Complete Scandinavia

Start your Scandinavian adventure in the vibrant city of Copenhagen. Arrive early to explore the charming Nyhavn area, known for its pastel-colored waterfront houses. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the famous Tivoli Gardens, home to the world's oldest rollercoaster. Discover the diverse culinary scene in Norrebro, a residential area teeming with restaurants. Meet your group at 6 pm and consider joining an optional group dinner to kick off your journey.

Take a morning train ride to Malmo, Sweden, crossing the famous Oresund Bridge. Witness the transformation of Malmo, a city once reliant on shipbuilding, now a hub for architecture firms, IT companies, students, and start-ups. Explore the Old Town and the Neo-Renaissance style Apoteket Lejonet. Continue your journey to Gothenburg, where you'll spend the night. This city is known as the world's most sustainable destination, offering a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.

Catch an early ferry from Gothenburg to Vrango Island, the most southerly island of the Gothenburg Archipelago. Known for its stunning beaches and protected nature reserves, Vrango Island offers a serene escape from the city. Enjoy an included kayaking activity along the coastline (summer only). Spend the afternoon exploring the town at your leisure, perhaps trying an optional floating sauna. Return to Gothenburg for a free evening, soaking in the city's sustainable charm.

Head to Alingsas, known as the Capital of Fika, a Swedish cafe and food culture. Join a local expert on a tour of the town's traditional cafes, learning about the local love affair with coffee and sampling Swedish cinnamon buns, biscuits, chocolate truffles, pastries, and sandwiches. Return to Gothenburg in the late afternoon and explore at your leisure. Consider visiting the Göteborg City Museum, the iconic Skansen Kronan, or the charming Haga quarter, known for its picturesque wooden houses.

Leave Oslo behind and take a train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region to Bergen. This high-altitude train ride offers spectacular views of lush valleys, idyllic villages, dramatic mountains, and picturesque lakes as it crosses the Hardangervidda Plateau. Arrive in the quirky city of Bergen in the evening. Consider venturing out with the group for a seafood dinner in one of the city's excellent restaurants.

After breakfast, join your leader for a ride by Fløibanen funicular, offering a bird's eye view of the city. Spend your afternoon exploring the World Heritage Bryggen area, wandering through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses. Visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum, and explore the old Hanseatic port area. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Leave Bergen after breakfast and travel by bus to the fjord region. The journey takes you through epic landscapes and remote regions, offering stunning views of the Norwegian countryside. Your accommodation for the night is located near the village of Gudvangen, surrounded by steep cliff walls and offering a perfect view of the spectacular Kjelsfossen waterfall.

Take a boat trip on the Naeroyfjord, a World Heritage site, and be captivated by the sight of crisp mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters. The boat cruise will finish in the fishing village of Flam, where you can ride the famous railway up to Myrdal (at extra cost), one of the most picturesque (and steepest) railway journeys in the country. Alternatively, explore on foot and discover nearby waterfalls and ancient moraines. In the afternoon, catch the bus back to Gudvangen and spend the rest of the day as you please.

After breakfast, embark on a long bus journey to the Alpine playground of Lillehammer. Cross vast high plains and remote valleys, and drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel. Lillehammer, which held the Winter Olympics in 1994, is picturesquely situated on Lake Mjøsa. Upon arrival, head out for a brief orientation walk to find your bearings in the laid-back 19th-century town center.

Join an orientation walk this morning and get to know Lillehammer. Your leader will take you on an included visit to the Maihaugen Open Air Museum, home of the Garmo Stave Church, which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley over the last 300 years. The afternoon is free for you to further explore. Perhaps visit the Olympic Museum, where you can hear tales of heroic feats. Lillehammer is also an ideal spot for many outdoor activities.

Leaving the Swedish lakes behind, head to the country's cultural, political and economic capital of Stockholm by train. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably Scandinavia's most beautiful city, Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. After an introductory orientation walk, use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you.

After breakfast, visit the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The museum houses the 17th-century warship, Vasa, which sank on her maiden voyage and was salvaged only in 1961. The rest of the afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish. Consider taking a self-guided Millennium Walking Tour of Stockholm or visit the Abba Museum. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family.

Today is free for you to enjoy your last day in Sweden. In the evening, you'll be boarding an overnight ferry for Helsinki, Finland. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your Scandinavian adventure as you sail across the Baltic Sea.

After your morning arrival into Helsinki's port, take public transport to your hotel. Discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Apart from a short orientation walk, today is completely free and you'll be able to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are a visit to the city's cathedral or the interesting Design Museum. Don't miss the harbor-side market and make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defense for the city.