Grand Scandinavia (Classic, 20 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 20-day Scandinavian adventure that will take you through the heart of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. This multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of these Nordic countries. From the enchanting Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen to the majestic fjords of Norway, each day presents a new opportunity for exploration and discovery. Enjoy the company of local experts who will guide you through world-renowned attractions, and savor the flavors of traditional Scandinavian cuisine. Whether you're marveling at the architectural wonders of Helsinki, crossing the Arctic Circle, or exploring the wilderness of Lapland, this tour promises a unique and unforgettable journey.
Included
3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
19 Breakfast (B)
7 Dinner (D)
1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Copenhagen: Get to know your fellow travellers and Travel Director over a drink at your Welcome Dinner.
Helsinki: Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market with your Local Expert and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer.
Alta: Savour a delicious oven-baked lunch of local seasonal specialities of fresh salmon or the local's favourite, reindeer, served with fresh salads and wine.
Oslo: Scandinavian hospitality is matched with fine food and a glass of wine at your Celebration Dinner.
Alta: Meet the Lyrek family and their huskies. Hear tales about their marathon Arctic dog sled races while enjoying a hearty lunch.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Rovaniemi: Join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest and admire the tranquil surroundings.
Rovaniemi: Meet Santa Claus when you visit his village where it is Christmas all year round! From his post office, you can make sure that Santa sends Christmas letters to friends and family back home come December.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Karasjok: Visit the The Sámi Museum in Karasjok, displaying the largest cultural heritage collection of indigenous Sámi people in Norway. Admire a big part of its 5,000 items collection, spread across indoor and outdoor exhibits. The Sámi Museum in Karasjok educates its guests about the resiliency of the Sámi community and endeavors to safeguard indigenous-driven processes and traditional practices.The Sámi Museum advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Copenhagen: Make the most of the long summer nights at the glittering Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous entertainment park, full of fantasy, fun and charm.
Copenhagen: With your Local Expert, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe.
Copenhagen: Visit the impressive 18th century Copenhagen Cathedral, designed by Christian Frederik Hansen, known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark.
Oresund Bridge: Cross this magnificent feat of engineering. It's the longest road and rail bridge in Europe, spanning 8 kilometres.
Stockholm: With a Local Expert, step inside the City Hall where the fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall is covered by 18 million gilded mosaic tiles. You'll also see the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held.
Stockholm: With your Local Expert, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town.
Helsinki: Admire the beautiful views from your high-class, sea-view cabin as your cruise through the largest archipelago in the world, from Stockholm to Helsinki.
Helsinki: Your Local Expert will show you the sights of the harbour city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer before enjoying free time to explore the harbour of this fascinating city of design.
Kuopio: Admire the spectacular panoramic views from atop Puijo Tower.
Oulu: Visit Northern Finland's oldest city. It is also one of the most important harbour cities in all of Northern Europe.
Rovaniemi: See Alvar Aalto's Town Hall and visit the cathedral. You'll even receive an Arctic Circle Crossing certificate.
Sodankyla: Visit one of Lapland's oldest churches.
Ivalo: Enjoy an orientation as you arrive into the village.
Karasjok: See the Sami Parliament and continue on to visit the museum devoted to Sami history and culture, offering a glimpse into the old Sami lifestyle.
North Cape: Journey to mainland Europe's most northern point to see something that doesn't happen - sunset! Even at midnight, the sun clings to the horizon. This once-in-a-lifetime unique experience is accompanied by champagne and caviar to make it even more special. Stand near the fence of the towering cliffs, dramatically rising out of the sea and you will feel as if you are on the edge of the world, and you literally are.
Narvik: Learn more about the scenic town of Narvik and its history as you gaze upon the majestic mountains that surround the town.
Mosjoen: See the street of historic, 19th century wooden buildings and Norway's oldest octagonal church.
Trondheim: Tell all your friends you travelled through!
Geiranger: Enjoy an orientation of Geiranger to learn more about this small village and the surrounding Fjords.
Geiranger: Cruise along the deep, blue waters of majestic Geirangerfjord, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, gushing waterfalls and lush green vegetation.
Lillehammer: Explore the town where the 1994 Winter Olympics were held.
Oslo: With your Local Expert, see Akershus Castle, Oslo Harbour and the Royal Palace.
Oslo: Take a moment to contemplate the interesting Vigeland sculptures when you visit Frogner Park.
"One thing I really love about showing guests Norway is how people have lived and flourished for thousands of years in harsh and unforgiving yet stunningly beautiful landscapes."
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Copenhagen: Rising high above the city skyline, the Radisson Blu Scandanavia Hotel Copenhagen affords stunning views of the ancient City Hall, the gilded church towers of Christianshavn and the picturesque coast.
Cruising: Enjoy the additional comfort of your high-class, sea-view cabin onboard your overnight cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki.
Helsinki: GLO Hotel Art is a charming hotel, built around a century-old art nouveau castle. It is in the centre of Helsinki surrounded by the vivid Design District.
Rovaniemi Santa's Hotel Santa Claus is set right in the very centre of the town of Rovaniemi next to the main shopping areas, only a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village.
Ivalo: Hotel Ivalo is a meeting place for Lapland travellers who expect quality. An international atmosphere is present every part of the year in the hotel, originally built 1982 and expanded in 1990.
Honningsvag: Scandic Honningsvåg is located in central Honningsvåg, a charming village which is the most northern in Norway and the world.
Alta: Scandic Alta is located in central Alta, the gateway to the Finnmark region, and combines an arctic experience with a modern and comfortable hotel stay.
Narvik: Scandic Narvik is one of Narvik’s most modern and tallest buildings in northern Norway and offers a stunning view of central Narvik, the Ofotfjorden and the surrounding mountains.
Mosjøen: The traditional Fru Haugans Hotel is in a picturesque location. It offers all the comforts of a modern hotel and is characterised by excellent personal service.
Geiranger: For a scenic location, you won't find better than Hotel Union. Enjoy upgraded rooms set against a fabulous backdrop of breathtaking fjord scenery and mountains.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Copenhagen
- Copenhagen - Arrival day
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- Tivoli Gardens
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Start your Scandinavian adventure in the vibrant city of Copenhagen. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a delightful welcome dinner. Afterward, experience the magical atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park filled with twinkling lights.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Copenhagen
- Copenhagen
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- The Little Mermaid
- Amalienborg
- Copenhagen Cathedral
- Rosenborg Castle
- Rundetaarn
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Spend the day discovering the charm of Denmark's capital with your Local Expert. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, and the Copenhagen Cathedral. In the afternoon, you have the option to explore further, perhaps climbing the Round Tower or visiting a fairytale-style castle along the Danish Riviera.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Stockholm
- Copenhagen
- Stockholm
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- Øregaard Museum
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Travel from Denmark to Sweden by crossing the incredible Øresund Bridge, the longest road and rail bridge in Europe. Pass through the artificial island of Peberholm and the Skåne region, known as the birthplace of Scandinavia. Arrive in Stockholm, the Swedish capital beautifully set on 14 islands. In the evening, savor the local cuisine in a traditional setting.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Stockholm
- Stockholm
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- Stockholm City Hall
- Stockholm Palace
- Karlaplan
- Vasa Museum
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Join a Local Expert for a tour of Stockholm's City Hall, home to the Golden Hall and the Blue Hall where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. Continue to Gamla Stan, the city's medieval heart, to see the cathedral and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, consider visiting the Vasa Galleon. In the evening, board a Baltic cruise to Finland, enjoying dinner onboard and the sight of thousands of islands.
Day 5 – Day 5: Arrival in Helsinki
- Helsinki
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- Helsinki Cathedral
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Arrive in Helsinki, a city known for its design, fashion, and stunning architecture. Disembark your Baltic cruise and meet your Local Expert. Wander through a traditional food market and sample local delicacies. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps stopping for lunch at the colorful harbor market and browsing the stalls for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Kuopio
- Helsinki
- Kuopio
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- Puijo tower
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Travel through Finland's beautiful landscapes of lakes and forests. Upon arrival in Kuopio, ascend the Puijo Tower for a panoramic view that showcases why Finland is known as the land of a thousand lakes.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Kuopio to Rovaniemi
- Kuopio
- Oulu
- Rovaniemi
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Journey towards the Arctic and into Lapland, the native home of the nomadic Sami community. Visit Oulu, northern Finland's oldest city, and explore its city center spread across several islands. Continue your travels to Rovaniemi, the modern capital of the region.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Rovaniemi
- Rovaniemi
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- Rovaniemi Church
- Arktikum Science Museum
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Cross the Arctic Circle, a highlight for many travelers. With your Local Expert, visit the Rovaniemi Church and explore the city. Choose to meet Santa Claus and embrace the spirit of Christmas or join a nature walk in the forest. In the afternoon, consider visiting the open-air museum and Arktikum.
Day 9 – Day 9: Journey to Tankavaara
- Rovaniemi
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- Angry Birds Playground
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Continue north along the Four Winds Road, where you may see herds of reindeer roaming freely. Visit one of the oldest churches in Lapland and travel through Europe's last great wilderness to see the Urho Kekkonen National Park near the gold center of Tankavaara.
Day 10 – Day 10: Journey to Honningsvag
Day 10: Journey to Honningsvag
Cross into Norway and stop at Karasjok for a visit to a Sami National Museum. Continue along the beautiful Porsanger Fjord to reach the quaint settlement of Honningsvag. In the evening, journey to Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, where you will enjoy a glass of bubbles and caviar.
Day 11 – Day 11: Journey to Alta
Day 11: Journey to Alta
Enjoy a relaxed start before continuing through Norway's most Northern County of 'Finnmark', covered in unique topography of rolling tundra and isolated dwellings. Arrive in Alta, a town famous for its fishing and mining history. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Northern Lights Cathedral or taking a wilderness trip on the Alta River.
Day 12 – Day 12: Exploring Alta
Day 12: Exploring Alta
Spend the morning at your leisure, perhaps exploring the town center or visiting the Rock Art of Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, visit a working husky farm and enjoy a wonderful lunch with seasonal specialties from the region. Learn about Alaskan huskies and Arctic dog sled races, and spend time playing with adorable husky puppies.
Day 13 – Day 13: Journey to Narvik
Day 13: Journey to Narvik
Travel south and pass Kåfjord where the German battleship Tirpitz was once stationed. See the marvelous Lyngen Alps in the distance as you continue to Narvik, a city surrounded by majestic mountains. Spend the evening exploring on your own, perhaps taking a ride on the neighboring Sweden's iron-ore railway for stunning views of the surrounding fjords.
Day 14 – Day 14: Journey to Mosjøen
Day 14: Journey to Mosjøen
Board a ferry to cross Tysfjord, then continue past Rago National Park, its fjords cut deep into the landscape. Bid farewell to the Arctic before reaching Mosjøen, a pleasant town on the Vefsnfjord that has a large concentration of historic, 19th century wooden buildings.
Day 15 – Day 15: Journey to Trondheim
- Trøndelag
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- Nidaros Cathedral
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Drive through Namdalen and watch for salmon leaping upstream at the mighty Laksfoss Falls. Continue past the village of Hell to Trondheim, once the seat of the ancient Viking kings and Norway's third largest city. See the Market Square, the Nidaros Cathedral, and the Tyholt Tower, and explore the city known as the Portal of Happiness.
Day 16 – Day 16: Journey to Geiranger
- Trøndelag
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- Geirangerfjord
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Begin one of the most scenic days you will ever experience. Cross the Dovre Mountains, journey through Dovrefjell National Park, and travel via lakes and snowcapped peaks to Lom. Arrive at the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord to embark on a spectacular cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Your hotel overlooks the beautiful Norwegian Fjord landscape.
Day 17 – Day 17: Exploring Geiranger
Day 17: Exploring Geiranger
Enjoy a relaxed start and a whole day free for you to explore the fjords and mountains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and take 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.
Day 18 – Day 18: Journey to Oslo
- Oslo
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Journey through the countryside immortalised by Ibsen in 'Peer Gynt' and inspiration for Edvard Grieg. Continue to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, for an orientation with your Travel Director. Then it's on to the modern Norwegian capital of Oslo. Round off your travels with a Celebration Dinner. During a delicious meal with wine, raise your glass to toast your adventures with your newfound friends.
Day 19 – Day 19: Exploring Oslo
- Oslo
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- Akershus Fortress
- Frogner Park
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Your Local Expert will show you the spires and ramparts of the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbour. See the Royal Palace and explore Frogner Park, housing the intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax by the harbour or continue exploring as you wish.
Day 20 – Day 20: Farewell
- Oslo - Departure day
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Your Scandinavian exploration has come to an end. Spend the day at your leisure before departing for your onward journey.
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