SPECTACULAR SCANDINAVIA & ITS FJORDS
COACH & CRUISE TOUR

Tour Departs: 11 June 2012    •    Tour Length: 27 Days

Overview:
This tour is designed to highlight the outstanding and glorious Scandinavian scenery.  It ensures a unique experience and its natural wonders are beyond description. Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway are some of the greatest travel destinations in the World.  After exploring by coach and train we will then join a cruise of the Norwegian Fjords.

Highlights:
Helsinki – Overnight Baltic Cruise – Stockholm – “Under the Bridges” Cruise – Copenhagen – “The Little Mermaid” – Berlin – Amsterdam – Celebrity Cruise of the Norwegian Fjords.

Our floating home “Celebrity Constellation”
From stem to stern and on every one of her 11 decks, she radiates the elegance and ambience one would find in a grand hotel. Celebrity Constellation, the newest of the Millennium-class ships, boasts outstanding amenities, accommodations and services, all presented with the utmost taste and the inimitable Celebrity style. There is a choice of staterooms - either Ocean View or Ocean View with Verandah.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride….

TOUR COST:
Per Person Share Twin Room/Ocean View Cabin:    NZD $15,900                     AUD $13,690
Supplement for Single Room/ Ocean View Cabin:    NZD $  4,500                    AUD $  3,645

Per Person Share Twin Room/Verandah Cabin:       NZD $16,580                     AUD $13,985
Supplement for Single Room/Verandah Cabin:        NZD $  4,950                    AUD $  4,010

COSTS INCLUDE:
• Economy Class air travel from Auckland/ Wellington/ Christchurch or Sydney/ Melbourne/Brisbane (Business Class available – price on request)
• Prepaid airport/government security charges/taxes and fuel surcharges (as at 01/10/11)
• First Class/ Superior Grade accommodation throughout
• First Class air-conditioned coach transportation
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary B = Full Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• Ocean View Staterooms on Celebrity Constellation
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Services of a tour director and local guides for touring and sightseeing
• Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
• All tips and gratuities to cruise staff, coach drivers and tour director/local guides
• Fully Escorted

COSTS EXCLUDE:
• Any meals and sightseeing tours not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, drinks, telephone charges etc

Important - Cancellation Conditions: Due to the cruise content in this tour, we must vary our standard payment and cancellation conditions. These will be detailed in our written confirmation of your booking. Travel insurance will also be offered at this time.

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

Monday 11 June
Home – Singapore
Time this morning for connecting flights before the group assembles for the lunchtime departure for Singapore.  On arrival into Singapore this evening we are met and transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Tuesday 12 June
Singapore – Helsinki, Finland (B)
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this fascinating Asian City which showcases the contrast between the old and the new and the blend between the East and the West.  The afternoon is free and this evening we are transferred to the Airport to join the overnight flight to Helsinki.

Wednesday 13 June
Helsinki (D)
We arrive in Helsinki this morning and the rest of the day is free to relax after our flight from Singapore.

Thursday 14 June
Helsinki (B)
The morning tour shows us the most interesting parts of Helsinki, Sibelius, and the church in the rock, Finlandia Hall, the Senate, markets and domed Russian Church. The afternoon is free.

Friday 15 June
Helsinki – Overnight Cruise – Stockholm (B,D)
The morning is at leisure and this afternoon we join the ferry for the overnight cruise to Stockholm, a wonderful journey sailing through the 2,500 islands of the Archipelago and daylight still at midnight. Outside cabins are reserved on the ship and we enjoy a buffet dinner on board.

Saturday 16 June
Stockholm (B,D)
An early arrival in Stockholm followed by a sightseeing tour which features the Royal Palace, City Hall, where the Nobel Prize Banquets are held; learn about the Swedish welfare state and realities of maintaining these first class benefits. Visit the 17^th century Vasa Galleon Warship, the most expensive and ornamented ship built in 17th Century. At the end of the tour, after checking into the hotel, the rest of the day is free.

Sunday 17 June
Stockholm (B)
This morning enjoy the ‘under the bridges’ of Stockholm cruise which shows the city from a different perspective.  Sail under the fifteen bridges and locks connecting the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren, see the various Islands making Stockholm such a beauty on water. The afternoon is at leisure.

Monday 18 June
Stockholm – Frederikshaun (B,D)
Say ‘farewell’ to Sweden, continue through the fertile farmland, crossing the waters of the Kattegat, Gothenburg and the shores of Lake Vettern.

Tuesday 19 June
Frederikshavn – Copenhagen (B,D)
Cross from Zealand to the Island of Fyn, visit the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen in Odense, and then head to the Peninsula of Jutland, known as the garden of Denmark.  Arrive Copenhagen for a two night stay.

Wednesday 20 June
Copenhagen (B,D)
Meet Hans Christian Andersens ‘Little Mermaid’ gazing wistfully across the harbour, followed by a highlight visit inside the Danish Parliament Building to marvel at the opulent interior.  See the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces, the Cathedral and the 19^th century Theatre Royal, Tivoli Gardens; we may see the changing of the guard!  Dinner at the Hotel followed by a visit to the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world famous Tivoli Gardens.

Thursday 21 June
Copenhagen – Berlin (B,D)
This morning leave the city of Copenhagen and drive South and take the ferry for Germany, then a pleasant drive brings you to Berlin for a 2 night stay.

Friday 22 June
Berlin – Sightseeing (B)
A half day city sightseeing tour this morning, visiting all the main attractions: Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, Parliament/Government district, Checkpoint Charlie/Wall museum, Synagoge Oranienburger Str., the memorial for the murdered Jews in Europe, East Side Gallery and the rest of the Berlin Wall in the street Niederkirchnerstraße.

Saturday 23 June
Berlin – Amsterdam (B,D)
We travel by train to Amsterdam via Amersfoort at 10:30 am and arrive later in the afternoon.

Sunday 24 June
Amsterdam – Sightseeing (B)
Today we have a full day excursion. We travel to Delft to visit an impressive Ceramics Factory and then continue to Rotterdam, the dynamic and unique city which surrounds one of the busiest ports in the world. From here we drive to The Hague, city of Peace and Justice!  Here we see Parliament and a special visit to Madurodam, Holland’s miniature city – canals, gabled houses and all kinds of other typical Dutch scenes.  Then it’s a visit to the fashionable seaside resort of Scheveningen before returning to Amsterdam for overnight stay. 

Monday 25 June
Amsterdam – Join Celebrity Cruise (B,D)
This morning, we leave Amsterdam and visit the Aalsmeer Flower auction. Then it’s sightseeing around Amsterdam. The city is famous for its three rings of canals lined by elaborately decorated merchants’ residences and warehouses built during the 17th century. We see Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Skinny Bridge and much more. We take a cruise on the canals in a glass topped boat. At the conclusion of the tour, we transfer to the port where we board our luxury floating home for the next 12 nights the “Celebrity Constellation” for the12 Night Norwegian Fjord Cruise.

Tuesday 26 June
At Sea (B,L,D)
 
Wednesday 27 June
Stavanger (B,L,D)
Stavanger is a fascinating combination of the best of the old and new. You'll find modern architecture and trendy, stylish cafes as well as ancient cobblestone walkways, museums and rows of 18th-century whitewashed wooden houses said to be the best-preserved timber buildings in northern Europe. The cruise ship docks are conveniently located in the centre of town, just minutes from this charming city's many attractions. Arrive 7.00am depart 4.00pm

Thursday 28 June
Olden (B,L,D)
The peaceful town of Olden sits calmly at the edge of the perpetually advancing Jostedal Glacier-which also happens to be Europe's largest glacier, towering 6,200 feet over a deep valley. After you've taken in all of its grandeur, maybe take a walk through lush mountain valleys; or if you're still feeling especially adventurous, explore the nearby caves and the remarkably well-preserved historic sites. Arrive 9.00am depart 6.00pm 

Friday 29 June
Molde (B,L,D)
Acknowledged as one of Norway's major rose-growing centres, it's no surprise that Molde is often referred to as the "city of roses." Warmed by the
Gulf Stream and protected by its surrounding hills, Molde is the beneficiary of a moderate climate, which contributes to its lush vegetation. This charming city is also home to the Ramsdal Museum, featuring one of Norway's most impressive collections of folk art. Arrive 8.00am depart 6.00pm

Saturday 30 June
Geiranger (B,L,D)
Geiranger is where Norwegians escape when they need a vacation. The most breathtaking attraction in Geiranger and there are many, is the mighty Seven Sisters Waterfall, spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from an incredible 5,000 feet. Sitting at the head of majestic Geiranger Fjord, the city is surrounded by towering snow-covered mountain peaks, lush, green vegetation and winding hiking trails. Arrive 7.00am depart 5.00pm

Sunday 01 July
Alesund (B,L,D)
Alesund's architecture is known far and wide. turrets, spires and other whimsical Art Nouveau architectural touches give the town its distinctive character like something from a fairytale. The scenic spectacle of the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's best-known attractions, is just a stone's throw from this quaint little town. We arrive 8.00am and leave at 5.00pm

Monday 02 July
Skjolden (B,L,D)
Skjolden is a village located at the end of the Lustrafjord, a branch of the Sognefjord. North of the village is Breheimen National Park, home of the glaciers Harbardsbreen and Spørteggbreen and the mountain Tverrådalskyrkja. The 218 meter Feigumfossen waterfall is in an idyllic setting on the southern side of the Lusterfjord. Take the short walk in to the falls or admire the view of it from the National Tourist Route on the northern side of the fjord. The nearby 18th century fishing village of Håholmen still has its original wharves, traditional fishermen's shacks and bakery. Arrive 10.00am Depart 7.00pm

Tuesday 03 July
Bergen (B,L,D)
Once the very seat of the medieval kingdom of Norway, Bergen is a former Viking stronghold encircled by deep fjords, towering mountains, and sweeping glaciers. Today's Bergen is very welcoming, with much of the medieval flavour remaining in its harbour. Strike a bargain in one of the many artisans' workshops, take the cable car to the top of Mt Florien or visit the famous and always entertaining Fish Market. Arrive 8.00am depart 5.00pm

Wednesday 04 July
At Sea (B,L,D)

Thursday 05 July
Oslo (B,L,D)
Sail through the Oslo Fjord, and you sail back in time to 1050. All of this historic capital city's lavish history can be uncovered at the Viking Ship Museum and the Kon-Tiki museum, which serves as home to the Fram, a famous polar - exploration ship. Cross the drawbridge to the formerly impenetrable Akershus Castle and meander through the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park. In Oslo, don't forget to preserve your memories before returning to the present day. Arrive 7.00am  Depart 5.00pm 

Friday 06 July
At Sea (B,L,D)
 
Saturday 07 July
Amsterdam – Singapore (B)
We disembark from the cruise and transfer to Amsterdam airport in time to join the overnight flight home.
 
Sunday 08 July
Singapore – Home
We arrive into Singapore early this morning and we have the day free before continuing the journey this evening. Hotel rooms at the airport are provided for the day to allow time for rest and relaxation. This evening, we join our aircraft for the overnight flight.

Monday 09 July
Arrive home mid-morning. - Journey’s End!