Scenic Scandinavia & its Fjords
15 Days from $4,195 per person
Beyond the deep fjords, glaciers and islands that dot the Scandinavian coastline are distinctly different cultures that will make your visit to Norway, Sweden and Denmark a fascinating journey of discovery. Celebrate elegant and historic architecture, extreme natural beauty and the heritage of the Vikings as you travel from Copenhagen to Odense, Stavangar to Stockholm, with breathtaking views in between.
Overview
Beyond the deep fjords, glaciers and islands that dot the Scandinavian coastline are distinctly different cultures that will make your visit to Norway, Sweden and Denmark a fascinating journey of discovery. Celebrate elegant and historic architecture, extreme natural beauty and the heritage of the Vikings as you travel from Copenhagen to Odense, Stavangar to Stockholm, with breathtaking views in between.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Copenhagen (2 Nights)
Welcome to Copenhagen – the enchanting Danish capital that inspired Hans Christian Andersen to share tales of mermaids, queens and ugly ducklings with the world. On arrival at Copenhagen Airport transfers will operate at 9 am, 12 noon and 3.30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Enjoy a late afternoon orientation drive and Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and travel companions.
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Day 3: Copenhagen Sightseeing
Join a Local Specialist today for a fascinating sightseeing and walking tour of the iconic sights of Copenhagen. The Amalienborg Palace Quarter takes center stage as you admire its 18th century façades and the equine statue of King Frederik V at its center. We'll view the 17th century Stock Exchange, Christianborg Palace and the Neo-Classical Cathedral before paying tribute to the tragic Little Mermaid who was willing to give up her life in the sea to become human. Spend the rest of the day at leisure meandering through the city's quaint cobblestone streets or embrace your inner child in Europe's oldest amusement park, the Tivoli Gardens. This evening consider taking to Copenhagen's waters and enjoying a canal cruise with stunning city views. -
Day 4: Copenhagen – Odense – Randers
We leave the fairy-tales behind for the Danish island of Funen, and Odense, the city where Hans Christian Andersen was born. Continuing across the picturesque pastoral landscapes of the Jutland Peninsula, we arrive in Randers, with its cozy half-timbered merchant houses. -
Day 5: Randers – Stavanger
Set sail from Hirsthals across the Skagerrak to the port of Kristiansand in Norway, driving north past fjords, lakes and forests to the port city of Stavangar, one of the Norway's oldest settlements – its heritage still evident in the beautifully preserved wooden buildings that date back to the 18th century. -
Day 6: Stavanger – Bergen (2 Nights)
Norway's spellbinding natural landscapes provide an inspiring backdrop for our island-hop from Stavanger. Arriving in Bergen this afternoon, we delve into the city's Hanseatic heritage enjoying an orientation tour past the 13th century Haakon's Hall and bustling fish market. Leaving the colorful Bryggen Quarter behind, we enjoy a Be My Guest dinner with the 5th generation Øvre-Eide family on their livestock farm in Norway that has been a working farm since the 1500s.
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Day 7: Bergen
Nestled at the heart of the Seven Mountains, Bergen is one of the country's cultural centers which you will have an opportunity to explore on this full day at leisure. Stroll through its charming cobblestone streets or ascend its funicular for spectacular views of the fjords and islands. Consider an Optional Experience to the tiny village of Telavåg, which played a significant role in the secret North Sea boat traffic between Norway and Great Britain during World War II. -
Day 8: Bergen – Flåm Railway – Sognefjord (Leikanger)
We drive east to the popular ski resort of Voss where we'll board a train ascending nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy a Cultural Insight on one of the world's most exciting train journeys in the world, meandering through the Flåm Valley past the Kjosfossen. Later, arrive in Sognefjord, the King of the Fjords, where we will stay overnight.
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Day 9: Sognefjord (Leikanger) – Geiranger (2 Nights)
Norway's incredible glacier countryside surrounds us as we follow the spectacular Sognefjord to Geirangerfjord. -
Day 10: Geiranger
Spend a full day admiring this spectacular feat of nature. Cascading waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs into the glacial waters below which you can explore by kayak or boat soaking up the crisp, clean mountain air. Consider an Optional Experience along Trollstigen and see Norway's most famous mountain road, meandering past steep mountain slopes, tumbling cascades and fertile valleys. After a day in intoxicating natural surrounds, we dine in our hotel this evening. -
Day 11: Geiranger – Lom – Lillehammer
A scenic drive from Geiranger through high peaks brings us to Lom, where we will visit a 12th century wooden Stave church, adorned with Runic inscriptions. We continue through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, the inspiration for Ibsen's ‘Peer Gynt' before arriving in Lillehammer, the proud host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. -
Day 12: Lillehammer – Hamar – Oslo
The unusual Olympic ice rink beside the lake at Hamar is our first stop today as we travel to the cultural capital, Oslo. Join a Local Specialist who will share the city's iconic sights, including views of the medieval fortress of Akershus, the Opera and 19th century Royal Palace. We have an opportunity to visit the peculiar Vigeland Sculpture Park before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Consider a visit to the Fram Polar Ship Museum and Viking Ship Museum to see the world's best-preserved Viking ships and finds from Viking tombs found around the fjord. -
Day 13: Oslo – Stockholm (2 Nights)
We cross the border into Sweden today and continue via Karlstad past Lake Vänern, the largest lake in the European Union. Passing Örebro, we arrive in the island-ringed capital of Stockholm for a two-night stay. -
Day 14: Stockholm Sightseeing
We meet our Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the waterside City Hall and view the medieval Storkyrkan, Riddasholm Church and the Royal Palace at the heart of Stockholm's quaint Old Town. The rest of the day is yours. Join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner this evening. -
Day 15: Depart Stockholm
Our epic journey has come to an end. Bid Stockholm and your newfound friends a fond farewell. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Stockholm Airport at 7.30 am and 11 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Aug 18 | 8 Sep 18 |
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$4,350pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 8 Sep 18 | 22 Sep 18 |
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$4,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 22 Sep 18 | 6 Oct 18 |
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$4,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 29 Sep 18 | 13 Oct 18 |
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$4,195pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,000 p.p.
Triple Discount: $250 p.p.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $136 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Copenhagen Airport transfers will operate at 9:00 am, 12 noon and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Stockholm Airport at 7:30 am and 11:00 am.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
Meal Summary
13 nights, 13 Scandinavian breakfasts, 8 dinners.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Enjoy dinner with the 5th generation Øvre-Eide family on their livestock farm in Norway that has been a working farm since the 1500s
Authentic Accommodations
- Enjoy three splendid accommodations at Hotel Randers, Sognefjord Hotel and Hotel Geiranger
Cultural Insight
- Take a ride on one of the most exciting train journeys in the world, past mountains and waterfalls through the scenic Norwegian countryside to Flåm
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm
- Orientation of Bergen
- Visit Odense where Hans Christian Anderson was born, Stavanger, the Sognefjord, Geiranger, the Stave Chuch at Lom, the Olympic town of Lillehammer, Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo, Stockholm's City Hall
- View The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Haakon's Hall in Bergen, the Geirangerfjord, Olympic Ski Jump in Hamar, Oslo's Royal Palace
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to Scandinavian countries – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland –must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering Scandinavia.
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Currency
Scandinavian countries do not share a common currency. Sweden uses the Swedish Krona, Norway uses the Norwegian Krone and Denmark uses the Danish Kroner. While it’s a good idea to have some money on you while you travel, you’ll usually find better exchange rates in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in the country you’re visiting. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
Scandinavian cuisine is rich and hearty. Try a traditional ‘smørgasbord’ with a selection of meat, fish, salads, hot dishes, puddings and cheeses. Sample dishes prepared with a variety of seafood including smoked salmon, cod, herring, sardines and mackerel. Popular meats include reindeer, lamb and fowl. Coffee and milk are very popular, along with lager. Aquavit is the local spirit, and is usually served chilled. Wines and other spirits are imported products and are very expensive.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
When dining out it is appropriate to leave 5-10 percent gratuity if a service charge has not already been added to your bill.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend the equivalent of €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Copenhagen
North Zealand Riviera And Castle Tour
Adult Price: €51.00
Enjoy the quaint scenery of the Danish Riviera’s conservation heritage route, as you pass through ancient fishing villages and modern marinas. We'll also view Fredensborg Palace, summer residence of the Royal family, before continuing to the magnificent 17th century Frederiksborg Castle, where you’ll see the State Apartments and the Coronation Chapel.
Copenhagen
Danish Traditions And Canal Cruise
Adult Price: €56.00
This evening we'll visit the fairy-tale village of Dragor, with its thatched cottages and pretty working harbour. You’ll wander by tiny houses, learn a little of the history and enjoy a taste of traditional Danish specialties. Then, enjoy an hour-long cruise along the canals and experience stunning views of the city from the harbour.
Bergen
Grieg And Bergen Insights
Adult Price: €43.00
We’ll head out along the fjord to visit the home of famous composer Grieg, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the villa - the inspiration for many of his masterworks. You’ll also explore Bergen on a walk through the historical lanes, and see stunning views of the city on a trip up the hillside by funicular railway.
Bergen
War History And Peaceful Traditions
Adult Price: €43.00
Come with us as we explore the lost village of Televag, destroyed when the Gestapo discovered the villagers’ support of the resistance. You’ll visit the museum before we journey to a traditional Norwegian fishing village for coffee and local pancakes. Certain departures also include a guided visit of Fjell Fortress, a Nazi command bunker hidden deep inside the mountain. EURO 48.
Sognefjord
Fjords And Mountains
Adult Price: €50.00
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the UNESCO-listed Næroy Fjord with it's towering mountains and fabulous scenery. This stunning fjord landscape with waterfalls, snow capped mountains and tiny villages has inspired painters for hundreds of years.
Sognefjord
Fjordland Farm Cultural Experience
Adult Price: €42.00
Visit a traditional working farm set amid the glorious scenery of the Sognefjord, surrounded by craggy mountains with views across the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. Get to know a typical Scandinavian family, and something about their day-to-day lives. Learn a little of both the history, which dates back to Viking times and present-day traditions. We'll also sample the local homemade delicacies.
Geiranger
Trollstigen Explored
Adult Price: €48.00
Join us on a delightful drive to the Eagles Road for amazing views of towering cliffs plunging down to the Geiranger Fjord. Then discover the path of the trolls - Trollstigen, considered a masterpiece of engineering. This is Norwegian rugged mountain scenery at its finest.
Geiranger
Dalsnibbia And The Majestic Geiranger
Adult Price: €45.00
You’ll enjoy views of the fjord from the famous hairpin bends along the Dalsnibba Pass, before we sail down Norway's most famous fjord. UNESCO listed, the Geiranger is home to tiny farms, the Bridal Veil and Seven Sisters waterfalls, which you’ll discover as we explore.
Lillehammer
Treasures Of Lillehammer
Adult Price: €43.00
Explore Lillehammer on a guided visit to the charming folklore museum of Maihaugen, on the hills above the Olympic Town. You’ll also visit the Olympic Arena, and enjoy an exciting ride in the chairlift (weather permitting) to the top of the ski-slope, for wonderful panoramic views over the town and Gudbrandsdalen.
Oslo
Vikings And Explorers
Adult Price: €43.00
You’ll visit the three original Viking longships and their treasures with your Local Specialist, including the Oseberg ship - last used as a burial ship for a woman of high rank. Then explore the stunning Fram Museum to discover the story of the ship and the race to the South Pole, illustrated with films, images and new exhibits.
Stockholm
Altitude and Attitude
Adult Price: €43.00
Savour a drink in a glass made of ice in the minus temperatures of the Ice-Bar, made completely from the frozen waters of Sweden’s River Torne. You'll also discover the very best views over the city and its archipelago, with a visit to the viewing platform of the Kaknas Tower, Sweden’s highest building.
Stockholm
Stockholm Discovery Cruise
Adult Price: €56.00
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Malaren with your Local Specialist, as we sail in an antique steamboat through the archipelago, past country cottages and elegant homes. You’ll also visit the royal warship 'Vasa', an ornate 17th-century galleon which sank just minutes after sailing, now reclaimed from the Baltic.
Stockholm
Old Town and Dinner
Adult Price: €59.00
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 enjoy delicious Swedish cuisine in a popular local restaurant, with a drink included.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
