12 DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF SCANDINAVIA

12 DAY SCANDINAVIA TOUR TO DENMARK, NORWAY & SWEDEN

The land of the Vikings, deep fjords and long summer nights – Norway, Denmark and Sweden serve up a stylish sojourn that will deliver the arresting beauty and captivating history you would expect from Scandinavia. Your 12 day adventure across ‘the North’ reveals centuries of trading heritage amidst the region’s colourful harbour façades and all the natural splendour befitting of the 'King' and 'Queen' of the fjords.

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Day 1 | Arrive Copenhagen

You’re in for a whole lot of hygge when you hit the colourful, character-filled streets of Copenhagen, kick-starting your journey across Scandinavia. This cool capital manages to mix fairy tale with function as you’ll come to discover. Spend your day soaking up the atmosphere in 17th century Nyhavn or rubbing shoulders with the fun-loving locals in Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s second oldest amusement park. At 17:30 meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers followed by dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Comwell Portside

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Day 2 | Copenhagen sightseeing and free time

Discover why Copenhagen earns its status as one of the world’s most liveable cities – a place where work and play are perfectly balanced. Your Local Specialist will take you on a sightseeing tour to the heart of the city, through lively streets, squares and along canals, revealing many of the city’s highlights, from the Royal Amalienborg Palace to Carlsberg Glyptotek. Snap a selfie with Copenhagen’s demure Little Mermaid then spend the rest of the day exploring Copenhagen your way or join an Optional Experience to the Danish Riviera past ancient fishing villages to the 17 century Frederiksborg Castle. This evening, join a visit to the village of Dragør with its tiny thatched cottages.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Comwell Portside

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: 

North Zealand Riviera and Castle Tour - Enjoy the quaint scenery of the Danish Riviera’s conservation heritage route, as you pass through ancient fishing villages and modern marinas. You'll also love the chance to view Fredensborg Palace, summer residence of the royal family, before continuing to the magnificent 17th Century Frederiksborg Castle, where you’ll see the State Apartments and the Coronation Chapel. Adult: 63.00 EUR 

Green Hills and Hygge - First, a visit to the top of Copenhagen’s modern mountain, with the best views over the Baltic city. As Danes enjoy their summer skiing, we will learn about the vision behind this amazing project: the building, architecture and sustainability of the hill and its power plant inside. Then, to one of Denmark's best preserved places, the fairy-tale village of Dragør, with its thatched cottages, cobbled streets and pretty working harbour. You’ll wander passed colourful houses, learn a little of the history, feel the Danish hygge and enjoy a taste of traditional Danish specialties during dinner. Adult: 75.00 EUR

Wonderful Copenhagen - Denmark is probably the closest you'll get to living in a fairy-tale land, and today our Local Specialist will guide us from 'once upon a time' to 'happily ever after'. We visit the crown jewels guarded in Rosenborg Castle, walk through the Latin quarter to see the Round Tower and Copenhagen Cathedral where King Frederik and Queen Mary were married, embracing Copenhagen and the best introduction to romantic Denmark. Adult: 65.00 EUR 

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Day 3 | Copenhagen – Oslo

The next leg of your journey is filled with eyecatching landscapes that demand to be captured on camera. Your scenic drive from Denmark to Norway will see you cross the Øresund by ferry, then skirt the Swedish coastline north past glittering blue bays and lush pine and spruce forests. Continue your journey past Gothenburg bound for Oslo, the Norwegian capital. Norway wears its pioneering past with subtlety. This city could claim great Viking victories. Instead, you’ll encounter a modest, waterfront Oslo, where contemporary meets comfortable and the Norwegian philosophy of friluftsliv is palpable in its lush parks, flowerlined boulevards and bustling waterways.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Quality Hotel Hasle Linie

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Day 4 | Oslo sightseeing – Vrådal

Your Local Specialist will reveal all the highlights of Oslo this morning, including the medieval Akershus fortress, the City Hall and the Royal Palace. Visit the bronze, granite and cast iron fantasy-land left behind by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland in Frogner Park, home to the world’s largest sculpture exhibition by a single artist. Later, take the chance to explore Oslo at leisure before we travel to Norway’s Telemark region, renowned for its distinctive skiing technique. Tonight, join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Straand

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Norwegian Maritime Explorers - Norwegians have been exploring the world's oceans for generations. The 19th-century polar exploration ship Fram sailed to the Antarctic and then to the Arctic more than a hundred years ago. At the pole, Amundsen raised the new Norwegian flag. Join us at the Fram ship as we learn about its icy journeys. This spirit of adventure is followed by another, as we visit the world renowned Kon-Tiki raft that crossed the Pacific with Thor Heyerdahl. Adult: 53.00 EUR 

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Day 5 | Vrådal – Bergen

Witness Mother Nature’s magic touch on Norway as you wind your way through spectacular mountains and past Hardangerfjord, the 'Queen of the Fjords', to Bergen. The city’s Hanseatic heritage is only second to the spectacular natural landscape that surrounds this enchanting coastal city, which is famously fringed by seven hills and seven fjords. The former capital of Norway has been a trading centre since the 13 century as you will come to discover on your orientation tour of the city's highlights, including the fish market and the 13 -century Haakon's Hall, a former Royal residence.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Scandic Neptun

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Grieg And Bergen Insights - We’ll head out along the fjord to visit the home of famous composer Edvard Grieg, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the villa - the inspiration for many of his masterworks. You will also see stunning views of the city of Bergen on a trip up the hillside by funicular railway. Adult: 56.00 EUR

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Day 6 | Bergen sightseeing and free time

Nowhere is Norway’s seafaring heritage more apparent than in Bergen, which was once the cod capital of the world and a lively port for traders seeking to spread its salty delights across Europe. You’ll have some time to explore the harbour and the colourful wooden warehouses of UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the centre of Bergen’s Hanseatic trade for centuries. Consider joining an Optional Experience to visit the villa of famous composer Edvard Grieg and see where he was inspired to compose his masterworks. You could also choose to delve into Norway’s World War II history during a visit to the lost village of Telavåg, whose ties to the resistance saw it destroyed by German forces. 

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Scandic Neptun 

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Resistance and Peaceful Traditions - Come with us as we explore the lost village of Telavåg, destroyed when the German army discovered the villager’s support of the resistance in World War II. You’ll visit the insightful museum before we journey to a traditional Norwegian fishing village, where you’ll be treated to coffee and local pancakes.  Adult: 55.00 EUR

An Evening in Paradis - Leave Bergen for a short drive to Paradis, a paradise for the people who live there as it's one of the most desirable suburbs of the city. Enjoy a walk around the English-style garden of the historic Gamlehaugen Castle, home to the Royal family when they are in Bergen. Then we drive to a popular Paradis restaurant for a delicious dinner featuring selected Norwegian specialties.  

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Day 7 | Bergen – Sognefjord (Lærdal)

Norway's fjord country takes centre stage today as you head to the 'King of the Fjords', Sognefjord. You'll have a scenic drive before arriving at the world's longest and deepest fjord. You'll have a rare opportunity as part of an Optional Experience to journey on the worldfamous Flåm Railway. After, for nature lovers, there's an Optional Experience to board a cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, whose stunning landscape has inspired painters for centuries. Tonight, join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Lærdal

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Flåm Railway Journey - Take the world-famous Flåm Railway on its epic journey through the breathtaking Flåm Valley and enjoy the scenery at the mountaintop station of Myrdal, our transfer point for the charming local train route to or from Voss.  Adult: 123.00 EUR

* This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. If you decide to cancel the optional a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.

Fjords and Mountains - Experience one of mother nature’s most impressive creations as we cruise along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, with its towering mountain peaks and spectacular scenery. The breathtaking fjord landscape boasts waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and tiny villages that have inspired artists for hundreds of years – and it’s safe to say you’ll feel pretty inspired yourself as you relax on board and soak in the view. Adult: 76.00 EUR

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Day 8 | Sognefjord (Lærdal) – Lillehammer (Hamar)

Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains to Lillehammer, in the heart of Norway. You’ll discover what’s great about the great outdoors as you see how this Norwegian ski jumping centre turned Winter Olympics hub has become popular amongst adrenalin junkies.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Thon Partner Hotel Victoria Hamar

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Treasures Of Lillehammer - Explore Lillehammer's heritage on a guided visit to the charming open-air museum of Maihaugen, located on the hills above the Olympic Town. Step back in time to experience what life was like in Norway centuries ago, and understand how the unique Nordic lifestyle has shaped Norwegian culture through the ages. You’ll also visit the extraordinary Olympic ski jumping arena, and take in the wonderful panoramic views down over the town and Lake Mjøsa. When available, a ride in the chairlift to the top of the ski jump will be included.  Adult: 48.00 EUR

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Day 9 | Lillehammer (Hamar) – Karlstad – Örebro

Travel through Norway’s lush forest landscapes, through the cottage countryside of Sweden bound for Lake Vänern, to visit Karlstad, surrounded by forests, fields and lakes. Take a deep breath and embrace the simplicity of your surroundings before continuing to the lively university town of Örebro, where you’ll stay tonight. View the 13th-century castle on the banks of the Svartån River during your orientation.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Scandic Örebro Vast

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Swedish Fika and More - Step back in time to experience what life in a Swedish craft town was like centuries ago. Together with our Local Specialist, we will visit the reconstructed streets of Wadkoping, complete with wooden houses, farm buildings and craftspeople. Later, we will visit the Skybar, a converted former watertower, for traditional Swedish fika with a lovely aerial view over Örebro and the surrounding countryside. Adult: 45.00 EUR

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Day 10 | Örebro – Stockholm

Continue to stylish Stockholm, which locals refer to as 'beauty on water'. The beautiful blue jostles for your attention amidst lush green parks and a modern city where style and substance coexist effortlessly. Get your bearings and explore Stockholm your way or take a cruise across the harbour and the beautiful Djurgården canal on our Optional Experience which continues on to explore the huge public art gallery that is the Stockholm metro.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hoom Park Hotel

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Stockholm Surprises - Discover the delights of Stockholm as we cross the city’s stunning harbour before sailing through the beautifully tranquil Royal Canal on a tour led by our Local Specialist. Later, we’ll dive into the hidden art gallery of Stockholm Metro, to see how this transport system has been transformed by local artists with vibrant architecture that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Adult: 62.00 EUR

Old Town and Dinner - Uncover a world of beauty and history combined as we take a walking tour of the fairytale-like Gamla Stan, where little has changed since the 16th and 17th centuries. Marvel at the different shades of golden stone buildings that line the cobblestone streets as we stroll through the historic promenade before enjoying Swedish cuisine in a popular local restaurant, with a drink included. Adult: 73.00 EUR

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Day 11 | Stockholm sightseeing and free time

Let this elegant city capture your heart as you explore this morning with a Local Specialist. View the medieval Storkyrkan, the Swedish Parliament and the Royal Palace. An Optional Experience could see you visit Stockholm’s City Hall and delve into the story of the Vasa, a 17 century warship that sank on her maiden voyage. In the afternoon, get your cameras ready for a 'pano' worthy of framing when you head to Sodermalm on an Optional Experience which includes a visit to the world’s first Ice Bar. Say skål in glasses made of pure river ice, then join your fellow travellers later for dinner to celebrate the end of your Scandinavian adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Hoom Park Hotel

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Stockholm Bucket-List - Tick the two "must sees" of Stockholm off your bucket list as we visit the stunning City Hall and Vasa Ship. The City Hall is famed for its architecture, including the spire featuring three golden crowns, and Nobel Prize celebrations. While the jaw-dropping Vasa Ship was returned to land some 333 years after it capsized and sank in Stockholm in 1628. You’ll love the chance to explore the museum dedicated to the ship and its fascinating history. Adult: 65.00 EUR

The Cool Capital - Take a tour of trendy Sodermalm, an old working-class heritage area with diverse architecture and some of the best views over beautiful Stockholm. Later, we’ll see something truly ‘cool’ as we visit the world’s first Ice Bar and enjoy a drink in glasses made from pure river ice. Adult: 54.00 EUR

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Day 12 | Depart Stockholm

Your epic journey worthy of a Viking voyage has sadly come to an end. Say a fond farväl  to new friends and close the curtain on a holiday filled with Scandinavian style, the majesty of 'Mother Nature' and a whole lot of lek as you prepare to return home. Find out more about your available transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers.

Meals: Breakfast