Northern Europe and Iceland

Discover Scandinavia’s great capitals as we travel through Sweden, Norway and Denmark. As we travel from
one bustling city to the next, you’ll discover a spellbinding nature in between. A world of lakes, islands, bays,
fjords and inlets dotted with colourful villages all filled with old world culture and charm.  In Iceland, you’ll experience breathtaking natural beauty like no other place on earth.

Day one - overnight flight to Reykjavik, Iceland
Today you will board an overnight flight to Reykjavik. The wonderful thing about stopping in Iceland en route to Europe is that this fascinating island nation is almost exactly half way to Europe. This means we’ll enjoy a shorter shorter flight by stopping midway across the Atlantic for a few days. We’ll also be able to adapt to time zone changes with less jet lag since we’re travelling shorter distances and stopping on the way.

Day two - arrival in Reykjavik, Iceland
This morning we will arrive in Keflavik, Iceland. Our route from the airport to the centre of Reykjavik will take about an hour. The awe-inspiring nature of this incredibly volcanic country will be on full display as we cross the Reykjanes lava fields on our way into Reykjavik where our comfortable hotel awaits. You’ll have time to freshen up and rest from your flight. You can enjoy a light snack (we generally provide you with fresh fruit upon check-in). Some clients choose to “put their feet up” and rest from their travels. If you don’t feel like resting, Philippe will be more than happy to provide you with his cure for jetlag: a relaxed, well-paced walk to explore a bit of Reykjavik. This evening we’ll regroup and you’ll enjoy a nice welcome dinner in the heart of the city. (Early dinner)

Day three - Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon
A wonderful day of sightseeing and discovery begins with a tour of Iceland’s charming capital. You’ll see the presidential residence at Bessastaðir as well as Hafnarfjörður, the town where the “hidden people” and humans live together in harmony. We’ll visit the fishing harbour and (when possible), the fish market. We’ll also see Höfði house which is famously hosted Reaagan and Gorbachev’s 1986 summit meeting. Our tour will also take us to Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavik’s iconic landmark where you will be able to ascend to the top of the church’s bellower (the highest spot in the city) for beautiful views of Reykjavik and the surrounding area. After a bit of free time for lunch and exploring the city centre, we’ll travel out of the city to the Blue Lagoon a world-renown geothermal spa situated in a lava field south of the city. Once there you have several recreational options such as walking in the Blue Lagoon’s spectacular surroundings, bathing in the milky bluegreen water or enjoying a massage under the open sky. (B)

Day four - The Golden Circle
Today we’ll travel out of Reykjavik for a wonderful day of sightseeing and adventure as we head onto Iceland’s “Golden Circle”, a famous scenic route filled with breathtaking scenery and fascinating geology.. Our route takes us into the countryside, starting with a visit to a geothermal power plant. The next stop is at Thingvellir, the site of the original Althing, considered the oldest democratic parliament in the world. This area is noted for its spectacular lava formations and being the only place in the world where you can see the tectonic plates drift apart. After a nice lunch together, we’ll travel to Geysir, the "Geyser" which gave its name to all other erupting hot springs. We then continue to Gullfoss, a spectacular series of waterfalls. Afterwards we will see the crater Kerid and the green hot spring village of Hveragerdi before returning to our comfortable hotel in Reykjavik.
(B, L, D)

Day five - arrival in Stockholm,Sweden
Today we’ll fly to Stockholm (2 hours 55 minutes) arriving in Stockholm in mid afternoon. We’ll travel a short distance to the heart of the bustling capital of Sweden where our comfortable hotel awaits. You’ll have time to freshen up and rest from your flight. You’ll enjoy a nice walk to dinner together in the heart of the city.
Afterwards, why not join Philippe on an informal walk to explore Stockholm. (B, D)

Day six - Stockholm
Stockholm is built on 14 islands so no matter where you visit, you are never far from water. This morning we’ll walk through the historical parts of Stockholm along narrow alleys and over cobbled streets in the Old Town. You will pass famous sights such as the Royal Palace and St George and the Dragon. We’ll also visit the island of Riddarholmen where we will see the grand Riddarholmen Church, the statue of Stockholm’s founder and fantastic palaces from the 1600s. You’ll also have a bit of free time to explore on your own. Stockholm is a beautiful city where well-preserved medieval buildings stand alongside modern architecture. It is also a thriving and dynamic city, bursting with culture and art. (B, D)

Day seven - Stockholm Archipelago
Rise and Shine! The Stockholm archipelago is made up of over 24 000 just outside the city. The best way to explore it is by boat. This morning we’ll embark on a full day cruise of the archipelago.You will be travelling on the Waxholm III, a lovely ship built in 1903. While sailing, you will be served morning coffee with cake, a lunch buffet, afternoon coffee, and a two-course dinner in the ships beautiful dining room. (B, L,D)

Day eight - Travel by train from Stockholm to Oslo
This morning, after a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we’ll board a train for a 7 hour train journey that will take us through parts of Sweden into neighbouring Norway. This afternoon. we’ll arrive Oslo. The Norwegian capital is beautifully situated at the head of the Oslo Fjord and surrounded by forested ridges. Arable fields, vast forests and the untouched nature areas. We’ll travel to our local hotel where a nice meal awaits. (B, D)

Day nine - Oslo, the capital of Norway
After breakfast today, we’ll take a walking tour through the city centre to it’s harbour. Sights of interest include the Royal Palace, the Parliament Building (Stortinget), the National Theatre, City Hall, Akershus Fortress and Aker Brygge Harbour. From the harbour you will continue by boat to the Bygdøy peninsula where a visit at th e Viking Ship Museum is included. After a bit of free time to enjoy lunch on your own in the heart of the city, we’ll board a boat for a 2-hour Oslo Fjord sightseeing tour. We’ll pass through narrow sounds, idyllic bays and through a maze of islands with small summer houses. This afternoon we’ll return to Oslo where you’ll be free to dine at your leisure. As always, Philippe will be available if you need suggestions for meals or activities.  (B)

Day ten - Overnight cruise from Oslo to Copenhagen
Yesterday was a busy day of sightseeing - you’ve seen all of the Norwegian capitals main highlights and you now know your way around a bit. You’ll have a full morning to enjoy at your leisure. Most of our guests like to browse local shops, try local pastries or take in a museum during their free time. This afternoon, we’ll board a comfortable Scandinavian Ferry for our overnight cruise to Copenhagen, Denmark. You’ll enjoy a comfortable (albeit modest) cruise-ship style cabin onboard. Although we’ll be travelling on a passenger ferry, you’ll find a wide array of activities onboard from live music to a casino.  Tonight we’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner together as we sail across the Kattegat Straight which links the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. (B, D)

Day eleven - Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark
You’ll enjoy breakfast onboard before we arrive in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Originally a Viking
fishing village founded in the 10th century, the Danish capital boasts over 850 years of history. You’ll pass the brightly colored houses of Nyhavn or “New Harbor,” once the home of Hans Christian Andersen. Discover the sumptuously Rococo interiors of Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish Royal Family. This afternoon, we’ll take a trip to nearby Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the inspirational setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Tonight we’ll enjoy a hearty Danish meal together. (B, D)

Day twelve - Visit Dragør -
Copenhagen at leisure.
This morning we’ll explore Denmark’s rich seafaring past as we travel to a former fishing village. Dragør on the island of Amager, was once a trading center for Hanseatic merchants in the market for herring caught in the this area of Denmark. Today, Dragør is a charming seaside hamlet with winding cobbled streets and 17th-century brick houses with red tile roofs. Enjoy a guided stroll along its narrow warrens and past its lovely marina. You’ll have free time to take in the atmosphere on your own. We’ll top off our visit with coffee and a Danish pastry at one of Dragør’s old inns. After lunch time, we’ll return to Copenhagen where you will enjoy a bit of free time. This evening we’ll visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. We’ll enjoy dinner together there. (B, D)

Day thirteen - return flights to the USA
A final morning in Europe, as today we transfer to Copenhagen’s airport for our return flights home. (B)

(This tour itinerary is subject to change)

This tour includes:
- a tour leader who will accompany your small group (see “Philippe Thériault” below)
- land transportation within Europe as described in the itinerary
- accommodations in carefully selected hotels and inns
- most of your meals: 9 dinners; 2 lunches; breakfast each day
- entrance fees to all of the activities described in the itinerary
- local tours with local guides in Reykjavik, The Golden Circle, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, and the village of 
   Dragør

This tour does not include:
- transatlantic airfare:

Your tour begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (airport code KEF Keflavík International Airport) and ends in Copenhagen, Denmark (airport code CPH Copenhagen Airport).

Rates:
- Peak travel season (May, June, July, August, September)
$ 6850.00 per person in double occupancy $ 8150.00 per person in single occupancy
- Off peak travel season (January, February, March, April, October, November, December)
$ 6350.00 per person in double occupancy $ 7550.00 per person in single occupancy

Based on a group of six passengers - please call us for a quote based on specific dates
Join a small group tour to Europe led by a thoughtful and well-experienced tour leader For the past 18 years, Philippe Thériault has been escorting guests exclusively for Yamato Travel Bureau. He’s dependable, knowledgeable, fun-loving and patient.  Most importantly, he’s passionate about travel. His priority is to make your tour operate as smoothly as possible so that you can focus on enjoying each destination.  Philippe’s tours are small and friendly. Group sizes generally range from 5 to 15 guests. Smaller groups make it possible for us to show you more and to visit places that larger bus groups can’t.

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