Compare Scandinavia 2021 by Tauck vs Spectacular Scandinavia & its Fjords - Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 Arrive Stockholm

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Sheraton Stockholm Hotel. A transfer is included from Stockholm's Arlanda Airport to the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel in the heart of Sweden's historic capital city. Late afternoon, join us for a visit to Stockholm's Vasa Museum, featuring the impressive Vasa, an ornate royal warship that sank in Stockholm's harbor following its launch in 1628 and was raised in 1961. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a local Stockholm restaurant.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Sheraton Stockholm Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Stockholm, Sweden

Day 2 A City Built on Islands

Begin today's discovery of Sweden's capital with sightseeing including a guided visit to Stockholm's iconic City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize award festivities take place. You'll see the Council Chamber; the Gold Room, whose walls are sparkling with 18 million pieces of gold mosaic and glass depicting events in Swedish and world history; and the famous Blue Room, misnamed because the architect changed his mind and left its beautiful red-brick walls intact. Stockholm sightseeing continues with a panoramic lakeside drive over bridges that crisscross between Stockholm’s small islands, offering views of Gamla Stan (Old Town) and a skyline of 17th- and 18th-century buildings, the Baltic Sea, Lake Malaren, the elegant Strandvagen waterfront, the inner harbor, the Royal Palace, the Cathedral and Parliament. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish – perhaps take a canal tour, or walk through the cobbled streets of medieval Gamla Stan.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Sheraton Stockholm Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Stockholm, Sweden

Day 3 Fly from Stockholm to Copenhagen

Take a morning flight from Stockholm's Arlanda Airport to Copenhagen, Denmark. After lunch at a local Copenhagen restaurant, embark on a city tour that includes a visit to one of Denmark's beautiful castles. If you wish, we've included admission to celebrated Tivoli Gardens, which you can visit at your leisure this evening with tickets provided by your Tauck Director. This city-center, 160+-year-old amusement park is set within a 20-acre garden; from thousands of blooms to a lakeside beer garden, fireworks, a roller coaster and evening music, it’s a Danish experience unto its own.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen

PORTOFCALL : Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 4 A Private Tour of a Danish Palace

Head out from the city this morning to North Zealand, a region of woodlands, villages, lakes, royal parks and castles. You'll enjoy Tauck's early-entry, private visit to 17th-century Frederiksborg Palace, built atop three islands in a small lake, and considered one of the finest examples of Dutch Renaissance architecture. After a Danish family-style lunch in a local restaurant in North Zealand, return to "wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen." The afternoon and evening are free to explore as you wish, perhaps discovering the historic Nyhavn area and strolling along the Stroget, Copenhagen's main street; dinner is at a local restaurant tonight. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen

PORTOFCALL : Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 5 The Home of a Composer for the Ages

Board a flight this morning from Copenhagen to Bergen on Norway's west coast. Upon arrival, have lunch at a local restaurant, then head to Troldhau­gen, the beloved Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s former lakeside villa, today a living museum and concert center; Norway's foremost composer is perhaps best known for his musical score for the play Peer Gynt. Return to Bergen and check into your hotel on Bergen's historic Bryggen waterfront, and enjoy the evening as you wish.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret

PORTOFCALL : Bergen, Norway

Day 6 A Stave Church Guarded by Dragons

Today, join your local guide for a morning tour of Bergen, known for its centuries-old maritime legacy as well as a reputation as an important hub for the arts. Your tour includes a visit to Fantoft Stave Church, a 1990s reconstruction of an original 12th-century stave church that was destroyed by fire in 1992. Many centuries ago, the construction of traditional, iconic Norwegian wooden stave churches began with the slotting of posts (staves) into the ground to support thousands of skillfully crafted timber parts, which included carved portals and dragons' head carvings on the roof. Following an afternoon at leisure, ride a ferry to dinner at a local restaurant, before returning to your hotel close to Bryggen, the city's old wharf district. Featuring traditional wooden buildings and a medieval atmosphere, Bryggen was founded in 1070 during the days of the Hanseatic League; one of the oldest large trading ports in Northern Europe, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret

PORTOFCALL : Bergen, Norway

Day 7 Norwegian Fjord Country

Journey northward today along the Norwegian coast, through photo-worthy landscapes that vary from wide-open fjords to green hills, icy glaciers and massive mountain ranges, as you set out from Bergen, ferry across part of the Songefjord from Oppedal to Lavik, and wind your way through the countryside to Loen, from which you'll explore Norway's inspiring fjordlands during a two-night stay at the venerable Hotel Alexandra, operated since 1884 by five generations of the Loen family. Enjoy a barbecue dinner tonight at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Alexandra

Day 8 Briksdal Glacier & a "Troll Car" Ride

Travel today to one of Norway’s most inspirational natural wonders – Briksdal Glacier, set between roaring waterfalls and mountain peaks at the end of one of the Nordfjord's three branches. Meltwater from the glacier has created three emerald-green lakes in the valley; a ride on a "Troll Car" past thundering waterfalls and a short hike to the foot of the glacier lead to views of absolutely stunning scenery. Enjoy a three-course lunch in Briksdal, then return to your resort to take advantage of its many amenities (some at additional cost) or explore Loen as you please.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Alexandra

Day 9 Vistas From Dalsnibba

Your tour continues with a morning of unforgettable views — including some of the incomparable Geirangerfjord, one of the longest, deepest, and most scenic fjords in the world — as you drive from Loen to Oye, a serene alpine village on the Hjorundford, where you'll have lunch at the Hotel Union Oye, in operation since 1891 and a favorite retreat among the elite for decades. Continue on to Ålesund for a two-night stay; have dinner at your hotel tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Brosundet

Day 10 Art Nouveau in Ålesund

The most important fishing harbor in Norway today, picturesque Ålesund is situated on seven islands on the Atlantic coast, linked by an intricate network of tunnels, carved out of granite. Join your local guide for a tour of the city, whose wealth of historic Art Nouveau (Jugenstil) structures were largely constructed between 1904 and 1907, after a fire had destroyed many of the community's buildings – making Ålesund one of Norway's leading repositories of Jugenstil architecture today. After a private lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day and evening as you please in Ålesund.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Hotel Brosundet

Day 11 Life on Skis

Fly this morning from Ålesund to Norway's capital city of Oslo for a two-night stay. After lunch, visit Oslo's Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower – featuring a ski jump complex whose history goes back more than a century, and the world's oldest museum (founded in 1923) dedicated to the sport of skiing, built into the mountain below the ski jump itself. Check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening as you please in Oslo.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Grand Hotel Oslo

PORTOFCALL : Oslo, Norway

Day 12 Vigeland Sculptures & Viking Ships

A city orientation tour of Oslo offers views of the city's striking modern opera house and downtown City Hall. With a local guide, take in the Vigeland Sculpture Park, with its 212 life-sized granite and bronze sculptures by famed Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943), who devoted his career to the project; spotlighting many works that carry a humanistic message, the park is a popular Oslo destination. Next up, view skillful Norwegian works of a mariner’s kind during a guided visit to the nearby Viking Ship Museum, featuring three well-preserved Viking ships dating to 800 AD, found in royal burial mounds with fascinating artifacts – representing some of the best-preserved Viking ships in the world.  Following a free afternoon in Oslo, please join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner in the heart of the city.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Grand Hotel Oslo

PORTOFCALL : Oslo, Norway

Day 13 Journey home

Tour ends: Oslo. Fly home anytime. A transfer from Grand Hotel Oslo to Oslo Airport is included. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Oslo, Norway

Day 1: Welcome to Copenhagen

On arrival at Copenhagen airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 09:00, 12:00 or 15:00. Then you will be at leisure to relax and settle in. At 17:30, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers and enjoy drinks and a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner. In the evening visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Wonderful Copenhagen

A Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark's capital. Meet Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbour and see Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Government. Continue to Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. View the unusual Rundertaarn and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, relaxing or exploring at your pace. Perhaps take an Optional Experience into the picturesque Danish countryside to see the castles of North Zealand?

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.

Breakfast

Day 3: On to Gothenburg Relaxed Start

Continue along Sweden’s west coast to the cosmopolitan port city of Gothenburg. On arrival, explore with your Local Expert and learn about the region’s culture and nautical history.  Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Café Dickson. Enjoy traditional Swedish fika, coffee and cinnamon roll, at a community café.

Elite Park Avenue Hotel, Gothenburg.

Breakfast

Day 4: Scenic farmlands of Sweden

Enjoy views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands, as you journey along the shores of Vättern to the Swedish capital.

Hilton Stockholm Slussen.

Breakfast

Day 5: Stockholm, City of Islands

See the charms of Sweden's capital with your Local Expert. On Gamla Stan, start with the cathedral, the coronation palace of many Swedish kings and the Old Town, with some of the narrowest streets in the world and stroll through the courtyard of the Royal Palace. Visit the imposing City Hall to see its fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, with its walls covered in 18 million gilded mosaic tiles, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. There's free time in the afternoon for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the fabulous Vasa Galleon, raised from Stockholm's harbour-bed in 1961 after sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628?

Hilton Stockholm Slussen.

Breakfast

Day 6: Sigtuna, Uppsala and Falun

Travel to Sigtuna on the shores of Lake Mälaren, it was once the Viking capital and now boasts Sweden’s smallest City Hall. Continue to the historic city of Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university.  Meet Hans Odoo, a passionate local storyteller, who will share the fascinating history of the Carl Linneaus Garden on a guided tour. You’ll learn about Sweden’s first botanical garden and its 1300 species of flora and fauna. Travel to Falun, an old historic mining town. With your Travel Director see the Falun Copper Mine and the Great Pit, a vast crater created by an enormous mine collapse in 1687. In the evening, enjoy a delightful meal at Banken Restaurant, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

First Grand Hotel Falun.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Lillehammer

A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Siljan in the Dalarna region brings you to Nusnäs, home of the Dala horse. Meet the entertaining Olsson family who has passed the art of making wooden horses down through the generations and visit their workshop to witness a colourful wooden horse being made. Continue deep into the forested heart of Sweden to reach Sälen, Sweden’s largest alpine destination. It is known as the starting point for the world’s oldest and longest cross-country ski race, Vasaloppet, a 90 kilometre track that has been challenging skiers since 1922. Cross the border to Norway and pass Hamar with its Olympic ice skating rink known as the Viking Ship. Journey along the shores of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, to arrive at Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Scandic Victoria Lillehammer.

Breakfast

Day 8: Geiranger, Jewel of the Fjords Relaxed Start

Journey northwest from Lillehammer, travelling through the countryside of 'Peer Gynt', immortalised by Ibsen. At Lom, visit the Norwegian stave church dating back to 1158. Continue along winding roads that pass waterfalls, rivers, ice fields, lakes and snow-capped peaks. For the next two nights you will stay in the scenic village of Geiranger, overlooking fjords and soaring mountains.

Hotel Union Geiranger.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Geiranger at Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start and a day reserved for your leisure amongst the most breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience for an incredible scenic drive along the amazing Troll's Road? The road itself was a masterpiece of engineering when it was built over 70 years ago and the spectacular views will leave you speechless.

Hotel Union Geiranger.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Fjærland and Fjordland Relaxed Start

After a relaxed morning, take a scenic cruise through the Geirangerfjord. Your travels continue to the Bøya Glacier for a photo-stop. Explore Fjærland with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the interactive Norwegian Glacier Museum at the foot of the Jostedalsbreen, the largest icecap in continental Europe. Alternatively, take a walk through the village of Fjærland with a Local Expert and hear about life between the fjord and the glacier. Then enjoy a scenic drive onto your hotel in Leikanger. Delight in a dinner of fresh and locally sourced produce.

Leikanger Fjord Hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: The Flåm Railway to Bergen

Cross the serene waters of magnificent Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. Then embark on a spectacularly scenic journey aboard the Flåm Railway, ascending from sea level to 914 metres. Visit a family-run farm on the Hardangerfjord to hear how eight generations have farmed the land, producing fruit, berries and various jams, jellies, traditional spreads, cake and other delicious treats. Sample their fresh apple juice and homemade cider and enjoy a walk through the orchard. Travel on to your hotel in the historic port of Bergen.

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: The Hanseatic port of Bergen Relaxed Start

A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen. The ancient Hanseatic port city still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the picturesque and lively Fish Market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. The market also has stalls selling a colourful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps you might like to visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg, before ascend Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia?

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen.

Breakfast

Day 13: Mountains and Fjords to Oslo

Travel along scenic and varied landscapes to Oslo, through some of Norway's most picturesque ski-resorts. Leaving the seaside town of Bergen, you will start heading inland among soaring mountains to reach the exceptional Hardangerfjord, also known as the Queen of the Fjords. Your journey continues climbing up to elevations of 1200m (3930ft) offering moon like scenery and passing some of Norway’s ski resorts on the Hardanger Plateau. After returning to lower areas you’ll be driving among dense forests before reaching the capital city of Oslo.

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.

Breakfast

Day 14: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start

With your Local Expert, see the Royal Palace and the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbour. At Frogner Park, view the intriguing Vigeland sculptures. Exploe the area around the Opera House and see the strikingly modern architecture of Bjorvika neighbourhood. In the evening, round off your Scandinavian adventure with a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant. Over a glass of wine, toast to your travels with your newfound friends.

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 15: Out of Oslo

Departure transfers arrive at Oslo airport at 07:15 and 10:15.

Breakfast