Scandinavian Capitals and Fjord Wonders - 9 Days

Welcome to your adventure in the vibrant city of Copenhagen. Upon your arrival, we will arrange a transfer to your hotel. Once settled, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some free time to explore this charming city at your leisure. Discover its bustling scenes, quaint streets, and local culture. Later in the afternoon, you can find essential details about the commencement of the tour on the boards located at the hotel reception. This marks the beginning of your exciting journey through Scandinavia. 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.

On the morning of day two, we will begin with an insightful panoramic tour of Copenhagen, guided by a local expert. As the largest city in Scandinavia, Copenhagen is a fascinating blend of contrasts. We will explore the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, the stately Christiansborg Palace, the vibrant terraces of Nyhavn, and see the famous statue of the Little Mermaid, each reflecting the city's unique charm. Later in the morning, we set off towards Jutland. Our journey includes a scenic drive across a 20-kilometre bridge spanning the sea, leading us to the city of Odense. In Odense, we will visit its impressive Gothic cathedral and take a moment to explore the house of Hans Christian Andersen, the beloved author. Upon reaching Aarhus, you'll have the opportunity for some free time to explore this dynamic city at your leisure.

We begin our day with a scenic drive to Hirtshals, where we'll board a ferry for a three-hour crossing of the North Sea, heading towards Norway. Our voyage concludes in Kristiansand, from which we�ll follow Norway�s breathtaking southern coastline. We�ll make a stop in the quaint town of Flekkefjord, offering a glimpse of local charm before continuing on to Stavanger, a picturesque town famed for its lively port nestled by the fjord. It's worth noting that ferry schedules may differ based on the time of year, though you will usually have the chance to enjoy lunch on board.

As we depart from Stavanger, our first highlight is the remarkable Swords in Rock monument, a poignant reminder of the Viking era. Our journey continues along Norway's captivating fjord coastline, navigating through a series of tunnels and bridges, with select segments of the route taking us over the water in boats. One of these underwater tunnels holds the distinction of being the deepest in the world. These two boat trips provide both relaxation and a scenic spectacle. Upon our arrival in Bergen around midday, we will ascend Mount Fl�yen by cable car, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and its surrounding fjord. Once we return, you will have free time to explore Bergen, the renowned capital of the fjords, allowing you to discover its unique charm at your own pace.

Today we delve deeper into Norway's remarkable natural beauty, a highlight being Sognefjord, the largest fjord in the country. Our journey will take us through breathtaking landscapes showcasing fjords, glaciers, lakes, and forests. We will pause at the awe-inspiring Tvindefossen Waterfall before embarking on a majestic cruise between Gudvangen and Aurland. This hour-and-a-half voyage offers stunning views, and we recommend having lunch on board to enhance your experience. Continuing our adventure, we traverse snowy terrains and pass through the Aurland Tunnel, famously the longest in the world. Keeping with our exploration of Norwegian heritage, we make a brief stop to admire the Borgund Stave Church from the outside, noted for being the best-preserved medieval wooden church in the country. Our day concludes in Oslo, where you'll have free time to explore the vibrant port, wander along the main streets, or enjoy the amazing sculptures in Frogner Park.

Today, we will explore Oslo with a guided panoramic tour. The Norwegian capital is renowned for its blend of modern architecture, classical buildings, picturesque surroundings, and expansive parks adorned with sculptures. Notably, Oslo has been recognised as the European Green Capital. Post-tour, you'll have some free time to delve deeper into the city at your leisure.

Subsequently, we depart for Sweden, journeying through enchanting landscapes of forests and lakes. Our following stop is �rebro, a historic town situated by a scenic lake with a delightful old town and an impressive castle. Take some time to wander and soak in the atmosphere before we continue our travels. In the evening, we will reach Stockholm, where you'll settle in for the night.

Today, we explore Stockholm, a captivating city spread across 14 interconnected islands. Our panoramic tour begins in Gamla Stan, the historic heart of the city often referred to as "the city between bridges." This lively quarter is home to remarkable landmarks, including the Nobel Prize Museum located by the main square of Stortorget, a place that honours Nobel Prize laureates. We'll also admire the impressive Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Whenever possible, we'll pause to appreciate the breathtaking views from Fj�llgatan viewpoint. Following the tour, you'll have leisure time to delve deeper into the city. We suggest visiting the city's fascinating museums and expansive parks. Optional activities include a visit to the iconic City Hall and the renowned Vasa Museum. Enjoy the freedom to immerse yourself in the artistic and historical treasures of this vibrant capital.

We begin our journey south from Stockholm today, making our first stop at the lively coastal town of Helsingborg. Here, you can savour some time taking in the bustling atmosphere before we embark on a short ferry ride across the �resund Strait to Helsing�r in Denmark. Known as Hamlet's hometown, Helsing�r is renowned for the impressive Kronborg Castle, immortalised by Shakespeare as Elsinore. You'll have the opportunity to explore this historic site and take in the surrounding views before we continue our journey. In the evening, we arrive back in the delightful city of Copenhagen, where you can rest or explore more of its charming streets before the day's end.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with cherished memories from our journey together.