Scandinavia and Russia

Accomodations
* 20 nights twin or triple-share accommodation: 19 nights in hotels & 1 overnight cruise * 20 Continental breakfasts (B) & 11 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary * Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges * Please note: The first and last days have been designed to allow you to start and finish the tour without needing extra nights accommodation

The Contiki Difference
* A dedicated crew with an experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver * Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with power points for charging * Overnight cruise* Ferry crossing as per itinerary * Sightseeing tours of all major cities

Depart for Europe ( Days)
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

Arrive Copenhagen (Dinner Days)
Check-in to your hotel and head straight out into Copenhagen for a first glimpse of this cool canal city. Later, meet up with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager. Get to know the group over dinner at a local restaurant smack in the middle of town and head out into Copenhagen’s diverse nightlife – with live jazz, pumping clubs and chilled-out bars, there’s loads of choice.

Copenhagen to Gothenburg (Breakfast Days)
Full of history, Copenhagen is a compact city with a really festive feel. Jump start your travels with a look into Denmark’s culture on our city tour, as your Tour Manager tells you the story behind the Little Mermaid statue, the Resistance Museum and the Royal Palace. Use your free time to explore the waterways and streets of Copenhagen, where the major sites are all within walking distance. Put your feet up, treat yourself and order some Danish pastries, cake and coffee. This afternoon, cross into Sweden and journey to fun-loving Gothenburg. With Europe’s busiest port and a lively student population, Gothenburg is down to earth and serves up cafes, culture and the good times.

Gothenburg to Oslo (Breakfast Days)
Cross the border into Norway and continue on to Oslo, Scandinavia’s oldest capital. This easy-going city oozes culture and has some amazing museums to visit. Your Tour Manager will introduce you to one of Oslo’s most famous spaces, the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Frogner Park. Packed with over 200 sculptures and bronzes, this outdoor gallery serves up loads of local art and gorgeous greenery. With free time, get inspired at Aker Brygge, Oslo’s cultural hub and central gathering spot for locals. Once an old ship yard, it’s now a popular shopping area with a sea-front promenade, galleries, cinemas and food stalls. Otherwise, find out about a fellow adventurer, Thor Heyerdahl at the Kon-Tiki Museum (no, it’s not ours! Kon-Tiki was the raft Heyerdahl used to cross the South Pacific) or explore the medieval dungeons, banquet halls and crypts of Akershus Castle.

Oslo to Voss (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Cruise through Norway’s famous Telemark region and across the Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. If you’re lucky, you might spot some wild animals. Then we journey onwards to the small town of Voss, Norway’s adventure capital.

Voss (Breakfast Days)
Set lakeside, Voss is perfect if you’re after some adventure in the outdoors. Get your pulse racing on a white-water rating optional trip or take it easy with a walk in the pure and natural surroundings.

Voss to Geiranger (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Travel 25km (15.3 miles) through the impressive man-made marvel, the Laerdal Tunnel, which is the longest road tunnel in the world – and it cuts though 3 caves. Get back to nature on our journey through Norway’s rugged wilderness and take in the spectacular Boyabreen glacier, as well as the 200km long Sognefjord. For awe-inspiring views, jump on board a cruise in an optional excursion and get out on the water of Geiranger Fjord. The picture perfect scenes keep coming, complete with dramatic waterfalls pouring down the sides of massive sheer rock walls.

Geiranger to Gjovik (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Cruise past old farms and unspoilt wilderness to the alpine ski resort of Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Olympics and the impressive 136 metre ski jump! If you’re up for a bit of Olympic action yourself, have a go at bob-sledding in an adrenalin-pumping optional activity. We pull into small-town Gjovik, which is set on Norway’s largest lake, for an overnight stop. Walk around the picturesque town and get a feel for traditional Norwegian village life. Otherwise, check out an impressive architectural and engineering feat: the Gjovik Olympic Mountain hall. This cavern is the world’s largest underground public arena.

Gjovik to Stockholm (Breakfast Days)
Into Sweden today, we pass the massive Lake Vanern and cruise through woodlands, lakes and gorgeous natural surrounds. With down time on the coach, chat to your new friends and keep your camera handy for photo ops of bears, moose and wolves. Get ready for the dramatic scenery of Sweden’s cosmopolitan capital, Stockholm. Surrounded by forests, deep blue waters and 24,000 islands, this cutting-edge city is one of Europe’s hot, creative capitals. Enjoy a night out with the group and order some chilled vodka at the world-famous Ice bar. This place is made entirely out of ice and kept at a cool minus 5 degrees all year round. Keep it moving and head to the modern and lively district of Norrmalm, for a more up-beat vibe.

Stockholm to Helsinki (Breakfast Days)
This morning, there’s an option to visit to Stockholm’s stunning town hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize banquet is held. Learn about its unique architecture with our Local Guide. With its 8 million red bricks and 19 million gold mosaic tiles, this place will make your jaw drop. Then, your Tour Manager gets you right to pretty Gamla Stan’s (the old town) core spots, as the group explores the quarter’s quaint medieval streets. You’ll see the Royal Palace and the changing of the guard – a tradition dating back to the 16th Century. The old town is a great place to pull up a seat and try out classic Swedish food like salmon, herring or game as you take in the atmosphere. Free time means a chance to explore the many trendy boutiques, galleries, and cool vintage stores of the hip island of Södermalm or window-shop the big label and design stores of grand Drottningatan. Live the high life this afternoon as we board our luxurious cruise to Helsinki. Kick back with a drink on the deck and watch the sun set over the Baltic Sea, check out the shops of the Promenade deck or maybe try your luck at the casino tonight.

Helsinki (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
A blend of Finnish and Russian influences, Helsinki is a 21st century city with a lot of quirky aspects. Your Tour Manager will take you to check out Temppeliaukio, a church cut out of solid rock, and to see the famous Sibelius Monument, a gravity-defying sculpture made out of 600 steel pipes. Round off your Helsinki introduction with a drive past the Olympic Stadium and the historical heart of Senate square. Helsinki is all about location, so with free time on your hands, head harbour side to soak up the great views and mingle with the locals at South Harbour Market. Rummage through stalls selling flowers and local foods, handicrafts, fresh fish and tasty baked goods. You could visit Suomenlinna, the fantastic and impressive sea fortress where Swedes and Russians once fought.

Helsinki to St. Petersburg (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Leaving Helsinki today, the coach travels through pine forests and Finland’s vast wilderness, before crossing over the border into Russia, the world’s biggest country. Get ready for arrival at the imperial city of St. Petersburg, sitting right at the crossroads of Europe and Russia. Built by Italians, dreamt up by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg has been the home town to many original thinkers. With its fantastic cultural heritage, Venice-like canals, wide avenues and phenomenal buildings, this grand city will give you goose bumps.

St. Petersburg (Breakfast, Breakfast Days)
Get a feel for the city’s UNESCO World Heritage centre and a look into Peter the Great’s imagination as our Local Guide uncovers many of St. Petersburg’s best-known sites. You’ll see St. the stunning Church of Spilt Blood and Amorality, the place where Alexander II was killed. Make a visit to Petrodvorets, Peter the Great’s summer palace. This place is breathtaking! Explore the spectacularly manicured grounds, cottages, fountains and palace. Choose to visit St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress in our fascinating optional, where the remains of many Tsars are held. The group takes a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit one of the world’s top art collections at The Hermitage gallery. The Hermitage itself is a gorgeous palace and was once home to Tsar Royalty. It makes a scene-stealing backdrop for the priceless works inside, which are the remains of Catherine the Great’s personal collection. There’s free time to walk along St. Petersburg’s main street, Nevsky Prospekt. There’s a bit of everything along this street; palaces, lavish shops, museums, churches and buildings from many different eras. Take off down Nevsky Prospekt for a slice of glitzy new Russia and see how the country is shaking off its past with style. Take advantage of an optional cruise on the Neva River and get another angle on the city from the water. There’s also a chance to get up close to St. Petersburg’s traditional art and romance in an evening excursion to the Russian ballet, where world-class dancers perform classics such as Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Otherwise liven things up with your new friends and head to a bar or club to try out Russia’s national drink, vodka.

St. Petersburg to Novgorod (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
There’s a definite change of pace as we enter the peaceful, shady streets of Novgorod, an ancient fortress city. Filled with old churches and a Kremlin of its own, this lovely town once suffered terribly at both the hands of Ivan the terrible and, more recently, the Nazis. Head into central Novgorod with the group and get an insider’s look into the old town, where Russian history is captured in a nutshell - or actually in a bell! The landmark Millennium Bell is a 300 tonne sculpture covered in 127 figures – all of them key players in Russia’s history which our Novgorod Local Guide brings to life with stories.

Novgorod to Moscow (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
En route to Moscow, we make a stop in Klin, at the former home of famous Russian composer, Tchaikovsky, and see where the creator of Swan Lake and the Nutcracker worked. Later today, we arrive in Moscow, Russia’s economic powerhouse, political point of power and cultural core. As the country’s historical heart, this massive metropolis mixes up extravagance from the time of Tsar Royalty, relics from the Cold War and a new, progressive Russia.

Moscow (Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner Days)
With 2 full days, there’s plenty of time to uncover Moscow. Chalk up a truly local experience with a ride on one of the planet’s busiest subway systems. The Metro is packed with art that was installed under Stalin, meaning that Moscow’s metro stations double as fascinating historical art galleries. You can learn more about them in an optional tour and get an insider’s look at the art with our expert Local Guide. Discover the city’s centre with our Local Guide, who’ll give you the background on the famous Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral with its iconic onion-shaped domes, and on Lenin’s Mausoleum, where the former leader of the Russian Revolution still lies, preserved in wax. Learn how Russia only came out from behind the Iron Curtain in 1991, and is still opening up. Walk through Russia’s political heart with a visit to the Kremlin, whose construction marked the birth of Moscow. Your Local Guide will reveal the inner workings of The Kremlin as the group explores the grounds of this stunning fortified complex, made up of cathedrals, palaces and treasures. The former home of grand princes, as well as to Stalin and Gorbachev, the Kremlin is now the current Russian president’s place of residence. Learn more about it and see treasures up close by joining our fascinating optional through the Kremlin Armoury with our expert Local Guide. In your free time, get a feel for the old communist regime by heading to the Garden Ring, where grey blocks, former ministry buildings and somber skyscrapers built by Stalin line the roads. For a taste of the Cold War and propaganda, head to the Missile and Military Museum in an optional excursion with the group. Otherwise, make the most of a beautiful shopping experience at GUM, once the favourite shopping mall for Soviet leaders and now a favourite spot for Russia’s elite. There are 150 shops to explore in this elegant turn-of-the-century building, selling anything from designer labels to local products and great souvenirs. If you’re after a market experience, head to the Izmailovo Market, where a massive choice of matrioshkas (Russian dolls), rugs, soviet posters and local crafts are up for grabs. It’s a great spot to practice your bargaining skills! Food-wise, Moscow mixes it up. You could try out blinis (pancakes) or borshch (beetroot soup) at a street stand, caviar in a gourmet store or grilled meats in one of the city’s many cafes. While you’re here, get a taste of local culture at the historic and world-famous Moscow Circus. Be amazed by highly-skilled artists, performers and clowns in this fun night out.

Moscow to Minsk (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
We pass by Borodino, where the bloodiest single day of battle took place during the Napoleon led invasion of Russia. Later, pull into the capital of Belarus, Minsk. Torn to the ground in World War II and then rebuilt by Stalin, Minsk became the model communist city of the Soviet era with its wide avenues, monumental buildings and vast squares. You’ll get a good look into its grand style on our city tour. Check out the Leninsky Prospekt and Victory Square as you get the background on Minsk from our Local Guide.

Minsk to Warsaw (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Start the day with a visit to the 19th Century Brest Fortress, a stronghold of Russian resistance during the German invasion of Russia in World War II. Back on the coach, journey on to budding Warsaw. See how Poland’s capital started up again from scratch after World War II and see how it’s now looking to the future. Get a feel for the city’s buzzing café scene, relax with a drink, order some perogies (Polish dumplings) and soak up the vibes of this energetic city.

Warsaw (Breakfast Days)
Go back in time as our Local Guide gives you a crash-course in Warsaw’s troubled history. You’ll see Warsaw’s Ghetto, Chopin’s park, as well as the Old Town. Hear how this town has been all about survival, being literally reduced to rubble, and how Warsaw then picked up the pieces, using these ruins to rebuild the city. Check out St John’s Cathedral and the Royal Palace, which was blown-up during World War II. Free time means a chance to discover Warsaw’s modern, festive side. Relax in Lazienki Park, a favourite haunt with the locals, or dip into the city’s many museums, galleries and theatres. Get some hints on what to explore from your Tour Manager. Tonight, make your last night on tour one to remember and join the group for a final night dinner. Then hit Warsaw’s thriving nightlife. The choice of clubs, live music and bars here is mind-blowing, so be ready for a fun night out!

Depart Warsaw / Berlin (Breakfast Days)
The tour ends after breakfast in Warsaw and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. Otherwise catch a free transfer back to Berlin where your tour ends upon arrival.

Don't miss our current specials: $150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how Book a Contiki to Europe & save $300 on airfare per couple. They've got deals for solo travelers also. Valid for new bookings made between March 1st-30th only and must pay air portion in full by March 30, 2010.  Offer is valid for $300 off airfare per couple or $150 off if single traveler.  All travel myst be completed by NOv 30, 2010.  Offer is valid on major airlines.  Air tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable after purchase.  Once payment is received, 100% cancellation penalties apply.  No name changes allowed once a reservation is made.  Offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.  Offer can be combined with all brochure discounts and $150 Spring Flin tour promo.  Promotion can be withdrawn at any time.   CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT 5% Off for Military Members and Spouses... Valid for any Contiki trip 8 days or longer. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Mention promo code MILITARY0910 to redeem. Applies to new bookings only. Verification is required. Good for travel through 12/31/2010 Spouses must be traveling at the same time as the military member to apply the discount. Other restrictions may apply. 5% off for Contiki Alumni So you've experienced your Contiki and are ready to go again?  You lived it up with travelers from around the world and want more Contiki.  Now book another trip 8 days or longer and get 5% off! Offer valid through August 31, 2010. Valid for trips 8 days or longer. Please call uoo-942-3301 for more details. Verification of previous trip required. Travel With Friends and Save Big! Save 5% Get 4 or more people to book at the same time and each save 5% off the land. Save 7.5% Book 7 or more on the same vacation at the same time and score a 7.5% discount per person. Round up 10 friends or more, booking the same trip at the same time, and each person saves 10% OR the 11th person travels for FREE. Book 3 in a room and save 5% on most superior tours. Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts Early Payment Discount Offer #1: Save up to US$399 Must book and pay in full at least 12 months prior to trip departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Offer #2: Save up to US$319 Must book and pay in full at least 6 months prior to departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Multiple Trip Discounts - Save $100 Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time & get up to US$100 off the cost of the second tour. Europe Europe – Save US$100 Europe America – Save US$100 Europe + Great Britain – Save US$100 Tours may be in different countries or regions. Australia & New Zealand - Save $100 Book an Australia and New Zealand vacation at the same time and save US$100 off the total cost. Tours must be a minimum of 10 days.   Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100 Share the love! Now that you’ve traveled Contiki and had a great time, it’s time to spread the word and earn some cash! Tell your friends about Contiki and earn up to $100* for each person you refer that books. Your friends score from the deal too – each one that books a trip eight days or longer will receive $100 in excursion vouchers (good for activities like bungee jumping, gondola cruises and wine tasting). You can refer up to 10 friends (which equals $1,000 for you!) Simply complete this form and you're on your way. Remember, no cheating ("me, myself and I" do not qualify.) Terms and Conditions: 1.The referral program is valid for new trips booked as of May 1, 2009. 2.You can refer as many passengers as you’d like! You must provide valid names and e-mail addresses (e.g. you may not enter your own e-mail address or repeat the same address more than once). We will issue up to 10 $100 gift cards per Referrer per calendar year. Referees must be new passengers. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount. 3.Referee must between 18-35 years old at the time of travel. 4.Referee must have been referred online and must mention "Refer a Friend" and Referrer's name when booking their trip. 5.Upon booking their trip, the Referee will receive in their travel documentation $100 in Optional Excursion vouchers. The original Optional Excursion vouchers can be redeemed while on their trip and cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement. 6.The Referred passenger(s) are responsible for reviewing their travel documentation and making sure they received the Optional Excursion Vouchers prior to their departure from the United States. Contiki will not issue a cash refund to passenger(s) for any Optional Excursion because the Referred passenger(s) paid the tour manager directly, forgot to pack or bring the vouchers on the tour, did not use the entire value of the vouchers, looses the vouchers, or advises us after their travel that they did not receive the vouchers. 7.If booking is made within 14 days of the departure, we cannot guarantee receipt of physical vouchers unless traveler expedites their documents at an additional cost. Scanned copies are not available 8.Contiki is not responsible if a Referrer fails to properly identify a Referee. Contiki will not retroactively record a friend who was not identified at the time of sign-up. 9.Contiki will not allow a Referee to be claimed by more than one Referrer. Once a Referee’s e-mail address has been given, it may not be changed. 10.Cash will be given out in the form of a gift card from a major credit card company with a value of $100. Gift card will be issued to Referrer only after Referee completes travel on their trip of 8 days or longer. If a Referee cancels for any reason, the referral reward is forfeited. 11.Offer is not valid for tour purchases made outside the U.S. 12.Contiki reserves the right to resolve any disputes at its sole discretion. $100 Referral cash will be received as a $100 American Express cash gift card.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/14/2010 - 6/4/2010	$4,035
5/28/2010 - 6/18/2010	$4,035
6/18/2010 - 7/9/2010	$4,035
7/2/2010 - 7/23/2010	$4,235
7/16/2010 - 8/6/2010	$4,235
7/23/2010 - 8/13/2010	$4,235
7/30/2010 - 8/20/2010	$4,235
8/6/2010 - 8/27/2010	$4,035
8/13/2010 - 9/3/2010	$3,835
8/20/2010 - 9/10/2010	$3,835
8/27/2010 - 9/17/2010	$3,835
9/3/2010 - 9/24/2010	$4,035
9/10/2010 - 10/1/2010	$4,035
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Moscow
Guided tour inside the Kremlin Walls

Moscow
Visit Red Square and see Lenin's Mausoleum and St. Basil's domed Cathedral

Moscow
Travel on the Moscow Metro

Moscow
Tickets to the Moscow Circus

Copenhagen
See the Little Mermaid, the Resistance Museum and the Royal Palace.

Oslo
Visit Frogner Park to see the Vigeland sculptures

Oslo
See the City Hall and Parliament

Hardangervidda
Scenic drive through the Telemark region, famous as the area in World War II for the destruction of the heavy water plant.

Hardangervidda
Visit Europe's largest mountain plateau, home to the Telemark Ski.

Voss
Explore the natural surroundings which make the town famous for extreme sports

St. Petersburg
Entry & tour of the Hermitage Museum

St. Petersburg
See the St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress

St. Petersburg
See the church of the Spilt Blood and the Admiralty.

Sognefjord
See the longest and most spectacular fjord in Norway.

Skei
See the incredible Boyabreen glacier

Laerdal
Drive through the world's longest road tunnel - an engineering marvel.

Geiranger
See the stunning Geiranger Fjord.

Lom
See one of the few remaining medieval stave churches in Norway

Lillehammer
Visit the 1994 Winter Olympics town and see the ski jump.

Gjovik
Scenic drive through unspoilt forests and lakes, known for bears, moose and wolves

Stockholm
See Gamla Stan (the old town) and the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace

Helsinki
See the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium and Senate Square

Helsinki
Visit the 'Church of the Rock'

St. Petersburg
Guided tour of the Hermitage

St. Petersburg
See the St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress

St. Petersburg
See the church of the Spilt Blood and the Admiralty.

Petrodvorets
Visit the garden and see the fountains of the Tsars' Summer Palace

Novgorod
Guided tour of the old town

Novgorod
See the Millennium Bell

Klin
See Tchaikovsky's house

Moscow
Guided tour of the Kremlin

Moscow
Visit Red Square and see Lenin's Mausoleum and St. Basil's domed Cathedral

Moscow
See a performance by the Moscow Circus

Minsk
Locally guided city tour of Minsk

Brest
Visit Brest fortress

Warsaw
See the Old Town, St.John's Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Chopin's park and the Warsaw Ghetto

$150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more

Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% off for Contiki Alumni

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

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