18 days Nordic Adventure ( Summer 2018 )
Your very-own Arctic Scandinavian adventure at the top of the world, complete with tales of ancient Viking kings and Lapland stories of Sami culture. Travel through dramatic fjord and glacier landscapes, view the world's northern-most university and meet Santa in Rovaniemi. You'll see the Scandinavian capitals and visit the North Cape Visitor Centre where you can witness the land of the midnight sun.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Stockholm (2 Nights) | The gateway to our unforgettable Nordic Adventure is the sophisticated Swedish capital of Stockholm. Set against the backdrop of Lake Mälaren, Stockholm's intimate relationship with the sea and beautiful natural setting are yours to explore today before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception this evening. Hotel Park Inn by Radisson Hammarby Sjostad Meals Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Stockholm Sightseeing | We meet our Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the waterside City Hall, which hosts prestigious Nobel Prize banquets, and view the medieval Storkyrkan, Riddasholm Church and the Royal Palace at the heart of Stockholm's quaint Old Town. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your terms. Delve into the city's rich trading heritage, admire its elegant architecture and tranquil green spaces, or perhaps join an excursion to the Vasa Museum showcasing the 17th century warship reclaimed from the seabed, its resting place for hundreds of years. Meals Scandinavian Breakfast |
| 3 | Stockholm – Copenhagen | We leave Stockholm this morning, journeying south and skirting the shoreline of Lake Vättern. We cross the Øresund Bridge suspended above the blue waters of the strait for miles, before arriving in charming Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Hotel Phoenix Meals Scandinavian Breakfast |
| 4 | Copenhagen – At Sea | This morning we join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour against the backdrop of the beautiful Amalienborg Palace - an elegant quarter featuring 18th century buildings with the equestrian statue of King Frederik V at its heart. Wandering through the city's historic centre, we'll view the 17th century Stock Exchange, the Christiansborg Palace and the beloved Little Mermaid, immortalised in Hans Christian Andersen's woeful tale. Spend the rest of your day soaking up Copenhagen's hygge atmosphere at the colourful Nyhavn or you stroll down Strøget and soak up the trendy atmosphere. This evening, we board our overnight ferry to Norway. Meals Scandinavian Breakfast |
| 5 | At Sea – Oslo | Join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of this cultural capital. Enjoy views of the medieval fortress of Akershus, which overlooks Oslo's beautiful harbour, the Opera and the 19th century Royal Palace. We finish our tour with a visit to the peculiar Vigeland Sculpture Park, proudly displaying the life's work of Gustav Vigeland in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Spend the rest of the day at leisure people-watching over coffee in the Akker Bryge District or exploring the nation's rich seafaring heritage. Consider a visit to the Fram Polar Ship Museum and Viking Ship Museum to see the world's best-preserved Viking ships and finds from Viking tombs found around the fjord. Hotel Radisson Blu Nydalen Meals Scandinavian Breakfast |
| 6 | Oslo – Lillehammer – Lom – Geiranger (2 Nights) | We depart Oslo travelling north to Lillehammer, where we'll learn about the hugely successful Winter Olympics games that took place in the city in 1994. Many of the Olympic arenas remain open to visitors and the city has become the gateway to a variety of outdoor experiences. High peaks surround us as we journey to Lom, the gateway to Jotunheimen Mountains, where we will visit a 12th century wooden Stave church and admire its Runic inscriptions and carved dragon figures that are said to protect it against evil. This evening, we arrive at the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geiranger Fjord - its deep blue waters surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and lush green landscapes. Hotel Geiranger Authentic Accommodation Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Dinner |
| 7 | Geiranger | Soak up the wonder of this spectacular feat of nature, carved into the earth over several ice ages - cascading waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs into the glacial waters below which you can explore by kayak or boat soaking up the crisp, clean mountain air. Consider an Optional Experience along Trollstigen and see Norway's most famous mountain road, meandering past steep mountain slopes, past tumbling cascades and fertile valleys. After a day in intoxicating natural surrounds, we dine in our hotel this evening. Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Dinner |
| 8 | Geiranger – Trondheim | We travel through spectacular scenery en route to Norway's third largest city, Trondheim. A short orientation walk shows you the Nidaros cathedral and the Old Town Bridge. Hotel Scandic Lerkendal Meals Scandinavian Breakfast |
| 9 | Trondheim – Mosjøen | Today we enjoy Norway's dramatic scenery - glaciers, snow-covered peaks and lush green landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for our leisurely drive north past the impressive Laksfoss Falls towards the Arctic Circle and the town of Mosjøen, located just 80km south of its border. On arrival, dinner will be served at our hotel. Hotel Fru Haugans Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Dinner |
| 10 | Mosjøen – Narvik | Crossing the Arctic Circle this morning, we head north across a wild and untouched land, past pretty villages with their colourful wooden homes to Narvik, the site of fierce battles between the Allied and German forces during World War II. Soak up the town's quaint atmosphere against a beautiful backdrop of snow-capped peaks and indulge in its pure water, said to be among the best in Norway. Hotel Quality Grand Royal Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Dinner |
| 11 | Narvik – Alta (2 Nights) | Spectacular natural vistas are ours to admire today as we skirt the rugged northern Norwegian coastline, past glaciers, dense spruce forests and breathtaking peaks through a land unlike any other. Arriving in Alta at the edge of the exquisite Altafjord, we have an opportunity to learn how the town was destroyed by fire at the end of World War II. View the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, a fitting name as the town so often enjoys the spectacle of vivid green, purple and pink lights that dance across the sky in winter. Hotel Thon Meals Scandinavian Breakfast |
| 12 | Alta | Spend a day at leisure relaxing in Alta, stretching your limbs outdoors on one of the nearby hiking trails, or consider joining an Optional Experience visiting a working Husky farm to meet the Alaskan Husky dogs and learn about life as a dog musher. Or perhaps embark on an exciting wilderness river adventure. Meals Scandinavian Breakfast |
| 13 | Alta – Honningsvåg | Journeying even further north across the rugged landscapes of the Arctic Circle, we arrive in Honningsvåg, the northernmost city of Norway and the gateway to North Cape, the 'End of the World'. Enjoy some free time at leisure before indulging in delicious Norwegian cuisine at your hotel. At the end of an endless summer day, witness the breath-taking views of the land of the midnight sun at the North Cape Visitor Centre. Hotel Scandic Nordkapp Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Dinner |
| 14 | Honningsvåg – Saariselkä | Travel through expansive landscapes across the border of Finland and to the popular winter-sports resorts of Saariselkä. This is Lapland at its best - in summer, the midnight sun shines brightly for several months, while in winter, the skies above Saariselkä are frequently graced by the magical dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis. Hotel Santa Claus Tunturi Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Dinner |
| 15 | Saariselkä – Rovaniemi | Tell Santa how good you've been this year in his home town of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Pay the city's most famous and beloved resident a visit at the Santa Claus Village right on the Arctic Circle and see his office and post office where every year Christmas magic happens. This evening we indulge in traditional Lappish cuisine accompanied by tales of reindeer farming on a Be My Guest visit to a family run Rovaniemi reindeer farm that has been in operation for over 30 years. Hotel Cumulus Pohjanhovi Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Be My Guest Dining |
| 16 | Rovaniemi – Jyväskylä | Journey south, traversing the picturesque Finnish Lakeland - hundreds of lakes and forest-clad landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely drive through the heart of Finland. We arrive in Jyväskylä, the "Athens of Finland", so named for its major role as the first place in the world to provide education in the Finnish language. This evening, enjoy delicious local flavours at your hotel. Hotel Original Sokos Alexandra Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Dinner |
| 17 | Jyväskylä – Helsinki Sightseeing (2 Nights) | We continue to the ever-cool capital of Helsinki and meet our Local Specialist who will take us past the city's iconic sights. See the Sibelius Monument, Olympic Stadium, Opera House and modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall before meandering through the vibrant market Square enjoying the aromas of freshly grilled seafood. Spend the evening at leisure ambling down the Esplanadi, or perhaps take to its waters and cruise the archipelago to admire the beautiful cityscape at night. Hotel Clarion Meals Scandinavian Breakfast |
| 18 | Helsinki | Kickstart your day with a leisurely coffee and bun at one of the town's quaint bakeries, visit one of its many museums paying tribute to the arts or shop up a storm in Helsinki's trendy Design District. This evening join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate an epic Nordic Adventure. Meals Scandinavian Breakfast Farewell Dinner |