Gay Scandinavia

Gay Stockholm, Helsinki, the Finnish Lapland, and St. Petersburg

December 30, 2011 to January 8, 2012
10 days from only $4499*

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Zoom Vacations' tour of Scandinavia transports our guests to an ethereal world, limited only by one's imagination. Some will instantly think of Santa Claus, as we take to Reindeer sledding. Others will enter Narnia as we dog sled through snow-covered forests. Still others will delight as some of their wildest, pampering spa fantasies come to life. This is the birthplace of the sauna, afterall.

The people of Scandinavia share common bonds wrought by their Nordic geography, culture and history. It sets their world apart – and is poised to inspire yours. Zoom Vacations' tour takes you to Stockholm, Helsinki, the Finnish Lapland, and even St. Petersburg!

Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is built across 14 islands and is often called the Venice of the North. With more foreign visitors than any other city in Scandinavia it is also considered to be the Capital of Scandinavia. Stockholm is situated at the point where the vast Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea and was built on this strategic spot in the mid 13th century, enabling the founder to tax merchant vessels going in and out of the lake. More importantly, Stockholm is one of the favorite cities in the world of Zoom Vacations® Co-Owners, Bryan Herb and Joel Cabrera. And while in Stockholm, you must make a visit to the Ice Bar.

Helsinki and the Finnish Lapland, Finland
Helsinki is unique among Northern European cities. The lifestyle in the second-most northern capital city in the world is full of contrasts and activities in the form of hundreds of events and friendly people. Helsinki’s identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West.

Over 450 years of history, several architectural layers and the impact of different periods can be clearly seen in Helsinki. Finnish design has also made the country’s capital city world famous. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends.

St. Petersburg, Russia
The city of St. Petersburg is relatively young if judged by Russian or European standards. Founded in 1703, St. Petersburg just celebrated its 300th anniversary. But despite being a young city it has a rich and exciting history. From the early days of Peter the Great's "Paradise" and "Northern Venice" to the modern events of 1991 coup d'etat this city has been full of life. St. Petersburg has always been a city of myth and mystery: you can hardly find a young city which is wrapped in legends and stories in such a unique way.

Gay Tour Highlights

• Fully escorted with the services of a Zoom Vacations® Concierge throughout the trip.

• 9 nights Accommodations in finest hotels in each location, each offering a very different, unique experience.

• Buffet breakfast daily in Stockholm, the Finnish Lapland, and Helsinki.

STOCKHOLM:

• Welcome cocktails and dinner at a beautiful, glass blowing and crystal shop in Stockholm, where you will have the chance to create your own blown glass.

• Enjoy cocktails at Stockholm's famous Ice Bar.

• A taste of Stockholm city tour where you will be introduced to the sites, sounds, and tastes that have made Stockholm one of the world's most beautiful cities in the world. We will of course visit the famous 17th centurey warship, the Vasa.

• Shop the streets of Stockholm, elaborately decorated for the holidays.

• Celebrate New Years Eve in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Finnish Lapland

• Welcome to the Finnish Lapland sauna evening with complimentary cider, beer, and more, in an authentic, healing sauna.

• Welcome to Finnish Lapland dinner cooked over an open fire in our cabin.

• Snow-mobile ride through Nania-like wilderness.

• Strong possibility of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

• Reindeer sleigh ride ending at an authentic Lapland home for dinner.

HELSINKI

• A taste of Helsinki city tour where you will learn about the history, architecture, and fashion of this stylish city.

• Learn firsthand how Scandinavian design and innovation reaches far past what you may have seen at IKEA!

• High speed train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg.

ST. PETERSBURG

• A taste of St. Petersburg city tour where you see firsthand why it is known as Russia's greatest historical and cultural treasure.

• Visit the famous Summer Palace.

• Visit one of Russia's prior most famous historical prisons, the Peter and Paul Fortress.

• Visit the famous Hermitage Museum, which has one of the most beautifiul museum interiors in the world.

• Farewell cocktails and dinner at an exclusive, historic, location in St. Petersburg.

Plus, there is time during the trip to enjoy optional activities such as:

• Cruise to gorgeous Fjäderholmarna, where the archipelago begins, in Stockholm.

• Enjoy Lunch at the breathtaking Milles sculpture garden in Stockholm.

• Drive a team of dog sleds over fresh, powdery snow in the Finnish Lapland

Gay Friendly, Luxury Accommodations:


Stockholm: The Hotel Skeppsholmen
STOCKHOLM'S NEW
URBAN OASIS
In the very heart of the city center, in a building from 1699 with an exciting historic background and modern decore by Stockholm based architects Claesson Koivisto Rune a new lifestyle hotel has been opened. Situated on the waterfront and surrounded by beautiful nature and captivating culture, Hotel Skeppsholmen is a place to reload your batteries, at a quiet, yet central location. The hotel combines the Swedish historic landmark with the very best of contemporary Swedish cuisine, art, design, fashion and music. Local icon brand partners such as ACNE dress the staff and Byredo Parfums created a signature scent for the hotel.

Hotel Skeppsholmen is the perfect choice for everyone looking for that little extra when visiting Stockholm. It's the perfect place to charge your batteries after a full day of exploring the capital’s many tourist attractions.

SERVICE & AMENITIES
24 hour room service
Valet Parking
24 hour concierge service
Same day laundry, dry cleaning and complimentary shoe shine service
Complimentary entrance to Mini Gym
Complimentary Glossy Magazines
Free Wireless Internet
Toiletries from Byredo
Well stocked minibars
Fine European linens
Business center
Multilingual staff

Finnish Lapland: Hotel Kakslauttanen
The "hotel's" log cabins and glass and snow igloos are located in the Saariselkä fell area amidst beautiful Lapland scenery in the vicinity if Urho Kekkonen National Park.

The cabins are located sufficiently far apart and each cabin enjoys its own peaceful garden area. The hotel has the world’s largest smoke sauna, equipped with its own restaurant, the main building log house restaurant, two exotic Lapishtent restaurants and a charming snow restaurant. Guests will also have the possibility to stay overnight in a traditional snow igloo or a unique futuristic glass igloo, where you can admire the northern lights in a normal room temperature under the glass ceiling. Igloo Village is also home to snow chapel and an ice bar both built every winter.

Helsinki: Hotel KlausK
The former Klaus Kurki hotel underwent a massive 15 million euros renovation in 2005 and it has transformed into a modern, upscale lifestyle oasis. Inspired by Finland’s national epic, The Kalevala, the interiors of Klaus K express the emotional themes of mysticism, passion, desire and envy. Four different guest room motifs feature cutting edge design and comfort customized for today’s traveler. Thoroughly individual and decidedly contemporary, design hotel Klaus K is a hotel with a soul and a story, waiting for you discover it and all of its riches.

SERVICE & AMENITIES
High speed internet both wired and wireless
23” LCD TV
DVD/CD
Custom made beds by Unikulma
Laptop size safe
Oversized plush bathrobes and towels
Mini Bar
Black out shades
Magazines

St. Petersburg:The Orient Express Grand Hotel Europe
This 5 star hotel is situated in the heart of St Petersburg within walking distance of the Winter Palace Square and Hermitage Museum. It is also conveniently located next to the Russian Museum, the Philharmonic Society and the Mikhailovsky Theatre.

SERVICE & AMENITIES
International direct-dial telephones with voice mail
Satellite TV and radio
In-room and public space Wi-Fi Internet access
Mini-bar
Personal safe
Writing desks and armchairs
Air Conditioning
Hairdryers
Robes

Air: International and domestic airfare not included. Zoom Vacations® has negotiated a 5% off your fare with American Airlines on this trip.  Please note all reservations will need to be called into their Meeting Services Department at 1-800-433-1790. Promotion Code: 97D1AY.

*Land only Introductory rate, based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change. Need a roommate? Zoom Vacations® is happy to match you with someone, at no additional charge. Or, you may pay a single supplement and go as a single.

Please read Terms and Conditions prior to booking.