Costsaver: Highlights of Scandinavia
Day 1 - Arrive Copenhagen
You’re in for a whole lot of hygge when you hit the colorful, character-filled streets of Copenhagen, kick-starting your journey across Scandinavia. This cool capital manages to mix fairy tale with function as you’ll come to discover. Spend your day soaking up the atmosphere in 17th-century Nyhavn or rubbing shoulders with the fun-loving locals in Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s second oldest amusement park. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: Comwell Portside
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Copenhagen sightseeing and free time
Discover why Copenhagen earns its status as one of the world’s most liveable cities – a place where work and play are perfectly balanced. Your Local Guide will take you on a sightseeing tour to the heart of the city, through lively streets, squares and along canals, revealing many of the city’s highlights, from the Royal Amalienborg Palace to Carlsberg Glyptotek. Snap a selfie with Copenhagen’s demure Little Mermaid then spend the rest of the day exploring Copenhagen your way or join a Choice Experience to the Danish Riviera past ancient fishing villages to the 17th-century Frederiksborg Castle. This evening, join a Choice Experience visit to the village of Dragør with its tiny thatched cottages.
Accommodations: Comwell Portside
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Copenhagen – Oslo
The next leg of your journey is filled with eye-catching landscapes that demand to be captured on camera. Your scenic drive from Denmark to Norway will see you cross the Øresund by ferry, then skirt the Swedish coastline north past glittering blue bays and lush pine and spruce forests. Continue your journey past Gothenburg bound for Oslo, the Norwegian capital. Norway wears its pioneering past with subtlety. This city could claim great Viking victories. Instead, you’ll encounter a modest, waterfront Oslo, where contemporary meets comfortable and the Norwegian philosophy of friluftsliv is palpable in its lush parks, flower-lined boulevards and bustling waterways.
Accommodations: Quality Hotel Hasle Linie
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Oslo sightseeing – Vrådal
Your Local Guide will reveal all the highlights of Oslo this morning, including the medieval Akershus fortress, the City Hall and the Royal Palace. Visit the bronze, granite and cast iron fantasy-land left behind by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland in Frogner Park, home to the world’s largest sculpture exhibition by a single artist. Later, take the chance to explore Oslo at leisure before we travel to Norway’s Telemark region, renowned for its distinctive skiing technique. Tonight, join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: Straand
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Vrådal – Bergen
Witness Mother Nature’s magic touch on Norway as you wind your way through spectacular mountains and past Hardangerfjord, the 'Queen of the Fjords', to Bergen. The city’s Hanseatic heritage is only second to the spectacular natural landscape that surrounds this enchanting coastal city, which is famously fringed by seven hills and seven fjords. The former capital of Norway has been a trading center since the 13th century as you will come to discover on your orientation tour of the city's highlights, including the fish market and the 13th-century Haakon's Hall, a former Royal residence.
Accommodations: Scandic Neptun
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Bergen sightseeing and free time
Nowhere is Norway’s seafaring heritage more apparent than in Bergen, which was once the cod capital of the world and a lively port for traders seeking to spread its salty delights across Europe. You’ll have some time to explore the harbor and the colorful wooden warehouses of UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the center of Bergen’s Hanseatic trade for centuries. You could also choose to delve into Norway’s World War II history during a visit to the lost village of Telavåg, whose ties to the resistance saw it destroyed by German forces.
Accommodations: Scandic Neptun
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Bergen – Sognefjord (Lærdal)
Norway's fjord country takes center stage today as you head to the 'King of the Fjords', Sognefjord. You'll have a scenic drive before arriving at the world's longest and deepest fjord. You'll have a rare opportunity as part of a Choice Experience to journey on the world-famous Flåm Railway. After, for nature lovers, there's a Choice Experience to board a cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, whose stunning landscape has inspired painters for centuries. Tonight, join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: Lærdal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Sognefjord (Lærdal) – Lillehammer (Hamar)
Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains to Lillehammer, in the heart of Norway. You’ll discover what’s great about the great outdoors as you see how this Norwegian ski jumping center turned Winter Olympics hub has become popular amongst adrenaline junkies.
Accommodations: Thon Partner Victoria Hamar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Lillehammer (Hamar) – Karlstad – Örebro
Travel through Norway’s lush forest landscapes, through the cottage countryside of Sweden bound for Lake Vänern, to visit Karlstad, surrounded by forests, fields and lakes. Take a deep breath and embrace the simplicity of your surroundings before continuing to the lively university town of Örebro, where you’ll stay tonight. View the 13th-century castle on the banks of the Svartån River during your orientation.
Accommodations: Scandic Örebro Vast
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Örebro – Stockholm
Continue to stylish Stockholm, which locals refer to as 'beauty on water'. The beautiful blue jostles for your attention amidst lush green parks and a modern city where style and substance coexist effortlessly. Get your bearings and explore Stockholm your way or take a cruise across the harbor and the beautiful Djurgården canal on our Choice Experience which continues on to explore the huge public art gallery that is the Stockholm metro.
Accommodations: Hoom Park
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Stockholm sightseeing and free time
Let this elegant city capture your heart as you explore this morning with a Local Guide. View the medieval Storkyrkan, the Swedish Parliament and the Royal Palace. A Choice Experience could see you visit Stockholm’s City Hall and delve into the story of the Vasa, a 17th-century warship that sank on her maiden voyage. In the afternoon, get your cameras ready for a 'pano' worthy of framing when you head to Sodermalm on a Choice Experience which includes a visit to the world’s first Ice Bar. Say skål in glasses made of pure river ice, then join your fellow travelers later for dinner to celebrate the end of your Scandinavian adventure.
Accommodations: Hoom Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Depart Stockholm
Your epic journey worthy of a Viking voyage has sadly come to an end. Say a fond farväl to new friends and close the curtain on a holiday filled with Scandinavian style, the majesty of Mother Nature and a whole lot of lek as you prepare to return home.
Meals: Breakfast
Stockholm
Stockholm is Sweden’s strikingly elegant and beautiful capital. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia’s most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts natural beauty - with one-third of the city’s total land area devoted to parks. As the country’s major city, Stockholm offers a wealth of monuments and sites, fine museums, and a rich culture. There are also hundreds of excellent restaurants, as well as a great selection of trendy boutiques and exciting nightclubs. Visitors should start their exploration of Stockholm with the Gamla Stan, the Old Town on Stadsholmen; an island in the center of the city, it has retained its medieval charm. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets, full of art studios, boutiques, antique shops, nightclubs and bars, is best explored on foot.
Oslo
Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. The city displays a mixture of several architectural styles. A full range of activities includes art galleries, museums, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs. Other points of interest include Royal Palace; Frogner Park, known for its famous Vigeland sculptures; Holmenkollen, where international skiing events take place; imposing Åkershus Castle; and Bygdøy Peninsula, home to some of Oslo’s most important museums. Many attractions can be explored on foot. Oslo's City Hall ranks as the most distinctive part of Oslo’s waterfront. The art portrays the country's different historical and domestic phases. Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the life work of Norway’s famous painter, contains more than 5,000 drawings and paintings. National Gallery has the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and some of Munch’s best-known works. Åkershus Fortress & Castle, transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 17th century, houses Norway’s Resistance Museum.
Excursions
Oslo City Tour - 4 hours
Oslo City Tour - 4 hours
Drive through the center of Oslo, passing all of the main sights and highlights, including the Royal Palace and the Nobel Institute. View the City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900-year jubilee. Akershus Fortress, sitting boldly on the waterfront is today partly a museum and a military area.
Pass the Parliament Building before entering Karl Johan Street, named after the Swedish-Norwegian king in the early part of the 19th century. The oldest part of Oslo University, dating back to 1813, lines this street. It is famous for its interior decoration by the painter Edvard Munch.
You will also pass through attractive villa areas on the way to Vigeland Park. This enormous open-space was laid out in the first half of the 20th century by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Over a period of 30 years, he created his own world of human beings and animals from stone, iron and bronze. There are about 200 statue groups in all, which describe the course of human life from birth to death. The monolith, a 56-foot high granite block carved with 121 figures stands as the unequivocal centerpiece of this well-planned park.
On the Bygdøy Peninsula you will visit the Viking Ship Museum. It houses three authentic longboats dating from the Viking Age, around AD 900-1000, which were excavated from the mudbanks along Oslo fjord. The museum also holds a large collection of items found on board the ships, such as household goods, tools, jewelry and clothing.
Basis: |
Private tour. |
Duration: |
4 hours. |
Start / End: |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances: |
Viking Ship Museum. |
Meals: |
None. |
Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Chocolate delights tour in Freialand – 3 hours
Oslo Chocolate delights tour in Freialand – 3 hours
On Rodeløkka in Oslo is the Freia chocolate factory, here they produce chocolate since 1889. We take a look at the chocolate production. We will see modern technology that, in combination with tradition and skilled workers, produces "Norway's best chocolate".
The tour to the includes a history lesson on Freia, cocoa and chocolate, a chance to make your own milk chocolate, a visit to the factory canteen which has 12 paintings by Edvard Munch on the wall, and a view of the production facilities.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Freialand chocolate Factory
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours
Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours
Discover an alternative Oslo, full of street art, hip cafés, surprising waterfalls, great food and award winning coffee.
During this approximately 3-hour bike tour, you will ride the path along the Akerselva River, with a stop at the heart of Oslo’s food scene, the indoor food market “Mathallen”. Mathallen is closed on Mondays.
Be amazed by rushing waterfalls in the middle of the city, just blocks from the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.
And an absolute must is a stop at the modern Opera and the exciting urban development around it, including a stop at Oslo's newest urban beach.
Basis |
Private tour |
Duration |
3 hours |
Start / End |
Bicycle rental shop. |
Vehicle |
None |
Inclusions |
Bicycle and Helmet. |
Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances |
None |
Meals |
None |
Difficulty |
Grade Easy/Medium. Guests must be in good health and be comfortable riding a bicycle with hand brakes. The tour includes about 2½ hours of cycling, all at a leisurely pace. |
Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours
Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours
We start with Vulkan - The area is a fusion of culture and creative industry with schools, hotels, food hall, restaurants and exciting tenants. It is the diversity and composition of the players that make Vulkan exciting.
Mathallen Oslo is inspired by the great European food courts. Here you’ll find specialty shops, cafés and great places to eat. The food court will also put on a number of food-related activities like conferences, courses, fairs and competitions. Mathallen Oslo is the place to go for everyone who appreciates high quality food and bevergages and something unique. There will be time for light lunch at Mathallen during the tour.
On the east side of the river Akerselva, behind the old industrial buildings, lies Grünerløkka. Here you will discover numerous little cafés, restaurants and bars. Grünerløkka is also a popular shopping district, with original design shops and many vintage and second-hand stores.
During the tour we will have an outside visit to the Opera House. Officially opened in April 2008, the Oslo Opera House was designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. The Opera House, which took five years to complete, sits on the bank of the Bjørvika district, near the stock exchange and the central station.
A visit to Oslo is not complete without a brief wal through Vigeland´s Sculpture Park .The sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron. It was installed mainly in the period 1940-1949, but is nevertheless a result of over 40 years of work. It is located in a beuatiful park and natural setting in the city.
Edvard Munch was one of Modernism's most significant artists and the other great Norgwian artist. The New Edvard Munch Museum will open at the end of 2020.
Basis |
Private tour |
Duration |
5 hours |
Start / End |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
Vehicle |
1st Class. |
Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances |
Edvard Munch Museum when it opens at the end 2020 |
Meals |
None |
Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours
Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours
Are you ready for a walking tour in beautiful surroundings?
You will be taken to the real alternative side of Oslo and experience underground culture like never before and, at the same time having the opportunity to get a taste of Oslo's culinary highlights.
Your guides will take you to a variety of different locations where you will be able to taste a variety of Norwegian treats - from typical Norwegian cured delicacies, amazing waffles with brown cheese and special Oslo soda to Norwegian hot dog.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: Approx. 2,5 hours (2h Food Tour + transfers).
Start / End: City center Hotel, address or pier.
Vehicle: 1st Class
Guide: English-speaking.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Food tastings equivalent to a full meal.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Short walking required.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours
Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours
Over the last ten years, urban artists of international standing and local art enthusiasts have turned the streets of Oslo into one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant art scenes.
Join our experienced guides and discover some of the best examples of street art and graffiti in Oslo - from large-scale murals to tiny sculptures, and everything in-between.
The tour starts with a transfer to Rodeløkka kolonihager, Norway's oldest allotment gardens, and ends in downtown Grünerløkka in the heart of alternative Oslo. It covers historical artworks in the district as well as those produced as part of the annual Løkka-lykke street art festival, which takes place each summer in the last week of June.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
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