Scandinavia is full of stunning scenery, gorgeous fjords, long summer days, enchanting folk tales & mythical wild life. Explore it the easy way on this journey through the capital cities of Stockholm, Oslo & Copenhagen. Get a taste for real Scandinavia in some lesser known spots off the beaten track. See spectacular fjords & glaciers...and don't forget to pack your camera!
| Length: | 13 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hostel, Hotel, Overnight Cruise as per itinerary
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| Meals: | , Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | Germany (start Berlin option), Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland |
| Transportation: | Modern, air-conditioned coach & ferry |
Depart for EuropeJet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!
Arrive BerlinCheck-in to the hostel, meet your Contiki Team & head straight out into Berlin to get a feel for the city’s style.
Berlin to CopenhagenThis morning we make our way from Berlin to Denmark’s harbor-side capital, Copenhagen. Get to know the group over dinner and head out into Copenhagen’s diverse nightlife – with live jazz, pumping clubs and chilled-out bars, there’s heaps of choice.
CopenhagenFull of history, Copenhagen is a compact city with a really festive feel. Jump start your travels with a look into Denmark’s culture on our city tour, as your Tour Manager tells you the story behind the Little Mermaid statue, the Resistance Museum and the Royal Palace. Later, use your free time to explore the waterways and streets of Copenhagen, where the major sites are all within walking distance. Put your feet up, treat yourself and order some Danish pastries, cake and coffee. If you’re feeling up for something different, opt for a tour of the Carlsberg Brewery for a look in at how they make this famous brew. Later, maybe find a spot waterside & indulge in some typical Danish food or kick back with a beer & do a bit of people watching.
Copenhagen to OsloSay farewell to the stylish capital of Denmark as we make ourway to Oslo for a taste of how the Norwegians do it! Oslo is a cute little city with loads of character. From castles on the hill, to modern Opera Houses, great shopping & delicious seafood, there's something for everyone here. On arrival your Tour Manager will introduce you to one of Oslo’s most famous spaces, the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Frogner Park. Packed with over 200 sculptures and bronzes, this outdoor gallery serves up heaps of local art and gorgeous greenery.
OsloAs Scandinavia’s oldest capital, Oslo is an easy-going city oozes culture and has some amazing museums to visit. This morning your Tour Manager will get you in the know on Oslo with an orientation tour of the city to get your bearings for a day of exploring. With free time, get inspired at Aker Brygge, Oslo’s cultural hub and central gathering spot for locals. Once an old ship yard, it’s now a popular shopping area with a sea-front promenade, galleries, cinemas and food stalls. Otherwise, find out about a fellow adventurer, Thor Heyerdahl at the Kon-Tiki Museum (no, it’s not ours! Kon-Tiki was the raft Heyerdahl used to cross the South Pacific) or explore the medieval dungeons, banquet halls and crypts of Akershus Castle. Tonight you could head out & meet some locals along the stunning new district around the Oslo Opera House.
Oslo to VossCruise through Norway’s famous Telemark region and across the Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. If you’re lucky, you might spot some wild animals. Then we journey onwards to the small town of Voss, Norway’s adventure capital.
Voss to Geiranger FjordTravel 25km (15.3 miles) through the impressive man-made marvel, the Laerdal Tunnel, which is the longest road tunnel in the world – and it cuts though 3 caves. Get back to nature on our journey through Norway’s rugged wilderness and take in the spectacular Boyabreen glacier, as well as the 200km long Sognefjord.
Geiranger Fjord to GjovikFor awe-inspiring views, jump on board our included cruise and get out on the water of Geiranger Fjord. The picture perfect scenes keep coming, complete with dramatic waterfalls pouring down the sides of massive sheer rock walls. Cruise past old farms and unspoilt wilderness to the alpine ski resort of Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Olympics and the impressive 136 metre ski jump! If you’re up for a bit of Olympic action yourself, have a go at bob-sledding in an adrenalin-pumping optional activity. We pull into small-town Gjovik, which is set on Norway’s largest lake, for an overnight stop. Walk around the picturesque town and get a feel for traditional Norwegian village life.
Gjovik to StockholmInto Sweden today, we pass the massive Lake Vanern and cruise through woodlands, lakes and gorgeous natural surrounds. With down time on the coach, chat to your new friends and keep your camera handy for photo ops of bears, moose and wolves. Get ready for the dramatic scenery of Sweden’s cosmopolitan capital, Stockholm. Surrounded by forests, deep blue waters and 24,000 islands, this cutting-edge city is one of Europe’s hot, creative capitals. Enjoy a night out with the group and head to the modern and lively district of Norrmalm, for a more up-beat vibe.
StockholmThis morning, there’s an option to visit to Stockholm’s stunning town hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize banquet is held. Learn about its unique architecture with our Local Guide. With its 8 million red bricks and 19 million gold mosaic tiles, this place will make your jaw drop. Then, your Tour Manager gets you right to pretty Gamla Stan’s (the old town) core spots, as the group explores the quarter’s quaint medieval streets. You’ll see the Royal Palace and perhaps the changing of the guard – a tradition dating back to the 16th century. The old town is a great place to pull up a seat and try out classic Swedish food like salmon, herring or game as you take in the atmosphere. Free time means a chance to explore the many trendy boutiques, galleries, and cool vintage stores of the hip island of Södermalm or window-shop the big label and design stores of grand Drottningatan. Tonight, why not ask your Tour Manager for some tips about some other cool places to head for a fun night out in the city.
Stockholm & sail to HelsinkiFree time this morning in the city to grab your last dose of Swedish cool then live the high life this afternoon as we board our luxurious cruise to Helsinki. Kick back with a drink on the deck and watch the sun set over the Baltic Sea, check out the shops of the promenade deck or maybe try your luck at the casino tonight.
HelsinkiA blend of Finnish and Russian influences, Helsinki is a 21st century city with a lot of quirky aspects. Your Tour Manager will take you to check out Temppeliaukio, a church cut out of solid rock, and to see the famous Sibelius Monument, a gravity-defying sculpture made out of 600 steel pipes. Round off your Helsinki introduction with a drive past the Olympic Stadium and the historical heart of Senate Square. Helsinki is all about location, so with free time on your hands, head harbour side to soak up the great views and mingle with the locals at South Harbour Market. Rummage through stalls selling flowers and local foods, handicrafts, fresh fish and tasty baked goods. You could visit Suomenlinna, the fantastic and impressive sea fortress where Swedes and Russians once fought.
Depart HelsinkiThe tour ends after breakfast so it's time to swap addresses & say farewell to your new friends.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!