MacMurray College
Denmark & Norway Itinerary!

Friday, May 8 Depart on SAS from Chicago. We will all meet in Chicago.

Copenhagen photos above and below.

Saturday, May 9 Arrive Copenhagen D
Arrive Copenhagen mid-day. Transfer from airport to your hotel. This afternoon, a guided canal tour will introduce you to the city from a unique vantage point – its network of canals. The canals of Copenhagen were inspired by those of Amsterdam. Dinner and overnight at Norlandia Mercur Hotel or similar



Above is an aerial shot of the Oresund Sound.

Sunday, May 10 "Around the Øresund Sound" Day Excursion B
Breakfast at the hotel. Today will be a unique experience taking you into Sweden, and the countryside of Denmark north of Copenhagen. The Øresund Sound is the body of water that divides Denmark and Sweden, between Copenhagen, Malmö, and the areas north to Helsingør and Helsingborg. Using a special transportation ticket called "Around the Sound", you will travel by train and ferry and experience small towns, a university city, castles, countryside and the idyllic coastline. This is possible since these the distances are short, and transportation is frequent between points.
The Øresund Region is part of Scandinavia and comprises eastern Denmark and southern Sweden, linked by the impressive Øresund Bridge. From both sides of the Øresund strait, the bridge is a striking spectacle. The 204 m high pylons are visible from far away - a new landmark in the Øresund Region. The Øresund fixed link is 16 km long and consists of a 8 km long bridge, a tunnel and an artificial island. You can cross the beautiful bridge either by car or by train and the journey between the Danish Copenhagen and the Swedish Malmö only takes half-an-hour. The Region is a fascinating area full of contrasts.
Visit Malmö, Sweden, a city with stunning historic buildings and distinctive Swedish character.

See Lund, Sweden, a quaint and historic University town, also well known for its Cathedral (photo above). The University of Lund dates back to 1668, and draws students from all over the world. Enjoy the Botanical Gardens or the open air museum.
Stop in Helsingborg, Sweden, situated on the Ørresund Sound with a long and rich history. An independent city walk will take you through narrow alleys, main thoroghfares, and through streets from medieval Helsingborg. Pass the oldest home in the city from 1641, the 14th century Mariakyrkan, and past parks and fountains. Visit the bustling harbor area, and don’t miss the Dunker Culture Center, which offers a wide variety of art, theater, music and dance to the local community. The culture center features city history and a variety of temporary exhibitions.
Ferries depart Helsingborg every ½ hour bound for the "sister" city of Helsingør a short 20 minute trip across the sound. The charming town center and sturdy brick train station welcome you to Denmark!

Situated on the coastline on a point jutting into the Sound is the medieval Kronborg Castle (photo above), made famous by Shakespeare’s "Hamlet". Experience the elegant royal castle on a guided tour, including the military fortifications, the castle yard, the Chapel, Royal Chambers, the Ballroom and the Casemates – an underground network of corridors and rooms located under the castle, which served as soldier quarters during times of war.
It is also possible to visit the Louisiana Museum of Art in Humblebæk. Surrounded by nature and on the Øresund coast, the museum features an exceptional art collection from the 20th century in addition to several special international exhibitions each year. Overnight at Norlandia Mercur Hotel or similar

Above is a shot from the Oslo Harbor

Monday, May 11 Copenhagen – Overnight ferry to Oslo B, D
Morning free for shopping or perhaps an optional visit to the Carlsberg (photo below) or Tuborg Brewery.

The Kierkegaard themed guided tour this afternoon will feature Søren Kierkegaard related locations in Copenhagen. See memorial plaques on a former home and school, the cemetery and his grave, and visit the Copenhagen City Museum which has a room featuring Kierkegaard memorabilia. See other significant places from his time, and statues honoring Kierkegaard. The tour ends at the pier to embark DFDS ferry. Departure at 5pm by overnight ferry to Oslo. Dinner and overnight on board.

Oslo at night.

Tuesday, May 12 Oslo B, D
Breakfast on board as you sail through the scenic Oslofjord. Arrive Oslo at 9am, transfer and orientation sightseeing with local guide on arrival. See the city center and City Hall, site of the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Pass the Royal Palace, and visit Vigeland Sculpture Park. Continue to the peninsula of Bygdøy for a guided tour the Viking ship museum. The tour ends here, but there is more to see on Bygdøy, depending on individual interests. An option is to visit the Norwegian Folk Museum and the Kon-Tiki and Fram museums, then take a ferry back to the city center. You will have a 2-day Oslo card to use this afternoon for transportation and additional independent sightseeing or entrances.
Dinner and overnight at Thon Hotel Opera or similar

Above, Syttende Mai parade in Oslo.

Wednesday, May 13 Oslo B, D
Breakfast at the hotel. Discuss Knut Hamsun’s works and trace novel Hunger through the streets of Oslo.
Tour Oslo independently with your Oslo Card for the remainder of the day. Dinner and overnight at Thon Hotel Opera of similar

A shot of the Flam railway in action.

Thursday, May 14 Oslo – Flåm B, D
Depart Oslo by train, traveling over the "Roof of Norway", the Hardanger Plateau. Change trains in Myrdal, and take the famous Flåm railway down to the charming fjord village.
Enjoy an exciting Fjord Safari boat trip this afternoon, a 20-passsenger fast boat will zip you close to the mountain walls for a breathtaking experience! Dinner and overnight at Flåmsbrygga Hotel.

Balestrand Harbor above.

Friday, May 15 Flåm –Balestrand B, LP (lunch pack), D
Breakfast at the hotel. The Flåm valley has many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Today, the group will participate in a guided combination kayak/hiking trip which will bring everyone up close to the fjords and nature. It is an easy trip, no kayaking experience is needed – there will be instruction given. Picnic lunch, return to Flåm. Depart on the afternoon express boat to the fjord village of Balestrand, situated on the shore of the Sognefjord.
Balestrand lies between towering, snow-covered mountains and the majestic Sognefjord in a beautiful and lush fjord landscape. The impressive scenery and the constantly changing light brought many painters here to capture the fascinating play of light on canvas. Art is still a major factor in today's Balestrand. Artists either live here permanently or visit to exhibit their works.
Kvikne’s Hotel is situated on the shore of the Sognefjord in Balestrand and dates back to 1877. It features an impressive collection of art and historical pieces, stunning vies of the fjord and exceptional service.
Before dinner, enjoy a cultural walk of Balestrand with local artist Bjørg Bjøberg. Bjørg’s watercolor paintings have been sold throughout Norway and the world. She will share insights and interpretation of life in and around Balestrand and its history as an artist colony.
Your dinner will be memorable – Kvikne’s famous smørgåsbord, featuring a wide selection of fish, meat and lots of Norwegian specialties. Save room for dessert! Kvikne’s Hotel

Bergen from above.

Saturday, May 16 Balestrand – Bergen B, D
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure from Balestrand by express boat to Bergen, arriving at 11:40 am. Stop at the hotel to drop off your luggage and meet your city guide.
An afternoon walking tour will introduce you to the city’s history as you stroll through the historic area of Bryggen, visit the Fish market (photo below), and take the funicular to the top of Mt. Fløien for a spectacular view of the city below. Dinner and overnight at Augustin Hotel

Beautiful Bergen.

Sunday, May 17 Bergen, Celebrate Norway’s National Day B,D
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a full day of parades and celebrations for Norway’s Constitution Day, called Syttende Mai.
Syttende Mai commemorates the day Norway became an independent nation in 1814, after it had been under Swedish rule.
A schedule of events will be available much closer to the date. There will be a huge variety of festivities taking place.
Farewell dinner at one of Bergen’s many wonderful restaurants. Overnight at Augustin Hotel

Final view of Bergen. B

Monday, May 18 Bergen
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your departure on SAS, changing planes in Copenhagen, arriving Chicago late afternoon.

B=Breakfast included

D=Dinner included