Discover Scandinavia

Our journey through Scandinavia starts in Bergen, the gateway to Norway's beautiful fjord region. Known for its unparalleled natural landscapes, Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and offers wonderful views of the fjords. The city's rich history is reflected in its charming wooden houses and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen, a historic harbour district. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting, followed by dinner for those who wish. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. Should you miss the meeting, our tour leader will catch you up on all essential information as soon as possible. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Bergen Airport (BGO), a short drive away from our hotel. Arriving earlier in the day? You might like to get acquainted with Bergen's Old Town, with its network of quaint, cobbled streets, or head for lunch in the trendy Bryggen district. Food in Norway is traditionally hearty, influenced by its Scandinavian neighbors and favouring seafood and local produce. The city offers a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of options for all tastes.

We begin the day with a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Bergen, discovering the city's rich history and vibrant culture. As we stroll past the colourful wooden houses of Bryggen we'll hear about the influence of the Hanseatic League - a powerful alliance of merchants and guilds that flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries. Next, we head to the bustling Bergen Market for a unique fish tasting experience, sampling fresh delicacies straight from the fjords. In the afternoon, there is free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps take a ride on the Floibanen funicular for panoramic views or relax at a cozy café by the waterfront.

We embark on the first of our train journeys in Scandinavia. Our destination is Voss, often hailed as Norway's adventure capital, nestled in the heart of the mountains. Upon arrival we check into Fleischer's Hotel, a historic gem dating back to 1864, known for its Swiss-style architecture and rich heritage. We then have the rest of the afternoon free. Options include the Voss Gondola which takes you from the town centre up to the top of Mount Hanguren for wonderful views and a myriad of walking trails. Alternatively the spectacular Bjordalsgjelet Gorge is within walking distance from the town centre. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk and to take in the dramatic scenery. In the evening, relax in the hotel's elegant surroundings, enjoying a blend of modern comfort and historic charm.

A local bus takes us to Gudvangen to take a cruise along the Naerofjord and Aurlandsford to Flam. The memorable journey passes towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls as it makes its way to Flam. Here we board the Flam Railway for an unforgettable journey to Myrdal. This steep and spectacular train ride offers panoramic views of Norway's rugged landscapes, including a stop at the majestic Kjosfossen waterfall. After reaching Myrdal we take a connecting train back to Voss.

It's time to move on from Voss by train on a picturesque journey to Oslo. We cover over 350km in around 5hrs 30 mins, a comfortable and scenic way to witness the country's diverse terrain. There are ample opportunities for stunning photographs as we approach the dynamic capital, arriving around 4pm. This journey is a memorable adventure through some of Norway's most breathtaking scenery.

We spend the day exploring Oslo, a city rich in history and culture. Our tour includes the Royal Palace, the striking Oslo Opera House, and the Akershus Fortress. We'll then have some free time to take in the streets of Aker Brygge, a popular waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. In the afternoon we transfer to the pier to board the ferry to Denmark across the Skagerrak Strait. We depart around 3.30pm meaning there's time to enjoy the views before dinner and an evening at leisure, retiring to our cabins as we continue on to the next leg of our adventure.

After transferring from the pier to our hotel to store luggage, we take the public harbour boat to Reffen, a street market known for its eclectic food stalls and creative atmosphere where we'll try a local delicacy and soak in the lively ambiance. The exact dates on which the Reffen market start and end fluctuate slightly from year to year but typically opens in March and runs to September. Should it not be available, we will try another of the city's wonderful food experiences. Next, we take a canal boat tour, a popular way to explore Copenhagen, gliding past iconic landmarks such as the Nyhavn Harbour, the impressive Christiansborg Palace, and the striking modern architecture along the waterfront. The harbour boat takes us back to the city with further time to explore in the late afternoon. The Botanic Gardens certainly merit a visit if timings allow.

After a short transfer to the station we board our train heading for Sweden. Undoubtedly the highlight of today's 5 hour journey will be crossing the iconic Oresund Strait Bridge. This remarkable engineering marvel spans nearly 8 kilometres, seamlessly connecting Denmark and Sweden. As the train glides over the bridge, there are panoramic views of the shimmering waters below and the magnificent landscapes on either side. The journey continues through the scenic Swedish countryside, offering glimpses of charming towns and lush greenery, before arriving in Stockholm around 4pm.

We have a slower start today, with the chance to indulge in a favourite Swedish pasttime - Fika. Sipping coffee, having a pastry and watching the world go by is a cultural staple here. We then walk the short distance to City Hall or Stadshuset, meet our guide and explore one of the most iconic landmarks in Stockholm. Located on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen island, it overlooks the beautiful Riddarfjarden bay and features a 100 metre tower topped with the Three Crowns of Sweden. We'll discover elaborate ceremonial chambers, including the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held annually, and the Golden Hall, adorned with stunning mosaics. Tour completed, there's free time to dive deeper into the vibrant heart of Stockholm. Wander through the magnificent Royal Palace, a treasure trove of regal history and opulence. Alternatively let the maritime marvel of the Vasa Museum captivate you with its 17th-century warship, or why not lose yourself in the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town), where history, charm, and countless cozy cafes offer a very Swedish ambience.

Our tour of Scandinavia ends at our hotel in Stockholm. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), around 50 minutes' drive from the hotel.