Help with agenda
Jan 7th, 2012, 08:58 PM
#1
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Help with agenda
We are a family of five that are looking to travel from the US to Scandinavia this June. The ideal trip would include Bergen (Norway), Stockholm/Malmo, Helsinki and a couple days in St. Petersburg Russia. My questions are 1) can this be done in a couple weeks +/-, 2) where should we start the trip/end the trip, 3) does a train pass make sense. Any other helpful thoughts are much appreciated.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Jan 7th, 2012, 09:37 PM
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> 1) can this be done in a couple weeks +/-
That depends on what you want to see and experience. I haven't been to Bergen yet. I thought 3 days the minimum for Stockholm (not counting Malmo), 2 the minimum for Helsinki, and 4 or 5 the minimum for St. Petersburg. That doesn't count time for intercity transit. I travelled to these cities solo and I took advantage of every minute I had, and still would have liked to have more time in each. My guess is that traveling with a family would take a bit longer. I'm sure others will jump in with their perspectives.
BTW, if you plan to visit St Petersburg during the "White Nights" or any part of this area of the world around the summer solstice, you would probably do well to make your reservations well in advance.
Hope that helps!
That depends on what you want to see and experience. I haven't been to Bergen yet. I thought 3 days the minimum for Stockholm (not counting Malmo), 2 the minimum for Helsinki, and 4 or 5 the minimum for St. Petersburg. That doesn't count time for intercity transit. I travelled to these cities solo and I took advantage of every minute I had, and still would have liked to have more time in each. My guess is that traveling with a family would take a bit longer. I'm sure others will jump in with their perspectives.
BTW, if you plan to visit St Petersburg during the "White Nights" or any part of this area of the world around the summer solstice, you would probably do well to make your reservations well in advance.
Hope that helps!
Jan 8th, 2012, 12:07 PM
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No - you really can;t do this in two weeks.
And for Russia you need visas which you have to obtain fairly far in advance - with invitations from the hotels you will be staying at (you need to pay in advance to get the invitations) sent to the embassy with your passports. Allow a couple of months for this process.
You can do the trip without Russia - but frankly I much prefer Denmark to Finland - as long s you are in the area. And no - a train pass does not make any sense.
And for Russia you need visas which you have to obtain fairly far in advance - with invitations from the hotels you will be staying at (you need to pay in advance to get the invitations) sent to the embassy with your passports. Allow a couple of months for this process.
You can do the trip without Russia - but frankly I much prefer Denmark to Finland - as long s you are in the area. And no - a train pass does not make any sense.
Jan 8th, 2012, 12:33 PM
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We are doing a very similar trip this June. I think two weeks would be an okay amount of time.
I would suggest a flight between Stockholm and Bergen http://www.low-cost-airline-guide.com/
and the overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki or visa versa: http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/
You can take the St. Pete ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg overnight and stay for up to 72 hrs visa free. www.stpeterline.com
We are flying from Prague to Helsinki, then ferry to St. Petersburg and back to Helsinki, ferry Tallinn to Stockholm, flight Stockholm to Oslo, train Oslo to Bergen, flight Bergen to Copenhagen, and home from Copenhagen.
I would suggest a flight between Stockholm and Bergen http://www.low-cost-airline-guide.com/
and the overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki or visa versa: http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/
You can take the St. Pete ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg overnight and stay for up to 72 hrs visa free. www.stpeterline.com
We are flying from Prague to Helsinki, then ferry to St. Petersburg and back to Helsinki, ferry Tallinn to Stockholm, flight Stockholm to Oslo, train Oslo to Bergen, flight Bergen to Copenhagen, and home from Copenhagen.
Jan 9th, 2012, 03:34 AM
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Of all the places you have on your itinerary St. Petersburg offers most to see. 72 hrs. of the visa-free visit by ferry will allow you just to get a general idea of the city and to pay brief visits to some of the must-see places. On the other hand, you wouldn't need to spend time and money on your visas. However, if you do want to get the most of your visit to the most beautiful city in Russia, you'd have to stay at least 5-6 days. Visa support can be obtained from a local tour company for free.
Jan 12th, 2012, 12:11 PM
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People might be suggest slight changes if they knew why those are your ideal stops. Bergen--to see the town or are you planning a trip on the fjords (which, with a short trip with lots of transfers might be easier from Oslo, or one way Bergen-Oslo)?
I agree that Stockholm is a good 3-day visit in the summer.
Why Malmo, not Copenhagen?
I have not done the ferry to Helsinki, but have heard it is a good experience.
Helsinki is a good 2-day stop.
Tallinn is an interesting day trip via ferry from Helsinki.
Although the midsummer evening celebrations are interesting, everything shuts down in Helsinki on the day after (even most buses, etc.), so plan accordingly.
I haven't been to St Petersburg.
No train pass. Check for advance purchase online 90 days in advance.
Where is it easiest for you to fly into/out of and where are you flying from? I like to start my jetlagged trips somewhere easy. For your preferences - Start Bergen-Malmo-Stockholm-Helsinki-St Petersburg-? to return or start Helsinki.
I agree that Stockholm is a good 3-day visit in the summer.
Why Malmo, not Copenhagen?
I have not done the ferry to Helsinki, but have heard it is a good experience.
Helsinki is a good 2-day stop.
Tallinn is an interesting day trip via ferry from Helsinki.
Although the midsummer evening celebrations are interesting, everything shuts down in Helsinki on the day after (even most buses, etc.), so plan accordingly.
I haven't been to St Petersburg.
No train pass. Check for advance purchase online 90 days in advance.
Where is it easiest for you to fly into/out of and where are you flying from? I like to start my jetlagged trips somewhere easy. For your preferences - Start Bergen-Malmo-Stockholm-Helsinki-St Petersburg-? to return or start Helsinki.
Jan 15th, 2012, 05:50 AM
#8
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Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions and thoughts. We have had a change of plans and are planning on taking a cruise out of Stockholm on June 28th that will stop in Latvia, Poland, Finland and Russia. We are now focused on tacking on a portion at the beginning of the trip to take in the Fjords of Norway. Do you have any recommendations on how to best do that? It would be about 4 days in Norway before heading to Sweden.
Jan 15th, 2012, 10:26 AM
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If you put in a search for fjord or Norway in a Nutshell, you will see the choices most people make because of ease of transport to see the fjords.
www.norwaynutshell.com/ lists the common itineraries using public transport.
You will also find some trip reports here from people who rented a car and went off the most common routes.
Many people start from Oslo because that is where their international flight lands, then train or car to the Songnefjord, ride ferries and continue on to Bergen. Several choices of route and transport mode.
Then, there is one flight a day BGO-ARN. Otherwise, train or car back to OSL. Then fly or train again. The route Oslo-Stockholm is not particularly scenic, but the train drops you in the center of town versus the airport can be an expensive train ride to town. If you do fly into ARN, check online before departure to know about train specials, such as 2 for price of 1 from airport.
www.norwaynutshell.com/ lists the common itineraries using public transport.
You will also find some trip reports here from people who rented a car and went off the most common routes.
Many people start from Oslo because that is where their international flight lands, then train or car to the Songnefjord, ride ferries and continue on to Bergen. Several choices of route and transport mode.
Then, there is one flight a day BGO-ARN. Otherwise, train or car back to OSL. Then fly or train again. The route Oslo-Stockholm is not particularly scenic, but the train drops you in the center of town versus the airport can be an expensive train ride to town. If you do fly into ARN, check online before departure to know about train specials, such as 2 for price of 1 from airport.
Feb 25th, 2012, 04:32 AM
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Thanks again. I love using this post and always try to help others as well. Here is the latest version of the trip. I welcome comments for improving the itinerary. We will be a group of 7 up until Copenhagen and then a group of 8 for the remainder of the trip.
Leave Chicago 6/27 to stop over in Edinburgh Scotland for one night. Leave Edinburgh on 6/29 for Stockholm. Catch Baltic Cruise on 6/30- 7-7/7 taking in Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Gdansk etc.
Spend two days in Stockholm upon return 7/7 and 7/8. Leave for Copenhagen in the morning to meet a daughter at the airport at 2:00 on 7/9. Spend the afternoon in Copenhagen before boarding a night train to Oslo. 7/10-7/12 visit the fjords. 7/13 fly from Oslo to Dublin for a layover on the way back. 7/13-7/14 Dublin. 7/15 home to Chicago.
Leave Chicago 6/27 to stop over in Edinburgh Scotland for one night. Leave Edinburgh on 6/29 for Stockholm. Catch Baltic Cruise on 6/30- 7-7/7 taking in Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Gdansk etc.
Spend two days in Stockholm upon return 7/7 and 7/8. Leave for Copenhagen in the morning to meet a daughter at the airport at 2:00 on 7/9. Spend the afternoon in Copenhagen before boarding a night train to Oslo. 7/10-7/12 visit the fjords. 7/13 fly from Oslo to Dublin for a layover on the way back. 7/13-7/14 Dublin. 7/15 home to Chicago.
Feb 25th, 2012, 03:16 PM
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I don't mind traveling hard, and I don't mind changing hotels every night or so, but I must admit that this itinerary would drive me crazy! And I travel solo, so I never have to wait for anyone. With 7 or 8 people, I think you need to plan on extra time at every stop for people to get organized and coordinate transportation. A simple example: every time you leave a museum or restaurant or whatever, you'll need to plan for people to take restroom breaks - and the time will add up!
Edinburgh is gorgeous, but with jet lag, I can't imagine you'll have more than a part of a day for a city that (IMHO) deserves several days. Sounds like you'll be in Stockholm twice - once briefly at the start of your trip (when you might still be experiencing jet lag) and for a day + at the end - again, for a city that deserves 3+ full days. Similarly, you're giving Copenhagen - which deserves 3 days or so - an afternoon.
Sorry to be so critical, but really, this trip sounds like a nightmare to me. Good luck!
Edinburgh is gorgeous, but with jet lag, I can't imagine you'll have more than a part of a day for a city that (IMHO) deserves several days. Sounds like you'll be in Stockholm twice - once briefly at the start of your trip (when you might still be experiencing jet lag) and for a day + at the end - again, for a city that deserves 3+ full days. Similarly, you're giving Copenhagen - which deserves 3 days or so - an afternoon.
Sorry to be so critical, but really, this trip sounds like a nightmare to me. Good luck!
