Scandinavia tour starting June 15th
Looking for anyone on this tour. Final payment due in 2 weeks. Can't wait. I will be flying in on June 14th to see a few sights and get some sleep before the start of the trip.
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Starting 10 weeks from today. Would love info on past tours or connecting with anyone taking the tour.
Any thing you did outside of tour that you feel is really worth it or place you ate at would be great. What time of year did you go?
We got to Stockholm two days prior to the start of the tour and walked around Old Town (walking distance from the hotel) for a few hours the first day. We had lunch at a cafe in a square right near the Nobel Museum which was recommended by the Concierge. After lunch we went into the museum and had an English speaking guide who explained many of the things in the museum (it is pretty small but somewhat interesting and once you get to Oslo you can visit City Hall which is the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize Presentations). The next day we took a canal ride around Stockholm which was very relaxing and we enjoyed it. We also visited the Jewish Museum which was quite small and a little disappointing and a very long walk from the hotel. The first day of the tour you will have the afternoon free and we asked to be dropped off near the Great Synagogue. There was someone who gave us a guided tour and spoke to us for quite a long time and was extremely knowledgeable. You may also want to see the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace in Old Town.
As for dinner in Stockholm, one night we ate dinner at Riche and we really enjoyed that. It was a fun place with famous people (none of whom we knew but the locals did). Another night we had dinner at Fem Sma Hus which was also quite good and is located in Old Town. Both were recommended by our Tauck tour guide and were walking distance from the hotel.
We took a canal boat ride in Copenhagen as well and it too was relaxing and interesting. Tauck will also give you tickets to go to Tivoli Gardens where you can walk around and have dinner one night. One of the afternoons we had lunch on our own on Nyhavn, a very pretty street with lots of cafes.
In Oslo, there was not a lot of time to do much (one afternoon) but we went to the City Hall and walked around the wharf area. We had dinner at the wharf in a restaurant call Louise also on the Tauck list. If you like muscles, this is a great place to eat them.
We did not stay any extra days after the tour ended in Bergen. We did take the funicular to the top of one of Bergen's seven hills. We also walked around the fish market and around the wharf which is very pretty.
Crackers54, we all commented on the comment cards that we needed another day in Oslo. It was too rushed. Some people had return flights through Oslo from Bergen and if that were the case for us, we probably would have added a day or so at the stopover on the way home. Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo are very walkable cities and the hotels are centrally located so you will not be at a loss of what to do. I see that they changed the Oslo hotel since last year but I think the hotel they use now is just as centrally located. Since you have traveled with Tauck before, you know that the tour guide will give you lists of many suggestions as to what to do, which is always helpful. When we checked in early in Stockholm, our packet of suggestions was already waiting for us. I did not know much about Bergen before we went on this tour but it too had many suggestions of things to do on your own. If I remember correctly, none of the hotels in Norway had air conditioning since they claim they do not need it. As Americans, we are spoiled and still love our air conditioning. In the Hotel Alexander (in Leon), we were told that it was safe to keep your sliding glass door open all night for fresh air. We did that and it was great. In Norway, the waterfalls were incredible. Everywhere you looked there was another beautiful waterfall. Magnificent scenery.
My best suggestion for taking a 14 day tour where you stay in 8 different locations is to buy yourself "Eagle Creek Packing Folders". They are simple to use and make packing and unpacking very simple. We just remove the entire folder and put it on a shelf or in a drawer and your clothing stays neat and does not get wrinkled from going in and out of your suitcase. We also use the "packing cubes" for underwear, etc. We have taken 8 Tauck Tours besides traveling on our own and always find these items to be VERY helpful.
I do have an odd question- how much travel is over narrow mountain roads?
Thanks!
The mountain view part is exactly what I was asking about.
We went early August and had great weather for most of the trip but I never travel without a rain slicker and a small travel umbrella. I would prefer to have these and never use them than to be caught without them. As for the waterproof shoes, no one on our trip wore them. If you normally wear them in rain then you might want to bring them along. Personally I do not see the need for them. Hope this helps.
I do appreciate your reassurance about the driver and the view. I've been on very narrow roads, but they're not my favorite.
Tips are always included with what is included with tour rides from airport, suitcase brought to room, meals, etc.
I arrive morning of the 14th. When do you arrive.