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Capitals of Scandinavia

10 Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway

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AARP Members Save on select departures
SAVE UP TO $600
From $3,175
WAS $3,775
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Sweden Capitals Of Scandinavia Scenic Panoramic View Of Gamla Stan, In The Old Town In Stockholm At Sunset, Sweden
10 Days
4 Countries

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland

5 Cities

Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki

12 Meals

2 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch

Comfortable

Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.

Average group size average 40-45
Tour brand Trafalgar
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Trafalgar

If you like hassle free travel with everything handled for you – looking to meet great people, eat great food, enjoy great sightseeing, and have immersive experiences, Trafalgar is for you.  From the iconic not-to-be-missed to one-of-a-kind local experiences, including Be-my-Guest dining and stays with stories, you’ll connect deeper to your destination, and every tour has at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER immersive impact experience included advancing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering you the chance to take a deep dive into culture and community. As the world’s leading tour company and trusted by more than 5 million guests, Trafalgar tours are simply the best value for your vacation dollar.

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Travel to northern Europe’s historic, stylish and cosmopolitan cities on this fairy-tale tour of Scandinavia. See the iconic mermaid in Copenhagen and visit the grand city hall in Stockholm. During this tour, you’ll learn about the region's Viking history and why Helsinki is the capital of cool.

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Average group size
average 40-45
Tour brand
Trafalgar
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Flexible booking 30-day deposit refund guarantee + no change fees See flexible booking terms >

Best Value Why touring is the easiest way to travel Learn more >

Current Entry Requirements Check your destination View Entry Guide >

Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1

Welcome to Copenhagen

Hans Christian Andersen would have been right at home in 21st-century Copenhagen. The Danish capital hasn't lost any of its fairy-tale charm over the centuries, as you'll come to discover on your first day exploring this colorful city. On arrival, transfer to your Stays With Stories accommodation, the historic Phoenix Hotel in the heart of Copenhagen’s most elegant district. Discover the hotel’s rich history from the late 17th century, through both World Wars and up to the present day, restored to its former glory. Start your Scandinavian adventure with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Amager Faelled. Then spend your free time strolling through the happiest city in the world before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers at 17:00.

Boats on Nyhavn Canal in Copenhagen, Denmark
Phoenix Copenhagen View Hotel Details
Included Meals Dinner

Phoenix Copenhagen

About the Hotel

Copenhagen, Denmark

Step into decades of Danish history and in the footsteps of aristocrats and royals when you stay at the 17th-century Phoenix Hotel in Copenhagen.

Style

  • Stays With Stories
Trafalgar Difference Stay at the 17th-century Phoenix Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark
Stays with Stories

Step into decades of Danish history and in the footsteps of aristocrats and royals when you stay at the 17th-century Phoenix Hotel in Copenhagen.

Included in Trip

Trafalgar Difference

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Visit Amager Faelled Nature Reserve in Copenhagen, Denmark
Amager Faelled Nature Reserve

Join an exclusive experience at Amager Faelled, a small neighborhood in Copenhagen, led by a community member. Take a stroll through the small natu...

See More
Included in Trip

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Day 2

Explore Historic Copenhagen

Connect with the heartfelt hygge of your Danish hosts when you join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour that will reveal all the highlights of Copenhagen’s Old Town. See the distinctive dragon-tail spire of the 17th-century Børsen (Stock Exchange), Christiansborg Palace and the Little Mermaid, demurely seated on a rock overlooking Langelinie Promenade. See the home of Denmark’s beloved royal family, Amalienborg Palace, then spend the rest of the day exploring Copenhagen your way. Enjoy a cold øl overlooking the colorful façades of Nyhavn.

Statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark
Phoenix Copenhagen View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast

Phoenix Copenhagen

About the Hotel

Copenhagen, Denmark

Step into decades of Danish history and in the footsteps of aristocrats and royals when you stay at the 17th-century Phoenix Hotel in Copenhagen.

Style

  • Stays With Stories
Iconic Experience Boats moored in Canal, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen City Tour

With your Local Specialist, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see R...

See More
Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences Village walking tour and canal cruise in Dragor, Denmark
Green Hills and Hygge

First, a visit to the top of Copenhagen’s modern mountain, with the best views over the Baltic city. As Danes enjoy their summer skiing, we will le...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences Nyhavn Harbor in Copenhagen Denmark
Wonderful Copenhagen

Denmark is probably the closest you'll get to living in a fairy-tale land, and today our Local Specialist will guide us from 'once upon a time' to ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 3

Journey to Oslo

For now, it’s a fond farvel to Copenhagen and a bright and cheery hej to Sweden, as you cross the Øresund by ferry and wind your way north, through the Swedish countryside past Gothenburg to Norway. You’ll want to keep your camera at the ready to capture the scenic landscapes that line your route to Oslo, Norway’s modern buzzing capital, where the Norwegian philosophy of friluftsliv can be felt along the flower-lined boulevards and bustling waterfront promenades.

Flag infront of City Hall and Marina in Oslo, Norway
Accommodation Scandic Solli
Included Meals Breakfast
Iconic Experience Pass Gothenburg on a scenic drive through Sweden
Travel Through Scenic Countryside

Pass Gothenburg on a scenic drive through Sweden as you travel to Norway. 

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Day 4

Vikings and More in Oslo

Tread in the footsteps of the Vikings this morning as you join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that will reveal Oslo’s long-standing seafaring heritage. See the medieval fortress of Akershus, the elegant Royal Palace and Oslo Opera House, which seems to rise up from the water in all its marble, granite and glass glory. Visit a wonderland of Norwegian sculptures left behind by Gustav Vigeland in his sculpture park, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city on your terms. You could choose instead to embark on an Optional Experience to learn about Norwegian explorers.

Fountain in Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway
Accommodation Scandic Solli
Included Meals Breakfast
Iconic Experience The Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway
Oslo City Tour

With your Local Specialist, see Akershus Castle, Oslo Harbor and the Royal Palace.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences
Above and beyond the Oslo Fjord

Ahoy and welcome on board a cruise on the fascinating Oslo fjord. We hoist the colors on a state of the art electric vessel and have a guided comme...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences Historic Polar Expedition ship, Fram Museum, Oslo, Norway
Norwegian Maritime Explorers

Norwegians have been exploring the world's oceans for generations. The 19th-century polar exploration ship Fram sailed to the Antarctic and then to...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 5

Onwards to Stockholm

Enjoy a scenic drive south through Norway’s lush forest landscapes to Sweden, bound for its enchanting capital. Journey past Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden, before stopping in the countryside to Connect With Locals at a special Be My Guest lunch. Husband and wife team Niklas and Anna will welcome you to their renovated 19th-century church and explain their philosophy of using local produce to delight all your senses. Later, arrive in Stockholm and indulge in a free evening to explore ‘Beauty on Water’. Consider joining an Optional Experience to the first Ice Bar in the world.

View of Lake Vanern, Sweden
Accommodation Elite Palace Hotel Stockholm
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Iconic Experience Scenic Drive through unspoilt Swedish landscapes and see Lake Vänern, the largest lake in the country.
Scenic Drive past Lake Vänern

Travel through unspoilt Swedish landscapes and see Lake Vänern, the largest lake in the country. 

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Be My Guest Enjoy a Swedish meal at an organic restaurant, Kumla, Sweden
Enjoy an Organic Dining Experience with Niklas and Anna

Indulge in a delicious Swedish meal at a family-run organic restaurant, Egastronomi AB, with hosts Niklas and Anna. 

Included in Trip

Be My Guest

Optional Experiences Walking tour and Ice Bar visit in Sodermalm, Stockholm, Sweden
The Cool Capital

Discover the best views over beautiful Stockholm as we stroll through the old working class heritage area on Sodermalm. Later, we visit the world's...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 6

Discover Beautiful Stockholm

Style and substance are qualities Stockholm has in abundance, as you’ll discover when you join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this morning. See Stockholm’s historic mother church, Storkyrkan, the Royal Palace and the Swedish Parliament, then Dive Into Culture on a visit to the City Hall, home to the annual Nobel Prize banquet. This afternoon perhaps join an Optional Experience to explore the maritime heritage of the city, or simply do as the locals do and indulge in fika (coffee and cake), embracing the Swedish philosophy of lagom. Tonight consider an Optional Experience to cobbled Gamla Stan to admire its medieval history on a walking tour, followed by a traditional Swedish meal in a local restaurant.

Houses on Stortorget Square in Stockholm, Sweden
Accommodation Elite Palace Hotel Stockholm
Included Meals Breakfast
Dive Into Culture Visit Stockholm City Hall
Discover the Stockholm City Hall

Visit the Stockholm City Hall, with its spire featuring the golden Three Crowns. Admire the ornate architecture and unique artwork of one of the ci...

See More
Included in Trip

Dive Into Culture

Iconic Experience View of Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm City Tour

With your Local Specialist, visit the Stockholm City Hall and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with your fellow traveling companions.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences Cruise on Lake Malaren in Stockholm, Sweden
Maritime Stockholm

Dive into the fascinating story of Stockholm’s relationship with the sea. Our Local Specialist will explain the age of Viking exploration and the f...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences Visit Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden
Old Town and Dinner

Discover beauty and history combined during a walk in the fairy tale Gamla Stan, where little has changed since the 16th and 17th centuries. Then e...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 7

Embark on an Overnight Cruise

A leisurely start to your day could see you embark on some last-minute souvenir shopping or savoring steaming sweet Swedish cinnamon rolls in Stortoget. Consider an Optional Experience to Drottningholm Palace. The cool capital of Finland beckons as you board your overnight cruise to Helsinki, passing through Stockholm’s archipelago across the Baltic Sea.

Skeppsholm Bridge in Stockholm, Sweden
Included Meals Breakfast
Optional Experiences UNESCO World Heritage-listed Drottningholm Palace, explore the magnificent gardens with our local specialist.
Drottningholm, Fika & More

We start with a leisurely drive out to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Drottningholm Palace, the official residence of the Swedish royal family. H...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 8

Arrive in Vibrant Helsinki

Continue your cruise across the Baltic, arriving in Helsinki in time to join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of all the city’s highlights, its Swedish and Russian heritage and some hidden gems. See the modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall, the Senate and the colorful stalls in Market Square. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner to raise a glass of aquavit and toast your epic adventure across the capitals of Scandinavia. Kippis!

Boats at port in Helsinki, Finland
Accommodation Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience Boats at port in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki City Tour

Your Local Specialist will show you the sights of the harbor city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local...

See More
Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.
Finnish Countryside and Design

Finnish design and architecture is world famous and is inspired by the unique landscape and climate of Scandinavia. Today we will journey into the ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences Visit to Finland's famous chocolate producer Fazer, in Helsinki, Finland
The Country of Lakes and Chocolate

Take delight in the chocolate aromas that greet you during this visit to Finland's famous chocolate producer. From its humble beginnings Fazer now ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 9

Helsinki at Leisure

Today is yours to explore Helsinki at leisure or perhaps consider joining a full-day Optional Experience to cruise to the beautiful capital of Estonia, Tallinn. With its walled, cobblestoned Old Town, you will feel like you've stepped into the pages of a fairytale. 

Cathedral in Helsinki, Finland
Accommodation Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center
Included Meals Breakfast
Optional Experiences Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia
A Day in Estonia

Come with us on an adventure to Estonia, the smallest and most northerly of the Baltic states. We'll cruise across the Baltic Sea to Estonia’s stun...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 10

Farewell Scandinavia

After a memorable journey exploring the history and culture of four Scandinavian nations, all that’s left is to say a fond farewell to your new friends and prepare for your return journey home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

Statue in Helsinki, Finland
Included Meals Breakfast

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Included Highlights

Top rated highlights

Learn more about the landmarks, history and culture that makes your destination special.

Trafalgar Difference
Stays with Stories

Step into decades of Danish history and in the footsteps of aristocrats and royals when you stay at the 17th-century Phoenix Hotel in Copenhagen.

Included in Trip
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Amager Faelled Nature Reserve

Join an exclusive experience at Amager Faelled, a small neighborhood in Copenhagen, led by a community member. Take a stroll through the small natu...

See More
Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Copenhagen City Tour

With your Local Specialist, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see R...

See More
Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Travel Through Scenic Countryside

Pass Gothenburg on a scenic drive through Sweden as you travel to Norway. 

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Oslo City Tour

With your Local Specialist, see Akershus Castle, Oslo Harbor and the Royal Palace.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Scenic Drive past Lake Vänern

Travel through unspoilt Swedish landscapes and see Lake Vänern, the largest lake in the country. 

Included in Trip
Be My Guest
Enjoy an Organic Dining Experience with Niklas and Anna

Indulge in a delicious Swedish meal at a family-run organic restaurant, Egastronomi AB, with hosts Niklas and Anna. 

Included in Trip
Dive Into Culture
Discover the Stockholm City Hall

Visit the Stockholm City Hall, with its spire featuring the golden Three Crowns. Admire the ornate architecture and unique artwork of one of the ci...

See More
Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Stockholm City Tour

With your Local Specialist, visit the Stockholm City Hall and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with your fellow traveling companions.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Helsinki City Tour

Your Local Specialist will show you the sights of the harbor city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local...

See More
Included in Trip

About this trip

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Ferry from Helsingør to Helsingborg
Overnight Cruise from Sweden to Finland
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

What to expect

Explore Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki with a Local Specialist
Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo and the City Hall in Stockholm
View the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen and Finlandia Hall in Helsinki
See Børsen, Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, Akershus, the Royal Palace and the Opera House in Oslo, Storkyrkan, Riddarholmen Church and the Royal Palace in Stockholm, the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium and the Opera House in Helsinki
Scenic Cruise across the Baltic Sea

Hand-Picked Hotels

Stay at highly rated hotels in desirable locations offering superb service, superior rooms with comfy beds to rest in.

Phoenix Copenhagen

Optional Experiences

Sign up on tour for additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge.

Optional Experience
Green Hills and Hygge

First, a visit to the top of Copenhagen’s modern mountain, with the best views over the Baltic city. As Danes enjoy their summer skiing, we will le...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Wonderful Copenhagen

Denmark is probably the closest you'll get to living in a fairy-tale land, and today our Local Specialist will guide us from 'once upon a time' to ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Above and beyond the Oslo Fjord

Ahoy and welcome on board a cruise on the fascinating Oslo fjord. We hoist the colors on a state of the art electric vessel and have a guided comme...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Norwegian Maritime Explorers

Norwegians have been exploring the world's oceans for generations. The 19th-century polar exploration ship Fram sailed to the Antarctic and then to...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
The Cool Capital

Discover the best views over beautiful Stockholm as we stroll through the old working class heritage area on Sodermalm. Later, we visit the world's...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Maritime Stockholm

Dive into the fascinating story of Stockholm’s relationship with the sea. Our Local Specialist will explain the age of Viking exploration and the f...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Old Town and Dinner

Discover beauty and history combined during a walk in the fairy tale Gamla Stan, where little has changed since the 16th and 17th centuries. Then e...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Drottningholm, Fika & More

We start with a leisurely drive out to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Drottningholm Palace, the official residence of the Swedish royal family. H...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Finnish Countryside and Design

Finnish design and architecture is world famous and is inspired by the unique landscape and climate of Scandinavia. Today we will journey into the ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
A Day in Estonia

Come with us on an adventure to Estonia, the smallest and most northerly of the Baltic states. We'll cruise across the Baltic Sea to Estonia’s stun...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Flexible booking 30-day deposit refund guarantee + no change fees See flexible booking terms >

Best Value Why touring is the easiest way to travel Learn more >

Current Entry Requirements Check your destination View Entry Guide >

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Official Languages across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark The official language of Sweden is Swedish, the official language of Norway is Norwegian, and the official language of Denmark is Danish.
  • Currency used in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark: The currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona, the currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone, and the currency of Denmark is the Danish Krone.
  • Capital cities: Stockholm (Sweden), Oslo (Norway), and Copenhagen (Denmark)/li>
  • Time Zone(s) in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark: Central European Time Zone (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)

 

Sweden, Norway, and Denmark passport, visa, and entry requirement information for US citizens.

  • Passport: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip
  • Visa Requirement: A visa is not required to enter Sweden, Norway or Denmark
  • Entry Requirements: You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to getours.com/travel-requirements-restrictions.

Sweden has a varied climate, with the north experiencing colder conditions than the south. The country has a temperate climate overall, but winters in the northern regions are significantly colder. Summers in Sweden are generally mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. The coastal areas experience more maritime influences, while inland regions have a more continental climate. Sweden also has distinct seasons, with beautiful autumn foliage and snowy winters.

Norway's climate varies from region to region due to its long coastline and mountainous terrain. Coastal areas experience milder winters and cooler summers due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream. Inland regions have colder winters with more snowfall, and summers tend to be mild. The western coast receives high rainfall throughout the year, while the eastern regions are drier. Norway's fjords and mountains contribute to dramatic weather patterns and stunning landscapes.

Denmark has a temperate maritime climate, influenced by the surrounding seas. Winters in Denmark are mild, with temperatures averaging around freezing point. Summers are generally cool to mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. The country experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, but precipitation is evenly distributed. Danish weather can be changeable, with a mix of sunny, rainy, and cloudy days. The coastal areas enjoy the influence of the Baltic and North Sea, creating a pleasant seaside atmosphere.

On-Tour Luggage & Carry-On Bag Size Limits

Luggage: Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb

Carry-On Bag: *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”

  • *Please note: A "carry-on bag" on a tour coach is not the same as a "carry-on" for a flight. Because our coaches have large windows to enjoy the view, there is minimal space to store large items securely overhead or under the seats. A "carry-on bag" may be a soft-sided daypack, purse, backpack, tote bag, or the like. Because we value our guests' safety, small rolling suitcases or bags with telescopic handles are not permitted. In order to guarantee a smooth trip, guests are not permitted to store an additional "carry-on" bag beneath the coach with the luggage. 

So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances. 

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.

Packing Tips for Your Tour

Packing for a guided tour will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started:

Passport and Travel Documents: Ensure you have your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary travel documents.

Clothing:

  • Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestone streets and uneven terrain require comfortable footwear.
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the season. Bring a mix of short-sleeved tops, lightweight pants or skirts, and a few long-sleeved options for cooler evenings for the summer months, and long-sleeved and heavier layers for early Spring, Fall, and Winter.
  • Layers: It's advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater and a scarf for layering, especially in Spring or Fall.
  • Nice evening wear: You may wish to wear a dressier outfit if you plan on dining in an elegant restaurant, for example. Smart-casual clothes are usually acceptable for all included daytime and evening activities throughout your tour.
  • Rain Gear: Depending on the season and the countries you're visiting, it's a good idea to pack a compact rain jacket or umbrella.

Sun Protection:

  • Hat, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing.
  • Sunscreen with high SPF. If you're visiting any coastal areas, bring reef-safe sunscreen formulated without harmful chemicals known to be damaging to coral reefs and marine life. Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and negatively impact marine ecosystems. Look for sunscreens with certifications such as "Reef Safe," "Coral Safe," or "Ocean-Friendly" to ensure they are environmentally friendly.

Medications and First Aid:

  • Any prescription medications you need. (See more below under Health & Wellness)
  • Basic first aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.

Toiletries:

  • Travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste.
  • Travel towel (quick-drying and compact).
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • A washcloth and carry bag (often not available in hotels abroad).

Electronics:

  • A camera: You’re traveling to see extraordinary scenery and sites. So that you don't miss a single moment, bring a trustworthy camera. Check out our travel photography tips for capturing the best photos of your trips. If you feel comfortable, you can also try the camera on your phone. However, if you want to zoom in or capture moving objects, a camera might be your best bet.
  • Mobile phone.
  • Chargers for each electronic you bring.
  • Travel adapter and/or voltage converter
  • Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
  • Small travel hair dryer (make sure you have the correct converter and adapter).

Miscellaneous:

  • A travel-friendly daypack or bag to carry your essentials during excursions.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle. At GET, we’re all about caring for our planet, and with that in mind, we always recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle for your trip. Bringing your own reusable water bottle or asking for tap water at restaurants means you can make a difference by reducing your vacation plastic waste.
  • A small travel alarm.
  • A travel iron if you like your clothes to be pressed.
  • A travel pillow.

Optional:

  • Scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites or to cover up in conservative areas.
  • Light sleepwear.
  • A new, blank journal to document your trip. Don't know your travel journal style? Find out here!
  • Ziplock bags (storing snacks, toiletries, and keeping things organized).

Remember to pack light and versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Laundry facilities are often available, or you can have your clothes laundered at hotels during your trip. It's also a good idea to pack a small bag or backpack to bring on the coach for day trips and excursions, leaving your larger luggage at the hotel.

Electricity

American appliances run on 110-120 volts at 60 Hz, while European appliances run on 220-230 volts at 50 Hz.

As a result, American appliances designed for use in the United States (typically 120 volts at 60 Hz) may not be directly compatible with the higher voltage used in European countries. Plugging a 120-volt appliance into a 220-240-volt outlet without the appropriate voltage converter or transformer can cause damage to the appliance or pose safety risks.

If you plan to bring American appliances to Europe, you will need a voltage converter or transformer to change the voltage to 220-240 volts from 110 volts. Additionally, you will likely need a plug adapter to fit the American-style plug into the European power outlets. All of Europe operates on the same two round-pronged outlets (Type C).

It's important to note that not all appliances are compatible with voltage converters, so it's essential to check the labels or user manuals of your devices before using them with a voltage converter. Some electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and camera chargers, are dual voltage and can support 120V and 220-240V, so they may not require a voltage converter, but a plug adapter will still be necessary.

To avoid any issues with electrical compatibility during your travels, consider purchasing appliances specifically designed for the voltage used in the region you'll be visiting or use appropriate voltage converters and plug adapters to ensure the safe operation of your American appliances in Europe.

We recommend purchasing an adapter with a voltage converter so you can pack less. And to pick up any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices before departing on your guided tour and bringing them with you.

Hair Dryers in Your Hotel

Hair dryers are common accessories in hotels. Should you want to bring your own, though, you will need to bring an adapter and voltage converter or make sure it is dual voltage by checking the label for INPUT AC 120V - 240V or a switch that can be set to 125V or 250V. Many devices have this feature, so it's worth checking before you travel. If you need a hair dryer during your trip but can't find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is commonly available in European hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.

However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. Most hotels in Europe can provide a portable fan for additional room cooling if requested. Your Travel Director will be on hand to assist you throughout your trip.

Traveling by coach

Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features, including a washroom fitted for your convenience and comfort. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last days of your tour are complimentary only if you are traveling on a tour operated by Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, or Luxury Gold, and your flight times coincide with the shuttle-coach transfer timings. Learn more about Airport Transfers here.

To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are designed to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary.

The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week. Your Travel Director will provide further information.

Usually, most Optional Experiences will be priced in the local currency, but please read through the details of individual optional experiences for specific information. Exact payment options will be advised locally by your Travel Director/Local Representative for each Optional Experience, but in many cases, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted.

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.

In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with medications.

Prior to traveling, please notify GET of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.

It's essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to any destination. Routine vaccinations may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and influenza.

When traveling with GET, baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) will all be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are, however, a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.

Local Specialists

It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity equivalent to $1.00-$2.00 USD per person per half day.

Your Coach Driver and Travel Director

The trip cost does not include gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. At the end of your trip, you may express appreciation to your Travel Director and Driver for their excellent service and the personal attention you received. Gratuities are given at the discretion of each guest, and a suggested amount per person/per day is listed in your travel documents.

For your convenience and ease, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver at the time of booking.

Hotel services

It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. Where ice machines are not available, and you receive ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated.

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Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Jerry Schrager
Review date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Service
We've had Barb Gardner for most of our 6 Tragalgar tours, and always received excellent service. She is a special Getours rep!
Response from Grand European Travel:
Barb is indeed special and we will share your lovely comments with her. Thank you for being part of our travel family and here's to lucky trip number 7!
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Vacation
Had another top Tour Guide, Michael Thomas, on our Scandinavia Travels. He covered all the bases, with humor, and utilized top city experts when useful. My wife, Joan, and I, loved all the capitals and look forward to our next Trafalgar tour: which will be # 7!!!
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