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Map of Scandinavia Explorer including Finland, Norway and Sweden

Tour Scandinavia on a trip through Norway, Sweden and Finland

Tour Scandinavia and discover the many charms and delights on this two-week adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland. Travel through some of Europe's most stylish capitals and be wowed by some of the world's biggest fjords. Visit Norway's uber-cool Oslo, travel to Sweden's vibrant Stockholm and explore Finland's hip Helsinki. Along the way, uncover a Viking past, learn of a maritime heritage and get swept up in Olympic fever. Whether it's walking along charming streets in Bergen or sailing through vast fjords, you'll undoubtedly be left with a multitude of picturesque memories from this once in a lifetime Scandinavian adventure.

Start
Oslo, Norway
Finish
Helsinki, Finland
Destinations
Finland, Norway, Sweden
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
BMSH
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Norway's fjords feature some of the most stunning scenery on Earth. Cruise past waterfalls and snow-capped peaks through the narrow Naeroyfjord

  • Discover Stockholm's maritime history at the Vasa Museum, which houses an original wooden war ship from 1628. This impressive vessel gives you a rare glimpse into the naval power Sweden was once famous for

  • Lakeside Mora's mix of landscapes proves just how darn stunning Sweden can be. Be charmed by tiny countryside villages, red cottages, pine forests, rolling meadows and sparkling lakes

  • Wind up your adventure in Helsinki for a Scandinavian culture binge. Senate Square, the market hall, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna and the Design Museum are just some of the highlights of this amazing city

Is this trip right for you?

  • The areas visited on this trip can be very cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.

  • Scandinavia can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to optional activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Please bear this in mind when booking this trip. Your leader will be at hand to advise on how to save money.

  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms in Scandinavia tend to be small, and occasionally bathrooms will be shared with other guests.

  • This trip is designed to give you a fair amount of free time so you can explore each destination at your own pace. We will, however, take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries.

  • If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip by combining it with our 'Baltic Experience' trip, travelling from Helsinki through the Baltic States, and ending in Vilnius. Alternatively you could start the trip in Copenhagen by combining it with our 'Taste of Scandinavia' trip. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

Colourful houses of Bergen, Norway
Suomenlinna Fortress, Helsinki
Group of travellers are shown Helsinki Cathedral
View of Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki on a cloudy day

Itinerary
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Welcome to Norway, where you’ll discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. With so much to see and do in Oslo we recommend that you plan to arrive a few days before the trip begins, so you can see as much of the city as possible. Why not head to the National Gallery of Art to glimpse Edvard Munch's famous painting, The Scream.Your adventure begins with a important welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare with the group.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

This morning, follow your leader on an orientation walk in the city. Then enjoy some free time in Oslo. Maybe embark on some island hopping on Oslofjord, browse the harbour-front Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, taste local flavours at the food hall Vulkan, explore the immense Akershus Castle & Fortress, or check out the cool shops in the Grunerløkka district. There's so much to get stuck into.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Oslo - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Oslo - Holmenkollen Museum - NOK160
  • Oslo - Fram Museum - NOK140
  • Oslo - Akershus Castle & Fortress - NOK100
  • Oslo - Island Hopping on Oslofjord - NOK117
  • Oslo - Museum Edvard Munch - NOK160
  • Oslo - Resistance Museum - NOK100
  • Oslo - 24 hour Transport and Sightseeing Pass - NOK445
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region to Bergen, which will take around seven hours. No other train ride between two cities in Europe is at a higher altitude than this one, and few can match the views passing by your window. Linking Norway's two main cities, this line takes in some spectacular scenery of lush valleys, idyllic villages, dramatic mountains and picturesque lakes as it crosses the Hardangervidda Plateau. As the trip is long and you'll arrive quite late into quirky city of Bergen, there won't be too much time to explore today, but you will have all day tomorrow. There are some great sea food restaurants in town, so possibly venture out with the group for a bite to eat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.

After breakfast this morning, head out for a guided walk around the Bryggen area of the city. This is a World Heritage listed area of one of the world’s greatest harbour cities, and is where the settlement of Bergen grew from. Wander through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses, visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum (a former trade building), and explore the old Hanseatic port area – the Hanseatic merchant confederation dominated Baltic maritime trade for 400 years from the 15th century. Then you’ll have free time in the afternoon to do as you wish. Perhaps visit the 13th century Bergenhus Fortress, one of the oldest and best preserved castles in Norway. Also, make sure you journey on the Floy Mountain Funicular, taking you 1,050 feet abve the city in just seven minutes, and offering amazing views of the deep blues of the sea and the pastel coloured houses from the top of Floyen mountain. It you’d like to get active while you’re up there, the summit has a multitude of hiking paths catering to all abilities.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bergen - Bergen Museum and Bryggen Guided Walk
Optional Activities
  • Bergen - Mt Ulriken Cable Car & Shuttle - NOK250
  • Bergen - Vidden Trail Hike - Free
  • Bergen - Bergenhus Fortress - Free
  • Bergen - Aquarium - NOK325
  • Bergen - 24 hour Transport and Sightseeing Pass - NOK300
  • Bergen - Floy Mountain Funicular - NOK160
  • Bergen - Rosenkrantz Tower - NOK120
  • Bergen - Håkons Hall - NOK120
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that this morning's guided walk is on a join-in basis, which means that there will be other participants apart from our group members. For later in the day it might be a good idea to purchase a 24 hour Bergen Card. It gives you free and discounted access to a range of attractions and museums, as well as included travel on light rail and buses. You can book this online before you arrive.

Leave Bergen after breakfast and travel by bus to the fjord region, which should take around 3-4 hours. The journey will take you through epic landscapes and remote regions, so have your camera at the ready. The typical Norwegian huts that you’ll stay in tonight are located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by steep cliff walls with a perfect view of the spectacular crystal clear Kjelsfossen waterfall falling from the top of the fjords. It's humbling to look up and consider these giant and ancient geological formations. Your accommodation is located near the village of Gudvangen.
Accommodation
  • Cabin (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The accommodation for the next two nights is in rustic cabins on a camp site in peaceful surroundings. All cabins have electricity, running water, a kitchen for self-catering and bathroom facilities that are shared between the rooms in each cabin. Bedding in the cabins is a mix of double beds, bunk beds and sofas; final allocation depends on availability and group configuration. Linen and towels are provided. If you have booked a single supplement, please note that the nights at the cabins are an exemption and you will share a room with one of your fellow travellers.

Today take a boat trip and be captivated by the sight of crisp mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord, a World Heritage site. The name Naeroyfjord takes its origins from the Norse god of seafarers and the sea, Njord. The fjord itself, formed by glacial erosion of the surrounding bedrock, is 18 kilometres long, only 250 metres wide at its narrowest point, but its depth reaches up to 500 metres. Surrounding mountain peaks rise up to 1400 metres and waterfalls crash down sheer cliff faces – awe-inspiring melancholic beauty and dramatic vistas. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding area. Perhaps hire bikes and cycle along the shore of the fjord, take to the waters in a kayak or take a bus to the nearby ittle fishing village of Flam in order to ride the famous railway up to Myrdal. This is one of the most picturesque (and steepest) railway journeys in the country. Alternatively explore on foot and discover nearby waterfalls and ancient moraines. Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to throw a line in the crystal waters, sit back and soak up the serenity (a fishing licence is required and costs around NOK 150).
Accommodation
  • Cabin (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gudvangen - Naeroyfjord Boat Cruise
Optional Activities
  • Gudvangen - Bike Hire - NOK350
  • Gudvangen - Kayak Hire - Half Day - NOK600
  • Flam - Cog Railway - NOK680
  • Flam - Stegastein Lookout - NOK360
  • Flam - Railway Museum - Free
  • Gudvangen - Hiking Options - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please note that the Flam Railway should be booked in advance during the busy summer months. Your leader will be able to advise of the best time for this excursion should you wish to prebook this.

There will be another long bus journey of around six hours after breakfast today, as you journey to the town Alpine playground of Lillehammer. Cross vast high plains, remote valleys, and drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel at 24.5 km. The tunnel is divided into four sections, broken up by ‘mountain caves’. These caves are 6 kilometres apart and equipped with special lighting to help drivers concentrate by giving off the illusion of driving into daylight. Lillehammer, which held the Winter Olympics in 1994, is picturesquely situated on Lake Mjøsa. Upon arrival head out for a brief orientation walk to find your bearings in the laid-back 19th century town centre, along the main pedestrian street of storgata (Big Street), lined with wooden houses, boutiques and restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Join an orientation walk this morning and get to know Lillehammer. Your leader will take you on an included visit to the Maihaugen Open Air Museum, home of the Garmo Stave Church, which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley over the last 300 years. This brilliant museum includes timber-built farms, a town and a big residential area that gives you an insight into various eras of Norway's history. The afternoon is free for you to further explore. Perhaps conquer misty mountains on a hike. As a town famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer has a great Olympic Museum where you can hear tales of heroic feats, and is also an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as wheeled bobsleigh.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lillehammer - Maihaugen Open Air Museum
Optional Activities
  • Lillehammer - Sigrid Undset's Home at Bjerkebæk - NOK140
  • Lillehammer - Hiking Options - Free
  • Lillehammer - Olympic Museum - NOK140
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel for around five hours by private bus today and cross the border into Sweden. Head to the lakeside village Mora, a laidback town that encapsulates the most Swedish of Swedish landscapes, and which sits right in the middle of the Swedish lakes. Settled between the northern shore of Lake Siljan and the southern shore of Lake Orsasjon, Mora is a location steeped in history and culture that's ready to be discovered. Dalarna county is in the heart of the Sweden and is famous for the national symbol of the wooden Dala horse and Mora knives. Check in to the hotel on arrival and relax for the evening, before your day of exploration tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Be charmed by tiny countryside villages with deep-red log cottages, towering pine forests and rolling meadows on an included bike ride this morning, a great way of getting to know the area and the beautiful Swedish country side. The rest of the day is free to explore the area of Mora and its lakes. Perhaps take a leisurely boat trip across the lake, sink a line to partake in a little fishing or hike around the gentle rolling surrounds. Admire the work of a meteorite that crashed into the Earth millions of years ago, forming what is today Lake Siljan. Mora is also the home of the world’s biggest cross-country ski race, the 90 kilometre Vasaloppet, and one of Sweden’s most famous artists, Anders Zorn. Here you can visit his former home and a museum gallery of his art.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mora - Swedish Lakes Bicycle Tour
Optional Activities
  • Mora - Zorn Museum and Zorn House - SEK250
  • Mora - Nusnäs Dala Horse Factory - Free
  • Mora - Santa Land - SEK465
  • Mora - Vasaloppet Museum - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the bicycle tour is weather dependent. The rides can vary depending on the group's abilities, but all are usually about 10 km in length (2-2.5 hours). It takes place on paths and roads with little to no traffic. The terrain for all rides is mostly flat, but if you don't feel comfortable riding a bike you can opt out of these activities.

Leaving the Swedish lakes behind, head to the country's cultural, political and economic capital of Stockholm by train (approximately 4 hours). Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably Scandinavia 's most beautiful city, Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. After an introductory orientation walk, use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you. You can perhaps head underground for the world’s longest art exhibition. Connecting the fourteen islands of the city and blasted through hard rocky ground, the subway (Tunnelbana) system's 100 stations are like the longest modern art exhibition in the world, featuring artwork from over 140 different artists. The bedrock of the cavernous stations on the Blue Line for example has been left exposed and artists given free reign to express themselves on the walls. Enjoy the narrow cobble stone streets and the colourful merchant houses. Why not soak up the culture and try a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest café Sundbergs Konditori located on Jarntorget square, and dating from 1785.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

In your free time why not leave the city behind for a few hours and see the waterways of Stockholm on a cruise past tiny islets and along narrow waterways. Consider taking a self-guided Millennium Walking Tour of Stockholm or visit the Abba Museum. Alternatively you can take a trip to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family. There's plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy here in this great Scandinavian city, so plan your activities wisely. Tonight perhaps head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district, the inner-city island with the best nightlife, full of hip shops, bars and cafes. Or maybe sit down at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants, such as the latest venues opened on the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan, or in the cool fusion restaurants of Kungsholmen.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Stockholm - Millennium Books Tour - SEK450
  • Stockholm - Drottningholm Palace - SEK130
  • Stockholm - Skansen Open Air Museum - SEK220
  • Stockholm - Abba Museum - SEK290
  • Stockholm - Fotografiska (Photography Museum) - SEK180
  • Stockholm - City Hall - SEK130
  • Stockholm - Nobel Prize Museum - SEK130
  • Stockholm - Nordic Museum - SEK140
  • Stockholm - Gröna Lund Amusement Park - SEK130
  • Stockholm - The Royal Palace - SEK160
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
We recommend you book your tickets to the Abba Museum in advance at: abbathemuseum.com/en/

After breakfast, go on an included visit to the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The 17th-century warship, Vasa, sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage in the harbour of Stockholm and was salvaged only in 1961. As one of the most visited sights in Sweden, the Vasa Museum collection consists of the Vasa itself and all of the objects that were found within the ship. In the evening, you'll be boarding an overnight ferry for Helsinki, Finland.
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Stockholm - Vasa Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that your cabins for the night are bunk bed cabins, however we have booked one cabin per 2 passengers to allow for a bit more room. Each cabin has a private bathroom. If you have booked a single supplement, please note that the night on the overnight ferry is an exemption and you will share a cabin with one of your fellow travellers.

After your morning arrival into Helsinki's port you will transfer to your hotel. Discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Apart from a short orientation walk, today is completely free and you'll be able to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are a visit to the city's cathedral or the interesting Design Museum. Don't miss the harbour-side market and market hall from 1889 for local oddities, and make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, sometimes referred to as the Gibraltar of the North, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city. Surrounded by the sea, Helsinki is a modern European city that offers an endless array of options. Throughout its 450-year history, the city has often been the buffer between the east and west. This is shown in their cuisine, with a mix of root vegetables, berries and fresh fish. Perhaps head out in the evening to sample some traditional dishes at dinner with your group.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Upon your morning arrival check-in at our hotel in Helsinki may not yet be possible. In this case, you will store your luggage at the hotel and head out for an orientation walk. You will be able to check into your room later on.

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to extend you stay in Helsinki we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please speak to your travel consultant at the time of booking.
Optional Activities
  • Helsinki - National Museum of Finland - EUR16
  • Helsinki - Cathedral - Free
  • Helsinki - City Museum - Free
  • Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress - EUR7
  • Helsinki - Design Museum - EUR15
  • Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari - EUR10
  • Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum - EUR14
  • Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum - EUR18
  • Helsinki - Rock Church - EUR5
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If it's all ending too soon, you can extend your trip by combining it with our 'Baltic Experience' trip, travelling from Helsinki through the Baltic States, and ending in Vilnius. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

11 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Overnight ferry, Private vehicle, Tram, Metro

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Cabin (2 nights), Overnight ferry (1 night)

Included activities

  • Oslo - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Bergen - Bergen Museum and Bryggen Guided Walk
  • Gudvangen - Naeroyfjord Boat Cruise
  • Lillehammer - Maihaugen Open Air Museum
  • Mora - Swedish Lakes Bicycle Tour
  • Stockholm - Vasa Museum

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Scandinavia Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable, excluding Day 5,6 and Day 13. Availability is limited due to small property we use, please speak to your booking agent for further information
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for ferry tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days before departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Essential trip information

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