There are a LOT of photos here so please be patient.  Just click on the preview to see the full picture. 

            We arrived in Denmark a day before the start of our Globus tour.  Since we arrived early in the morning, it gave us almost an extra 2 days in Copenhagen.  This is the capital of Denmark and is a fascinating, energetic city. We took the train from the airport into the city and then journeyed to our hotel.  The train was a much better bargain than taking a taxi the entire distance and was easy to find.  We appreciated that suggestion! 

You do have to watch out for the bicycles here.  They have bicycle lanes, and it’s so easy to step off the curb without looking for them.  It seems there are a LOT of folks who ride bikes everywhere.  I’m sure it’s easier than finding parking for a car and certainly better for the environment. 

Of course we arrived with dirty clothes and decided to use a local Laundromat.  It turned out to be an adventure since all the directions were in Danish.  A kind patron, who helped us with the machines and the money, rescued us.  This meant we had clean clothes again.  Now it was time for some fun. 

            Copenhagen has a wonderful bus system and we found the #1 bus would take us almost everywhere…. including the end of the line.  A kindly bus driver told us when we arrived at our destination.  We took a harbor and canal cruise tour, which was economical and gave us a unique view of the city.  Lots of beautiful sights to see:  the colorful buildings of Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, city library and more.  We also wandered through the Pedestrian Mall window-shopping in the elegant stores.  I did have to stop at the Royal Copenhagen shop and see how some of the beautiful blue and white pieces are made.  The Royal Porcelain Factory was founded in 1775.  We also visited a sandwich shop for a snack.  We also enjoyed the delicious Danish pastries!!  My husband was very impressed with the Danish people.  He accidentally dropped his camera on the sidewalk before entering a shop.   A kind lady returned it to him within minutes.  I wonder what made her think he was a tourist? 

We also visited Tivoli.  Unfortunately the timing was wrong, and the lights don’t go on until fairly late in the evening.  But it certainly is a unique place, 150 years old, on 20 acres, with restaurants, amusement rides, beautiful fountains, games, and entertainment.  We found that the Copenhagen “Hard Rock Café” has an entrance from Tivoli, enabling us to buy some requested items and have a hamburger.  That would be our last taste of beef for a while. 

            Our tour started with a bus tour of the city.  The spires of the Church of Our Savior are inspiring.  Then on to an hour guided tour of Christiansborg Palace.  The first palace here was built in 1167 and rebuilt several times.  The last was constructed in 1907.  The north wing has ceremonial rooms, which have elegant furnishings, works of art and magnificent tapestries.  Unfortunately no photographs were allowed to be taken.   We also saw Amalienborg Palace and a different view of the Little Mermaid.  Unfortunately the royal family wasn’t in residence, so there was no Changing of the Guard.  However we did catch a quick glimpse of the horse brigade.  With a free afternoon, we decided to follow another recommendation and visit Rosenborg Slot (Castle).  What a good choice it was!  Not only is it a beautiful building, but also it has the most exquisite furnishings and the Danish Crown Jewels.  They are just breathtaking in their beauty.  There was security everywhere, which prevents samples.  ;o) 

           The next morning was a tour of Frederiksborg Castle. This is now a museum and National Portrait Gallery.  There is an unbelieveable Great Hall, which is done in marble.  The building is peaked with dozens of gables, spires and turrets.  We also made a stop at Fredensborg Castle in Hillerod.  It is now the summer royal residence.  Unfortunately we could only see the outside

            We then took the ferry across the Sound to Sweden.  From the boat we had a great view of Hamlet’s brooding Kronborg Castle at Elsinore.  Interesting note though: there seem to be lots of folks who have gone to Denmark for the day, and return with many carrying a case of beer.