Duration: 10 Days
If you’re in search of a different European experience, just head north to the intersection of yesterday and tomorrow. Old meets new and tradition meets innovation on this cool tour of Scandinavia and its most exciting hot spots. With two-night stays in the capital cities of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, you’ll wake up to Copenhagen’s rush hour of designer-clad cyclists, Oslo’s stunning skyline “starchitecture,” Stockholm’s trendy galleries and gastro pubs, and Helsinki’s electrifying design scene. Within these hipster hubs, you’ll follow ancient Viking trails and the narrowest of cobblestone streets to the palaces and museums that hold the most fascinating historical stories—and the indoor and outdoor markets that carry the most intriguing snacks and souvenirs. The cool factor is illuminated on a breezy overnight cruise across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm to Helsinki.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Welcome to Copenhagen!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen!
COPENHAGEN Guided sightseeing includes the royal reception rooms in Christiansborg Palace, and The Little Mermaid statue. Enjoy a free afternoon before visiting Tivoli Gardens. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Christiansborg Palace commands the scene on the islet of Slotsholmen with an 800 year-long history as Denmark's seat of power in central Copenhagen. This magnificent site houses the Danish Parliament, Prime Minister's office, and Denmark's Supreme Court. The magnificent palace is also home to visiting Danish monarchs with its resplendent royal reception rooms, chapel, and royal stables.
Swedish Specialties
ELSINORE Ferry crossing to Helsingborg, Sweden.
GOTHENBURG Take an orientation drive. [LF] Visit the indoor food market and taste local snacks. (B,D) 348 mi / 560 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES At Gothenburg's indoor market hall you can find spices, coffee, cheese, fruit, and other delicacies from around the world in its 40 shops and eateries. Whilst strolling around the stalls enjoy a Swedish food experience and sample some of the local specialties.
Outdoor Art in Oslo
OSLO Guided sightseeing includes a walk through Frogner Park and a visit to City Hall. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Frogner Park contains over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze, and wrought iron, along with fountains and bridges comprising the life's work of legendary sculptor Guztav Vigeland. Visit the stately Oslo City Hall, with its red-brick architecture, soaring towers, and 49 bells. Here, the Nobel Peace Prise ceremony takes place each year.
Spectacular Scandinavia
OSLO Scenic drive to Stockholm. (B) 329 mi / 530 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE A myriad of small lakes and little villages dot the Scandinavian landscapes from Oslo to Stockholm. You'll enjoy serene natural beauty and lush green views along the way from Norway to Sweden.
Maritime Marvels
STOCKHOLM Guided walking tour of the Old Town. Visit the City Hall and the [LF] Vasa Ship Museum. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Set your course for the Vasa Ship Museum in Stockholm. Here, you'll cruise back through maritime days to see the historic Vasa - the Swedish war ship which capsized and sank on her maiden voyage off Stockholm 1628. After 333 years on the seabed, the mighty warship and remarkable relics were salvaged to carry visitors on a fascinating voyage through history. Today, the Vasa is the world's best-preserved 17th-century ship and one of the most sought-after museum experiences in Scandinavia.
Sailing by Starlight
STOCKHOLM Free time this morning. Take an overnight cruise with dinner to Helsinki. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Called "the capital of cool," Stockholm is the place for music, art, and fashion. With nearly 100 museums, Stockholm has more museums per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. Sustainable and eco-friendly solutions are a big part of everyday life in Stockholm. Many restaurants focus on locally sourced seasonal ingredients where a city skyline rise above lush, green spaces.
Perfection on the Peninsula
HELSINKI Guided sightseeing includes the Lutheran Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, and the open-air market. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Finland's southern capital of Helsinki is poised on the peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, where striking architecture and Nordic cuisine delight visitors. Stroll the open-air market for traditional fare and see the beautiful cathedral and Sibelius Monument in this historic and picturesque setting.
Capital Ideas
HELSINKI Enjoy a free day, followed by a farewell dinner tonight at your hotel. (B,D)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE with an excursion to Tallin, the capital city of Estonia on the Gulf of Finland. The coastal gem on the Baltic Sea combines an exciting mix of old and new with promenades and pristine beaches. Take in the ancient architecture and modern cityscapes, including the Old Town - one of the best-preserved medieval merchant districts in the world.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
