Compare St. Petersburg & the Baltic Sea - Southbound 2021 by Tauck vs Sweden & Norway in 10 days - Nordic Peninsula - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1 Arrive in Stockholm & enjoy a gala at the Vasa Museum

Tour begins: 7:15 PM, Radisson Blu Waterfront or Sheraton Stockholm. Upon arrival of your flight, a transfer is included from the Arlanda Airport to the Radisson Blu Waterfront or Sheraton Stockholm in the heart of Stockholm. Meet your fellow travel companions at tonight's exclusive welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the Vasa Museum, the centerpiece of which is the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship, the Vasa, salvaged in 1961 after more than 300 years on the bottom of Stockholm Harbor!

MEALS : D

LODGING : Sheraton Stockholm

PORTOFCALL : Stockholm, Sweden

Day 2 Discovering Stockholm, Sweden's capital

Sightseeing in Stockholm today includes a look at the city's intriguing islands – Sweden’s capital sits astride 14 of them – on a cruise along its historic canals; and a guided tour of its iconic City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize award festivities take place – including the Council Chamber, the Gold Room, and the misnamed Blue Room (the architect changed his mind and left its beautiful red-brick walls intact). If you wish, join us for a stop at the city's Royal Palace to watch the changing of the guard, or return to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Stockholm as you please.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Sheraton Stockholm

PORTOFCALL : Stockholm, Sweden

Day 3 More Stockholm sites & embark ship

Your morning begins with a guided visit to Stockholm's historic Royal Swedish Opera House, opened at the turn of the 20th century, and continues on a walking tour along the cobbled streets of Stockholm's medieval Gamla Stan, or Old Town, with your local guide, revealing centuries of Swedish history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy some more Stockholm sightseeing before boarding Le Champlain for the start of your Baltic Sea cruise.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Le Champlain

PORTOFCALL : Stockholm, Sweden

Day 4 A day exploring Finland's capital city of Helsinki

Following your ship's arrival in seaside Helsinki, Finland, a sightseeing excursion shows you the neo-Classical Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, and the Sibelius Monument dedicated to the great Finnish composer. Visit the Temppeliaukio Church, or "Church of the Rock," a modern design hewn out of solid granite. Drive by Finlandia Hall, designed by famed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, en route back to the ship, which sets sail for Russia late this afternoon; join us for a welcome reception followed by the Captain's Gala dinner tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Champlain

Day 5 Treasures of St. Petersburg

Awaken in the glorious imperial city of St. Petersburg; you have a choice of sightseeing today. Visit the Fabergé Museum, housed in Shuvalov Palace in the center of St. Petersburg. This privately owned museum features the work of the renowned Russian jeweler Carl Fabergé, and its collection includes the famous group of nine Imperial Easter Eggs created for Russia's last two czars, Alexander III and Nicolas II – along with thousands of other works of Russian decorative and fine arts. After a local lunch with folkloric entertainment, visit the famous Church of the Spilled Blood. Alternatively, visit the imposing Peter and Paul Fortress, built in the 18th century as the core of Peter the Great’s new capital, what the czar called his "window on the west." Inside the fortress, Peter and Paul Cathedral – with its tall golden spire – contains the tombs of all the Russian czars. After lunch, head to St. Isaac Square. Alternatively, you can also choose an excursion to the seaside palace of Peterhof and its gardens. Then it's back to the ship, where an early dinner onboard precedes a memorable night at Yusupov Palace in St. Petersburg, featuring a tour and entertainment.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Champlain

PORTOFCALL : St. Petersburg, Russia

Day 6 The State Hermitage Museum & more

Take a privately guided tour of The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg at the best time to visit today, as you view one of the largest collections of art and artifacts in the world. Displays include prehistoric cultures, classical antiquities, Western European art, and golden treasures that reflect the development of art and culture throughout the ages. After lunch and some free time this afternoon at Arts Square, return to the ship for dinner this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Champlain

PORTOFCALL : St. Petersburg, Russia

Day 7 Peterhof in St. Petersburg or Catherine Palace

Today, you have a choice of guided tours of sights in and around St. Petersburg. You may choose to explore the seaside palace of Peterhof, with its magnificent gardens and fountains, and have lunch at a local restaurant. Often referred as the "Russian Versailles,” the vast, opulent complex of palaces and gardens that was begun in 1714 by Peter the Great – who referred to it as the Monplaisir ("my pleasure") Palace – was expanded over the next two centuries. Nearly destroyed by German forces during World War II, it has been largely restored since, and along with the St. Petersburg city center is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can travel outside of city limits to Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo) to explore Catherine Palace (a.k.a. The Summer Palace), the Rococo-style summer residence of the Romanovs, expanded by Empress Catherine the Great. You'll immediately notice the ornate blue-and-white ornamental façade; lavish interiors feature gilded wall carvings and intricate ceiling murals, and opulent touches including silk wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and marble chimneys. During lunch, enjoy traditional folkloric entertainment at a local restaurant.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Champlain

PORTOFCALL : St. Petersburg, Russia

Day 8 Explorie ancient Tallinn, capital of Estonia

Your ship arrives this morning in the walled city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Drive through Tallinn’s suburbs, and join your local guide to stroll through narrow cobblestone streets and the main Market Square of Old Town; admire the 13th-century Toompea Castle, Estonia's traditional seat of power and visit St. Nicholas's Church. After lunch aboard ship, you'll have time to return to town and wander as you wish; Tauck's shuttle is available to take you from the city to the ship. Your Baltic Sea cruise heads to Denmark this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Champlain

PORTOFCALL : Tallin, Estonia

Day 9 A full day on the Baltic Sea

Your innovative small ship sets a new standard in cruising which you'll enjoy during an entire glorious day at sea en route to Copenhagen, Denmark today. As you cruise, check out all the amenities this sleek, state-of-the-art Explorer Class yacht offers... including fine cuisine in the elegant main dining room or more casual dining in the ship's buffet restaurant... cocktails and music in three stylish lounges... informative lectures and entertainment... a workout in the fitness center, and much more.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Champlain

Day 10 Disembark Copenhagen & Rosenborg Palace

Disembark your yacht in Copenhagen, Denmark, as your Baltic Sea cruise draws to a close. On a Copenhagen sightseeing tour, see the Danish Crown Jewels and other treasures at Rosenborg Slot (Palace), built in Dutch Renaissance style; Amalienborg, home to the Danish royal family; the famous statue of The Little Mermaid; and visit the colorful district of Nyhavn. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the city as you please; admission is included to Tivoli Gardens; you may want to stroll along the fashionable pedestrian area of Strøget.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Radisson Collection Royal Hotel Copenhagen

PORTOFCALL : Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 11 A visit to the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde and a farewell dinner

Journey today to Roskilde – Denmark's religious, cultural, and political center from the Viking times through the Middle Ages – for a visit to the Vikingeskibshallen (Viking Ship Museum), featuring five ships from the 11th century that were discovered in the 1960s, and lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Copenhagen to explore on your own and, later, share memories of this most remarkable Baltic Sea cruise with your fellow guests at this evening's farewell reception and dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Radisson Collection Royal Hotel Copenhagen

PORTOFCALL : Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 12 Journey home

Tour ends: Copenhagen. Fly home anytime. A transfer from the Skt Petri or Radisson Collection Royal Hotel Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport and the Copenhagen Central Station is included. You should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Copenhagen, Denmark

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.