Scandinavian Heritage (Classic, 28 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 28-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Scandinavia. This multi-day tour takes you through the heart of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, offering a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the medieval Akershus Castle in Oslo to the intriguing sculptures of Frogner Park, the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord, the lively Fish Market in Bergen, the majestic fjords of Stavanger, and the enchanting forests of Finland, every day brings a new discovery. Experience the thrill of crossing the Arctic Circle, the charm of Copenhagen, the architectural marvels of Stockholm, and the global trendsetter city of Helsinki. This tour is designed to immerse you in the local culture, history, and natural wonders of Scandinavia, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
Included
14 Dinner (D)
27 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
Oslo: Savour local specialities with your Travel Director and fellow travellers during 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 during dinner at a local restaurant.
Alta: Meet the Lyrek family and their huskies. Hear tales about their marathon Arctic dog sled races while enjoying a hearty lunch.
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Odense: Be enchanted by the tales of Hans Christian Andersen's life when you visit the museum dedicated to his life and works.
Odense: Visit St Canute's Cathedral and hear tales of Canute, Denmark's last Viking king and royal saint.
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.
Rovaniemi: Join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest and admire the tranquil surroundings.
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.
Cruise in high-class cabins with sea views.
Lyngdal: Tour the Wild Salmon Centre with a biologist guide and learn about protecting salmon populations and the local ecosystem.
Copenhagen: Dine at Cofoco, a restaurant leading the way in minimising food waste and promoting a sustainable future. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.
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.
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.
Hardangervidda: Pass through the National Park known for its beautiful arctic tundra.
Bergen: With your Local Expert, see the many colourful stalls of the lively Fish Market and marvel at the 13th-century Haakon's Hall.
Flam Railway: Journey on one of the world's steepest railways through tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountainside of the narrow Flåm Valley.
Stavanger: Fjord hop from Bergen to Stavanger.
Kristiansand: Sail across the Skagerrak as you cross from Kristiansand to Hirsthals.
Odense: Kongernes Jelling - Home of the Viking Kings visit uses lighting, sound and imaginative special effects bringing to life Viking adventure stories from 1000 years ago.
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 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.
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.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Kristiansand: During your orientation with your Travel Director, walk the city centre and see the Dom Kirke and Nupen Fountain.
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.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Oslo
- Oslo - Arrival day
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Your Scandinavian adventure begins in the vibrant city of Oslo. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a delightful welcome dinner with wine, where you'll get to meet your fellow travellers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Oslo
- Oslo
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- Akershus Fortress
- Tøyen Park
- The Royal Palace
- Oslo Opera House
- Frognerparken
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Start your day with a guided tour of Oslo's iconic attractions, including the medieval Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace, and the Opera House area. Stroll through the intriguing Frogner Park, home to the sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps exploring the City Hall, the venue for the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Ullensvang
- Oslo
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Today, journey across the Hardanger Plateau, Europe's largest mountain plateau and the biggest national park in the Nordic countries. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty before arriving at your hotel in the charming town of Ullensvang.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Ullensvang to Bergen
Day 4: From Ullensvang to Bergen
- Flam Railway Museum
- Viking Valley
- Nærøyfjord
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Travel to the Nærøyfjord and visit the Viking Valley. Take an optional cruise on this UNESCO listed fjord before continuing to the coastal city of Bergen. Journey on the traditional Flåm railway, one of the world's steepest railways, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, glacial rivers, and verdant scenery. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5 – Day 5: Discovering Bergen
Day 5: Discovering Bergen
- KODE 4, KODE Kunstmuseer og komponisthjem
- Fløyen
- The King Håkon's Hall
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Explore Bergen with a local expert. Visit the lively Fish Market, a vibrant hub of activity in the heart of the city. See the 13th-century Haakon's Hall and enjoy some free time to explore the city. You might want to visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg or ascend Mount Fløyen by Scandinavia's only funicular.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Bergen to Stavanger
- Stavanger
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- Pulpit Rock
- Lysefjord
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Travel along the stunning coastline and sail across fjords, passing an abundance of islands. Arrive in Stavanger, one of Norway's oldest cities, known for its fusion of old-world charm and cosmopolitan flair. Cruise the Lysefjord, admiring the waterfalls and the overhanging Pulpit Rock.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Stavanger to Kristiansand
- Stavanger
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- Archive Foundation
- Eikerapen Alpinsenter AS
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In Lyngdal, tour the Wild Salmon Centre with a biologist guide, learning about the protection of salmon populations and the local ecosystem. Continue to Kristiansand, where an orientation walk will show you the Dom Kirke and the Nupen Fountain. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Kristiansand to Aalborg
- Hjørring
- Aalborg
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Bid farewell to Norway as you sail across the Skagerrak to Hirtshals, Denmark. Continue your journey to Aalborg, Denmark's fourth-largest city, known for its vibrant cultural scene and historical treasures.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Aalborg to Odense via Aarhus
- Aalborg
- Aarhus
- Odense
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- The Border Museum
- ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
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Experience the youthful energy of Aarhus, a city with a vibrant pulse. Visit the City Hall, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, and Dokk1, the largest public library in Scandinavia. En route to Odense, stop for a tour of Jelling, visiting the Home of the Viking Kings Museum. Arrive in Odense, located on the island of Fyn, and enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Odense
- Odense
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- Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
- Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
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Spend the day in Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. Choose to visit the Hans Christian Andersen House, a museum dedicated to his life and works, or visit St Canute's Cathedral and hear tales of Canute, Denmark's first royal saint.
Day 11 – Day 11: From Odense to Copenhagen
- Odense
- Copenhagen
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- Frederiksborg Chapel
- Tivoli Gardens
- Københavns Rådhus
- Christiansborg Palace
- Amalienborg Palace
- Rosenborg Castle
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Travel to Denmark's capital, Copenhagen. With a local expert, visit iconic attractions like the Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, and Christianborg Palace. Visit the 18th-century Copenhagen Cathedral, known for its neoclassical architecture. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Round Tower or the Copenhagen Cathedral. In the evening, enjoy a special dinner at the Cofoco restaurant, featuring sustainable ingredients.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Copenhagen to Stockholm
- Copenhagen
- Stockholm
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- Ørstedsparken
- Sophienholm
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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, a haven for flora and fauna, and continue through the Skåne region, the namesake of Scandinavia. Arrive in Stockholm, the Swedish capital set on 14 beautiful islands. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps trying the local cuisine.
Day 13 – Day 13: From Stockholm to Helsinki
- Stockholm
- Helsinki
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- Stockholm City Hall
- The Royal Palace
- Karlaplan
- Vasa Museum
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Join a local expert for a visit to the City Hall's Golden Hall and Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. Continue to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city, and see the cathedral and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, visit the Vasa Galleon, a 17th-century naval vessel. In the evening, board a Baltic cruise to Finland, enjoying dinner onboard and the sight of thousands of islands from your sea-view cabin.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Helsinki
- Helsinki
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Arrive in Helsinki, known for its design, fashion, stunning architecture, and luscious parks. Disembark your Baltic cruise and meet your local expert. Wander through a traditional food market and sample local produce. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure, perhaps stopping for lunch at the colourful market by the harbour.
Day 15 – Day 15: From Helsinki to Kuopio
- Helsinki
- Kuopio
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- Puijo tower
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Travel to Kuopio, a city surrounded by beautiful lakes and enchanting forests. Upon arrival, ascend Puijo Tower for a splendid panorama that reveals why Finland is called the land of a thousand lakes.
Day 16 – Day 16: From Kuopio to Rovaniemi via Oulu
- Kuopio
- Oulu
- Rovaniemi
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Journey towards the Arctic, travelling to Lapland, the native home of the nomadic Sami people. Visit Oulu, northern Finland's oldest city, known for its beautiful islands and excellent cycleways. Continue to Rovaniemi, the modern capital of the region.
Day 17 – Day 17: Exploring Rovaniemi
- Rovaniemi
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- Santa Claus Village
- Arktikum
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Cross the Arctic Circle, a highlight for many travellers. Explore Rovaniemi and choose to meet Santa Claus and embrace the spirit of Christmas or join a nature walk in the forest. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps visiting the open-air museum and Arktikum.
Day 18 – Day 18: From Rovaniemi 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 and journey through Europe's last great wilderness to see the Urho Kekkonen National Park near the gold centre of Tankavaara.
Day 19 – Day 19: From Tankavaara to Honningsvag
Day 19: From Tankavaara to Honningsvag
Cross nature reserves into Norway and stop at Karasjok for a visit to the Sami National Museum and the Sami Parliament. 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 20 – Day 20: From Honningsvag to Alta
- Kaltanėnai
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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 city famous for its fishing and mining history. Spend the afternoon exploring the town at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Northern Lights Cathedral.
Day 21 – Day 21: Exploring Alta
- Kaltanėnai
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Spend the morning exploring Alta or consider visiting the Rock Art of Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, visit a working husky farm to meet the champion dog sledding Lyrek family. Learn about their Alaskan huskies and the challenges of competing in marathon Arctic dog sled races. Enjoy a wonderful oven-baked lunch with seasonal specialities from the region.
Day 22 – Day 22: From Alta to Narvik
- Kaltanėnai
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Pass Kåfjord where the German battleship Tirpitz was once stationed and hear tales of one of the first large-scale battles of World War II. As you travel south, see the marvellous Lyngen Alps in the distance. Continue to Narvik, surrounded by majestic mountains. Spend the evening exploring the city at your leisure.
Day 23 – Day 23: From Narvik to Mosjøen
Day 23: From Narvik 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 24 – Day 24: From Mosjøen to Trondheim
- Trøndelag
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- KōH i NōR
- Old Town Bridge
- Nidaros Cathedral
- Museet Kystens Arv
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Drive through Namdalen then watch for salmon leaping upstream as they travel to their spawning-grounds 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. Trondheim is full of interest, with the Market Square, Nidaros Cathedral, Tyholttårnet, and the Old Town Bridge.
Day 25 – Day 25: From Trondheim to Geiranger
- Trøndelag
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- Rondane National Park
- Lom stavkyrkje
- Geirangerfjord
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Begin one of the most scenic days you will ever experience. Norwegian Fjordland is a dream world of soaring mountains, icy glaciers, and rivers which cascade hundreds of metres into the green valleys below. Cross the Dovre Mountains, as you journey through Dovrefjell National Park. Travel via lakes and snow-capped peaks to Lom, home to one of Norway's most beautiful stave churches. Arrive at the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord to embark on a spectacular cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Day 26 – Day 26: Exploring Geiranger
Day 26: Exploring Geiranger
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.
Day 27 – Day 27: From Geiranger to Oslo via Lillehammer
- 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, and raise your glass to toast to your adventures.
Day 28 – Day 28: Farewell Oslo
- Oslo - Departure day
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It's time to say goodbye to your new friends and the beautiful landscapes of Scandinavia. Your trip ends in the morning, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories from this incredible journey.
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