Dr. Wheeler Style Tour with Robert Byrd to

Scandinavia Monday, August 20, 2018, to Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Our long awaited Scandinavian adventure is finally planned, and I am veryhappy to present the following itinerary for your consideration. We havepacked so much into this trip that we had to add three extra days. We willstart in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and then drive up to the ArcticCircle, across the northern part of Sweden to Norway, then back down theNorwegian Coast to the indescribably beautiful fjords, before swingingback east to Oslo, and finally finishing up in Stockholm. Of course we haveincluded many stops along the way, as well as providing breakfast and dinner each day, six lunches, and all other travel costs. Youwill not want to miss this amazing chance to tour the land of the Vikings, reindeer, Santa Claus, enchanted landscapes, fjords,waterfalls, and so much more. I am ready to depart today. I hope you are as excited about this fantastic tour as I am.

Day 1, Monday, August 20, 2018: Travel to Helsinki

Today we begin our tour of Scandinavia with a flight from New Orleans. We will then connect with an overnight flight toAmsterdam, then on to Helsinki, the capital of the Scandinavian country of Finland. As always, I will be happy to arrange flightsfrom alternative departure cities for anyone who wishes to join us from a different airport.

Overnight: Trans-Atlantic Flight

Day 2, Tuesday, August 21, 2018: Helsinki

We are scheduled for an early afternoon arrival into Helsinki’s Vantaa Airport. After reclaiming our luggage and clearingpassport control we will meet our good friend and very talented driver, Markus Gassner, who as usual will be driving up from hishome in Austria to pick us up in his luxurious motor coach. We will then go to our hotel in the center of Helsinki, near the waterfront. After checking in you may wish to explore the area around our hotel. If time allows, I hope to visit the sea fortress ofSuomenlinna, which is located in the harbor of Helsinki, southeast of the city. You are welcome to join me. Suomenlinna isspread over several islands, and was constructed in the 18th century. It is now one of Helsinki's major attractions, containing thefortress Museum, as well as several other museums and the submarine Vesikko. This evening we will have dinner at our hotel,then I suggest getting to bed early so you can rest, because we have two very full weeks of exploring Scandinavia in front of us.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre, Helsinki, Finland (Dinner)

Day 3, Wednesday, August 22, 2018: Helsinki

Hopefully you will wake up this morning nice and refreshed as we begin our exploration ofScandinavia in earnest today. We will start with a hardy breakfast at our hotel. After whichwe will meet our local guide who will conduct us on a tour of Helsinki. Helsinki, offers aunique view into the Nordic way of life, with a touch of Eastern mysticism. The city has anabundance of green parks, beautiful waterfronts, and other attractions for every taste,including, of course, history, architecture, museums, galleries and much more. After theguided tour you will have the afternoon free to continue your discovery of this unique place.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre, Helsinki, Finland (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4, Thursday, August 23, 2018: Helsinki to Jyväskylä

After breakfast we begin our exploration of rural Finland as we depart Helsinki for today’s destination, Jyväskylä. On the waywe will make a brief stop in the town of Lahti, which is situated on a bay at the southern end of lake Vesijärvi. From Lahti wecontinue through the incredibly beautiful Finnish Lake District, abundant with clear lakes and verdant forests. This incrediblesetting will provide a backdrop for our lunch stop, which will consist of traditional sausages and bread. This afternoon we arrivein Jyväskylä, the capital of the province of Central Finland. After arriving in Jyväskylä we will visit the open-air museumSavutuvan Apaja. Located on the shore of Lake Päijänne, this unique living museum exhibits more than 30 historic buildingsfrom the rural area of the Finish midlands and offers an amazing insight into the life of this part of Finland. We will conclude ourvisit with dinner at the Savutuvan Apaja before retiring to our hotel for the night.

Overnight: Scandic Jyväskylä Hotel, Jyväskylä, Finland (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5, Friday, August 24, 2018: Jyvaskyla to Rovaniemi

Today our exploration of the Finish Lake District continues as we drive from Jyvaskyla to Rovaniemi, with more of the incrediblemosaic of water, islands and forests. Along the way we pass the city of Oulu, located on the northeastern shore of the Gulf ofBothnia, the large gulf extending north from the Baltic Sea, separating Sweden from Finland. We will again take advantage ofthe incredible scenery to enjoy a traditional lunch of homemade cheese dumplings. After lunch we continue to Rovaniemi themost important city in Finland’s northernmost province, Lapland. Rovaniemi is located just four miles south of the Arctic Circle. North of the city, on the Arctic Circle, lies the one and only Santa Claus’ village. If we are all good boys and girls, we may get achance to visit Santa Claus at his home this evening.

Overnight: Scandic Hotel, Rovaniemi, Finland (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6, Saturday, August 25, 2018: Rovaniemi to Narvik

This morning we depart Rovaniemi and travel north across the Arctic Circle. We continue through the Arctic town of Pello,Finland, located on the Torne River, which separates northern Finland from Sweden. We will cross over the "Peace Bridge" intoSweden, then continue through the fertile delta region to the mining town of Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden. Iron oremining continues to play an important role in the Swedish economy. You will have free time in Kiruna for lunch, then wecontinue through Sweden and across the border into Norway. Our destination for the evening is the city of Narvik, overlookingthe Ofotfjord and surrounded by spectacular mountains, you will love the dramatic and beautiful Arctic scenery. It will also be agood introduction for the next days of the tour, which some will find the highlight of this incredible trip, the Norwegian fjords.

Overnight: Scandic Hotel, Narvik, Norway (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7, Sunday, August 26, 2018: Narvik to Svolvaer

From Narvik we travel around the eastern and northern shores of the Ofotfjord, then across to the island of Hinnoya, the secondlargest island in Norway, which separates the mainland from the Norwegian Sea. We continue across the narrow Raftsund, whichconnects the Vesteralen archipelago with the region of Lofoten. Again, in this incredible National park setting, we will be treatedto a lunch consisting of hearty Goulash with bread. Our trip will then continue, highlighting incredible natural scenery, steepmountains, open seas, white beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Our destination for the evening, is the town of Svolvaer.

Overnight: Thon Lofoten Hotel, Svolvaer, Norway (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8, Monday, August 27, 2018: Svolvaer to Mo I Rana

This morning we depart by ferry from Svolvaer and arrive back on the Norwegian mainland at Skutvik, on our way to Mo I Rana. We travel over a route comprised of tunnels and bridges to the town of Fauske. We then continue south through the Saltfjellmountain range. Our southern route will bring us back to the Arctic Circle. Before departing the Arctic we will make a stop atthe Arctic circle exhibition center. After our visit we bid farewell to the Arctic and then continue south through the miningvillage of Storforshei to Mo I Rana, on the Ranfjord, which will be our stop for the evening.

Overnight: Scandic Meyergarden, Mo I Rana, Norway (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9, Tuesday, August 28, 2018: Mo I Rana to Trondheim

Today we travel from Mo I Rana to Trondheim. Along the way we will pass the town of Mosjöen, with its well-preserved, prettywooden houses. We will stop near Grong for a buffet lunch at the Namsen Salmon Aquarium. After lunch we resume our treksouth through dense forests to Verdal. Our final destination for the day is the university town of Trondheim. After arriving atour hotel you will want to walk the few blocks from our hotel along the Nidelva River to Nidaros Cathedral, the largestecclesiastical building in Scandinavia. It is the coronation church of the Norwegian kings and a national shrine. The colorfulwarehouses along the river walk and the Bybro Bridge are other great photo opportunities.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim, Norway (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10, Wednesday, August 29, 2018: Trondheim to Geiranger

Today the scenery just gets better and better as we travel among Norway’s countless fjords and islandsto the town of Geiranger. Our trip will include several ferry rides along the fjords, during which thebeauty of the mountains and fjords will take your breath away. Upon leaving Trondheim we travel toHalsa, where we cross the Halsafjord on the ferry to Kanestraum. We continue along the highwayacross islands dispersed among the fjords and the mainland to Molde, famous for its panoramic views ofmountains and fjords. At Molde we ferry across the Midfjord then pick up the highway again andcontinue to the Storfjord, which we will cross on yet another ferry to the town of Stranda. From Strandawe continue to Hellesylt, at which we will board our final ferry for the day. We have saved the best oftoday for the end, as we will now be traversing the water of the mighty Geirangerfjord, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, as we cruise for 12 miles by ferry. At the end of our serpentine ferry voyage, pasttowering mountains and imposing waterfalls, we reach Geiranger, nestled at the mouth of the Geirangerfjord. When I recall ourScandinavian trip in 2012, it is Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord to which I am always reminded. The photos on the right are acouple I took during this previous trip. Words can not do it justice, you will not be disappointed.

Overnight: Hotel Union, Geiranger, Norway (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 11, Thursday, August 30, 2018: Geiranger to Balestrand

As we depart Geiranger this morning, we drive up into the mountains behind the town to MountDalsnibba and the incredible viewing point overlooking the summit, the glaciers and theGeirangerfjord! From here we continue through the spectacular landscape, characterized by lonelylakes and high mountains, past the idyllic lake Jölstravatnet and waterfalls along the NationalTourist route. We will stop at the Utsikten observation viewpoint, which offers unparalleled viewsover the Vetlefjord and surrounding areas. We will again take advantage of the wonderful setting toenjoy another traditional lunch, bacon dumpling soup. After lunch we continue down the mountainroads to the Sognefjord, one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world. With its rock wallstowering high out of the water, the Sognefjord looks most majestic. You will quickly understandwhy it is called "King of the Fjords". Our final destination today is the pretty village of Balestrand,which lies in a magnificent setting on the shores of the Sognefjord. Our hotel in Balestrand, is thehistoric Kviknes Hotel, which looks like a large gingerbread house. After dinner I suggest youramble through this idyllic setting, famous ever since the German Kaiser’s visit in 1914, and ofcourse our group’s visit in 2012.

Overnight: Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand, Norway (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12, Friday, August 31, 2018: Balestrand to Bergen

This morning we continue along the picturesque Sognefjord to the city of Bergen. The Sognefjord extends inland from the seafor over 120 miles. We will follow along a part of the Northern shore of the fjord, before crossing the outer Sognefjord by ferryfrom Lavik. Through the rugged landscape of the west coast with its countless islands we finally reach the city of Bergen,another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon our arrival in Bergen, we will be met by our local guide who will conduct usthrough the idyllic old town with its many beautiful wooden houses and narrow streets, the impressive quarter of the formerHanseatic League, St. Mary’s Church and the lively fish market.

Overnight: Scandic Örnen Hotel, Bergen, Norway (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 13, Saturday, September 1, 2018: Bergen to Noresund

Departing Bergen this morning, our first stop will be at the rushing Steindalsfosswaterfall. We then continue our trek along the picturesque Hardangerfjord. It isthe second longest fjord in the country, and certainly one of its most beautiful.Hardangerfjord is known for its mild climate and scenic landscapes. We will drivealong the shore of the fjord and over the new Hardanger Bridge, one of the longestsuspension bridges in the world. We will enjoy a picnic lunch today along ourroute. Later we continue through the village of Övre Eidfjord, which is located atthe southern end of the lake Eidfjordvatnet. Here we will visit the Hardangervidda Nature Center, which has exhibits on thenature of this, the largest plateau in Scandinavia. Our final destination of the day is our resort hotel near Noresund.

Overnight: Norefjell Ski & Spa Hotel, Noresund, Norway (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14, Sunday, September 2, 2018: Oslo

This morning we drive to Oslo, the capital of Norway. Oslo is beautifully situated on the Oslofjord, surrounded by dense forests. Upon our arrival in the city we will be met by a local guide who will conduct us on a tour. You will be impressed with sites suchas the Royal Castle, Vigeland Park with its impressive sculptures, the ski jumping hill at Holmenkollen, the spectacular newopera house and Akershus Fortress. In your free time this evening you also may wish to take a stroll through the ultra-moderndistrict Tjuvholmen with its pretty waterfront and numerous restaurants and cafes.

Overnight: Thon Opera Hotel, Oslo, Norway (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 15, Monday, September 3, 2018: Oslo to Stockholm, Sweden

This morning we depart Oslo and travel to Stockholm. On the way to the east we will pass through the dense forests of Ostmarkaand soon cross the border back into Sweden. We continue past Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden, to Örebro. Here we will stopto visit the open air museum, Wadköping. After our visit we then go across and around sections of Lake Mälaren until we reachwhere it meets the Baltic Sea. It is at this location we will find the city of Stockholm. The Swedish capital impresses with itsunique location on fourteen islands at the conjunction of the lake and sea. With numerous magnificent buildings, the picturesqueold town and thousands of archipelago islands, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Overnight: Elite Palace Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 16, Tuesday, September 4, 2018: Stockholm

Today we have a local guide to lead us as we explore Stockholm’s wonderful location and its many magnificent sites. We willstroll through the streets of the Old Town, Gamla Stan, around the City Hall and the Royal Palace, one of the most importantBaroque buildings in Northern Europe, plus much more. You will have free time this afternoon to visit places of particularinterest to you. There are many options, including an abundance of beautiful churches, palaces and museums. One of thefavorites from our last trip was the Vasa museum, in which is displayed the magnificent massive wood carved war ship Vasa. Like its much later counterpart the Titanic, the Vasa was a state of the art vessel, deemed unsinkable, until it actually sank on itsmaiden voyage in 1628. It remained intact in the harbor of Stockholm until the 20th Century when it was recovered. It is nowdisplayed in pristine condition at the museum. After our free time in the city, we will return to our hotel for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Elite Palace Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 17, Wednesday, September 5, 2018: Departure

Today we bid farewell to Scandinavia, however we will be carrying a wealth of memories with us of the incredible beauty of thisremote, yet sophisticated and historical region of Europe. We have an early morning departure from our hotel to the airport tocatch our flight from Stockholm. The early departure will allow us to arrive back in New Orleans by early evening. If all goes asscheduled, of course.

Included: Airfare: New Orleans to Helsinki and return from Stockholm to New Orleans. (Other cities can be arranged)

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner each day, and Lunch 6 days, as listed above. (Beverages not included)

Lodging: Superior Hotel accommodations for 15 nights.Porterage: Porterage for one piece of luggage per person at each hotel.Transport: Luxury touring motorcoach and driver.Admittance: Entrance fees to the sites listed to be visited in the itinerary.Fees/Taxes: All Airline, Hotel and City Taxes, Service Charges and Government Fees.

(Airline taxes may increase prior to departure.)

Base Price Per Person: $5,480 All prices are per person based on Double occupancy.Also conditioned upon sufficient participation to obtain quoted group rate.

Payment Terms:Initial Deposit, due upon making reservation: $1,000.00Second Deposit, due on or before March 1, 2018: $1,000.00Final Payment, due no later than May 1, 2018: Balance Owed

Optional Expenses:Single Room Supplement: $900.00

Alternate Airport Supplement: Available Upon Request

Travel Insurance: I recommend purchasing your own Travel Insurance policy. One reliablesite is www.travelinsured.com. If you would like me to assist in procuringyour individual policy I will be happy to do so.

Send payments to: Robert Byrd Global, Inc.PO Box 1227McComb, MS 39649

Cell: (601) 248-1554Email: rwbyrd2@yahoo.com or travel@msda14.us

If you have not previously sent me a copy of the photo page of your passport for one of our earlier tours, please include acopy with your deposit or email it to me at either of the above addresses.

Other Upcoming Tours: April 14 - 29, 2018: Northern Italy & The Dalmatian CoastJune 23 - July 7, 2018: Ireland

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