Highlights of Scandinavia Tour

Scandinavia has become more and more popular over recent years, thanks partly to the proliferation of TV series and films which portray its cool sophistication, often in a dramatic setting. Our new tour takes us to three Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Sweden and Norway – offering a taste of each through its cities, countryside and coast. From chic Copenhagen, Denmark’s lively and sophisticated capital to Norway’s cosmopolitan Oslo via Sweden’s second and third cities of Gothenburg and Malmo, we get a glimpse of the similarities and differences of these three wonderful countries. It is sure to whet your appetite for further trips to these friendly and sophisticated cities.

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Fly to Copenhagen
Fly from London Gatwick to Copenhagen and transfer to your hotel in the centre of the city for a two-night stay on bed and breakfast basis.  This evening we will have a welcome drink at the hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 2: Copenhagen city tour and Rosenborg Palace
This morning a four-hour walking tour will show you some of the highlights of the city, including entrance into Rosenborg Castle, the one-time home of the Danish Royal family with afternoon free for individual exploration. Copenhagen is justifiably known as the ‘Paris of the North’, its cobbled streets are lined with beautiful 17th- and 18th-century buildings, and the spires of Rosenborg Palace and Christiansborg Palace grace the city’s skyline. It is a delightful place to explore, especially the Christianshavn quarter with its picturesque canals. Its galleries and museums, such as the National Gallery and Ny Carlsberg Glypotek offer a wealth of European art and design, with works showcasing Denmark’s own golden age (1800-1850), the Skagen Group (Denmark’s answer to impressionism) and Scandinavian Modern design, including Georg Jensen’s silver. Added to which is a vibrant culinary scene with a host of restaurants offering a range of cuisines from cosy taverns showcasing the famous Danish “hygge” to highly sophisticated and innovative Nordic cuisine – pioneered by Noma, voted the best restaurant in the world in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.  Evening at leisure.

Day 3: Copenhagen – Malmo – Gothenburg
Transfer by coach across the iconic Oresund bridge that connects Denmark to Sweden and Malmo. Made famous by the superb Scandi-noir series “The Bridge,” it is the longest bridge in Europe, measuring nearly 8km. In Malmo, a two-hour walking tour of the city will show you the main sights. Resurgent in recent years with biotech and university activity, this former industrial centre is Sweden’s fastest growing city. Sights include the pretty “Little Square”, St Peter’s Church and Kingspark as well as some innovative modern buildings such as the HSB Turning Torso. After the tour there will be a few hours on your own to explore and have lunch (not included) before grabbing your bags from the coach at the train station and taking the train from Malmo to Gothenburg. Enjoy the train ride up Sweden’s west coast, and when you arrive in Gothenburg make the short walk over to your hotel near the station for a three-night stay. Evening at leisure.

Day 4: Gothenburg City Tour and afternoon at leisure
This morning a three-hour walking tour of Gothenburg will introduce you to the sights of Sweden’s second city, beautifully located on the west coast. Celebrating its 400^th anniversary in 2023, the city was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf and soon established itself as a commercial fishing and shipbuilding hub, and later as a leader in transport innovation. It is the birthplace of Volvo Cars and home to the Volvo Museum where you can explore a unique collection of heritage vehicles. The city continues to be fiercely proud of its fishing heritage and there’s no better place to enjoy high-quality, locally sourced seafood than in one of Gothenburg’s many fish restaurants. Its 17^th century Haga district with its cobbled streets and beautifully reserved wooden houses is a delight to explore. Don’t miss the huge cinnamon ‘Hagabullen’ bunsfrom Café Husaren. The city’s history is told at the Museum of Gothenburg, housed in East India House, once the hub of the city’s seafaring trade, whilst design lovers should visit the Rohsska Museum. This afternoon is free for you to personally explore some of the delights this lovely city has to offer. Evening at leisure.

Day 5: Cruise to Vinga Island
This morning, we transfer the short distance on foot to the pier for a boat cruise out through Gothenburg Harrbour to the beautiful island of Vinga, Gothenburg’s most westerly point, famous for its distinctive lighthouse and scenery. Here, you’ll have a few hours to walk around and explore, before reboarding the ship to take you back to Gothenburg with lunch included onboard. Remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.

Day 6: Gothenburg - Oslo by train
This morning we transfer on foot to Gothenburg Central Station and take the train to Oslo and onwards (on foot) the short distance to your hotel for a two-night stay. This afternoon a three-hour walking tour will show you the main sights of central Oslo. Norway’s cosmopolitan and sophisticated capital, Oslo lies at the head of its own fjord and enjoys a wonderful location, seemingly surrounded by water. It has some terrific sights including the fasicinating Fram Museum as well as a spectacular new opera house, built to resemble a glacier with a unique walk-on roof, Royal Palace and superb galleries and museums befitting the capital city of the world’s 7^th richest nation and the best country to live in, according to a recent study. Evening at leisure.

Day 7: Oslo
A full day to continue your exploration of this appealing city. A walk along Karl Johans Gate, the city’s main thoroughfare will take you to the Royal Palace, National Theatre, University and National Gallery which houses Munch’s iconic “The Scream.” Those familiar with the Harry Hole novels of Jo Nesbo will love spotting landmarks featured in the books. Evening at leisure.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport for return flight to London Gatwick
Day free until afternoon transfer to Oslo airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion. 

Please note this tour has been classed as Demanding due to the amount of walking tours involved on the itinerary and also transferring onto and off trains during the itinerary needing to be able to look after your own luggage and transfer it from train stations on foot to hotels.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Copenhagen, returning from Oslo with Norwegian Airlines
• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Scandic Hotel, Copenhagen  (or similar) based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Three nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Scandic Hotel, Gothenburg Central  (or similar) based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Comfort Grand Central Hotel, Oslo (or similar) based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Welcome drink on the first night 
• Transfers, railway journeys, guided tours and visits as detailed in the itinerary
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Scandic Copenhagen – 2 nights B&B

The four-star Scandic Hotel is located in the city centre on the waterfront, close to the central station. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and provides comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, air-conditioning and hairdryer.

Hotel Website

Scandic Gothenburg Central – 3 nights B&B

Trendy, modern four-star hotel, located in the city centre, close to all the main sights. Facilities here include a rooftop bar on the waterfront, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free wifi and hairdryer.

Hotel Website

Comfort Grand Central, Oslo – 2 nights B&B

Comfortable, traditional three-star hotel in a superb city centre location, part of the hotel being part of the central station. Facilities here include a gym and restaurant. Bedrooms are comfortable with sound-proofed rooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone and hairdryer.

Hotel Website