Highlights of Scandinavia & Baltics - Small Group Tour with Nordic Visitor
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO FINLAND
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
After landing at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, start your Scandinavian adventure with a private transfer to the heart of the Finnish capital, where your hotel is situated. Take advantage of this first day on your own to discover this Nordic gem at your own pace, and eat at one of the many delicious restaurants. If you arrive early, we recommend you book an optional sightseeing tour, by boat or bus, to make the most of your time in Helsinki. These tours will show you around Helsinki‘s top attractions for a great overview of the sights and history of the city. Tonight you will dine on your own in Helsinki.
Spend the night at Scandic Hotel Grand Marina or similar.
Included:
• Private transfer from Helsinki airport to your hotel
Attractions: Finland, Helsinki
DAY 2: EXPLORE HELSINKI
Today, continue exploring Helsinki on your own. The Finnish capital is known for its creativity and, in 2012, was awarded the UNESCO “City of Design” title, boasting its very own Design District and “design tram route”. Some notable city landmarks to see or visit include Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Sibelius Park, Finlandia Hall, the Finnish National Opera House, and Parliament House. We recommend a stop at Kauppatori, the central Market Square of Helsinki, which is full of stalls that sell fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, as well as handcrafts and souvenirs. Tonight you will dine on your own in Helsinki.
Spend the night at Scandic Hotel Grand Marina or similar.
Included:
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Attractions: Finlandia Hall, Helsinki Opera House, Parliament House (Riksdagshuset), Senate Square, Sibelius Monument, Uspenski Cathedral
DAY 3: FERRY TO ESTONIA & EXPLORE TALLINN
Photo by Jacques Bopp on Unsplash
Start the morning with a 2-hour ferry ride from Helsinki to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. After checking in at your hotel in Tallinn, take the rest of the day to explore this beautiful medieval city. We recommend walking around the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and taking a walk up the Upper Town (Toompea).
Make sure to see the top sights including the Town Hall, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Toompea Castle, the current seat of the Estonian Parliament. Tonight you will dine on your own in Tallinn. Spend the night at Radisson Blu Sky Hotel or similar.
Included:
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Attractions: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Estonia, Tallinn, Tallinn Town Wall, Toompea
DAY 4: MORNING IN TALLINN & SAIL TO SWEDEN
Photo by Hibiki Hosoi on Unsplash
Spend the morning continuing your exploration of the Estonian capital before boarding an overnight cruise to Sweden. Like most European cities with an 800-year history, Tallinn is a patchwork of historic areas, offering a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western European influences. For a blast from the past, take a stroll through the Kadriorg district, reminiscent of a time when Estonia was ruled by Russian tsars. This area houses several interesting sights, such as the Kadriorg Palace and the Estonian Art Museum (KUMU).
You could also visit the newer parts of Tallinn, such as Vabaduse väljak (Freedom Square), to get a glimpse of Soviet-era life. In the late afternoon, at 5pm, you will board an overnight cruise to Stockholm. There’s plenty to do on board besides sleeping, with a variety of cafés, restaurant and shops to enjoy. Tonight you will dine on your own on board.
Spend the night on the cruise, in a private cabin with sea view.
Included:
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Attractions: Tallinn
DAY 5: ARRIVAL IN SWEDEN & WELCOME DINNER
Photo by Micael Widell on Unsplash
As you sail through the gorgeous Stockholm archipelago, made up of more than 24,000 islands and islets, enjoy breakfast on board the ship. Upon your arrival in Stockholm around 10am, make your way to the hotel and then enjoy some free time. We recommend spending the afternoon in the city centre, enjoying some shopping on the well-known pedestrian street Drottninggatan and taking a stroll in the surrounding area of Östermalm. There you will find numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants for a perfect introduction to Scandinavian culture.
At 18:00, you will join the group for a welcome dinner, the perfect occasion to get to know your fellow travel companions and your tour leader for the next 9 days. Spend the night at Elite Hotel Adlon Stockholm or similar.
Included:
• Welcome dinner with tour leader and travel companions
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet on board the ship
Attractions: Stockholm, Sweden
DAY 6: THE HIGHLIGHTS OF STOCKHOLM
Photo by Catalina Johnson on Unsplash
Today you will explore the historical heart of Stockholm. In the morning, you will embark on a guided bus tour taking you to attractions including City Hall, and the hip district of Södermalm, where you will get a panoramic view over Stockholm, before coming back to the Old Town (Gamla Stan). Next, you will go on a guided walk through the Medieval cobbled streets of Old Town before ending at lunch with the group in this historical area of Stockholm.
After lunch, you get the rest of the day to explore on your own. We recommend taking a short ferry ride to the charming island Djurgården where you will find the famous Vasa Museum, the Abba museum and the Skansen open-air museum. Other options include joining a guided boat tour along the archipelago or visiting the Royal Palace. Tonight you will dine on your own in Stockholm.
Spend the night at Elite Hotel Adlon Stockholm or similar.
Included:
• Guided sightseeing tour in Stockholm (4 hours)
• Lunch in Old Town
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Estimated escorted time with tour leader as a group: 5 hours
Attractions: Djurgården, Gamla Stan (Old town of Stockholm), Stockholm, Vasa Museum
DAY 7: RAILWAY JOURNEY TO DENMARK & GUIDED WALKING TOUR
Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash
After breakfast, the group will head to Stockholm Central Station for a half-day train journey to Denmark. As you travel to your next Scandinavian destination, you‘ll be rewarded with the gorgeous scenery of the idyllic farmlands and forests of southern Sweden.
Once you‘ve reached Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, you will be transferred by bus to your hotel. There you will meet with your local guide who will take you on a walking tour around Copenhagen’s main landmarks. You will stroll through the grand courtyard of the Amalienborg Palace, where the Danish Royal Guard stands watch day and night, see the impressive Frederiks Kirke, and the picturesque Nyhavn with its colourful, narrow houses lining the canal. You will also be treated to the local refreshment as part of the tour. After the walking tour, you will dine with the group.
Spend the night at Scandic Front Hotel or similar.
Included:
• Train from Stockholm to Copenhagen
• Bus transfer from Copenhagen train station to hotel
• Guided walking tour in Copenhagen including refreshments (3 hours)
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
• Dinner at a restaurant in Nyhavn
Estimated escorted time with tour leader as a group: 10-11 hours (including train travel)
Estimated travel duration: 5 hours by train
Attractions: Copenhagen, Denmark, Frederiks Kirke Church, Nyhavn
DAY 8: CASTLES AND GARDENS OF THE DANISH CAPITAL
Photo by Zachary Shakked on Unsplash
This morning you will enjoy a guided tour of the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle followed by a walk through the lush Botanical Garden. You will stop for lunch at the famous Torvehallerne food market – a favourite amongst local and visiting foodies. After lunch, you will get a different perspective of the city, with a short boat tour with views of Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Danish Opera House and the colourful Christianshavn Canal.
You‘ll then get the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore at your leisure. A perfect way to spend the afternoon and evening is visiting the famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park, which combines exotic architecture, nostalgic games and rides, as well as lights and music (entrance fee included). Tonight you will dine on your own.
Spend the night at Scandic Front Hotel or similar.
Included:
• Guided tour of Rosenborg Castle (1 hour)
• Boat tour around the harbour & canals of Copenhagen (1 hour)
• Entrance to the Tivoli Gardens
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Estimated escorted time with tour leader as a group: 6-7 hours
Attractions: Copenhagen, Rosenborg Castle, Tivoli Gardens
DAY 9: COPENHAGEN & JOURNEY TO NORWAY
Photo by Darth Liu on Unsplash
Explore the Danish capital on your own this morning. We recommend strolling along Strøget, a central street of Copenhagen renowned for world-class shopping, or relaxing at one of the cafés or restaurants by Nyhavn. If you’re up for it, walk up the winding equestrian staircase of the Round Tower (Rundetårn), or, for amazing views of the city, climb the 400 steps to the spiralling steeple of the Church of our Saviour. You can also take this time to take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline to the world famous Little Mermaid statue.
In the late afternoon, the group, along with the tour leader, will board a cruise to Oslo and enjoy a traditional Scandinavian dinner buffet on board. As you sail up the Kattegat Sund to Norway’s capital, you can take part in the on-board entertainment or just relax and watch the sunset from the deck.
Spend the night on the cruise, in a private cabin with sea view.
Included:
• Overnight cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo
• Scandinavian dinner buffet onboard the ship
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Estimated escorted time with tour leader as a group: 2 hours
Check-in time for the cruise: 15:30 for departure at 16:30
Attractions: Little Mermaid, Strøget shopping street
DAY 10: ARRIVAL IN NORWAY & GUIDED TOUR OF OSLO
Photo by Oliver Cole on Unsplash
Enjoy the views of the Oslo Fjord during breakfast as the ship sails into port. As you disembark, you‘ll head straight into exploring the Norwegian capital with a local knowledgeable guide.
The bus tour will take you along the famous landmarks of the city. The highlights include the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park, filled with over 200 metal and stone artworks, the Royal Palace, Akershus fortress, and City Hall. The guide will leave you at the Viking Ship Museum giving you an hour to explore before being transferred back to your hotel by bus. Tonight you will dine on your own.
Spend the night at Thon Hotel Opera or similar.
Included:
• Guided sightseeing tour in Oslo (4 hours)
• Entrance to the Viking Ship Museum
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet on board the ship
Estimated escorted time with tour leader as a group: 4-5 hours
Cruise arrival time in Oslo: 9:45am
Attractions: Holmenkollen Ski Jump & Museum, Norway, Oslo, The Royal Palace (Oslo), The Viking Ship Museum
DAY 11: NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL® & FLÅM
Photo by Mikita Karasiou on Unsplash
After an early breakfast, you will head to Oslo Central Station to start your Norway in a Nutshell® journey towards Bergen. This train ride, ranked amongst the 20 best train journeys in the world, takes you over Norway’s mountainous “rooftop“ and through charming villages like Gol and Geilo. In Myrdal, you will board the Flåm Railway for an incredible 20 km ride with a 900-metre descent to the beautiful village of Flåm.
In Flåm, you’ll have free admission to the Flåm Railway Documentation Centre, located right beside Flåm Station, where you can learn about the construction of one of the world’s steepest railway lines. In the evening, the group will dine together at the hotel restaurant.
Spend the night at Fretheim Hotel or similar.
Included:
• Norway in a Nutshell® railway journey from Oslo to Bergen (with a overnight stop in Flåm)
• Luggage transfer from Oslo directly to Bergen
• Dinner at the hotel
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Estimated escorted time with tour leader as a group: 6-7 hours (including travel time)
Estimated travel duration: 6 hours total
Attractions: Flåm, NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL®
DAY 12: SPLENDID FJORD CRUISE & MOUNTAINOUS RIDE
You are free to explore Flåm as you wish this morning before the group boards a cruise to continue the journey. The boat tour will take you onto Aurlandsfjord and the World Heritage-protected Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in the world. This is perhaps the most beautiful and wildest arm of the Sognefjord, with its tall mountains, mighty waterfalls and small farms clinging to the steep mountainsides.
On arrival at the pier in Gudvangen, you‘ll board a coach bus for a thrilling ride around the 13 hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva, Northern Europe’s steepest stretch of road. This will take you on to Voss, where you will switch onto a train for the last stretch of the journey to Bergen, arriving around 9pm.
Tonight you will dine on your own, eating something light on the train or eating later upon your arrival in Bergen.
Spend the night at Bergen Zander K Hotel or similar.
Included:
• Fjord cruise in Aurlandsfjord to Gudvangen
• Bus transfer from Gudvangen to Voss
• Train from Voss to Bergen
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Estimated escorted time with tour leader as a group: 5-6 hours (including train travel)
Estimated travel duration: 5 hours total including cruise, bus and train
Attractions: Aurlandsfjord, Bergen, Fjords in Norway, Flåm, Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord
DAY 13: MEDIEVAL ALLEYS & PANORAMIC VIEWS IN BERGEN
Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz on Unsplash
Despite being Norway’s second largest city, Bergen – the Fjords capital – still has all the charms of a small town. You‘ll experience its beauty and character first-hand as a local guide will lead the group on a walking tour around Bryggen, the medieval part of the city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then take the funicular up to nearby mountain, Fløyen, for stunning panoramic views over the city and surrounding fjords.
You get the rest of the afternoon to explore Bergen at your leisure. Then, in the evening, you‘ll have one last dinner with your travel companions, a chance to share your favourite memories from your Scandinavian tour.
Spend the night at Bergen Zander K Hotel or similar.
Included:
• Guided walking tour of Bergen (2,5 hours)
• Fløibanen funicular round trip tickets
• Farewell dinner with the group
• Breakfast: continental breakfast buffet at the hotel
Estimated escorted time with tour leader as a group: 4-5 hours
Attractions: Bergen, Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular (Funicular Railway)
DAY 14: DEPARTURE FROM NORWAY
When it's time for your Scandinavian adventure to come to an end, you can take the airport bus from one of the many departure points in the Bergen city centre or you can take a taxi directly from your hotel to Bergen-Flesland Airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of Bergen‘s museums or relax at a café, enjoying the last few moments of this amazing journey.