It’s fair to say, Scandinavia is having a moment. Perhaps several moments. With cutting edge minimalist design, five-star fusion cuisine, long life expectancy and a social system that runs like Danish clockwork, it seems every cafe, furniture store and political system on the planet can learn a thing or two from Europe’s latest hotspot. This is your chance to see it up close. From the inky Fjordlands of Norway’s coastline to the fish markets of Copenhagen, along with a few obscure gems like Bergen, Lillehammer and the Swedish Lakes District. And like any well-plotted Danish drama, there’ll be a few surprises along the way.
Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhagen, Denmark
Norway’s fjords feature some of the most stunning scenery on Earth. Cruise past waterfalls and snow-capped peaks through the narrow Naeroyfjord
Discover Stockholm’s maritime history at the Vasa Museum, which houses an original wooden war ship from 1628. This impressive vessel gives you a rare glimpse into the naval power Sweden was once famous for
Explore Copenhagen like a local and hop on a bike. There is no better way to see the major sites, as well as explore hidden corners of this beautiful city
Don’t miss Gothenburg’s Haga district, with its picturesque wooden houses and the iconic Skansen Kronan, as well as laid-back Langgatan street
Take a ferry to Vrango Island, a stunning fishing town in the Gothenburg Archipelago, and explore its rocky shores by kayak.
The areas visited on this trip can be very cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.
Scandinavia can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to optional activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Please bear this in mind when booking this trip. Your leader will be at hand to advise on how to save money.
As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge (some exceptions may apply). Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe often don’t have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms in Scandinavia tend to be small, and occasionally bathrooms will be shared with other guests.
This trip is designed to give you a fair amount of free time so you can explore each destination at your own pace. We will, however, take you on regular orientation walks, so you’ll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries.
This trip involves some long journeys via bus and train (sometimes up to nine hours). Although this can be a bit tiresome, it’s a great way to sit back, relax and take in the passing scenery.
As this is a combination of 2 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Oslo.
If you have more time to explore the region you may want to check out our trip ‘Scandinavia & Baltic Circuit’ (trip code AMSOC) which continues from Helsinki through the Baltic States, ending in Vilnius.
There are no meals included on this day.
The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you’re going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can’t arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you’re able to attend the welcome meeting. We’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Please note that rooms in hotels in Scandinavia can often be smaller and more basic in comparison to accommodations in other parts of Europe.
Please note that our accommodation in Gothenburg has shared facilities. As Gothenburg has topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index for a number of years now, the city is considered one of the greenest hotel cities in the world. Our hotel is no exception and holds an official eco-certification.
Please note that today’s kayaking activity takes place only during the summer months from May to September, and is subject to weather conditions. During the winter months from October to April you will explore the island on a guided island tour instead.
As this trip is a combination trip your leader and group composition may change at this location. There will be a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. You are welcome to attend so you can meet your new fellow travellers.
Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.
Please note that this morning’s guided walk is on a join-in basis, which means that there will be other participants apart from our group members. For later in the day it might be a good idea to purchase a 24 hour Bergen Card. It gives you free and discounted access to a range of attractions and museums, as well as included travel on light rail and buses. You can book this online before you arrive.
The accommodation for the next two nights is in rustic cabins on a camp site in peaceful surroundings. All cabins have electricity, running water, a kitchen for self-catering and bathroom facilities that are shared between the rooms in each cabin. Linen and towels are provided. If you have booked a single supplement, please note that the nights at the cabins are an exemption and you will share a room with one of your fellow travellers.
There are no meals included on this day.
Please note that the Flam Railway should be booked in advance during the busy summer months. Your leader will be able to advise of the best time for this excursion should you wish to prebook this.
There are no meals included on this day.
Please note that the bicycle tour is weather dependent.
We recommend you book your tickets to the Abba Museum in advance at: abbathemuseum.com/en/
Please note that your cabins for the night are bunk bed cabins, however we have booked one cabin per 2 passengers to allow for a bit more room. Each cabin has a private bathroom. If you have booked a single supplement, please note that the night on the overnight ferry is an exemption and you will share a cabin with one of your fellow travellers.
There are no meals included on this day.
Upon your morning arrival check-in at our hotel in Helsinki may not yet be possible. In this case, you will store your luggage at the hotel and head out for an orientation walk. You will be able to check into your room later on.
If it’s all ending too soon, you can extend your trip by combining it with our ‘Baltic Experience’ trip, travelling from Helsinki through the Baltic States, and ending in Vilnius. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
