ABOUT SCANDINAVIA
Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region in northern Europe that includes the Scandinavian Peninsula. It consists of the kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark; some authorities also include the nations of Finland and some might even include Iceland. Regardless of how the term Scandinavia is used outside the region, the terms Nordic countries and Nordic region are used officially and unambiguously to identify the nations of Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, the Danish territory of the Faroe Islands, and the Finnish territory of Åland as politically and culturally similar entities.
CLIMATE
The weather in Scandinavia in most parts is generally mild and pleasant. Scandinavia's climate varies from north to south and from west to east. Scandinavia's regions have different climates and temperatures vary widely between the regions. For example, weather in Denmark follows a marine west coast climate, which is typical for its location in Europe. The same is true for the southernmost part of Sweden (see Weather in Sweden) and the milder coastal climate touches the west coast of Norway as well, affecting the weather in Norway.
Average Temperatures
Time Difference:
Denmark, Norway and Sweden: 4½ hours behind IST
Finland: 3½ hours behind IST
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Helsinki
Arrive in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, a modern city situated on the shore of the gulf of Finland. It is unique among Northern European cities with its mixture of cultural influences from both East and West. Feel welcomed by the friendly Finnish people. A taxi will transfer you from the airport to your hotel.
Overnight in Helsinki.
Day 2: Helsinki city tour
After breakfast, which is served at your hotel, it’s time for a sightseeing tour of Helsinki. This sit-in-coach tour will take you to see the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, the Parliament Building and the Olympic Stadium. Stops are also made at the Sibelius Monument and, when possible, at the Temppeliaukio Church.
After lunch, we recommend you to take a boat (optional) to Suomenlinna, one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. You can experience the fortress, which was built during the periods of Swedish and Russian rule. Enjoy the parks, the sea and the nature of the archipelago. Take a boat back to city.
In the later afternoon it is time to board an Silja Line overnight cruise to Stockholm. Transfer to the pier on your own. When on board, there is a wide selection of restaurants and if you want you can pre-book the sumptuous Scandinavian buffet. After dinner you can dance the night away in the nightclub, linger in the various shops, or simply enjoy the scenery.
Overnight on board.
Day 3: Stockholm city tour
Enjoy your breakfast on board while approaching Stockholm, cruising through the picturesque surroundings. With its 24 000 islands, the Stockholm archipelago is quite unique. The view from the ship entering the city in the early morning light is a magnificent experience. Welcome to Stockholm – The Capital of Scandinavia!
Self transfer to the hotel for check in.
Stockholm is often called the “Beauty on Water” being built on 14 islands. Take a look at City Hall, constructed in the National Romantic style, where each year on December 10th the Nobel price banquette takes place. See the Old Town, which is in direct contrast with today’s modern city centre. A sightseeing tour by bus is included today.
The afternoon take an optional tour to visit Vasa Ship museum to see the warship Vasa – the only remaining, intact 17th century ship in the world, Skansen outdoor museum and the island of Djurgården. If you didn’t see enough of the beautiful archipelago there is also an opportunity to go out on boat trip.
In the evening, take the opportunity (optional tour) to visit Absolut Ice bar where the temperature is -5 degree all year round and everything is made of ice, even your glass!
Overnight in Stockholm.
Day 4: Stockholm
Breakfast served at your hotel.
Today is free time for optional tours in Stockholm;
* Drottningholm Tour (3 hours)
Take a boat tour to Drottningholm Palace which is the present residence of the royal family. Guided tour is included. Spend some time in the beautiful park and see the Chinese Pavilion.
Take the boat back to the city. Transfer back to you hotel at own arrangement.
*Night at Cosmopol Casino
Enjoy a unique Casino Night Deluxe at Casino Cosmopol. Including entrance, Welcome Drink, markers for 60 SEK and a luxurious 5 course dinner! Note: Valid Id card must be shown. Transfer to and from the Casino under own arrangement.
Overnight in Stockholm.
Day 5: Stockholm – Oslo
Have breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Now, transfer on your own to the train station to embark your train which will take you to Oslo, Norway! It is a beautiful journey and you will note how the landscape is changing outside the window. After about 6-7 hours you will arrive in Oslo. Go by your own to check in to your hotel.
In the evening there is some free time to spend in Oslo. Enjoy the water front at Aker Brygge and the Akerhus Fortress. In this area there are a lot of nice restaurants and we can highly recommend you to have a nice dinner with fresh Norwegian salmon.
Overnight in Oslo, Norway
Day 6: Oslo- Flåm – Geilo
Have breakfast at your hotel and check-out.
Pack a bag for 3days/2nights. If you want you can leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel (you will come back to the same hotel). It is time to start your Norway in a Nutshell Tour!
Transfer on your own to the train station and take the train to Geilo. This beautiful journey takes about 3.5-4 hours. Geilo is a mountain village halfway between Oslo and Bergen. It is known for good skiing during winter, and hiking, cycling and fishing during summer.
Transfer to your hotel by own arrangement. The hotel is within short walking distance from the station. Evening is free and a perfect time to relax and enjoy the landscape.
Overnight in Geilo.
Day 7: Geilo – Bergen (Fjord cruise)
Have breakfast at your hotel and make way back to the train station.
Continue the train journey from Geilo to Myrdal. Change to the beautiful Flåmsbanen train from Myrdal to Flåm. Flåm is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 204 kilometres long and up to 1308 metres deep Sognefjord. The surroundings here are magnificent! Depart by ferry for a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen. There are restaurants in Flåm where you can have lunch.
Continue Norway in Nutshell to Bergen.
Transfer to your hotel by own arrangement.
Overnight in Bergen
Day 8: Bergen city tour - Oslo
Have breakfast at your hotel, get ready to discover Bergen, Norway’s second largest city.
In the morning, take the very special sightseeing tour by train around the small town. A perfect way to discover the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled pack houses, the old Hanseatic Quarter, and the historic Maria Church on your own. You can also take a ride on the funicular to Mt. Fløien for panoramic views of the city and fjords way below. Visit the picturesque fish market and have some lunch! Later, depart with the afternoon train back to Oslo.
Transfer back to your hotel by own arrangement.
Overnight in Oslo.
Day 9: Oslo-Copenhagen
Breakfast served at your hotel, today you have a lot of free time before your cruise to Copenhagen.
We recommend you to visit National Museum to see a master piece of Edward Munch or why not take a sightseeing cruise with prawn buffet!? Karl Johann Street is also nice to stroll around for some shopping. During summertime there are lots of street performances to enjoy.
Transfer to Pier under own arrangement and check in to take the DFDS overnight cruise to Copenhagen. Enjoy the entertainment facilities onboard the ferry, it offers a fantastic range of things to do for both kids and adults.
Overnight on DFDS cruise.
Day 10: Copenhagen city tour
Breakfast is served on board when approaching Copenhagen in the morning.
Make your way to the hotel for check in.
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is famous for the shopping street Ströget, a rich café and cultural life and the statue The Little Mermaid. In Nyhavn you will find the oldest houses in the city, this is also where author Hans Christian Andersen lived and it is a must for visitors. The city also holds many green oases, for instance the Kongens Have (the King's Garden) and Rosenborg Castle. Denmark is famous for its design with names as Bang & Olufsen and Arne Jacobsen, both with flagship stores in Copenhagen. A sightseeing tour will give you a good introduction to Wonderful Copenhagen.
In the evening we recommend you to visit Tivoli garden which is an oasis with over four million visitors a year. It has wonderful gardens, amusements, restaurants and rides. You can also visit the Copenhagen Ice bar.
Overnight in Copenhagen
Day 11: Depart Copenhagen
Breakfast served at your hotel.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Copenhagen Airport, it’s time to leave Scandinavia for now, unless you prefer an add-on trip in one of these beautiful and inviting countries.