Compare Denmark Bike Tours by Austin Adventures vs Country Roads of Scandinavia - Classic Group Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Helsingor

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Marienlyst

We meet in the morning in Copenhagen. After a briefing, a bike safety talk and fitting, set out on your first ride. From Copenhagen we follow the Danish Riviera along a picturesque coastline dappled with small fishing villages. Explore the town of Klampenborg, a popular beach resort. In Helsingør, marvel at the old guns still intact at the Kronborg castle, admire the handsome half-timbered houses in the town center and stand before Hamlet’s memorial grave at Marienlyst Castle. Cool off with a dip on Julebaek beach before our welcome dinner and a comfortable night’s sleep at the Hotel Marienlyst

Day 2: Helsingør

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Marienlyst

Wake up to stunning ocean views and a day spent exploring the sights in and around Helsingør. Stroll the beautiful statue-studded alleyways and gardens of Fredensborg Castle, the summer residence of the Danish Royal Family. This afternoon, enjoy a tasty lunch before touring the museum, chapels and gardens of Hillerød Castle, the most splendid achievement of the Danish Renaissance. Continue exploring on your own tonight and feel free to dine at any place that looks enticing.

Day 3: Svendborg

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Svendborg

This morning we hop on the ferry for an invigorating ride around Aerø Island, renowned for its quaint harbor towns, steep cliffs and dune-swept beaches. In Aerøskøbing, pause to admire the oldest post office in all of Denmark (built in 1749), dip your feet in the water at Vesterstrand beach and marvel at the craftsmanship of “Flaske Peder” at the Bottled Ship Museum. Explore the Maritime Museum in Marstal and snap photos of the spectacular Ice-Age-old cliffs in Voderup Klint. Opt for a coffee break in the quaint garden of the Bregninge Kro before returning to Svendborg with time to window shop before finding a place for dinner on your own.

Day 4: Svendborg

Meals: Breakfasts

Overnight: Hotel Svendborg

Morning transfer to Svendborg on the island of Funen, with a stop along the way in Roskilde to visit the Viking Ship Museum and to marvel at the royal tombs and sarcophagi at the Roskilde Cathedral. This afternoon, cycle along the coast to Troense, a historic half-timbered seafaring town Continue on to Bregninge to climb the village church tower for dramatic island views Back in Svendborg, ramble picturesque pedestrian friendly streets, listening for the carillon played four times daily from the Gothic Vor Frue Church. Dine tonight near the old harbor at a restaurant with a short name yet a big reputation.

Day 5: Faaborg

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Faaborg Fjord Hotel

Today we bike from Svendborg to Faaborg through a postcard-perfect, gently undulating landscape. Pause for a coffee break at a local kro in Vester Skerninge, a typical village of half-timbered, thatched-roof homes. In Egeskov, admire a Renaissance castle perched on 12,000 wooden poles over a lake, savor a fragrant walk through a rose, fuchsia and herb garden and “ooh” and “ahh” over a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and airplanes at the Veteran Car Museum. Take a break and enjoy a fresh picnic together. Stroll the narrow streets of Faaborg, one of Denmark’s best preserved market towns, before retiring for a restful night’s sleep at the Faaborg Fjord Hotel.

Day 6: Odense

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Blu H.C. Andersen Hotel

Cycle to Odense, a quaint city brimming with history. Named after Odin, the Viking god of wisdom and war, Odense is home to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the 13th century Saint Knud’s Church, among other not-to-be-missed sites. Feast on fresh, local seafood and other Danish specialties at a special farewell dinner.

Day 7: Copenhagen

Meals: Breakfast

Reflect on your trip over breakfast before you take your shuttle to the Copenhagen airport in time for your flight home, or decide to spend another night in exciting Copenhagen • (B) No overnight

Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

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.