From Elsinore beneath Hamlet's Kronborg Castle, board your FERRY for Helsingborg. Then, drive to Gothenburg, Sweden's thriving secondlargest city and admire its beautiful parks, botanical gardens, and well-kept canals during your orientation tour. Visit Gothenburg's famous indoor FOOD MARKET to taste local snacks. In the afternoon, continue along the Skagerrak coastline to Norway. Evening arrival in Oslo.

Today's Distance: 385 mi / 620 km

Today gives you a good introduction to Oslo, the country's hub of trade and industry. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the National Theater, considered the home for Ibsen's plays; the unique Storting building, seat of Parliament; and the Royal Palace, residence of Norwegian monarchs since 1849. Stroll through magnificent FROGNER PARK with Gustav Vigeland's extraordinary sculptures; and visit the CITY HALL, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held each year. Interesting optional excursions are available.

Trace the King's Road, an ancient trade link between the northern capitals connecting Oslo, Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg. Cross the Swedish border to scenic Varmland, beautifully described in Selma Lagerlof's Gosta Berlings Saga. Pass the ancient garrison town of Orebro and modern Eskilstuna, known for its stainless steel, and proceed to Stockholm.

Today's Distance: 329 mi / 530 km

Stockholm is settled on 14 islands between Lake Malar and the Baltic Sea. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Royal Palace; Riddarholm Church, a walk through the OLD TOWN, and the festive blue and gold chambers in the CITY HALL, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held. Later, choose from our optional excursions to make the most of your stay

Morning at leisure. Why not join an excursion to Uppsala? Later, board your ship for the overnight BALTIC SEA CRUISE to Finland, and enjoy a traditional Smorgasbord dinner

Guided sightseeing includes major sights, such as the City Hall and Parliament House, the great LUTHERAN CATHEDRAL, and the SIBELIUS MONUMENT. Browse for souvenirs in Helsinki's OPEN-AIR MARKET

A full day at leisure offers the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Tallinn, capital of Estonia, known as one of the "Pearls of the Baltic" countries. Tonight, dinner has been prepared at the hotel to celebrate the success of your tour of the Northern Capitals.

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning