Finland and Sweden

By posting this, I not only get to share my excitement, but I also can find my info wherever I am...


Day 8
Today we farewell the former Soviet Union, making a short stop in the medieval city of Vyborg, before entering Finland. We travel through pine forests and reindeer sanctuaries to the quirky capital, Helsinki. (B,D) (Nokia phones come from Finland)

Day 9
Helsinki is an interesting mix between Finnish, Swedish and Russian ideals, having been occupied by its neighbours for a large portion of its history. Shop along main street Mannerheim, visit the Olympic stadium or maybe take the Hydrofoil across to Estonia's capital, Tallinn. (I am so taking the hydrofoil!)(B)

Day 10
More free time in Helsinki this morning before we board our luxurious overnight ferry to Stockholm. Chill out on the upper deck and watch the sun set over Finland as we sail away, shop on the Promenade deck or be pampered in the onboard leisure centre. (B)

Days 11&12
Two full days in Stockholm and plenty to do! Wander the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (the old town), visit the Royal Palace and see the changing of the guards. Maybe visit the Vasa or Skansen museums. (B,D)(B)

Included tours and such:

Vyborg: Orientation of the town

Helsinki: See the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium and Senate Square; Visit the 'Church of the Rock'

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

Optionals:

Helsinki
Day Trip to Tallinn (Euro 42.00) ($65)
Add another country to your trip by catching a hydrofoil to Tallinn - the capital of Estonia. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town which has been dramatically rebuilt since the fall of the USSR. (ordinarily, I wouldn't spend so much on a boat trip, but if it means I get to add a country to my list, then I am pretty much okay with it...)

Stockholm
Tour Of The Town Hall (60.00 Swedish Krone) ($10)
Visit one of the most outstanding examples of modern architecture in Europe. The town hall was completed in 1923 and is the venue every year for the Nobel Prize banquet. A local guide will explain the various styles of architecture which make this building so unique, including the room containing 19 million gold mosaic tiles. (This doesn't sound so great or so terrible, if I think I will be bored then I'll do it, otherwise I might do some exploring on my own)

Stockholm Dinner (325.00 Swedish Krone) (Roughly $55)
Join your travel companions and sample a traditional Swedish meal in a funky restaurant in the heart of the city. A tempting array of local specialties awaits. (That is a LOT for a meal I might not even eat much of.... I'll probably pass unless someone gives me a good reason to go)

The last stretch of my trip is Norway and Denmark with most of it being in Norway. I am especially excited to go to Norway because when I went to Epcot, the Norway Pavillion was oNe of my favorites!!! I also like the Norwegian House of Pacific Relations whatever at Balboa Park, although the lady at the Finland One is more welcoming... I am kind of excited to go to Denmark because I am part Danish, although not much I am sure....