Insight Vacations: Northern Capitals, a Women-Only Tour
Day 1 - Fashionable Helsinki
Welcome to Helsinki. Head out to explore the city before meeting your fellow traveling companions for a wonderful dinner and time to hear the exciting plans awaiting you during your Northern Capitals tour.
Accommodations: Klaus K, Helsinki
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Day at Leisure in Helsinki
Helsinki is yours to stroll leisurely through Finland’s quaint capital or take the opportunity to cruise across the Baltic Sea to Estonia where you will visit Tallinn, its fairytale capital city. Take in the panoramic views from Toompea Hill before visiting the market square with its old German weighing house, pharmacy and Town Hall. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to browse Tallinn’s shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewelry before returning to Helsinki.
Accommodations: Klaus K, Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Helsinki and Baltic Cruise to Stockholm
Explore Helsinki, the trendsetting city of top fashion and design, alongside a Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer. This afternoon, board your cruise ship for the overnight voyage to Sweden. Take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery from the comfort of your A-Class, sea-view cabin while the northern sun hangs over the horizon as you enjoy dinner on board.
Accommodations: Serenade/Symphony - Tallink & Silja Line Ships
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Stockholm, City of Islands
Disembark your Baltic cruise and explore Stockholm with a Local Expert, visit the imposing City Hall with its impressive Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, covered with 18 million gilded mosaic tiles and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, the venue for the Nobel Prize banquets. Cross the harbor to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city, to see the cathedral and the Royal Palace.
Accommodations: Scandic Continental, Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Stockholm
Stockholm, beautifully situated across 14 islands, blends medieval alleyways with cutting-edge Scandinavian design. Begin your day with Insight Choice. Dive into the glitz and legacy of Sweden’s most iconic pop export at ABBA The Museum—an interactive experience celebrating the music, style and global impact of the beloved quartet. Alternatively, explore the spirited side of Swedish culture at the lively Spirit Museum, where art and artifacts trace the country’s long and complex relationship with alcohol, from traditional aquavit to contemporary craft distilling.
Accommodations: Scandic Continental, Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Stockholm to Oslo
Journey past Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden, and enjoy a scenic drive through Norway’s forested landscapes to Oslo. On arrival, enjoy some free time to explore—visit the harbourfront Aker Brygge district with its waterside cafes and boutiques, or see the striking modern architecture of the Oslo Opera House. In the evening, dine with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Oslo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Cosmopolitan Oslo
Explore Oslo with your Local Expert, uncovering the city’s royal history and striking contemporary design. Pass the Royal Palace and Akershus Castle before walking through the Bjorvika district, home to the eye-catching Oslo Opera House. In Frogner Park, discover the bold sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, Norway’s most celebrated sculptor. This afternoon, visit the Nobel Peace Museum with your Local Expert. During a guided talk, hear the stories of the 19 women who have received the Nobel Peace Prize and explore exhibits highlighting their global impact. Later, you may wish to explore Oslo City Hall, where the prize ceremony takes place each year, or join an Optional Experience to Holmenkollen, home to the world’s most modern ski jump and panoramic views of the Oslofjord.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Oslo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - From Norway to Denmark
Journey south through the Nordic countries from Oslo to Denmark taking in the lush scenery along the route. Pass the city of Gothenburg to board the ferry for a short cruise to Denmark. Enjoy a view of Kronborg Castle, reputedly the Elsinore home of Hamlet as you enter the Kingdom of Denmark and onwards to Copenhagen. Upon arrival, experience the magic of Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and a beloved Danish landmark.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Wonderful Copenhagen
With a Local Expert, begin your sightseeing at Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Government, to marvel at the opulent interior. Journey past Copenhagen Cathedral and the university to see Rosenborg Castle, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Amalienborg Palace, home of the royal family. Visit the waterfront to admire Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid gazing across the harbor. Before dinner, indulge in a private boat tour with a captain who shares their perspective of Copenhagen. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at our hand-picked restaurant and enjoy a delicious dinner of sustainable ingredients, as you toast to the end of your Scandinavian adventure.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Fond Farewell to Copenhagen
Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through the Nordic countries comes to an end.
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.
Excursions
Stockholm Drottingholm Castle tour - 4 Hours
Stockholm Drottingholm Castle tour - 4 Hours

Drottningholm Palace is on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. It is the best-preserved royal castle built in Sweden during the 1600’s and it is representative of all European architecture that was to follow.
The castle was built by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder and was clearly inspired by French architecture and since its construction many royals have left their mark on the palace. Hedvig Eleonora, Lovisa Ulrika and Gustav III left powerful examples of their style, especially in the decor of the reception rooms. Hedvig Eleonora’s state bedchamber was at the heart of their reception rooms in the 1600’s and was created by the country's foremost artists and craftsmen.
There is also a series of rooms that were decorated for Gustav III during the 1700’s which includes the Chinese saloon, a very chic trend at that time.
In 1991 Drottningholm Castle was included on UNESCO's World Heritage list of sites of outstanding universal value to humanity. The Royal family moved into the Drottningholm Palace in 1981 and still today the castle remains the primary residence of the King and Queen. The rooms in the castle's southern section are reserved for the royal couple.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
4 hours. |
| Start / End: |
City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier). |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Drottingholm Castle.
|
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Stockholm City tour – 4 Hours
Stockholm City tour – 4 Hours
Sweden’s magnificent capital Stockholm is a city renowned for its characteristic structure, built on 14 islands magnificently bathed by the waters of lake Mälaren. Your tour will introduce you to the most characteristic locations and the most architecturally significant buildings.
You will by visiting the green island of Djurgården with its numerous historic buildings, monuments, museums, galleries, an exciting theme park and a magnificent open-air museum.
While on the island, you will have the opportunity to visit the Vasa Museum. Here you will admire the Swedish warship ‘Vasa’, once considered one of the world’s largest and the pride of Sweden's mighty navy. It was built around the 17th century under the commission of the King of Sweden, Gustav II Adolf, whose aim was to increase the military might of his country. Although the Vasa was expected to be one of the most powerful ships of its time, it was, ironically, not sunk by enemy guns, but by a gust of wind. Even more humiliating for the Swedes was the fact that the Vasa sunk just shortly after it left the harbor of Stockholm on its maiden voyage in full view of the inhabitants of Stockholm who came to watch the spectacle.
Its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Painstakingly restored to much of its original magnificence, ‘Vasa’ represents an authentic piece of living history.
Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan) is located on a small island in the very heart of the city. Within its bounds are a multitude of historical sites, including the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the House of Nobilities, as well as the world's longest established bank, the Bank of Sweden that was founded in 1656.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 4 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Vasa Museum.
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Stockholm Uppsala and Sigtuna tour - 6 Hours
Stockholm Uppsala and Sigtuna tour - 6 Hours

Uppsala is located 72 kilometres north of Stockholm and as early as the 6th century it was a political and religious centre.
It was from here that the old pagan kings ruled. Legend has it that there was a splendid temple here that was decorated with gold.
The large historical Uppsala Cathedral was consecrated in 1435. Several famous scientists and kings have their chapels here. There is a fine museum in the north tower full of ecclesiastical textiles and gold and silver objects. In one of the cathedral's chapels lie the holy relics of Sweden's patron saint, St. Erik, in a gold Casket.
Uppsala University is the oldest University in Scandinavia. In the 17th and 18th centuries the university became a centre of research, mainly in the field of natural history. Many are the geniuses that have spread Uppsala's reputation worldwide and to date six Uppsala scientists have received the Nobel prize. The Gustavianum museum is housed in Uppsala University's oldest preserved building. Exhibited at the museum are the Augsburg Art Cabinet, discoveries from the Viking period, the history of the University of Uppsala, mummies and much more.
Sigtuna is a town north of Stockholm that sits beside Lake Mälaren, in the lush landscape of Uppland. The area prospered during the Viking Age, leaving a heritage of rune stones, graves and monuments, which to this day still stand in and around the town. Sigtuna is said to be home to the most rune stones in the world. They were erected during the Viking era to commemorate deceased men.
Sigtuna is Swedens first town and was founded in AD 980, as Christianity arrived, uniting Sweden as a single kingdom. With a royal mint and a bishop, Sigtuna was effectively the capital of Sweden until power shifted towards Stockholm and Uppsala in the 13th century. Three historic church ruins, St. Olof, St. Lars and St. Per, from the 12th and 13th century can be found in the medieval centre of Sigtuna. Here, you will also find the brick Church of Maria, which was built in 1247 as a Dominican monastery.
After three fires in the 17th century, Sigtuna was a ghost town for 250 years but was later revived in the 1910s as a nationalist project. The 18th century Town Hall can be found on Sweden's oldest street, Stora Gatan (over a thousand years old). It is allegedly the smallest town hall in Scandinavia and is nowadays used as a museum. At Stora Gatan, you will also find clusters of interesting little shops selling fashion, design and local handicrafts.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
6 hours. |
| Start / End: |
City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier). |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Uppsala Cathedral & Gustavianum Museum. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Stockholm Old Town walking tour – 3 Hours
Stockholm Old Town walking tour – 3 Hours

Enjoy the old town of Stockholm with an enjoyable walk through it’s old narrow cobblestoned streets, the beating heart of the historic city that dates back to the 13th century.
Here you will be struck by the contrast between the small characteristic cobbled streets that wind between elegant historic buildings and picturesque squares, and the majestic and imposing Royal Palace that suddenly appears on the horizon.
When exploring these streets, it is easy to imagine that you have travelled back in time to a medieval city. In a constant game of contrasts, we'll investigate the entrance to the narrowest street in Stockholm, just 90 cm wide and with 36 steps, known as Mårten Trotzigs gränd, then visit the fascinating main square of Gamla Stan, as majestic as it is elegant, around which the city was developed back in the 1300s.
A walk through Gamla Stan is not complete without a visit to Stockholm’s Cathedral. Stockholm’s medieval Cathedral, built in 1279, houses unique objects such as the St George and the Dragon sculpture (1489), the legendary Vädersoltavlan (1535) and Lena Lervik’s sculpture ”Joseph and Mary” (2002).
Other points of interest during the tour are Stortorget and the Great Square, the hub of the Old Town which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy.
| Basis |
Private tour |
| Duration |
3 hours |
| Start / End |
Stockholm city center hotel or address |
| Vehicle |
None |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances |
Stockholm Cathedral. |
| Meals |
none |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Stockholm Jewish tour – 4 Hours
Stockholm Jewish tour – 4 Hours
Sweden’s Jewish community holds a very unique place in the continental European Diaspora. During the mid-20th century, Sweden was one of the only European countries to actually witness a growth in their Jewish population. During the Second World War there was no systematic persecution by the neutral Swedish government, and, in fact, the country gave asylum to thousands of Jewish refugees from Denmark and Norway. The community has continued to exist relatively undisturbed over the generations.
Today, the Swedish Jewish community is the largest in Scandinavia and is primarily composed of descendants of pre-war refugees and Shoah survivors who arrived after the war. Most Swedish Jews live in the capital Stockholm. It is a unified community and all three synagogues in the city belong to the same organization.
Today’s first stop is at the impressive panoramic viewpoint Fjallgatan. Here you can take some photographs while your guide points out the main sights of the city before your scenic drive towards Gamla Stan (Old Town), where you can get an insight into the long-lasting German influence and the many attacks of the Danes during the Middle Ages. Due to the Swedish neutrality nothing has been destroyed here in the last 400 years.
You will then experience the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, passing the Royal Palace and on to Tyska Brunnsplan square, named after the German community that once occupied this area. Here stands the building, which was Stockholm's first synagogue, founded in 1790.
Next stop is the Jewish Museum. Here you will learn about the story of Jewish thought, Jewish practices, and Swedish history deepening your knowledge as far as concerns Jewish history and Swedish-Jewish heritage.
Leaving the Jewish Museum, you pass by the beautiful Jewish cemetery whilst taking in the main sights and highlights of the city.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 4 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Jewish Museum. Mondays closed.
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Stockholm Millesgården Museum and short Archipelago tour – 4 Hours
Stockholm Millesgården Museum and short Archipelago tour – 4 Hours
You start the day by meeting our local guide and taking a 20 minute transfer to the museum.
Millesgåarden was built in 1908 by sculptor Carl Milles and his wife painter Olga Milles. Today, the building became a well-renowned museum with an artist home, an antique collection, a vast sculpture garden, an art gallery with a museum shop and a restaurant. Millesgården is a work of art in its own right, a nicely balanced stage design of terraces, fountains, stairways, sculptures and columns, coupled with a diversity of vegetation and an immense vista across the waters of Värtan from the rocky heights of Herserud.
Once the visit of the museum is over you will go back to the city center in an alternative way: a boat that sails through the archipelago. The ride takes around 1 hour and will end in the city center. Meanwhile, relax and enjoy the stunning views of this nature area.
Basis: Private tour (not available on Mondays).
Duration: 4 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Inclusions: 01st Class vehicle transfer and boat transfer, English-speaking. Other languages on request, Entrance to Millesgården Museum.
Meals: None.
Physical Activity Level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: No.
Tour operates: morning, afternoon. Note: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.