Scandinavian Fjords and Finnish Landscapes - 10 Days

Welcome to the start of your Scandinavian adventure! Upon arrival in Copenhagen, we will provide a transfer to your hotel. Once settled, enjoy some leisure time to explore Denmark's capital city at your own pace. Later in the afternoon, you're welcome to check the hotel reception where detailed information about your tour's commencement will be provided. This initial day is a gentle introduction, allowing you to acclimatise and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Rest well, as there's plenty to discover in the coming days. 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.

We begin our day immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture of Copenhagen with a panoramic city tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. This bustling capital of Denmark is teeming with contrasts, showcasing attractions such as the lively Tivoli Gardens, the impressive Christiansborg Palace, the picturesque Nyhavn with its charming terraces, and the renowned Little Mermaid statue.

As the late morning approaches, we set off for Jutland, heading across an impressive 20 km bridge that stretches across the sea. Our journey leads us to Odense, where we have the opportunity to delve into its rich history. Here, we can admire the Gothic architecture of the cathedral and explore the house of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, who was born in this enchanting city.

Our travels then take us to Aarhus, where you have free time to explore at your leisure. Aarhus, known for its vibrant cultural scene, offers a blend of modern attractions and historic sites, providing the perfect backdrop for your afternoon.

On day three, we will journey to Hirtshals, where we'll board a ferry for a picturesque crossing of the North Sea to Norway. This three-hour voyage will lead us to Kristiansand, after which we'll travel along Norway's captivating southern coast. Our route will take us through the quaint town of Flekkefjord, where its charm is ever-present. Later, we arrive in Stavanger, notable for its scenic port by the fjord – a delightful setting to cap off the day's travels. Please note, ferry schedules may vary depending on the season, but generally, there will be ample opportunity to enjoy lunch aboard the ferry.

As we depart from Stavanger, we'll make a memorable stop at the Swords in Rock monument, a striking tribute to the Viking era, before continuing our journey. Our route is filled with extraordinary scenery as we navigate through tunnels and across bridges, with some parts travelled by boat along Norway’s fjord-strewn coast. You’ll experience the thrill of travelling through one of the world's deepest undersea tunnels. The boat trips promise relaxation and stunning views, making this segment of the day particularly unforgettable. We’ll reach Bergen by lunchtime, where a cable car ride will take us up Mount Fløyen, providing breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding fjords. After this, you'll have leisure time to explore Bergen, often referred to as the capital city of fjords, allowing you to soak in its unique charm and vibrant atmosphere.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the stunning natural beauty of Norway as we journey through its remarkable landscapes, featuring fjords, glaciers, lakes, and dense forests. Our adventure starts with a visit to Sognefjord, Norway's largest fjord. En route, we’ll pause at the impressive Tvindefossen Waterfall. Next, we'll set off on a scenic cruise from Gudvangen to Aurland, a captivating hour-and-a-half excursion that offers breathtaking views. We recommend enjoying lunch while aboard.

Continuing our journey, we will marvel at the snow-covered vistas and navigate through the Aurland Tunnel, the longest tunnel in the world. We'll stop briefly to admire the historic exterior of Borgund Stave Church, renowned as Norway's best-preserved medieval wooden church. As the day progresses, we will arrive in Oslo, where you will have free time to explore the vibrant port area, wander along the main streets, or discover the artistic wonders of Frogner Park.

Today, we offer a panoramic tour of Oslo with an expert local guide, highlighting the Norwegian capital's intriguing blend of modern architecture, classical buildings, and lush parks adorned with sculptures. Oslo's commitment to sustainability has earned it the title of European Green Capital. After our tour, enjoy some leisure time to delve further into the city at your own pace. Later, we set off for Sweden, travelling through scenic landscapes of dense forests and serene lakes. Our journey brings us to Örebro, a town steeped in history, nestled by a beautiful lake. Here, you can wander around the picturesque old town and glimpse the magnificent castle. Continuing onwards, we arrive in Stockholm in the evening, where you can begin to explore this vibrant city.

Today, we embark on a panoramic exploration of Stockholm, a striking capital spread across 14 beautiful islands. Our journey takes us to Gamla Stan, the vibrant old town often called 'the city between bridges’. Here, you'll discover Grand-scale landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Nobel Prize Museum adjacent to Stortorget Square, and the imposing Cathedral. Whenever possible, we will take in the breathtaking views from Fjällgatan viewpoint. Following the tour, you’ll have leisure time to continue exploring. We suggest visiting the city's renowned museums and lush parks, or for those interested in further exploration, there’s the option to visit City Hall and the Vasa Museum.

You'll have a leisurely day to yourself in Stockholm to explore at your own rhythm—whether it’s delving into the city’s rich history, wandering through vibrant districts, or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere. As evening descends, we will board a modern ferry for an overnight voyage to Finland. You'll be accommodated in comfortable double en-suite cabins, ensuring a restful night's sleep as you sail across the Baltic Sea.

As we approach the picturesque Finnish coastline, we recommend stepping out onto the ship's deck at sunrise for a truly spectacular view of the Åland Islands—a stunning archipelago of hundreds of forested isles. After we disembark, you'll have the opportunity to explore Turku, a city steeped in a rich Swedish heritage. Our journey continues to Naantali, a delightful coastal town known for its charming wooden houses and beautiful seaside setting. We then proceed to Helsinki, arriving around midday. The afternoon is yours to discover the Finnish capital at your own pace. You might choose to wander through the city's historic market, admire the Russian-influenced architecture, or visit the impressive churches that lend a unique charm to this vibrant city.

On this final day, we will set off on a short boat trip to the Suomenlinna Islands, a collection of six islands renowned for their impressive fortress. This historic structure once served as a protective bastion for the city and is now recognised as a World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to wander across the islands on foot, crossing connecting pedestrian bridges and taking in the rich history. Following this excursion, you’ll be free to explore more at your leisure. As our adventure concludes, we trust you'll leave with a wealth of lasting memories. Please ensure you double-check your flight details to determine if you require an extra night's stay.