Nordic Odysseys Germany to Scandinavia - 16 Days

Upon arriving in the vibrant city of Berlin, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Once settled, you’ll have some free time to relax or start exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. In the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel reception boards for important information about the start of your tour. Please be aware that this trip may see group members join or depart at various points, with the group size never exceeding the maximum limit. Enjoy your first evening in Berlin, soaking up the unique atmosphere of Germany’s capital. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Begin your day in Berlin with an enriching panoramic tour of Germany’s dynamic capital. We'll guide you through the historic heart of the city, highlighting renowned locations such as Museum Island, the iconic Reichstag, and the striking Brandenburg Gate. Delight in the vibrant atmosphere of Berlin's shopping avenues and serene parks. Our tour incorporates thoughtful visits to the poignant Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Potsdam, where you can explore magnificent palaces and beautifully landscaped gardens at your own pace.

On day three, we set off from Berlin and journey to Dresden, a charming city nestled on the banks of the River Elbe. Here, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at its magnificent palace. Our travels then lead us to Bamberg, a vibrant and scenic city in Bavaria. While there, make sure to explore the quaint area known as Little Venice. Our adventure continues as we arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, steeped in a rich tapestry of history. We suggest visiting the site once home to Hitler’s Coliseum as a reminder of the city’s complex past.

Today's itinerary promises an intriguing exploration through significant historical sites and picturesque landscapes. Starting from Kelheim, we'll board a boat for a scenic cruise through the Danube Valley, navigating the dramatic cliffs of the Danube Gorge. Our first stop is Kloster Weltenburg, a stunning Benedictine monastery with roots dating back to 1040, offering a glimpse into Germany’s monastic traditions.

Next, we journey to Dachau, where we’ll visit the concentration camp museum, providing a poignant insight into one of history’s darkest chapters. Following this reflective experience, we head to Munich. Here, we’ll spend time at BMW Welt, a sleek and modern exhibition of the iconic car manufacturer, before exploring the Olympiastadion, the renowned venue of the 1972 Olympic Games.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to immerse yourself in Munich’s charm. You might choose to wander through Marienplatz, the city’s vibrant central square, or discover local produce at the Viktualienmarkt. Alternatively, unwind in the English Garden or enjoy the convivial atmosphere of traditional beer halls. Please be aware that during winter or when the Danube's water levels are low, the cruise might be replaced by a visit to Landshut, and while Kloster Weltenburg may not be open for entry, its striking exterior can still be admired.

Our day begins amidst the stunning alpine landscapes as we journey to Füssen, where the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle awaits. We'll travel by bus to Mary's Bridge for breathtaking views of the gorge below. From here, you can decide whether you'd like to return on foot or take a horse-drawn carriage ride (not included). Continuing with our travels, we'll explore the famed Romantic Road leading us to Rothenburg, a delightful walled city with medieval charm. Here, admission to the enchanting Christmas Museum is included. The day's adventure concludes as we travel onward to Frankfurt, the bustling financial capital of Germany.

Today, we'll embark on a charming journey exploring the meandering Rhine and Moselle Valleys, regions rich in history and dotted with quaint villages. Our day begins with a delightful cruise on the Rhine River, navigating the scenic stretch between Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar, renowned for its picturesque landscapes. After the cruise, we'll head towards the Moselle River, pausing for lunch in the enchanting village of Cochem. Here, you'll find a stunning castle overlooking the village, steeped in a history that spans more than a millennium. Later, we'll travel onward to Cologne, where you'll have the opportunity to admire its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral—one of the tallest structures in the world until the end of the 19th century. Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River and through Cologne's vibrant city centre before we set off for our hotel in Dortmund. It's worth noting that during fairs or conferences, accommodation might be arranged in a nearby city.

Today, we embark on a whimsical journey along the Fairy Tale Route, inspired by the enchanting stories of the Brothers Grimm. Our first stop is the quaint village of Trendelburg, where we will explore its grand medieval castle, home to the famous Rapunzel Tower—a treat included in our itinerary. Continuing through picturesque roads, you'll find yourself amidst forests reminiscent of the tale of Hansel and Gretel. We shall pause for lunch in Höxter, a vibrant town where Corvey Abbey awaits our visit. This ancient monastery, dating back to the 9th century, holds the honour of being a World Heritage Site, and entry is included for us to indulge in its historical magnificence.

Our adventure continues to Polle, where you'll have the chance to visit the ruins of Cinderella’s Castle, another included experience. Next, we travel to Hamelin, a town eternally linked with the lore of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." As we explore, the town's intriguing history comes alive along our path, marked distinctively with mouse tracks. Finally, we reach Hanover, where the charms of the city beckon with an opportunity to meander through the area near the old town hall. Please note that during busy conference periods, our accommodation might be in a neighbouring town, and Corvey Abbey remains closed from November to February, ensuring our route naturally adjusts to these times.

Following breakfast, we will set off for Hamburg to explore its vibrant port, complete with a picturesque lake. After enjoying lunch, our journey continues to Flensburg, a delightful seaside village with a marina situated on the border with Denmark. We will then travel along the Jutland Peninsula, eventually arriving in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city.

Leaving Aarhus behind, we journey to Hirtshals to board a ferry across the North Sea to Norway, embarking on a three-hour voyage that brings us to Kristiansand. Upon arrival, we continue along Norway’s dazzling southern coastline, making a stop at the charming town of Flekkefjord. The day concludes as we reach Stavanger, a picturesque town with a vibrant port nestled by the fjord. Note that ferry schedules can vary by month, but there is generally time to enjoy lunch on board.

As we depart from Stavanger, we'll visit the Swords in Rock monument, a striking reminder of the Viking era. Our journey through Norway will take us through an awe-inspiring landscape of tunnels and bridges, accompanied by sections of boat travel along the fjord coast. One of these tunnels is notably the deepest in the world. The two boat passages are designed to provide both relaxation and spectacular views.

We plan to reach Bergen around lunchtime, where we'll take a cable car up Mount Fløyen to enjoy breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding fjord. Once you've descended, you'll have free time to explore Bergen at your own pace, discovering why it is often referred to as the gateway to Norway's stunning fjords.

Today promises an exploration of Norway's awe-inspiring landscapes, encompassing fjords, glaciers, lakes, and forests. Our first destination is Sognefjord, the largest fjord in Norway, where we'll take a moment to admire the picturesque Tvindefossen Waterfall. We'll then embark on a scenic cruise from Gudvangen to Aurland, soaking in the breathtaking views during the one-and-a-half-hour voyage – it's an ideal setting for a boat lunch.

Our travels continue through magnificent snowy terrains and the remarkable Aurland Tunnel, the world's longest of its kind. A brief stop will allow us to appreciate the exterior of Borgund Stave Church, the best-preserved medieval wooden church in Norway. As we approach Oslo, you'll be welcomed with free time to wander the port, explore the lively main streets, and discover the artistic treasures in Frogner Park.

We begin the day with a guided panoramic tour of Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway. This city artfully combines modern architecture with classical buildings and boasts expansive parks filled with sculptures. As a recognised European Green Capital, Oslo presents an appealing blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. After our guided exploration, you will have some leisure time to delve into its charms at your own pace. We then set off towards Sweden, travelling through landscapes rich with forests and lakes. Our journey takes us to Örebro, a historic town situated by a picturesque lake, home to a magnificent castle and a delightful old town. Enjoy a leisurely walk here before we resume our journey. We continue on to Stockholm, arriving in the evening, ready for our next adventure.

Today, we’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the stunning capital city of Stockholm, uniquely set on 14 interconnected islands. Our exploration will include a visit to Gamla Stan, known as "the city between bridges," where you’ll find the charming old town brimming with historical significance. Here, we’ll see notable landmarks such as the Nobel Prize Museum, situated right beside Stortorget, the main square honouring Nobel laureates, as well as the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. As we explore, we’ll aim to take in the breathtaking views from the Fjällgatan viewpoint whenever possible. Following our guided tour, you’ll have free time to further immerse yourself in Stockholm’s offerings. We recommend visiting the city’s exceptional museums and verdant parks. Alternatively, you might choose to explore City Hall or the renowned Vasa Museum.

As we journey south today, we'll spend some time in the lively coastal town of Helsingborg before taking an early afternoon ferry from Sweden to Helsingør in Denmark. This charming town, well-known as Hamlet's birthplace, features the remarkable Kronborg Castle. You'll have an opportunity to explore the area and immerse yourself in its rich history. Once you've enjoyed the sights, we'll continue our travels, reaching Copenhagen by evening.

Starting our day in Copenhagen, we'll embark on a guided tour of Denmark's dynamic capital. Known for its exceptional living standards and dedication to sustainability, Copenhagen also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. We'll explore significant landmarks, including The Little Mermaid statue and the picturesque Nyhavn harbour, famous for its colourful historic buildings. We'll also view the exterior of Amalienborg Palace, the home of the Danish royal family, as well as the Town Hall Square and the Tivoli Gardens area.

Following our exploration of Copenhagen, we set our course south through Denmark, heading to Gedser to board a two-hour ferry crossing to Germany. Our journey will then continue from Warnemünde, taking us onwards to Berlin, where we are scheduled to arrive by the end of the day. Please note that if only a few travellers are making the journey from Copenhagen to Berlin, the route may be operated on a regular passenger service without affecting the itinerary's planned experiences.

Following breakfast, our journey draws to a close. You’ll leave with cherished memories and newfound stories from your adventures to share.