2007 Alumni Band Concert Tour Schedule
Day 1:
DEPARTURE for DULLES
Fly from Dulles International Airport, USA to Copenhagen, Denmark.
 Day 2:
ARRIVAL in COPENHAGEN (Denmark)
Arrive at the Copenhagen Airport. Transfer to the DGI-byen Hotel.
Copenhagen, with a population of about 1.5 million, is Scandinavia’s largest city. Copenhagen is the political, financial and cultural center of Denmark and about one quarter of all Danes call the city home. It was founded in 1167 and has many fine renaissance buildings that are a legacy from the reign of Christian IV (1588-1648).
 Copenhagen is a lively city with lots of neighborhoods, each having their own unique character. Most city amenities are nearby, makes Copenhagen a very pleasant city for walking. The predominance of low-rise buildings provides this city with a warm and humane environment.s
Numerous museums, attractions, excellent shopping, great food and varied nightlife, have made this city an increasingly popular place to visit. The many parks, gardens, water fountains, squares and green areas give the Copenhagen visitor an opportunity to take pleasant breaks between seeing the city's sights.
Copenhagen is a treasure trove for shopping enthusiasts and visitors should definitely take a stroll down Strøget, the main pedestrian street in Copenhagen. Walking along Strøget you'll find charming side streets, cozy squares and market places, restaurants and cafés, specialty stores and exclusive shops featuring foreign and famous Danish design such as B&O, Royal Copenhagen and Georg Jensen, as well as accommodation at DGI-byen Hotel.
Wikitravel: Copenhagen | WikiMapia: Copenhagen | Flickr: Copenhagen
 DAY 3:
In COPENHAGEN
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a six hour guided tour of the city.
During the tour you will see the Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace (seat of the Folketing or Danish Parliament), Hans Christian Andersen’s statue, Gefion fountain, the old harbor of Nyhavn, the famous Little Mermaid and many other popular sights. Entrances included to Christiansborg and the beautiful Rosenborg Castle, built in 1633 of red brick decorated with sandstone.
Dinner and accommodation at DGI-byen.
Cool: View a Webcam facing Copenhagen City Hall | Cool: The Time Machine: A History of Copenhagen | Cool: Copenhagen Daily Photo
DAY 4:
COPENHAGEN to GOTEBORG (Sweden)
Breakfast at the hotel. Cross the Oresund Bridge into Sweden.
Sweden is a long, fairly narrow country. It is the largest of the Nordic countries with only 8.8 million citizens. The country is sparsely populated compared to a more crowded central Europe. In Sweden, vast forests can still be found allowing visitors to hike for hundreds of miles without meeting a living soul (with the exception of a moose or some reindeer perhaps.)
Most of the population lives in the southern half of the country mainly because of the climate. The winter in the north is long and dark. Yet come summertime, the same area bathes in light 24 hours a day thanks to the midnight sun.
First past Malmö and from there to Gothenburg.
 The first “Gothenburg” was founded as early as the 11th century. The modern Gothenburg received its town privileges from King Gustaf II Adolf on June 4, 1621. The town plan was drawn up according to Dutch models, with canals and fortifications. Gothenburg was an international arena from the very beginning.
The first council consisted of ten Dutchmen, seven Swedes and a Scot, and the city had four official languages. Gothenburg quickly grew into an important seafaring and mercantile town. As a result of the development some of the city's wealthy grew even wealthier. Many of these residents were immortalized through large donations to the city. Chalmers, Sahlgren, Dickson, Renström and Keiller are names you’ll see all over the city, as the names of streets, schools, parks, hospitals and foundations.
During the 20th century shipyards were founded and companies like SKF and Volvo were founded here and have grown into international well-known companies. Today, Gothenburg is Sweden's most important trade and industry city.
Dinner and accommodation at Quality Hotel 11.
Wikitravel: Goteborg | WikiMapia: Goteborg | Flickr: Goteborg
 DAY 5:
GOTEBORG to OSLO (Norway)
Breakfast at the hotel.
The tour leaves Sweden but not before a stop near Svinesund to see ancient petroglyphs.
The rock carvings in Tanum have been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1994 with the motivation that: The rock carvings of the Tanum region constitute an outstanding example of Nordic Bronze Age art of the highest quality. The range of motifs provides exceptional evidence of many aspects of life in the European Bronze Age. The continuity of settlement and consistency in land use in Tanum, as illustrated by the rock art, the archaeological remains, and the features of the modern landscape in the Tanum region, combine to make this a remarkable example of continuity over eight millennia of human history.
 These magnificent pictures, some carved 3000 years ago, bear a unique testimony to the Bronze Age world. Not only does the art make vivid a lost and distant time, but these powerful images also have the ability to speak directly to the modern onlooker. Their subject matters remain unwaveringly pertinent to our human existence, affording us, perhaps, a new language with which to consider the eternal questions of life and death.
Lunch on your own at the museum before continuing to Oslo.
Arrive in time for dinner and accommodation at Rica Victoria Hotel Oslo.
Cool: See a live picture of the above bridge to Norway | Cool: Oslo in Pictures | Cool: Norwegian Maritime Museum
DAY 6:
OSLO
 Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a six-hour sightseeing tour of Oslo. The tour includes a visit to the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park. Visitors will also see the Oslo City Hall, the Royal Palace, the Parliament building (Stortinget), etc. Combine the city with a trip to the Bygdøy peninsula to visit the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram and Kon-Tiki Museums. Take a trip to Holmenkollen for panoramic views of the city and fjord below.
Dinner and accommodation at Rica Victoria Hotel Oslo.
Wikitravel: Oslo | WikiMapia: Oslo | Flickr: Oslo
DAY 7:
OSLO - FREE DAY
 Breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a day free to experience Oslo on your own.
Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals. Oslo's name is derived from the Norse words for "God" an "field." Oslo is a vast city (175 square miles) and also one of the world’s most beautifully sited capitals, located at the end of the 70-mile Oslofjord. Starting
at the innermost shore of the fjord, Oslo sprawls up the sides of the mountains.
The Norwegian capital is inhabited by a relatively small population (500,000) by continental European standards, but it is still cosmopolitan. Visiting Oslo is a celebration of contrasts. With so much to discover and experience during both the day and night, many visitors extend their stay.
Oslo has a rural landscape, fantastic views, as well as a vibrant city life. During winter, inhabitants and visitors can ski along an impressive number of ski trails. During summer, visitors can enjoy energetic sea activities on the island beaches just offshore of the magnificent Oslofjord as well as walking, running or biking in the Vigeland Sculpture Park or along the astonishing 1860 miles of paths.
 Located throughout Oslo are enclaves of shops. Visitors "must visit" lists should include GlasMagasinet shopping mall. Also enjoy the fishermen’s wharf atmosphere at Aker Brygge.
In Europe, Norway was a comparatively late bloomer on the cultural scene. However, Norway and Oslo can present an impressive gallery of artists from the last 150 years; notably Gustav Vigeland (sculptor), Edvard Munch (painter), Henrik Ibsen (writer) and Edvard Grieg (music).
Dinner and accommodation at Rica Victoria Hotel Oslo.
Cool: Oslo in Pictures | Cool: Norse Folk Museum | Cool: Paléet Shopping
DAY 8:
OSLO to BERGEN
 After breakfast the tour leaves Oslo. The trip passes the beautiful Tyrifjord as well as along the picturesque Halling Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. In Geilo, board the train which goes to Myrdal where we transfer to the world famous Flåm Railway. This is one incredible journey from the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway, down to Flåm station nestled in the innermost corner of Aurland.
Each year, this exciting stretch of railway attracts people from all corners of the world, making the Flåm Railway one of Norway's major and most spectacular tourist attractions.
The train journey provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 12.5-mile long train ride visitors can see rivers cutting through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the sides of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms clinging to dizzying sheer slopes.
The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest railway lines running on standard gauge rail. The gradient is 55/1000 on almost 80% of the line, i.e. a gradient of one in eighteen. The twisting tunnels spiraling in and out of the mountains are manifestations of the most daring and skilful engineering in Norwegian railway history.
 At the foot of the mountains visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Flåm Valley and admire the majestic Aurlandfjord, a branch of the world's longest fjord, the Sognefjord. In Flåm, board a sightseeing boat for a two-hour cruise along the narrow Nærøy and Aurlands fjords to Gudvangen. From the sun deck, relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery, waterfalls and wildlife of the fjords along the Scandinavian peninsula.
In Gudvangen, the tour reunites with the coach and driver. Enjoy a breathtaking ascent of the Stalheim Canyon. Impressive views of the Nærøy Valley with its mountain peaks and waterfalls will be found. Continue to Bergen, capital of western Norway and gateway to the fjords.
Dinner and accommodation at Comfort Hotel Holberg.
Cool: See live Geilo Webcams | Cool: Flåm Railway | Cool: Bergen Guide
DAY 9:
BERGEN to STAVANGER
 Breakfast at the hotel.
Bergen is historic and grand, yet full of charm and atmosphere. This 900 year-old capital welcomes visitors to a clean and well-kept city. Time to wander along the city’s narrow paths and alleyways, taste the fresh seafood at the Fish Market and hear Edvard Grieg’s music performed all over the place.
Olav Kyrre, King of Norway from 1066 and 1093, is credited with founding Bergen. The city became the capital of Norway in the 13th century and was the largest city in the country for the next 600 years. Because of its harbor setting and commercial importance, Bergen became a vital hub in the Hanseatic League (a chain of Northern European and Baltic region cities with shared trading agreements). Bryggen, its harbor front, was the scene of the thriving activities of “the Hansas” up to the 18th century. The Hanseatic Office closed in 1899. In 1980, 58 of the Bryggen area buildings were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.
 The day starts with a two-hour sightseeing tour of Bergen. The tour will visit the famous Fish and Flower Market, the old Bryggen Harbor with its gabled pack houses, the popular Hanseatic Quarter and the ancient Maria Church (from the outside).
Drive from Bergen via Osøyro to Halhjem. Enjoy a one-hour ferry crossing to Sandvikvåg before continuing with the coach along the island Stord. From Skjersholmane the tour will pass through the new tunnel to Valevåg. From there, enjoy another ferry crossing to Arsvågen-Mortavik. Pass through the tunnel to Randaberg, before arriving in Stavanger. Stavanger is known as a trading center for petroleum refining and the building of oil platforms. In the city center, close to the harbor and the cathedral, visitors will find the original Stavanger with its narrow streets and white frame houses.
Dinner and accommodation at the Park Inn Stavanger Hotel.
Cool: Free activities in Bergen | Cool: Hanseatic Museum | Cool: Bryggens Museum
DAY 10:
STAVANGER to HIRTSHALS
 Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, enjoy a two-hour tour of Stavanger with a local English-speaking guide.
Stavanger is Norway’s fourth largest city (100,000) and the capital of south-western Norway. The city is almost 900 years old. The region has about 250,000 residents and most places can be reached by car in less than half-hour. The region also has several other smaller towns and villages each with their own charm, social environment and services, and is well connected by a good network of roads and bike paths. In a country generally known as a winter wonderland, Stavanger – with its marine coast west climate – is green all year round. It is the home to numerous parks and recreational areas.
The city is just the right size: Residents and visitors can bike to most places. Endless sandy beaches front the North Sea and deep fjords cuts into the mountainous areas east of Stavanger. The Gulf Stream flowing from the west gives the area a mild climate and the region is the most important agricultural area in Norway. These natural advantages form the basis for exciting culinary developments in Stavanger's many restaurants.
The city is characterized by low buildings and wooden houses, large variations in landscape as well as a wide range of business and industry. Stavanger has a cosmopolitan atmosphere; people from more than 90 countries live in the city. Stavanger is a small city with a small-town charm. The cultural life of the town is stunning for its size. With the exception of an opera house, Stavanger has pretty much everything to be expected in a large city.
 The tour goes through the city center and includes a visit to Gamle Stavenger or Old Stavanger. We pass the royal residence and manor house, Breidablikk, before continuing on to Hafrsfjord, past the Three Swords monument, the symbol of the unification of Norway into one kingdom. Later the tour will stop and enjoy the beautiful view from the Ullandhaugtårnet, from which the city can be seen all the way to Ryfylke. Stop also at the Stavanger cathedral dating from 1125.
Evening departure on Color Line MS Prinsesse Ragnhild. Sail from Stavanger to Hirtshals. Built in 1982, MS Prinsesse Ragnhild has been extensively upgraded on two occasions. In 1992, the ship was extended by nearly 100 feet and in 2003, Color Line spent approximately $9.5 million USD ($60 million NOK) on additional upgrade work. MS Prinsesse Ragnhild is one of the world’s largest ships in its class.
 On the MS Prinsesse Ragnhild the duty-free prices will grab travelers attention! There’s plenty of time to shop while on-board. Tourists can wander about at leisure, and be tempted by lots of great buys. There are four bars and lounges to choose from on the ship. Relax and enjoy soft background music in the Princess Lounge. For a less sedate atmosphere, visit the lively piano bar on Deck 4, or get in the swing of things at the Starlight Nightclub, where the ship's main orchestra plays. Dance the night away!
Travelers can’t fail to notice how the entertainment on the MS Prinsesse Ragnhild enhances that pleasantly exciting "cruise feeling." The ship features a wide variety of entertainment, both day and night, with something for every taste: Soft classical music, a piano bar, live bands, theme evenings and international shows.
Dinner on-board and accommodation in two-berth inside cabins.
Cool: Flavour of Stravanger | Cool: View Webcams around Stravanger | Cool: Stravanger-Web
 DAY 11:
FREE DAY - COPENHAGEN
Enjoy breakfast on-board the ship. Continue the tour driving through Jutland and across Funen to Knudshoved where the tour will cross the Storebaelt Bridge to Zealand and Copenhagen.
Arrival in the early afternoon. Enjoy the balance of the day on your own.
Farewell dinner and accommodation at DGI-byen.
DAY 12:
DEPARTURE for USA
From COPENHAGEN (Denmark) to DULLES International
Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to Copenhagen Airport for flight back to the USA.
PRICE INCLUDES:
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Round-trip coach airfare from the USA to Scandinavia.
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Nine nights accommodation at centrally located good tourist-class hotels, daily dinner and breakfast provided.
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One overnight cruise from Stavanger to Hirtshals with accommodation in two-berth inside sleeping cabins, with buffet dinner and breakfast.
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Local guides for sightseeing: Six hours in Copenhagen, six hours in Oslo, two hours in Bergen, two hours in Stavanger.
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Entrances to: Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, Viking Ship Museum, Fram and Kon-Tiki Museums.
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Train ride with second-class tickets from Geilo to Myrdal and Flåm on the Flåmsbana.
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Fjord cruise from Flam to Gudvangen.
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Deluxe motorcoach for transfers, sightseeing and touring.
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Professional tour manager.
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All taxes and tips.
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