Scandinavian Wonders Fjords and Capitals Odyssey - 10 Days

Welcome to the start of your exciting journey! Upon your arrival in Stockholm, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you'll have the chance to unwind and explore at your own pace. This beautiful city, spread across 14 islands, offers a delightful array of sights and experiences. In the afternoon, keep an eye out for information about the start of your tour displayed on the boards in the hotel reception area. 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.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a guided exploration of Stockholm, a captivating city spread across 14 islands interconnected by bridges, where the presence of water is everywhere. Our tour will take us to Gamla Stan, known as the "City between the Bridges," which is a vibrant old town full of essential landmarks. Here, we'll find the Nobel Museum near the Main Square or Stortorget, which celebrates the Nobel Prize winners, as well as the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. For a beautiful panoramic view, we'll head to the Fjällgatan viewpoint. Afterward, you'll have some free time to wander at your leisure.

Later in the afternoon, around 16:00, our journey will continue as we depart northwest towards Sweden's scenic landscapes of rolling hills, farmlands, quaint towns, and lakes. We will arrive in the evening at Mora, a charming small city nestled between two lakes. Mora holds historical importance as the place where Gustav I of Sweden mobilised local support in 1521 to challenge the invading Danes.

Today, we set off early through the stunning natural landscapes on our journey into Norway. As we travel, you'll witness Scandinavia's enchanting scenery of expansive forests, serene lakes, and majestic mountains. Our first stop is Funäsdalen, a charming ski resort known for its picturesque vistas and lively winter sports scene. After taking in the views, we continue to Røros, a historic mining town recognised as a World Heritage Site. Renowned for its well-preserved wooden buildings, Røros is one of the most visually appealing towns in Norway. Here, you'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the quaint historic centre, complete with old miners’ houses and a dedicated museum that showcases the town's rich mining heritage.

Our route then leads us to Trondheim, located in Norway's central coastal region. As the country's third-largest city, Trondheim holds a significant place in Norwegian history, having served as the capital during the Middle Ages. Notable highlights include its 11th-century cathedral and the iconic old bridge crossing the canal. In the evening, you can explore Trondheim’s vibrant nightlife and sample its diverse culinary scene at your leisure.

After exploring the vibrant heart of Trondheim, we continue our journey, enjoying breathtaking views of Norway’s coastline and fjords along the Norwegian Sea. We board a ferry to cross one of these stunning fjords, making our way to Kristiansund. This city is renowned for its picturesque natural setting, traditionally a bustling fishing hub. Kristiansund's unique charm comes from being spread across several islands connected by bridges and embankments. Its charming city centre is filled with cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants, and cafés – perfect for a leisurely lunch and a stroll. Our travels then take us through captivating landscapes to Kvernes Stave Church, a gem from the 14th century, featuring an impressive 300-year-old ship model and altarpieces dedicated to the Virgin Mary; admission is included. We then drive along the iconic Atlantic Road, often hailed as Norway’s most beautiful ocean road. This spectacular route crosses eight bridges linking various islands, with ocean swells crashing dramatically against the coast. We'll pause at a viewpoint to marvel at the scenery before continuing to Molde by evening. This vibrant town, nestled along a scenic fjord, is a popular stop for cruise ships.

On day five, prepare to be captivated by the natural wonders as we journey through Norway's breathtaking landscapes. We begin with a scenic ferry ride across the Romsdal Fjord, a 50-minute voyage surrounded by wondrous scenery. Our path then winds through snowy mountains and descends towards the stunning Storfjorden, where more awe-inspiring vistas await. We'll board another ferry for a 30-minute ride that offers views of snow-capped peaks on our way to the Eagle Viewpoint. Here, you'll be enchanted by the panoramic view over the Geiranger Fjord, renowned as one of Norway’s most spectacular vantage points.

Upon reaching Geiranger, you'll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Consider taking a boat tour along the fjord, wandering among the cascading waterfalls, or simply relaxing in the village. After a leisurely lunch, our adventure continues through remarkable mountain and fjord landscapes. Our next highlight is Briksdalsbreen, a stunning glacier framed by pristine natural beauty. You'll have the opportunity to hike to the glacier, either by foot or using an optional electric vehicle.

As the day concludes, we'll enjoy an included dinner in Loen, a delightful town nestled by the fjord. Here, you might choose to ride one of the steepest cable cars in the world, which ascends from the fjord to over 1,000 metres above sea level. Tonight, we'll rest in Loen, reflecting on a day filled with unforgettable experiences.

We'll depart early from Loen on a journey to Bergen, covering nearly 300 kilometres of awe-inspiring landscapes. Our route will hug the fjord shores and navigate mountainous terrains, punctuated by a scenic ferry crossing, ensuring a truly remarkable travel experience. We plan to reach Bergen by lunchtime, ushering in a day of exploration in Norway’s second-largest city. Once there, we’ve arranged for a cable car ride up Fløyen Mountain, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city below and its stunning natural surroundings.

Following this, you'll have free time to immerse yourself in Bergen's rich history and vibrant culture. Stroll through Bryggen, the historic dock area adorned with brightly coloured wooden buildings, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you're interested, consider visiting the Bergen Aquarium or the lively fish market, where you can sample local delicacies at the various small eateries. Whatever you choose, Bergen offers a wealth of experiences that capture the essence of Norwegian heritage and scenic beauty.

We will depart Bergen early, venturing into the heart of Norway, where we will cross the striking suspension bridge over Hardanger Fjord, renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Our first stop is Eidfjord, a picturesque town on the fjord's edge, where you can wander and take in the enchanting surroundings. We continue to Vøringsfossen, Norway's most striking waterfall, with a dramatic 182-metre drop. We will take time to appreciate the stunning views from various vantage points and bridges.

Our journey will then lead us through awe-inspiring landscapes, characterised by stark, chilly high plateaus, dotted with small lakes often frozen much of the year, and fields of snow. We will pause in Geilo, a popular ski resort town, where we will break for lunch. After lunch, we will continue our scenic drive toward Oslo, where we will arrive in the evening. Once in Oslo, we recommend exploring its vibrant city centre, meandering through the historic harbour, or perhaps visiting the rooftop terrace of the iconic modern Opera House to enjoy the views.

This morning, we embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Oslo, the vibrant capital city of Norway, celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and set against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes. Our local guide will lead us past the impressive Royal Palace and through Frogner Park, home to an extraordinary collection of sculptures. We'll also visit the city's iconic landmarks, including the Town Hall, the old port, and the modern Opera House.

Following the tour, you will have free time to explore Oslo at your own pace. This is a perfect opportunity to delve into the city's fascinating history by visiting some of its renowned museums. Later in the day, we will board a contemporary, cruise-like night ferry to Denmark. Relax on board as we set sail across the sea, spending the afternoon and evening in comfortable cabins with breakfast included. The ferry departs at 15:00, with boarding beginning at 14:00, and is scheduled to arrive in Copenhagen at 10:00 the next morning. Do note that ferry schedules may vary.

As our ferry reaches Copenhagen in the morning, we'll immerse ourselves in the charms of Denmark's capital with a guided panoramic tour. Known for its high quality of life, sustainable practices, and rich cultural scene, Copenhagen offers a wealth of experiences. Our exploration will take us to the iconic Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Andersen's beloved fairy tale, and the vibrant Nyhavn Harbour, famous for its picturesque, colourful buildings. We'll also see the exterior of Amalienborg Palace, the royal family's winter residence, and wander through City Hall Square, exploring the lively area around Tivoli Gardens. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover the city at your own pace – maybe consider uncovering local culinary delights, taking a leisurely canal tour, or visiting one of Copenhagen’s impressive museums.

Following breakfast, our adventure draws to a close as we bid farewell to Copenhagen. You'll depart with cherished memories of your journey and the captivating experiences we've shared. Safe travels and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!