague, which we are sure you will have. On arrival Capital of Vienna… one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Check into hotel. 1430 hrs. a sightseeing tour introduces us to the Austrian Capital… & the city of Mozart and Strauss and the seat of the Hapsburg Dynasty for over 650 years till as late as World War I … Marvel at the architectural excellence of its buildings and palaces, all in the fine state of maintenance, lovely parks and Pedestrian Walks, its fabulous Opera houses, the Rathaus and the Parliament building in Neo Baroque style etc., the St. Stephen's spired cathedral and the pedestrian area. Dinner at Indian restaurant.
Day 17: Vienna Budapest  330 km 5 hrs driving time (BF, ID)


0830 hrs morning Drive to the Austro-Hungarian border. Then proceed via Gyor to Budapest, the impressive capital of Hungary, comprising the twin cities of Buda and Pest situated on two sides of the River Danube. Check into hotel. Dinner at Indian restaurant. Cruise on river Danube will be provided today. You will then be able to appreciate what made Johan Strauss compose “Blue Danube”… Probably the world's most popular composition. Budapest is bright at night with the Landmark buildings brilliantly lit up and a fascinating sight. The Pedestrian area as well and you must walk around to really feel the place. Budapest is also the SPA capital. A remarkable numbers of springs is to be found here. The flow originates from a fault situated sideways in relation to the city and its waters which reach temperature between 24 C and 25 C, gush out of various depths ranging from just a few meters below the Buda part up to around a kilometer in the Pest area… the beneficial effects of which were first discovered by the Romans. Today there are many a hotel build over the SPA. The most famous and frequented Thermal baths in Buda is the Gellert Baths with fine Art Deco interiors which you will have time to visit and experience on your supervision you can under go treatment as well depending on your aliment.
Day 18: Budapest (BF, ID)


0830 hrs morning sightseeing tour will introduce you to this fascinating city, including Heroes' Square, Gellert Hill, the Castle district, St. Matthew's church and the Fishermen's bastion in the Pest area located on a hill, with its spectacular view over the city. Afternoon at leisure. Shop for Herond Porcelein and fine Crochette work in Hungarian Dolls in the famous Pedestrian area. Or you may have take time in the city… just for fun. It is very affordable. Evening dinner at Indian restaurant. Evening and late evening: you must stroll the streets… get a feel of the city and admire its brilliantly lit Monuments. Optional folklore dinner in the evening. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 19: Budapest to Home (B)


Transfer to airport for your flight back home with memories of a life time. 

D'ziner Tips (PACKING)

Use good quality strolley bags and ensure that the wheels, zip, straps and andle are  strong to withstand rough use. Travel light and pack clothes that can be worn in  combinations. T-shirts and track pants are the best as they are light, easily washable  and need little care. Pack a light all weather windcheaters. Thermal hosiery is of  immense utility and can be effective till 10-13 C of temperature. When going in a couple  or family pack bags so as to distribute clothes between bags so that you are not in  trouble if a baggage is delayed or misplaced

Hand baggage : Never more than 5 kgs per person. Carry a set of clothes and toilet  items for use in flight delays or freshening up in long journeys. Pack your medicines  and handy phone nos. Never leave your baggage unattended in the airport or anywhere else during your journey. 

Never entrust baggage care to strangers. Keep your hand baggage locked. Never accept parcels even if how ever small and innocuous they may seem and what  ever the reason offered to carry it.