On arrival at Copenhagen airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 09:00, 12:00 or 15:00. Then you will be at leisure to relax and settle in. At 17:30, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers and enjoy drinks and a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner. In the evening visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
A Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark's capital. Meet Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbour and see Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Government. Continue to Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. View the unusual Rundertaarn and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, relaxing or exploring at your pace. Perhaps take an Optional Experience into the picturesque Danish countryside to see the castles of North Zealand?
Continue along Sweden’s west coast to the cosmopolitan port city of Gothenburg. On arrival, explore with your Local Expert and learn about the region’s culture and nautical history. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Café Dickson. Enjoy traditional Swedish fika, coffee and cinnamon roll, at a community café.
Enjoy views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands, as you journey along the shores of Vättern to the Swedish capital.
See the charms of Sweden's capital with your Local Expert. On Gamla Stan, start with the cathedral, the coronation palace of many Swedish kings and the Old Town, with some of the narrowest streets in the world and stroll through the courtyard of the Royal Palace. Visit the imposing City Hall to see its fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, with its walls covered in 18 million gilded mosaic tiles, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. There's free time in the afternoon for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the fabulous Vasa Galleon, raised from Stockholm's harbour-bed in 1961 after sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628?
Travel to Sigtuna on the shores of Lake Mälaren, it was once the Viking capital and now boasts Sweden’s smallest City Hall. Continue to the historic city of Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university. Meet Hans Odoo, a passionate local storyteller, who will share the fascinating history of the Carl Linneaus Garden on a guided tour. You’ll learn about Sweden’s first botanical garden and its 1300 species of flora and fauna. Travel to Falun, an old historic mining town. With your Travel Director see the Falun Copper Mine and the Great Pit, a vast crater created by an enormous mine collapse in 1687. In the evening, enjoy a delightful meal at Banken Restaurant, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Siljan in the Dalarna region brings you to Nusnäs, home of the Dala horse. Meet the entertaining Olsson family who has passed the art of making wooden horses down through the generations and visit their workshop to witness a colourful wooden horse being made. Continue deep into the forested heart of Sweden to reach Sälen, Sweden’s largest alpine destination. It is known as the starting point for the world’s oldest and longest cross-country ski race, Vasaloppet, a 90 kilometre track that has been challenging skiers since 1922. Cross the border to Norway and pass Hamar with its Olympic ice skating rink known as the Viking Ship. Journey along the shores of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, to arrive at Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Journey northwest from Lillehammer, travelling through the countryside of 'Peer Gynt', immortalised by Ibsen. At Lom, visit the Norwegian stave church dating back to 1158. Continue along winding roads that pass waterfalls, rivers, ice fields, lakes and snow-capped peaks. For the next two nights you will stay in the scenic village of Geiranger, overlooking fjords and soaring mountains.
Enjoy a relaxed start and a day reserved for your leisure amongst the most breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience for an incredible scenic drive along the amazing Troll's Road? The road itself was a masterpiece of engineering when it was built over 70 years ago and the spectacular views will leave you speechless.
After a relaxed morning, take a scenic cruise through the Geirangerfjord. Your travels continue to the Bøya Glacier for a photo-stop. Explore Fjærland with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the interactive Norwegian Glacier Museum at the foot of the Jostedalsbreen, the largest icecap in continental Europe. Alternatively, take a walk through the village of Fjærland with a Local Expert and hear about life between the fjord and the glacier. Then enjoy a scenic drive onto your hotel in Leikanger. Delight in a dinner of fresh and locally sourced produce.
Cross the serene waters of magnificent Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. Then embark on a spectacularly scenic journey aboard the Flåm Railway, ascending from sea level to 914 metres. Visit a family-run farm on the Hardangerfjord to hear how eight generations have farmed the land, producing fruit, berries and various jams, jellies, traditional spreads, cake and other delicious treats. Sample their fresh apple juice and homemade cider and enjoy a walk through the orchard. Travel on to your hotel in the historic port of Bergen.
A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen. The ancient Hanseatic port city still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the picturesque and lively Fish Market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. The market also has stalls selling a colourful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps you might like to visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg, before ascend Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia?
Travel along scenic and varied landscapes to Oslo, through some of Norway's most picturesque ski-resorts. Leaving the seaside town of Bergen, you will start heading inland among soaring mountains to reach the exceptional Hardangerfjord, also known as the Queen of the Fjords. Your journey continues climbing up to elevations of 1200m (3930ft) offering moon like scenery and passing some of Norway’s ski resorts on the Hardanger Plateau. After returning to lower areas you’ll be driving among dense forests before reaching the capital city of Oslo.
With your Local Expert, see the Royal Palace and the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbour. At Frogner Park, view the intriguing Vigeland sculptures. Exploe the area around the Opera House and see the strikingly modern architecture of Bjorvika neighbourhood. In the evening, round off your Scandinavian adventure with a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant. Over a glass of wine, toast to your travels with your newfound friends.
Departure transfers arrive at Oslo airport at 07:15 and 10:15.
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
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.
Available on Day 2
Enjoy a casual evening, off the beaten track, as you discover the contemporary side of Copenhagen. First, visit the newly-opened CopenHill, the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world, with its hikeable and skiable roof. We'll enjoy spectacular views over the city from the top. Next is Reffen, the largest waterfront street food market in the Nordic area. Browse through an International food selection and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. You'll have reserved seating and a pre-loaded food card to get the meal of your choice.
Adult Price: € 60
Drive along the scenic coastal road of the Danish Riviera to the castles of North Zealand. See Fredensborg, the summer residence of the Royal Family, then visit Fredriksborg, the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. It's now a museum, so the tour through the beautiful rooms is an encounter with the kings and queens who shaped the country's history. En-route, pass through picturesque villages of half-timbered houses and thatched roofs.
Adult Price: € 53
Home to some of the world's best restaurants, Copenhagen is currently experiencing a culinary renaissance. Make the most of the long summer evenings and join us for a traditional Danish meal in the heart of Copenhagen. Two glasses of wine, beer or soft drinks are included with your meal.
Adult Price: € 72
Available on Day 4
Experience a Swedish summer evening at its best! Enjoy a half-hour cruise in the largest archipelago in the world, followed by authentic local cuisine served in a peaceful forested setting on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
Adult Price: € 85
Available on Day 5
When the Vasa was launched in 1628, it was arguably the world's most powerful warship. Bristling with 64 cannons and carrying some 300 men, it was built to strike the fear of God into the enemy. Unfortunately, it sank on its maiden voyage. Raised from Stockholm harbor in 1961, this grand galleon remains almost wholly preserved, along with 700 wooden sculptures and ornaments. Your visit will provide a unique insight into early shipbuilding techniques and everyday life on board a 17c naval vessel.
Adult Price: € 40
Available on Day 6
Sweden’s world-famous painter, Carl Larsson, lived and worked in his traditional country home which is today a constant source of inspiration for modern designers. This remarkably intact time capsule showcases the art and family life of a beloved artist.
Adult Price: € 41
Available on Day 7
Be transported back in time to the 1994 Winter Olympics. First a drive to the Lillehammer Ski Jump where we'll marvel at the incredible views overlooking Lillehammer and Lake Mjosa. Later, we'll meet a local storyteller at the historic Lillehammer Brewery where we'll hear about the local brewing techniques and receive a guided tasting of their specialty craft beer. Then, we'll enjoy a casual dinner made from locally-sourced produce.
Adult Price: € 72
Available on Day 9
In the comfort of your coach, climb 4,921 feet to the highest possible fjord view in Europe at Dalsnibba mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Geiranger fjord and the surrounding glacier topped mountains. For the bold, test your nerve on the Geiranger Skywalk suspended over a 1,640-foot drop.
Adult Price: € 31
Your tour of Geiranger includes a scenic drive up the Eagle’s Road, offering amazing views of the Geiranger Fjord and the stunning Seven Sisters Waterfall. At the small village of Eidsdal, cross the fjord by ferry and climb up through the abundant fruit-growing valleys. Leave civilization behind as you venture high above the tree line for some of the most breathtaking scenery. Now on to the Troll’s Road, a masterpiece of engineering built over 70 years ago.
Adult Price: € 51
Available on Day 12
Visit Troldhaugen, the idyllic summer home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s national composer. Situated on a promontory jutting into Lake Nordaas with outstanding views over the water, it offered the composer total tranquillity and inspiration for his music. After a piano recital, more scenic grandeur awaits as you ascend to the summit of Mount Fløyen aboard Scandinavia's only funicular railway. At 1,050 feet above sea level enjoy a bird's-eye view over Bergen, with its seaward approach, and the surrounding fjords and islands.
Adult Price: € 58
Available on Day 14
Step aboard the polar ship Fram, the strongest wooden ship ever built, to experience the life and work of Norway's famous Arctic explorers. The expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen come to life in the interactive exhibitions of this museum, which also houses the Gjøa, the first ship to navigate the entire Northwest Passage.
Adult Price: € 39