Grand Scandinavia (Small Groups, 20 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 20-day Scandinavian adventure that will take you through the enchanting landscapes of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. This multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty of these Nordic countries. From the charming city of Copenhagen to the wilderness of Lapland, the modernity of Stockholm to the fjords of Norway, every day brings a new discovery. Enjoy the company of local experts, indulge in regional delicacies, and marvel at world-renowned attractions. Whether you're gazing at the Northern Lights, exploring historic castles, or cruising through the largest archipelago in the world, this tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
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.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Trondheim: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Market Square and its statue of Olav Tryggvason, the Nidaros Cathedral, the Tyholt Tower and Old Town Bridge.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
RADISSON BLU SCANDINAVIA HOTEL-COPENHAGEN (CONTEMPORARY) - DENMARK
SCANDIC GRAND CENTRAL STOCKHOLM (CONTEMPORARY) - SWEDEN
SERENADE/SYMPHONY, TALLINK SILJA LINE - STOCKHOLM (OVERNIGHT CRUISING) - SWEDEN
GLO HOTEL ART-HELSINKI (HISTORIC) - FINLAND
SCANDIC ATLAS, KUOPIO.-KUOPIO (TRADITIONAL) - FINLAND
SANTA'S HOTEL SANTA CLAUS, ROVANIEMI.-ROVANIEMI (TRADITIONAL) - FINLAND
HOTEL IVALO OY-IVALO (TRADITIONAL) - FINLAND
SCANDIC HONNINGSVAG-HONNNINSVAG (TRADITIONAL) - NORWAY
SCANDIC ALTA-ALTA (TRADITIONAL) - NORWAY
SCANDIC NARVIK-NARVIK (CONTEMPORARY) - NORWAY
FRU HAUGANS HOTEL-MOSJØEN (TRADITIONAL) - NORWAY
CLARION HOTEL-TRONDHEIM (CONTEMPORARY) - NORWAY
HOTEL UNION GEIRANGER-GEIRANGER (HISTORIC) - NORWAY.
THON HOTEL OPERA-OSLO (CONTEMPORARY) - NORWAY
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: Arrival in Copenhagen
- Copenhagen - Arrival day
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- Tivoli Gardens
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Start your Scandinavian journey in the captivating city of Copenhagen. After settling in, join your Travel Director for a delightful welcome dinner. As the evening unfolds, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the world-renowned Tivoli Gardens, a place of enchanting lights and thrilling rides.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Copenhagen
- Copenhagen
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- Amalienborg
- Copenhagen Cathedral
- Rosenborg Castle
- Rundetaarn
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Spend the day exploring the charm of Copenhagen with a local expert. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, and the Copenhagen Cathedral. Don't miss the chance to see the Round Tower, the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. The afternoon is yours to discover more of what this city has to offer.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Stockholm
- Copenhagen
- Stockholm
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- Øregaard Museum
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Bid farewell to Denmark as you cross the magnificent Øresund Bridge into Sweden. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Skåne region and along the shores of Lake Vättern. Arrive in Stockholm, the beautiful Swedish capital set on 14 islands. Spend the evening sampling local cuisine and soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Stockholm and Baltic Cruise
- Stockholm
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- Stockholm City Hall
- Karlaplan
- Vasa Museum
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Join a local expert to explore the marvels of Stockholm. Visit the City Hall's Golden Hall and Blue Hall, stroll through the medieval heart of the city, Gamla Stan, and see the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, consider visiting the Vasa Galleon. As evening falls, board a cruise to Finland, sailing through the world's largest archipelago. Enjoy dinner onboard and marvel at the sight of thousands of islands under the midnight sun.
Day 5 – Day 5: Arrival in Helsinki
- Helsinki
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Welcome to Helsinki, a city known for its design, fashion, and stunning architecture. Disembark your cruise and meet your local expert. Wander through a traditional food market, sampling local delicacies like liquorice and smoked reindeer. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. Consider stopping for lunch at the colourful harbour market and browse the stalls selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Kuopio
- Helsinki
- Kuopio
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- Puijo tower
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Travel through Finland's enchanting forests and beautiful lakes. Arrive in Kuopio and 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: Journey to the Arctic
- 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 unique city centre spread across several islands. Continue 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 and explore Rovaniemi with a local expert. Visit the Town Hall and Rovaniemi Church. Choose between meeting Santa Claus or joining 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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- Wild Spirit Park
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Travel north along the Four Winds Road, where you may see herds of reindeer roaming freely. Visit one of the oldest churches in Lapland before continuing through Europe's last great wilderness to the Urho Kekkonen National Park near Tankavaara.
Day 10 – Day 10: Journey to Honningsvag
Day 10: Journey to Honningsvag
Cross into Norway and stop at Karasjok for a cultural experience at the Sami National Museum. Continue along the beautiful Porsanger Fjord to the quaint settlement of Honningsvag. In the evening, journey to Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, for a unique experience under the midnight sun.
Day 11 – Day 11: Journey to Alta
Day 11: Journey to Alta
Enjoy a relaxed morning before continuing through Norway's northernmost county of 'Finnmark', known for its 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.
Day 12 – Day 12: Exploring Alta
Day 12: Exploring Alta
Spend the morning exploring Alta, perhaps visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of prehistoric rock carvings. Later, visit a working husky farm and meet the champion dog sledding Lyrek family. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring regional specialities such as salmon or reindeer.
Day 13 – Day 13: Journey to Narvik
Day 13: Journey to Narvik
Travel south, passing the marvellous Lyngen Alps and the site of the German battleship Tirpitz. Arrive in Narvik, a city surrounded by majestic mountains. Spend the evening exploring at your leisure, perhaps taking a ride on the neighbouring Sweden's iron-ore railway for stunning fjord views.
Day 14 – Day 14: Journey to Mosjøen
Day 14: Journey to Mosjøen
Board a ferry to cross Tysfjord and continue past Rago National Park. Say goodbye to the Arctic before reaching Mosjøen, a pleasant town on the Vefsnfjord that boasts 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 to Trondheim, once the seat of ancient Viking kings and now Norway's third-largest city. Explore the city's rich history, visit the Nidaros Cathedral, and enjoy the view from the Tyholt Tower.
Day 16 – Day 16: Journey to Geiranger
- Trøndelag
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- Rondane National Park
- Geirangerfjord
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Embark on one of the most scenic drives in the world through Norwegian Fjordland. Cross the Dovre Mountains and journey through Dovrefjell National Park. Visit Lom, home to one of Norway's most beautiful stave churches. Arrive at the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord for a spectacular cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Day 17 – Day 17: Exploring Geiranger
Day 17: Exploring Geiranger
Spend a full day exploring the fjords and mountains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consider joining an optional scenic drive along the amazing Troll's Road. This masterpiece of engineering offers spectacular views that will leave you speechless.
Day 18 – Day 18: Journey to Oslo
- Oslo
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Travel through the countryside that inspired Ibsen's 'Peer Gynt' and provided inspiration for Edvard Grieg. Continue to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, for a brief orientation. Arrive in Oslo, the modern Norwegian capital. Celebrate your travels with a special dinner, toasting to 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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Join a local expert to explore Oslo. Visit the medieval Akershus Castle, see the Royal Palace, and explore the intriguing sculptures in Frogner Park. The afternoon is yours to relax by the harbour or continue exploring at your own pace.
Day 20 – Day 20: Departure from Oslo
- Oslo - Departure day
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Your Scandinavian exploration comes to an end. Spend the morning at leisure before departing for your onward journey, taking with you a lifetime of memories from this enchanting region.
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