Duration: 20 Days
Don’t miss a thing on this exhilarating Scandinavian trip. Your travels will feature fjords, glaciers and staggering scenery. Meet Santa Claus in Lapland, experience the friluftsliv of your Norwegian hosts and venture across the Arctic Circle to the land of the Midnight Sun. Day 1
Welcome to Copenhagen
Straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, the capital of Denmark is storybook picture perfect and brimming with character. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, then spend the rest of the day discovering the city your way before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. Embrace the hygge ways of the fun-loving locals when you hit the colorful streets of Copenhagen, soak up the atmosphere in Tivoli Gardens or relax with a drink in Nyhavn. It's the perfect introduction to your upcoming journey across Scandinavia.
Day 2
Explore Historic Copenhagen
A Local Specialist reveals all the highlights of Copenhagen and some hidden gems on this morning's sightseeing tour. See the home of the Danish royal family, Amalienborg Palace, the Little Mermaid sitting demurely on a rock overlooking the dark blue harbor water and the 17th-century Stock Exchange. After learning all there is to know about Copenhagen, you’ll have an afternoon to explore the city your way. You could choose instead to join our Optional Experience visit to the idyllic fishing village of Dragør with its maze of alleyways and tiny yellow-walled thatched cottages in the old Danish style.
Day 3
Journey to Stockholm
The rest of Scandinavia beckons and Sweden’s capital is less than a day away. You’ll leave Copenhagen this morning, traveling north to Helsingør. Here you’ll board the ferry to Sweden and begin your journey across lush green spruce-clad landscapes to Stockholm. Keep your camera at hand as the enchanting scenery unfolds around you. Arriving in Stockholm later, you’ll have the evening free for the perfect introduction to ‘Beauty on the Water’ as the city is lovingly referred to by its locals.
Day 4
Embark on an Overnight Cruise
Stockholm's imposing City Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held, is the highlight of this morning's sightseeing with a Local Specialist. This afternoon, you'll have some time to explore the elegant city on your own, perhaps seeking out some of the city's great museums, or drinking in the views of the city's 14 islands. Later, we leave Stockholm and board our overnight ferry to Helsinki, Finland's effervescent 'Capital of Cool'.
Day 5
Arrive in Helsinki and on to Jyväskylä Connect with Locals
Arriving in Helsinki, you’ll disembark your ferry after breakfast, just in time to join your Local Specialist for a morning sightseeing tour. See the modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall, the Senate and the colorful stalls in Market Square before some free time for lunch, perhaps sampling some of the local Baltic Herring. The heart of Finnish Lakeland is our next stop and we leave Helsinki behind, driving north through stunning Nordic landscapes. Tonight’s Be My Guest experience in Jyväskylä is one to remember as you Connect With Locals over a traditional dinner and learn about the rural way of life in the old farms of Finland.
Day 6
Onwards to the Arctic Circle Stays With Stories
Leaving Jyväskylä after breakfast, we head to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we journey north towards the Arctic Circle. You’ll want to stretch your legs this evening and you’ll have the time to do it as you explore Rovaniemi your way and sample your first taste of Sámi cuisine. Reindeer anyone? Your Stays With Stories accommodation this evening is the traditional Pohjanhovi Hotel, hugging the banks of the Kemijoki river in the heart of Rovaniemi. Relax and admire the spellbinding Arctic landscape views that unfold before your eyes.
Day 7
Explore Santa Claus’s Hometown Your Way
Get your bearings this morning on an orientation with your Travel Director who will show you Lumberjack Bridge, the Library and Lappia Hall, home to the city's theater. Later, perhaps pay a visit to a pioneer farm and the Arctic Center.
Day 8
Off to Unique Saariselkä Dive Into Culture
Tell Santa how good you've been this year when you visit him at his Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. Dive Into Culture and see his office and post office, where every year Christmas magic happens. Travel north to the popular winter-sports resort of Saariselkä. Meet Terhi, a biologist guide, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Walk in theboreal woods of the Urho Kekkonen National Park, taste homemade berry muffins and hear stories about the unique nature, rare species and sustainable practices at the national park. This experience advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel.
Day 9
Venture to Northernmost Honningsvåg
It doesn't get much further north in Norway than Honningsvåg, today's final destination and the gateway to the North Cape. During your free time, consider joining an optional Arctic Cruise to explore the rich waters and craggy islands off the coast, and the creatures that find sanctuary in their midst. After dinner at your hotel, head to the North Cape Visitor Center to see the cliffs from the ethereal vantage point known as the 'Edge of the World'.
Day 10
Continue to Alta
Continue through Norway's Finnmark region where reindeer roam along a wild coastline dotted with tiny villages to Alta, you'll view the modern Northern Lights Cathedral. You could choose to join an optional visit to a Husky farm to meet the Alaskan Husky dogs and encounter the beauty of the Arctic.
Day 11
On to Friendly Tromsø
Follow the winding route along the fjords of northern Norway to Tromsø, the 'Gateway to the Arctic'. Here you'll discover a multicultural community thriving in its Arctic environment. The backdrop may be snow-capped, but there's nothing chilly about the warmth of the locals, as you'll come to learn on your free evening in this 'Capital of the North'.
Day 12
Journey to the Stunning Lofoten Islands
Keep your cameras ready for a day of soul-stirring views. You'll journey south from Tromsø to Svolvær, the perfect base from which to explore Norway's captivating Lofoten Islands. The statue of Fiserkona, the fisherman's wife, stands at the harbor entrance against a backdrop of cod drying racks, giving visitors a taste and smell of the town's seafaring roots. Tonight, you’ll join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel, sharing some of the memories of your trip thus far. After dinner, see if you can spot the iconic Svolværgeita (The Goat) - a famous pinnacle of rock that overlooks this fishing town.
Day 13
The Lofoten Islands Your Way
Lace up your boots and prepare for a day of adventure. The Lofoten Islands is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of activities available to explore the surrounding natural beauty. You could choose to spend your free time hiking, fishing or cruising, or delve into the area's Viking connections with a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum. As the sun refuses to set on another spectacular Scandinavian day, you'll enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 14
Cross the Arctic Circle to Mo I Rana
Spend the day relaxing as glorious Norwegian landscapes unfold along your journey south. You'll see glaciers and fjords as you wind your way towards Mo I Rana, re-crossing the Arctic Circle and passing Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, Junkerdal National Park and the 'Blood Road', built by prisoners during World War II. After a day of scenic driving, you'll arrive in Mo I Rana in time for dinner at your hotel.
Day 15
Onwards to Colorful Trondheim
Today your journey south through Norway continues, featuring a stop in the amusingly named village of Hell. This afternoon, Trondheim's youthful atmosphere and centuries-old Viking heritage are yours to explore. You'll see the 11th-century Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of Norway's patron saint, King Olav II. Make the most of your free evening and admire the ornamental red portals of the Old Town Bridge and the colorful façades on Kongens gate, one of Trondheim's main streets.
Day 16
Continue to Scenic Geirangerjord Stays With Stories
Today's journey takes us right to the edge of one of Norway’s most remarkable fjords. With its sheer walls and waterfalls, you'll quickly discover why Geirangerfjord is justifiably inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A special treat awaits as you spend the night at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories – Hotel Havila Geiranger, which offers authentic Norwegian hospitality. Join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel against the backdrop of your enchanting natural surroundings.
Day 17
A Day at the Breathtaking Geirangerfjord
Consider an Optional Experience to discover the famous Trollstigen Road and wonder at the feat of engineering it took to carve 11 hairpin turns into the steep mountain slope.
Day 18
Venture to Historic Lom, Lillehammer and Oslo Dive Into Culture
High peaks surround you along your journey to Lom, the gateway to Jotunheimen Mountains. Here we will Dive Into Culture and visit the 12th-century wooden Stave church. Visit Lillehammer, where you'll learn about the hugely successful 1994 Winter Olympic games, then continue to Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital.
Day 19
Vikings and More in Oslo
Join your knowledgeable Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of this cultural capital. Enjoy views of the medieval fortress of Akershus, the Opera House and the 19th century Royal Palace. Finish the city tour with a visit to the fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park, proudly displaying the life’s work of Gustav Vigeland in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Spend the rest of the day people-watching over coffee in the Aker Brygge district or explore the nation's rich seafaring heritage with our Local Specialist. Tonight, come together one last time for a fitting Farewell Dinner to toast to an incredible adventure across Scandinavia.
Day 20
Journey Home
As your journey draws to a close, bid your new friends a fond farewell and prepare for your return trip home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 19 Breakfast (B)
- 8 Dinner (D)
- Jyvaskyla: Enjoy a Be My Guest dinner in Jyvaskyla and learn all about the 'Athens of Finland'.
- Rovaniemi: Visit Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus, and meet its famous resident.
- Lom: In Lom you'll have an opportunity to visit Lomskyrkja, one of the biggest and most beautiful stave churches in Norway, dating back to the 12th century.
- Copenhagen: With your Local Specialist, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe.
- Stockholm: With your Local Specialist, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town.
- Helsinki: Your Local Specialist will show you the sights of the harbor city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer before enjoying free time to explore the harbor of this fascinating city of design.
- : Embrace the stark northern landscape as you approach the Arctic Circle during today's scenic drive.
- Rovaniemi: Join your Travel Director for an introductory orientation of Rovaniemi's landmark sites, including Lumberjack Bridge.
- Honningsvag: Explore the ''gateway to the North Cape'' nestled on a pictuesque bay of the Mageroya Island.
- : See the spiraling steeple of the Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta.
- Tromso: Enjoy your orientation of Tromsø, Northern Norway’s largest city located on the island of Tromsøya.
- Svolvaer: Journey past dramatic peaks and rugged fjords as you travel to the fishing village of Svolvær, bound between sea and mountains.
- Trondheim: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Market Square and its statue of Olav Tryggvason, the Nidaros Cathedral, the Tyholt Tower and Old Town Bridge.
- Geiranger: Fjords, lakes and forests create a picturesque setting for your travels to Geiranger.
- Lillehammer: Explore the town where the 1994 Winter Olympics were held.
- Oslo: With your Local Specialist, see Akershus Castle, Oslo Harbor and the Royal Palace.
- Inari: Terhi, our local biologist guide, takes us on a discovery walk through the wilderness of the Urho Kekkonen National Park, to hear stories about the unique nature and rare species of the area, and the challenges the artic nature is facing with climate change. This experience advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land
- : Explore Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Olso with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Rovaniemi and Trondheim
- : Visit City Hall in Stockholm, Santa Claus Village, Saariselkä, Honningsvåg, North Cape Visitor Center, Alta, Tromsø, Svolvær, Geirangerfjord, the Stave church in Lom, Lillehammer and Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo
- : View the Lumberjack Bridge, the Library and Lappia Hall in Rovaniemi and the Cathedral of the Northern Lights in Alta
- : See the Christianborg Palace, the Little Mermaid and the Borsen in Copenhagen, Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House and Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, the 'Blood Road', Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, Junkerdal National Park, Nidaros Cathedral, the Old Town Bridge and Kongens gate in Trondheim, Akershus, the Opera House and the Royal Palace in Oslo
- Rovaniemi: Admire the breath-taking Arctic landscapes from the cozy confines of the traditional Rovaniemi Hotel, hugging the banks of the Kemijoki river in the heart of Pohjanhovi.
- Geiranger: Stay right at the edge of Geirangerfjord at the Havila Geiranger hotel, the spectacular jewel in the crown of the Norwegian fjords and one of the most beautifully located hotels in the world.
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Ferry from Denmark to Sweden
- : Ferries from Olderdalen to Lyngseidet and Svensby to Breivikedet
- : Optional Experiences and free time
Start Date: 2024-04-01
End Date: 2024-04-20
twin
Adult Price: $11031
Child Price: $10141
twinShare
Adult Price: $11031
triple
Adult Price: $10914
Child Price: $10024
single
Adult Price: $16373
Start Date: 2024-04-29
End Date: 2024-05-18
twin
Adult Price: $11188
Child Price: $10298
twinShare
Adult Price: $11188
triple
Adult Price: $11076
Child Price: $10186
single
Adult Price: $16560
Start Date: 2024-05-13
End Date: 2024-06-01
twin
Adult Price: $11188
Child Price: $10298
twinShare
Adult Price: $11188
triple
Adult Price: $11076
Child Price: $10186
single
Adult Price: $16560
Start Date: 2024-05-27
End Date: 2024-06-15
twin
Adult Price: $11188
Child Price: $10298
twinShare
Adult Price: $11188
triple
Adult Price: $11076
Child Price: $10186
single
Adult Price: $16560
Start Date: 2024-06-10
End Date: 2024-06-29
twin
Adult Price: $11188
Child Price: $10298
twinShare
Adult Price: $11188
triple
Adult Price: $11076
Child Price: $10186
single
Adult Price: $16560
Start Date: 2024-06-24
End Date: 2024-07-13
twin
Adult Price: $11281
Child Price: $10391
twinShare
Adult Price: $11281
triple
Adult Price: $11174
Child Price: $10284
single
Adult Price: $16673
Start Date: 2024-07-08
End Date: 2024-07-27
twin
Adult Price: $11281
Child Price: $10391
twinShare
Adult Price: $11281
triple
Adult Price: $11174
Child Price: $10284
single
Adult Price: $16673
Start Date: 2024-07-22
End Date: 2024-08-10
twin
Adult Price: $11281
Child Price: $10391
twinShare
Adult Price: $11281
triple
Adult Price: $11174
Child Price: $10284
single
Adult Price: $16673
Start Date: 2024-08-05
End Date: 2024-08-24
twin
Adult Price: $11281
Child Price: $10391
twinShare
Adult Price: $11281
triple
Adult Price: $11174
Child Price: $10284
single
Adult Price: $16673
Start Date: 2024-08-19
End Date: 2024-09-07
twin
Adult Price: $11188
Child Price: $10298
twinShare
Adult Price: $11188
triple
Adult Price: $11076
Child Price: $10186
single
Adult Price: $16560
