Compare Grand tour of Scandinavia by Audley Travel vs Country Roads of Scandinavia - Classic Group Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 8,955 | $ 4,375 |
| Price Per Day | $ 597 | $ 365 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Visiting Denmark, you’ll find a kingdom of turreted castles, ultra-modern buildings and tiny fishing villages with clusters of brightly painted houses. Viewed under the ethereal light of a Nordic summer sun, there’s a fairytale quality to this often-overlooked country — one that’s fitting for the home of Hans Christian Andersen and various Norse myths. |
Treat your senses to a tour of Scandinavia’s towering mountains, crystalline fjords and Viking history. This immersive itinerary showcases the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle in Oslo, the humming seaside economy of the Bergen Fish Markets and Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. The delights of the Fjords are front and center on the Lysefjord Cruise, with panoramic views and a close encounter with the iconic, 2000-foot tall, Pulpit Rock. In Denmark, pause for a little local dining in Aarhus where a farm-to-table feast of Danish delicacies is whipped up from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Across the Jutland Peninsula on the island of Fyn, the Hans Christian Andersen House tells the story of the famous fairytale writer—charting his life, loves and travels. |
Day 1 Oslo
Oslo
Upon arrival in Oslo, you'll be met and driven to your centrally located hotel. The afternoon is yours to begin exploring the city. We suggest walking along the waterfront, or visiting some of the city's excellent museums.
Day 2 Oslo
Oslo
Embark on a private gastronomic walking tour to immerse yourself in Norwegian cuisine as you explore the city. You'll learn about traditional dishes and visit the city's best eateries, trying delicacies such as homemade cheese, cured meat, waffles and local beer along the way.
Day 3 Bergen
Bergen
You'll be driven to the train station today to board the train to Bergen. This is a long but scenic ride across the south of the country, through mountains and forests and past glittering lakes. On arrival in Bergen, you'll be met at the station and driven to your hotel.
Day 4 Bergen
Bergen
Today, explore Bergen on foot with your private guide. You'll visit the historic fish market, home to a variety of fresh seafood from the surrounding fjords and oceans. Wander the city's cobblestoned lanes and marvel at the vibrantly hued wooden houses of Bryggen, converted from merchants' warehouses into artisan studios and shops.
Day 5 Bergen
Bergen
Spend the day exploring the fjords with a private guide via private car, boat, and train. First cruise along the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord region, then drive to the Stegastein lookout. Continue to the picturesque village of Flåm, where you'll have some time to explore. Finally, you’ll ride the scenic Flåm Railway. Your driver will re-join you for the final stretch of the journey back to Bergen.
Day 6 Bergen
Bergen
Your driver will take you to the airport in time for your flight to Stockholm. Upon arrival in Stockholm, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll board a guided boat tour through the city's canals, learning about the major sights and their history as you go.
Day 7 Stockholm
Stockholm
Today, embark on a walking tour of Stockholm's old town with a private guide. You'll see some of Gamla Stan’s key landmarks, such as Stortorget central square and the Royal Palace, as well as the Storkyrkan Cathedral and the City Hall.
Day 8 Kiruna
Kiruna
You will be driven to the airport for your flight up to Kiruna, Sweden's most northerly town. In the afternoon, visit the Icehotel, where the rooms and hand-carved sculptures are made of ice.
Day 9 Kiruna
Kiruna
Spend the day taking in the scenery of Abisko National Park on a guided walk in the mountains. As you walk through the boreal landscape, your Sámi guide will tell you about the surrounding nature and how it has influenced their ancient culture.
Day 10 Kiruna
Kiruna
Spend a day with a traditional Sámi family of reindeer herders. Help feed the reindeer, learn to throw a lasso, and hear stories told through song. Join the family for lunch in their home and glide through the forest on a reindeer sleigh ride.
Day 11 Gothenburg
Gothenburg
Fly south from Kiruna to Gothenburg, the world's most sustainable city. This evening, head out to enjoy the scenery of the islands on a cruise through the archipelago. On board, you’ll be treated to a traditional west Swedish seafood buffet, sustainably sourced and expertly prepared.
Day 12 Gothenburg
Gothenburg
Spend today at your own leisure exploring the city. We recommend heading to Gustav Adolfs torg, a town square right in the heart of Gothenburg. From here, you are within striking distance of many of the city’s key landmarks, such as the City Theatre, the Art Museum, the Opera House, and the Concert Hall, as well as many of Gothenburg’s canals.
Day 13 Copenhagen
Copenhagen
On your own, board a train that travels through Malmö and across the Øresund Bridge to Denmark. Upon arrival in Copenhagen, make your way to your hotel. Once you've settled in, join your small group for a two-and-a-half-hour bike tour that will take you by many of the city’s major landmarks.
Day 14 Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Today, join a small group for a smørrebrød cooking class with a professional chef. This afternoon, embark on an hour-long boat ride through Copenhagen Harbour and the surrounding canals.
Day 15 Return home
Copenhagen
Your private driver will take you to the airport in time for your flight home.
Day 1: Welcome to Oslo
On arrival at Oslo airport, your transfer will leave for the hotel at 09:30, 12:00 or 14:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 17:30, to enjoy a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Day 2: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start
Sightseeing with a Local Expert includes views of Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Walk around the Opera House and marvel at the stricking contemporary architecture of the new Bjorvika district. Wander through Frogner Park, with its intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the most modern ski jump in the world? Maybe explore City Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony is held, or walk upon the famous architecture of Oslo Opera House.
Day 3: Oslo City to Coastal Bergen
Journey across the Hardanger Plateau, Europe's greatest mountain plateau and the largest national park in the Nordic countries, before arriving at your hotel in the historic port of Bergen. Join your Travel Director for a city orientation and hear about the seafaring traditions of this beautiful harbourside town. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at local restaurant.
Day 4: Ancient Hanseatic Port of Bergen Relaxed Start
A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen with a visit to Bryggen, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Centre. Explore its beautiful wooden houses, see the 14th century Haakon's Hall and stroll through the lively fish market with its many stalls. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps spend a leisurely afternoon on the traditional train of the Flåm Railway?
Day 5: A Coastline Like No Other Relaxed Start
Enjoy the morning at leisure to ascend Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia or alternatively visit the home of composer Edward Grieg, located alongside the beautiful lake Nordås. Afterwards, travel along this incredible coastline and sail across fjords passing an abundance of islands. Arrive in Stavanger, one of Norway’s oldest cities founded almost 900 years ago. The city has continued to evolve with changing times and now the headquarters of the Norwegian oil industry, Stavanger is a fusion of old world charm and cosmopolitan flair.
Day 6: The Wonders of Lysefjord Relaxed Start
Cruise through Lysefjord, one of Norway's most breathtaking fjords and be charmed by its stunning natural beauty. See the Preikestolen plateau and Pulpit Rock, a plunging cliff face and one of the most iconic places in Norway. You will also see the mysterious Vagabond's Cave and enjoy the fjord landscape through panoramic windows or from the sundeck. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or continue exploring Stavanger.
Day 7: Lyngdal and Kristiansand
In Lyngdal, tour the Wild Salmon Centre with a biologist guide, learn about protecting salmon populations and the local ecosystem. Observe the majestic fish in their own environment, via a unique indoor 'staircase' and viewing area. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive around the southern cape of Norway. Upon arrival in Kristiansand, your orientation walk of the city centre will show you the Dom Kirke and the Nupen Fountain. Savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Kristiansand to Aarhus
Say farewell to Norway as you sail across the Skagerrak to Hirtshals, Denmark. Your journey continues to Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city and one of Europe's cultural treasures with world-class museums and modern art. Explore Aarhus with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert and visit Den Gamle By Open-Air Museum, offering a trip through 300 years of Danish culture. Walk among historic houses relocated from all over the country and see traditional workshops. Alternatively, take a walk in the Botanical Gardens with your Local Expert and learn about Danish nature and flora, as well as international plants in the Tropical Houses. Join your fellow travellers for a Farm-to-Table dinner of delicious regional specialties, made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Day 9: Historic Aarhus Relaxed Start
A vibrant mix of youthful energy and a blast from the past makes Aarhus a city with an energetic beat of the pulse. Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the city centre. See the City Hall, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum — topped with an immense and interactive artwork — and Dokk1, the largest public library in Scandinavia. Walk through the cathedral neighbourhood and visit the new township for splendid views of Aarhus Bay. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
Day 10: Odense and the Fairytales of Fyn Relaxed Start
Cross the Jutland Peninsula to the town of Odense, on the island of Fyn.Visit the Hans Christian Andersen House and explore the author's creative universe. The newly opened, innovative exhibition is a remarkable homage to one of the most famous Danes. In the evening, visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
Day 11: Wonderful Copenhagen Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert and pay a visit to Hans Christian Andersen's iconic Little Mermaid statue. Later, see Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, the unusual Round Tower and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. The afternoon is at your leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cofoco restaurant and enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of sustainable ingredients, as you toast to the end of your Scandinavian adventure.
Day 12: Depart Copenhagen
Departure transfers arrive at Copenhagen airport at 06:30, 09:00 and 12:00.
