Grand Scandinavia

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Description

Discover the Splendour of Scandinavia on a 20-Day Guided Tour of Sweden, Finland, and Norway

Embark on a grand three-week adventure as you cruise the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, delve into Viking history in Oslo, and admire Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. At North Cape, celebrate the midnight sun with champagne and local caviar against the backdrop of Europe’s northernmost cliffs, where the summer sun never sets. Savour local delicacies like liquorice and smoked reindeer at Helsinki's harbourside food market before arriving in Stockholm, the Swedish capital, known for the ABBA Museum and the impressive Vasa Galleon. Journey through the traditional lands of the nomadic Sami community in Lapland and visit Trine Lyrek’s farm to meet her Arctic dogsled racing huskies. Conclude your vacation surrounded by Oslo’s ancient Viking ships.

Pricing

From

$12,312*

*Per person, twin/double share

What's Included

• 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 10 dinners 
• Handpicked 4- & 5-star hotels in great locations 
• ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom 
• Superior dining in top rated restaurants 
• Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences 
• Local discovery led by Local Experts 
• 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver 
• All porterage, gratuities & tips 

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Welcome to Copenhagen 
Kick off your Scandinavian adventure in Copenhagen. In the evening, enjoy a warm dinner with your Travel Director, followed by a visit to the dazzling lights and charming ambiance of the world-renowned Tivoli Gardens.

Day 2: Wonderful Copenhagen 
With your Local Expert, uncover the allure of Denmark's capital. Greet Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid as she gazes across the harbour, then explore Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, and Christiansborg Palace. Visit the 18th-century Copenhagen Cathedral, designed by Christian Frederik Hansen, where King Frederik X married Queen Mary, known for its neoclassical architecture and largest bell in Denmark. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure—consider climbing the Round Tower, Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, or take an optional tour of one of the fairytale castles along the Danish Riviera.

Day 3: Stockholm, City of Islands  
Travel from Denmark to Sweden via the impressive Øresund Bridge, the longest road and rail bridge in Europe, spanning 16 km over the Flinte Channel. After passing through the artificial island of Peberholm, which is a sanctuary for wildlife, continue through Skåne, the region that lends its name to Scandinavia. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Lake Vättern as you make your way to Stockholm, a city spread across 14 stunning islands. In the evening, consider sampling the local cuisine in a traditional setting.

Day 4: Stockholm and Baltic Sea Cruise 
Join a Local Expert for a tour of City Hall, including the magnificent Gyllene salen (Golden Hall) and the Blå hallen (Blue Hall), home of the Nobel Prize banquets. Next, visit Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of Stockholm, where you can see the cathedral and the Royal Palace. Spend the afternoon at leisure—don’t miss the chance to visit the Vasa Galleon. In the evening, board your Baltic cruise to Finland, enjoying dinner on board as you sail through the world’s largest archipelago, with views of countless islands from your A-class sea-view cabin, under the endless northern sun.

Day 5: Fashionable Helsinki 
Helsinki is renowned for its design, fashion, stunning architecture, and lush parks. After disembarking your cruise, meet your Local Expert and explore a traditional food market, sampling local delicacies like liquorice and smoked reindeer. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own—perhaps grab lunch at the vibrant harbour market and browse the many stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, fresh produce, and delicious pancakes.

Day 6: Lakes and Forests to Kuopio  
Experience the beauty of Finland's lakes and enchanting forests as you journey towards Kuopio. Upon arrival, ascend Puijo Tower for breathtaking views that showcase why Finland is known as the land of a thousand lakes.

Day 7: The Road to Rovaniemi 
As you head toward the Arctic, travel through Lapland, the ancestral home of the nomadic Sami community. Stop in Oulu, the oldest city in northern Finland and a major port on the Bothnian Bay. Take time to explore the city, known for its charming islands linked by pedestrian bridges and cycleways, before continuing on to Rovaniemi, the region's modern capital.

Day 8: Rovaniemi and Lapland  
Today, cross the Arctic Circle, a highlight for many travellers. With your Local Expert, visit the Town Hall designed by Alvar Aalto and Rovaniemi Church. Enjoy Insight Choice: meet Santa Claus and embrace the festive spirit or take a nature walk through the forest. Spend the afternoon at leisure—consider visiting the open-air museum or Arktikum.

Day 9: Across the Arctic to Ivalo 
Start your day with a leisurely morning, or opt for a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park to see polar bears, lynxes, and more. Continue your journey north along the Four Winds Road, keeping an eye out for roaming reindeer as you head toward one of Lapland's oldest churches. Travel through Europe’s last great wilderness to reach Urho Kekkonen National Park near Tankavaara.

Day 10: The North Cape
Cross into Norway and stop in Karasjok for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Sámi National Museum, dedicated to preserving Sámi culture. Continue along the picturesque Porsanger Fjord to Honningsvag. Explore the quaint harbour or embark on an optional sea bird and arctic cruise around Gjesværstappen, a nesting area for various seabirds. In the evening, experience the midnight sun at Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, while enjoying champagne and caviar.

Day 11: Through Finnmark to Alta
Enjoy a relaxed start before continuing through Norway's northernmost county, Finnmark, characterised by its unique tundra landscape. This afternoon, explore Alta at your leisure, known for its fishing and mining history. Consider visiting the Northern Lights Cathedral or take a wilderness trip on the Alta River.

Day 12: A World of Adventure in Alta  
Start your day leisurely, perhaps visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alta's prehistoric rock carvings. Later, head to a husky farm to meet the champion dog sledding Lyrek family and enjoy a delicious oven-baked lunch featuring regional specialties. Learn about their Alaskan huskies and the world of Arctic dog sled racing, and spend some time playing with adorable husky puppies.

Day 13: Narvik  
Travel south, passing Kåfjord, where the German battleship Tirpitz was stationed during WWII. Admire the majestic Lyngen Alps in the distance, then arrive in Narvik, surrounded by stunning mountains. Spend the evening exploring on your own, or join an optional experience to ride Sweden's iron-ore railway, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords.

Day 14: Across Tysfjord to Mosjøen  
Take a ferry across Tysfjord, then journey past Rago National Park, known for its deep fjords. Bid farewell to the Arctic as you reach Mosjøen, a charming town on Vefsnfjord, celebrated for its historic 19th-century wooden buildings.

Day 15: Laksfoss Falls to Trondheim  
Drive through Namdalen, watching for salmon leaping at Laksfoss Falls. Continue past Hell to Trondheim, once the seat of Viking kings and Norway's third-largest city. Explore the Market Square, dominated by the statue of Olav Tryggvason, and visit the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine. Don’t miss Tyholttårnet (Tyholt Tower) and the Old Town Bridge, known as Lykkens Portal (Portal of Happiness).

Day 16: Geiranger, Jewel of the Fjords  
Experience one of the most scenic days of your journey as you traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Norwegian Fjordland, filled with soaring mountains, icy glaciers, and cascading rivers. Cross the Dovre Mountains and travel through Dovrefjell National Park. Stop at Lom to see one of Norway’s stunning stave churches, then arrive at Geirangerfjord for a memorable cruise beneath its towering cliffs and waterfalls. Your hotel offers a spectacular view of this stunning landscape.

Day 17: Geiranger at Leisure 
Enjoy a leisurely morning and a full day to explore the fjords and mountains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consider an optional scenic drive along the Trollstigen (Troll's Road), an engineering marvel with breathtaking views.

Day 18: Oslo, the Capital
Journey through the picturesque countryside that inspired Ibsen and Grieg. Stop in Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, for a brief orientation, then continue to Oslo, the modern Norwegian capital. Celebrate your adventures with a farewell dinner with your new friends.

Day 19: Cosmopolitan Oslo  
With your Local Expert, explore the medieval Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace, and Frogner Park, home to Gustav Vigeland’s intriguing sculptures. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, either relaxing by the harbour or exploring further at your own pace.

Day 20: Out of Oslo  
Your exploration of Scandinavia concludes today.

Terms and Conditions

Save on select Insight Vacations tours as featured on insightvacations.com as "Insider Travel Deals".  New bookings only made from 31 May, 2024 onwards. Deals are added and removed daily; deposit is required at time of booking to lock in savings. Full payment due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if booked within 120 days of departure; whichever comes first. Prices are in New Zealand Dollar ($), are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. May be combined with 5% Global Tour Rewards savings only, not combinable with group discounts or custom group bookings, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount or any other discount or promotion. Other conditions may apply. 

Save an additional $100 per person off 2025 Europe tours of 7+ days with Trafalgar, Insight Vacations or Contiki departing 01Apr-31Oct2025. Offer applies to new bookings only, made in NZ, booked & deposited between 14Oct-10Nov2024. Saving is per person. Standard Payment Terms apply, unless combined with another promotional offer whereby stricter payment conditions may apply.  If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions.  Saving is subject to availability, not transferable and may be amended or withdrawn at any time without notice. Saving is combinable with other applicable tour brand website promos and Ongoing Deals (i.e. Global Tour Rewards, Multiple Trip Discount). Offer not valid on special departure and interest groups or Contiki Detour trips. Not combinable with Global Tour Rewards Double Member Discount or any other special promotion or discount. For full details, please check with your World Travellers agent at time of booking.