Compare Celebrated Cities of Scandinavia, The Baltics, Russia and More by Road Scholar vs Sweden & Norway in 10 days - Nordic Peninsula - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1: In Transit to Program

In Flight

Day 2: Arrive Copenhagen, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Copenhagen Strand Hotel

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 PM. If your room is not ready, the concierge will hold your luggage and you can explore the city.

Afternoon: After arriving at the hotel, check in and get your room, then take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Each evening before dinner, we will review the schedule for the upcoming day with you. Thank you for your understanding. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. The Group Leader will often be available during free time to accompany informal excursions, activities, or meals that have been excluded from the program cost. You are welcome to join if you like, with any associated costs on your own. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are welcome to take advantage of the many activities and events aboard ship (most free of charge, some at extra cost) that are separate from the Road Scholar program. You will see a number of places in the daily schedule designated as free time when you can choose to do what you like and create an experience that is even more enriching, rewarding, and memorable. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. For our port in St. Petersburg, Russia, Russian visas can be obtained on board as long as you are joining the Road Scholar field trips. If you wish to leave the group and do any independent exploration, a visa must be purchased in advance. Without the proper visa, you will not be able to leave the Road Scholar group.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a three course plated meal, plus a glass of wine, water, coffee, or tea (other beverages available for purchase).

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3: Explore Copenhagen, Embark Oceania Marina, Depart

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: Walking approximately 1 1/2 miles throughout the day with long periods of standing.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant, we’ll have a buffet breakfast that includes water, coffee, and tea.

Morning: Depart the hotel for a panoramic introduction to Copenhagen with a local expert, travel past City Hall and Tivoli Gardens, as well as the old Stock Exchange with its spire formed by entwined dragon's tails. Other sights include the colorful harbor of Nyhavn, the fairy-tale castle of Rosenborg (home of the Danish Crown Jewels), the Christiansborg Palace and the Danish Parliament Building. Stop for a short stroll and photo opportunity at Amalienborg Palace Square, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. The spacious octagonal palace square is surrounded by four identical rococo palaces and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful palace squares in Northern Europe. You will also discover the tranquil and lush area around the Kastellet Citadel - a 17th-century bastioned fortification that today serves as a popular public park and home to the Gefion Fountain and the St. Alban's Anglican Church. Pause in Humlebaek to discover the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 3,000 works and is one of the largest in Scandinavia.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, enjoy a plated meal based on contemporary Danish cooking. Includes water and tea or coffee.

Afternoon: After lunch, join your Study Leader to travel to Elsinore for a view of Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the dock via private motorcoach to board the Oceania Marina, our home for the next 10 nights. Prior to dinner, join your fellow participants and Group Leader for a Road Scholar exclusive cocktail party! The ship departs Copenhagen at 9:00 PM.

Dinner: Join your Study Leader for a welcome dinner aboard the Marina in the beautifully appointed Grand Dining Room. Enjoy European-inspired cuisine featuring a variety of delectable appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees, plus water, coffee, or tea.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy one of the many activities such as live performances, movies, live music, ship library and spa.

Day 4: Arrive Warnemunde, Germany, Rostock Field Trip

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: Walking approximately one mile with long periods of standing.

Breakfast: Aboard ship choose from a variety of breakfast dishes plus water, coffee, or tea.

Morning: Docking at Warnemunde, we’ll board a private motorcoach for a scenic drive to the Hanseatic City of Rostock with commentary from a local expert. After arriving in Rostock, explore the top sights by coach and by foot. While other towns pay homage to glass and aluminum, the buildings in this old Hanseatic city pay tribute to diverse architectural eras, from the medieval city center to the 19th century villas. Discover many of the sights of Mecklenburg Vorpommern’s largest city on foot. See the University of Rostock, founded in 1419 – the oldest and largest university in Northern Europe. You will pass Kropeliner Strasse and Gate – one of four of the 22 original city gates to survive the ravages of time. The Hanseatic trade route of the League once began here. Kroepeliner Strasse is a popular boulevard for pedestrians with many stores and cafes. It is lined with many gabled houses from the 17th and 19th centuries. Here you will also see the Fountain of Joy with its cheerful bronze sculptures.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. Our local expert will suggest restaurants for you to try, or choose to enjoy a leisurely lunch back onboard.

Afternoon: This time is on your own to see and do what interests you most in Rostock. The Oceania Marina is scheduled to depart at 10:00 PM.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5: Cruising the Baltic Sea

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Join your study leader for an onboard lecture about the Baltic ports we’ll be visiting on our journey.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: After lunch join your study leader for another educational lecture. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the ship. Your daily schedule in your cabin will inform you of the various onboard activities you can choose to enjoy.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6: Arrive Klaipeda, Lithuania, Old Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: Walking approximately one mile with long periods of standing.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Lithuania's third largest city, Klaipeda, has been in and out of the hands of the Russians, Swedes, and Germans. Walking into the Old Town from the port, and led by our local expert, see the intersection of cultures at the St. Mergeles Marijos Taikos Karalienes Church tower and walk through Anika Square. Afterwards learn about how East Prussia and the Klaipeda region were formed at the Lithuania Minor Historical Museum and how Klaipeda developed from the 13th to the 20th century.

Lunch: We'll return to our ship for a leisurely lunch on board.

Afternoon: The afternoon is free for you to enjoy. The Oceania Marina is scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7: Arrive Riga, Latvia, Old Town Exploration

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: Walking approximately one mile with long periods of standing.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Riga, the capital of Latvia, was founded more than 800 years ago and has now grown into the biggest city in the Baltic States, with a population of nearly 1 million. The last 15 years of independence and two years as a member of the European Union have brought great changes and development to the city and to the country itself. During the city exploration you will have a chance to discover the history of Riga on foot. You will get acquainted with the 13th century St. Peter's, St. George's and St. John's churches and walk through the medieval John's yard. In the Old Town you will also see the medieval dwelling houses known as the "Three Brothers" and the Large and Small Guild buildings. The excursion will take you to the center of the Old Town - the Dome Square, where you will see the magnificent Dome Cathedral. We'll travel through the boulevards of Riga's city center with its fine examples of Art Nouveau architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You will pass by the symbol of Latvian independence - the Freedom Monument, which was erected in 1935 during Latvia's initial period of independence and was at the heart of the Latvian freedom movement in the late 1980s.

Lunch: After returning to port with a panoramic view of Riga en route, enjoy lunch on board the ship or choose to try a restaurant on your own in town.

Afternoon: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most. The Oceania Marina is scheduled to depart at 3:00 PM.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8: Helsinki, Finland, Villa Kokkonen, Downtown Field Trip

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: Walking approximately one mile with long periods of standing.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Arriving in Helsinki, travel by coach outside of the city to the scenic shores of Lake Tuusula. Here, visit Villa Kokkonen, the home and atelier (studio) of famous architect Alvar Aalto. Designed by Aalto to be a home for music, Villa Kokkonen offers unique architecture and stunning views of Lake Tuusula.

Lunch: With your group, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Your day continues with a guided city tour in Helsinki taking in the most important and interesting parts of this famous city such as the historical center, Finlandia Hall, and the Opera House. See the icebreaker fleet before passing the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Parliament building, and Market Square. Afterwards, visit Temppeliaukio, also known as the Church of the Rock. Excavated directly into solid rock, the Temppeliaukio church is located in the heart of Helsinki. The Oceania Marina is scheduled to depart at 7:00 PM.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9: Arrive St. Petersburg, Russia, City Trip, Peterhof Palace

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: VISA NOTE: Russian Visas can be obtained on board as long as participants are joining the Road Scholar excursion. If participants wish to do any independent exploring outside of the group, they MUST purchase a visa in advance. Without a visa, participants will not be able to leave the group.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Arriving in St. Petersburg, we’ll spend three days exploring one of the most unique Russian cities founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Boarding a motorcoach at the docks, we’ll have a broad city overview with onboard commentary and photo opportunities at several sites. As we ride through the country’s second largest city, we’ll gain an insight into the cultural capital of Russia. Originally settled by Swedish colonists, they built a fortress at the mouth of the Neva River that served as the center of the small town of Nyen. Czar Peter the Great captured the territory in 1703 and replaced the fortress, marking the beginning of the new city. Built by conscripted laborers, Peter wished to modernize the Russian Empire as well as create a port on the Baltic Sea. Under Peter’s vision, the city would become a center of culture and learning, hosting world class academies and museums in traditional Russian and Neoclassical architecture.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. Our local expert will suggest restaurants for you to try.

Afternoon: Via motorcoach we’ll travel west just outside of the city to Peterhof, the magnificent residence of Peter the Great that looks north out across the Baltic. An expert will lead us through the property, gilded with gold, royal portraits, and gifts from around the world, and the gardens, which build greatly off of French and English influences. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is often referred to as the “Russian Versailles” for its grandeur and extravagance and for the Palace it was inspired by.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10: Catherine’s Palace, Peter and Paul Cathedral: St Petersburg

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: Walking approximately one mile with long periods of standing.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Led by a local expert, our exploration of St. Petersburg continues with a field trip via motorcoach to Catherine’s Palace, the lavish summer palace of the imperial family until the Russian Revolution. Under the order of Peter the Greats wife Catherine I, the palace was constructed in 1717 as a summer residence on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. Her daughter Empress Elizabeth found the palace outdated barely 40 years later and had it demolished and rebuilt in the flamboyant Rococo style that was popular in Western Europe – most notably, Paris. Catherine the Great further added to the palace with her passion for antiquity and Neoclassical art. The new 1,000 ft long palace was adorned with 220 pounds of gold and complimented by ornate and geometric gardens.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. Our local expert will suggest restaurants for you to try.

Afternoon: We’ll return to St. Petersburg via motorcoach, passing the fabulous Peter and Paul Cathedral, which was completed in 1733, making it one of the oldest landmarks in the city. Tsars from Peter the Great to Nicholas II are buried here, along with other members of the royal family. You will also pass the Aurora, the cruiser that signaled the beginning of the Bolshevik Revolution, the beautiful Field of Mars, and the Marble Palace as you make your way to the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, both excellent spots to take pictures. Returning to the ship, you will pass the famous equestrian statue of Peter the Great.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11: Hermitage Museum, Depart: St Petersburg

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: Walking approximately one mile with long periods of standing.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Departing from the docks via private motorcoach with a local expert, we’ll visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in the Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 and opened to the public nearly 90 years later, the Hermitage features the largest collections of paintings in the world numbering over three million, though only a small portion of that is on display. The works of art in the museum include not just paintings and artifacts but the buildings themselves, being located within six historic buildings including the Winter Palace, which was the Russian monarch’s official royal residence from 1732 until 1917. In addition to a vast collection of archeological finds from antiquity, the Hermitage has one of the largest collections of Dutch masterpieces in the world. Following the conclusion of our visit, we will return to the Oceania Marina.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. Our local expert will suggest restaurants for you to try.

Afternoon: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most. The Oceania Marina is scheduled to depart at 6:00 PM.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12: Arrive Tallinn, Estonia, Old Town, Free Afternoon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Marina

Activity note: Walking approximately one mile with long periods of standing on cobblestone streets.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Making call in Tallinn, Estonia, we’ll board a motorcoach at the port and ride to the Upper Old Town, situated atop a 150 foot cliff. Disembark the coach at Tall Hermann tower and explore the town on foot. View the Parliament building, which once used to be a stronghold for the nobles living on Toompea Hill. Visit the most dominating building on the square – Alexander Nevski Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church built in the style of Moscow churches of the 17th century and decorated with mosaics and icons. Peek inside and see for yourself an example of orthodox sacral building. Walk a short distance to reach a viewing point that offers a beautiful view over the Lower Old Town with its dwelling houses, towers, churches and spires rising above the cluster of red-tiled roofs. We'll continue our exploration with a visit to the Lower Old Town. Passing Long Street you will see the simple, yet eye-catching façade of the Holy Ghost Church with its only external ornament - the oldest public clock in town. Standing opposite is the building of the Great Guild of Merchants, members of which could also become members of the ruling body – the town council. Stop at the Town Hall Square which is inarguably the heart of Old Town and the center of Tallinn’s network of medieval streets. The Old Town of Tallinn is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites as a living museum. View the Town Hall building, completed in 1404, and preserved almost fully intact in its original Gothic form. Here the town rulers used to gather, make important decisions, and pass legislation. On the other side stands one of the oldest drug stores in Europe, opened in 1422. Here one could purchase different kind of cures for combating diseases - from bat powder to snakeskin.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. Our local expert will suggest restaurants for you to try, or choose to enjoy a leisurely lunch back onboard.

Afternoon: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most. The Oceania Marina is scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13: Arrive Stockholm, Sweden, Program Concludes

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Disembarkation begins. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular landscapes and scenic fjords of Scandinavia? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Stockholm.* Night on board. * Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Day 2: Stockholm

Arrival in Stockholm the capital of Sweden and the biggest of the country. It’s an archipelago composed by 14 islands that are connected by around 50 bridges in the Märlaren lake. It’s a very cosmopolitan city as you will find an Scandinavian modern architecture with metal and bronze buildings or fairy tails towers and a very charm old city centre. Self-transfer* to the hotel and overnight in Stockholm. * Possibility to book private transfer in the next step of the booking.

Day 3: Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Stockholm from a different perspective on a boat tour along its iconic waterways, through its locks and underneath its 12 historic bridges! Pass by the most emblematic sights in the city, from the urban centre to the Old Town and the greenery of Djurgården, on a relaxing journey through the heart of the Swedish capital! Ovevrnight in Stockholm. Note: tansfer is not included, you will have to make your own way to the meeting point.

Day 4: Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a free day to enjoy on your own. You can take profit of the time to go shopping or visit some emblematic sites. We recommend the optional excursions Stockholm Archipelago Tour*. Overnight in Stockholm. * Optional excursion Stockholm Archipelago Tour: historic cruise tour throught the Stockholm archipelago. Lunch included.

Day 5: Stockholm - Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer* to the Stockholm airrport to take a flight to Oslo. Arrive at Gardermoen airport and transfer to the hotel.** Oslo is the capital of Norway and a great place to discover the local culture and cuisine. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its green spaces and its numerous museums, many of which are dedicated to the country's Viking heritage. Overnight stay in Oslo. * Possibility to book private transfer in the next step of the booking. ** Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.

Day 6: Oslo - Oppland

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a fascinating panoramic tour of Oslo including Frogner Park which houses the Sculptural Ensemble of Vigeland, the Town Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Modern Opera House. Afterwards, set off for Lillehammer, the city famous for the Olympics of '94, which is situated on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Admire its tiny picturesque streets. Here you have the option to visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.* Continue through the Oppland region and check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Oppland. * Optional Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: Maihaugen is Norway’s largest open-air museum outside of Oslo. The museum offers more than 200 buildings from different eras, superb cultural experiences and numerous exhibitions. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 7: Oppland - Sogn og Fjordane

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day awaits as you set off for Briksdal Glacier. On the way, stop for a brief visit to the beautiful Lom Church.* Located inside the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Briksdal Glacier is set within the breathtaking Briksdalen Valley, rising to a height of 1200 metres. Enjoy some free time in Briksdal to admire the unbelievable views, take photos, explore the valley and have lunch (at your own expense). Afterwards, head to the Førde region, to check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sogn og Fjordane. * Optional Entrance to Lom Church: Enjoy entrance to Lom Stave Church where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of this 12th-century site, one of the largest churches in Norway.Please note: You may find a cheaper entrance ticket price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 8: Sogn og Fjordane - Sognefjord - Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the landscapes of the land of fjords, and enjoy a panoramic cruise through the beautiful Sognefjord, one of the most famous and beautiful in the whole of Norway. Admire the Nærøy Fjord and the Sognefjord with its high mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking landscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, continue to Gudvangen to enjoy some free time in this quaint village, nestled at the base of the Angosto Fjord. We recommend taking an optional excursion to the fascinating Viking Museum here.* Afterwards, continue to Voss where you can explore at your leisure until finally arriving in Bergen the 'capital of the fjords'. Transfer to the hotel and get settled in. Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Viking Museum Visit: Visit Gudvangen's Viking Museum to learn more about this important period in Norwegian history. The Viking Museum is home to impressive Viking-style buildings, re-enactments and brilliant insights into Norway's Viking heritage.

Day 9: Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a fascinating panoramic tour of Bergen for an overview of its sights and history. Visit the Fish Market, famous for its busy atmosphere and excellent produce, and the Hanseatic Neighbourhood or Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional buildings, museums, restaurants and cafes. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Funicular Ride to Mount Floyen.* Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Mount Floyen Funicular Ride: Ride to the top of Mount Floyen for exceptional views of Bergen and the surrounding fjord-lands. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 10: Bergen - Hardangerfjord - Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early towards Oslo and on the way travel across the mighty Hardangerfjord. On the shores of this fjord you can watch the various different farming communities, many of them dedicated to fish farming. After admiring the glistening fjord, head to the Hardangervidda Plateau, home to large herds of wild reindeer. Continue to Olso and watch the changing landscapes and natural beauty of the Buskerud region pass by. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Oslo.

Day 11: Oslo - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to Gardermoen airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.