Premium Scandinavia
from $24580
Duration: 16 Days
Get to know the stylish Scandinavian cities of Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, then adventure through the Norwegian fjords on this 16-day Premium trip. With cruises through Naeroyfjord and Geirangerfjord, iconic journeys on the Flam Railway and Golden Train and a picturesque drive to Norway’s highest fjord lookout, you’ll see this region’s spectacular landscapes from every angle. Wander Stockholm’s Old Town, get to know artsy Alesund and sample acclaimed cuisine in Norway’s food capital, Trondheim. With Feature Stays at a boutique hotel overlooking Lake Vattern and cosy sea houses in historic Kalvag, you’ll travel in comfort, with all the logistics taken care of. The best of Scandinavia is calling – what are you waiting for?
  • Find relaxation at your two Feature Stays – the charming sea houses of Knutholmen, where you'll have access to a floating sauna, and a boutique hotel overlooking Lake Vattern and Visingso Island, complete with a sauna that offers panoramic views.
  • Board the Flam Railway and Golden Train for epic views of Norway's mountains, waterfalls and rivers just outside your cabin window.
  • Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord – some of the deepest and longest fjords in the world. Plus, look out over Geirangerfjord from another vantage point 1500 m above sea level.
  • Discover some of Scandinavia's most exciting cities when you go on walking tours of Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim with your expert local leader.
  • Sail to Vaeroya Island with a local villager and learn about Norwegian coastal life. Try your hand at fishing, set up crab pots and have a traditional seafood lunch.
  • Stockholm - Welcome Dinner
  • Stockholm - Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Stockholm - Fika Break
  • Stockholm - Gamlastan Walking Tour
  • Stockholm - 24 hour Public Transport Pass
  • Stockholm - Fjäderholmarna Island Chocolate and History Walk
  • Vadstena - Castle Guided Tour
  • Visingso - Horse-drawn Carriage Island Tour
  • Granna - Apple Safari
  • Local Lunch on The Way to Oslo
  • Oslo – Walking Tour
  • Oslo - Forest Feast and Golden Hour with Local Chef
  • Flam - Naeroyfjord Cruise
  • Flam - Railway
  • Bergen - Guided City Tour
  • Bergen - Viking Experience with lunch
  • Kalvag - Cultural Tour with local family with included tasting
  • Kalvag - Ferry to Smørhamn
  • Vaeroya Island - Boat trip and seafood lunch
  • Alesund - Leader-led city tour
  • Day 1 Location: Stockholm
    Valkommen! Welcome to Sweden. When you arrive in Stockholm, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your accommodation. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably Scandinavia's most beautiful city, Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture, parks and clear waters. Your adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets lined with colourful merchant houses and soak up the atmosphere. Maybe grab a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest cafe – Sundbergs Konditori on Jarntorget Square, which dates back to 1785. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome dinner with your trip leader and group to toast to a new adventure.
    Day 2 Location: Stockholm
    This morning after breakfast, you’ll head out on a walking tour of Gamlastan (the Old Town of Stockholm) to get your bearings. Your tour ends by the port, where you’ll board a ferry to the island of Fjaderholmarna. Get to know the sweeter side of this island’s history on a guided walking tour paired with a tasting of six chocolate pralines, each inspired by a moment from Fjaderholmarna’s history. After, you’ll have some free time to explore the island at your own pace before taking the boat ride back to the city. The rest of your afternoon and evening are free – maybe make a stop for fika (coffee and pastry), take a self-guided Millennium walking tour to see key locations from Stieg Larsson’s best-selling crime trilogy or visit the ABBA Museum. You can also take a trip to Drottningholm Palace – the residence of the Swedish royal family. Tonight, maybe head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district – the inner-city island with the best nightlife.
    Day 3 Location: Granna
    Leave Stockholm this morning after breakfast and head for the small, medieval town of Vadstena on the shores of Lake Vattern. Have lunch with your group, then take a guided tour of Vadstena Castle – Sweden’s most well-preserved example of a Renaissance royal palace. Built in the 16th century, the palace was turned into a granary and later a cloth factory in the 19th century. It now houses the National Archives and hosts performances by the International Vadstena Academy Foundation singing school in the summer. After your visit, continue to Granna and check into your Feature Stay accommodation – Gyllene Uttern. This boutique hotel offers sweeping views of Lake Vattern and Visingso Island, plus a sauna where you can take in panoramic views of your surroundings while you unwind. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing, then have dinner at the hotel with your group this evening.
    Day 4 Location: Granna
    This morning, take a short ferry to Visingso Island, where you’ll take a horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about centuries-old local traditions. You’ll stop at the medieval Kumlaby Church to climb the tower from which, on a clear day, you can see views across four provinces! Return to the mainland and have lunch, then go on an apple safari at the Rudenstam apple orchards – this farm is famous for its award-winning must (a non-alcoholic drink made from pressed apples). After, return to the hotel, where the rest of your day is free. Maybe head to the sauna or simply take in the beautiful nature surrounding you.
    Day 5 Location: Oslo
    Leave Granna behind this morning and travel to Oslo, admiring the scenery of endless forests and lakes along the way (grab a window seat if you can!). On the way, you’ll stop in one of the local towns for lunch and say your farewells to Sweden. Arrive in Oslo in the late afternoon, take some time to unwind and check into the hotel. The evening is free for you to explore on your own. Maybe head to a rooftop bar for night-time city views or head to Gamla – Oslo’s oldest performance venue – to catch a jazz or rock gig.
    Day 6 Location: Oslo
    This morning after breakfast, explore the major attractions of the vibrant Norwegian capital including Oslo Opera House, which quickly became the city's icon after its reconstruction in 2008, and Karl Johan’s Gate, the city's emblematic two-lane central street. Admire the Royal Palace from a distance and look at frescoes depicting Scandinavian history on the walls of red-brick Oslo City Hall. Later this afternoon, you’ll head outside the city to meet with a local chef with more than a decade of kitchen experience for a relaxed forest walk. Your local guide will share insights into Norwegian culture, traditions and Norway’s mountain gastronomy. Along the way, you’ll learn how nature and food are deeply connected to everyday local life. As you walk through tranquil forest, you’ll stop do a tasting of traditional cold plates like lamb, cured mountain trout, horse, venison and other local delicacies. Weather permitting, you’ll pause for a photo op at a scenic lookout. You’ll then settle into a cosy camp where the chef will prepare some wild Scandinavian meats. Warm up with comforting, hot drinks and have a go at making your own Norwegian romme waffle over the campfire, topped with traditional favourites like sweet brown cheese (brunost).
    Day 7 Location: Bergen
    Today is a travel day, but it’s one of the most impressive you’ll experience! Start with an incredibly scenic train journey from Oslo to Flam, seeing Norwegian nature at its most magnificent. Stopping in Myrdal, you’ll travel to the head of Aurlandsfjord on one of the world’s steepest stretches of train line, cutting through deep ravines, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and farms. On the way, you’ll pick up snacks and drinks and then set sail through the breathtaking Naeroyfjord on board an electric boat. Disembark in Gudvangen, then take a private transfer through the equally striking Naeroydalen to Bergen.
    Day 8 Location: Bergen
    Join a local guide for a tour of Bergen’s city centre to see the highlights and learn more about its colourful history. See both the old and new parts of the city, including City Park, the old wooden buildings of the city centre and the wide streets and alleyways. Take a closer look at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old wharf and hear about the operations of the Hanseatic League – a network of merchant guilds which dominated maritime trade in the region. Next, embark on an immersive, theatrical tour where you’ll learn about Viking culture. Hop aboard an authentic Viking ship and hear about the daily life, culture, mythology and pagan belief systems from your guide who will be wearing authentic clothing and remain in character throughout the experience. Disembark the ship and take a cable car up Mt Floyen, where a second Viking guide will welcome you to the camp with a pot of moose and reindeer stew simmering over the fire. Full of humour, improvisation and interaction, this tour will bring Norse history alive, making for a memorable final night on your adventure. Take the cable car back to the city, then join your group for a farewell dinner and toast to the memories you’ve shared.
    Day 9 Location: Bergen
    Today is a free day for you to keep exploring Bergen at your own pace. You might like to visit the Bergenhus Fortress, which dates back to the Middle Ages, or the 13th-century Rosenkrantz Tower. If you’re looking for something more active, you could take on the popular hike from Mt Ulriken to Mt Floyen – take the cable car up to Mt Ulriken and begin your hike from there. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your new trip leader and the travellers who will be joining you for the next leg of your adventure. After the meeting, head out for a welcome dinner with your group.
    Day 10 Location: Kalvag
    Board a ferry this morning to Smorhamn port, located in Kalvag – a historic fishing village set on the island of Froya. During this scenic journey, take in dramatic views of the coast and fjords. When you arrive, you’ll check into your Feature Stay hotel – Knutholmen. With warm, charmingly decorated rooms and a floating sauna overlooking the bay, these sea houses will be a relaxing base for you to retreat to over the next two days of exploring Kalvag. This afternoon, you’ll go on a cultural tour of the Coastal Heritage Association, led by a local family. The association aims to preserve Kalvag’s fishing history and its traditional boathouses. Learn about daily village life and local history, plus try your hand at a traditional rope-making technique using glass floats. You’ll also taste some local herring and go on a short ride around the harbour in restored wooden boats. After, you’ll have some free time – maybe unwind at the floating sauna at your Feature Stay.
    Day 11 Location: Kalvag
    Set sail today for a boat trip to Vaeroya Island, located west of Knutholmen. As you sail, you’ll do some fishing and set up crab pots, led by a local guide who will share stories about life on Norway’s coast. Arrive on Vaeroya, where you’ll go on a guided tour of the island, then join your group for a seafood lunch of boiled crab and soup. If weather permits, you’ll have lunch on the pier, otherwise you’ll eat inside the boathouse. After, sail back to Kalvag and return to your accommodation. There’s the option to go on a hike to Flona with your leader. This hike takes you to one of Kalvag’s most scenic viewpoints. Starting at Knutholmen, you’ll wind through the village before continuing along the trail up to Flona. From the top, you’ll see sweeping views over Floro – Norway’s westernmost town – Kvanhovden lighthouse and the surrounding islands. This is an easy hike that’s suitable for all ages.
    Day 12 Location: Alesund
    Say goodbye to Knutholmen in the morning and make the scenic journey to Alesund. You’ll travel by private vehicle, then take two local ferries, passing through Nordfjordeid along the way. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour of the city. Alesund is known for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture and is considered the cultural centre of the Sunnmore coastal district. You have a free evening – ask your leader for recommendations on the best spots for dinner and maybe try the local specialty of fish soup (typically salted cod cooked in a tomato stew base).
    Day 13 Location: Åndalsnes
    Embark on a cruise through Geirangerfjord and get ready for some of the most picturesque views of the trip. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjord is dotted with waterfalls rushing down steep mountainside. Arrive at the village of Geiranger, then continue to viewpoints at Dalsnibba – Norway’s highest fjord lookout, sitting at 1500 m – and Flydalsjuvet. Then, continue your drive along Trollstigen – a spectacular mountain pass that winds through eleven hairpin turns up through the Romsdalen Valley to reach a panoramic viewpoint at the top. Continue to the village of Andalsnes, where you’ll spend the night. Check into your accommodation, then you'll have some free time to relax and maybe head to a restaurant for dinner.
    Day 14 Location: Trondheim
    Board the Golden Train this morning for a round trip on what’s often referred to as one of Europe’s most scenic train routes. This rail journey takes you past some of Norway’s most iconic landmarks including the Troll Wall – Europe’s tallest vertical rock face at more than 1000 m from base to summit – the famous Kylling Bridge and Vermafossen waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Romsdalen Valley, plus plenty more towering mountains, mighty waterfalls and rivers along the way. After you arrive back in Andalsnes, you’ll take a gondola up to Eggen Restaurant, perched 708 m above sea level on Nesaksla mountain. Have lunch while you take in the views of Romsdalsfjord from the restaurant’s 360-degree windows. Then, begin the drive to Trondheim, taking in more views of Norway’s landscapes and making some stops along the way – you might stop at Avdem Gardsysteri, a dairy farm where you can browse a range of cheese, ciders and other local produce. Arrive in Trondheim in the early evening and check into your accommodation, then you'll have a free evening.
    Day 15 Location: Trondheim
    Uncover Trondheim’s renowned cuisine and hidden heritage on a food and history tour today. Start by making the scenic drive to Hangran Gard, a farm on the Byneset Peninsula. Join the owner for a tour of the farm and learn about its heritage, then sit down for a tasting of wild salmon and other local produce. Trondheim is considered the food capital of Norway, so this is a great chance to get a taste of how this region earned its title. Next, continue your drive across the Byneset Peninsula, taking in views of stretching farmland, forest and mountains. Stop at Sverresborg to visit the ruins of King Sverre’s Castle, also known as Zion Castle. Built in 1183, this was Norway’s first medieval castle. Hear more about its history from your leader, then continue to Tavern Restaurant – Trondheim’s oldest operating taverna – for lunch. You might try some traditional rakfisk (fermented fish) or lutefisk (dried whitefish). Raise a glass to a trip well-travelled, then return to the Trondheim city centre, where the rest of your afternoon and evening are free.
    Day 16 Location: Trondheim
    With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end. A complimentary transfer to the airport will be provided.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    22MAY2027
    Return Date:
    06JUN2027
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    05JUN2027
    Return Date:
    20JUN2027
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    26JUN2027
    Return Date:
    11JUL2027
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    10JUL2027
    Return Date:
    25JUL2027
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    24JUL2027
    Return Date:
    08AUG2027
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    07AUG2027
    Return Date:
    22AUG2027
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    14AUG2027
    Return Date:
    29AUG2027
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    28AUG2027
    Return Date:
    12SEP2027
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    20MAY2028
    Return Date:
    04JUN2028
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    03JUN2028
    Return Date:
    18JUN2028
    24580.00NZD
    not available
    Trip title

    Premium Scandinavia

    Trip code

    BMPFC

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2027 to 31 Dec 2027

    Extended validity

    26 Aug 2028

    Introduction

    Get to know the stylish Scandinavian cities of Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, then adventure through the Norwegian fjords on this 16-day Premium trip. With cruises through Naeroyfjord and Geirangerfjord, iconic journeys on the Flam Railway and Golden Train and a picturesque drive to Norway’s highest fjord lookout, you’ll see this region’s spectacular landscapes from every angle. Wander Stockholm’s Old Town, get to know artsy Alesund and sample acclaimed cuisine in Norway’s food capital, Trondheim. With Feature Stays at a boutique hotel overlooking Lake Vattern and cosy sea houses in historic Kalvag, you’ll travel in comfort, with all the logistics taken care of. The best of Scandinavia is calling – what are you waiting for?

    Style

    Premium

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private vehicle, boat, train

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate. EXPLORING EUROPEAN CITIES One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the ease at which cities can be explored on foot. On most trips, our leader will take you on frequent orientation walks, and you will be able to further explore in your own time. We recommend you pack comfortable walking shoes for this trip. Many of our customers are surprised at how much they end up walking, however this is entirely up to you, and public transport to take you back to our accommodation is never far away.

    Joining point

    Freys Hotel

    Bryggargatan 12 Box 594

    Stockholm

    101 31

    SWEDEN

    Phone: 08 506 213 00

    Joining point description

    A charming, family-run hotel with 127 individually designed hotel rooms and nine unique conference rooms. The hotel is centrally located in the Norrmalm district of Stockholm, close to Stockholm Central Station and the Arlanda Express.

    Joining point instructions

    An arrival transfer is included in your trip. To book this please make sure to provide us with your flight information at least 14 days before travel. If you have booked an arrival transfer, the driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall. There are usually quite a few transfer drivers waiting, please look for our representative holding a sign with your name. If your flight arrives before the scheduled arrival time, please wait in the Arrivals Hall. If you are delayed beyond one hour after your scheduled arrival time or can't locate the driver, please call our local supplier in Stockholm +46 6 09 11 11 Your transfer from the airport to our starting point hotel takes approximately 40 mins depending on traffic Alternatively, you can also use the Arlanda Express. It takes just 20 minutes and the train stops conveniently just across the road from the hotel. The Arlanda Express is the fastest way to get to and from Arlanda Airport. Another option is Flygbussarna Airport Coaches that depart from all airport terminals and bring you to the City Terminal in Stockholm, less than 1 km from the hotel. Departures every 10 minutes to/from Arlanda Airport. Journey time approx. 45 minutes.

    Finish point

    Quality Hotel Prinsen

    Kongens gate 30, 7012 Trondheim, Norway

    Trondheim

    NORWAY

    Phone: +47 73 80 70 00

    Alternate Finish point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

    22 May 2027 (BMPFC270522), 05 Jun 2027 (BMPFC270605), 26 Jun 2027 (BMPFC270626), 10 Jul 2027 (BMPFC270710), 24 Jul 2027 (BMPFC270724), 07 Aug 2027 (BMPFC270807), 14 Aug 2027 (BMPFC270814), 28 Aug 2027 (BMPFC270828), 20 May 2028 (BMPFC280520), 03 Jun 2028 (BMPFC280603), 24 Jun 2028 (BMPFC280624), 08 Jul 2028 (BMPFC280708), 22 Jul 2028 (BMPFC280722), 05 Aug 2028 (BMPFC280805), 12 Aug 2028 (BMPFC280812), 26 Aug 2028 (BMPFC280826)

    Thon Hotel Nidaros

    Søndre gate 22B, 7010 Trondheim, Norway

    Trondheim

    NORWAY

    Important information

    1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

    Group leader

    All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts PERSONAL SAFETY Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS Local laws governing tourism facilities in this region may differ from those in your home country and accommodation we use may not have a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You are responsible for obtaining relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip.  We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Find relaxation at your two Feature Stays – the charming sea houses of Knutholmen, where you'll have access to a floating sauna, and a boutique hotel overlooking Lake Vattern and Visingso Island, complete with a sauna that offers panoramic views.

    Board the Flam Railway and Golden Train for epic views of Norway's mountains, waterfalls and rivers just outside your cabin window.

    Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord – some of the deepest and longest fjords in the world. Plus, look out over Geirangerfjord from another vantage point 1500 m above sea level.

    Discover some of Scandinavia's most exciting cities when you go on walking tours of Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim with your expert local leader.

    Sail to Vaeroya Island with a local villager and learn about Norwegian coastal life. Try your hand at fishing, set up crab pots and have a traditional seafood lunch.

    Is this trip right for you

    The areas visited on this trip can be very cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season and during the winter months. On the other hand, the summer can have mixed weather, with some very hot days. Please familiarise yourself with what climate to expect and bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, a hat, gloves, scarves, coats and anything else that will help keep you comfortable in the season you’re travelling in., On this trip, you will be responsible for getting your luggage on and off the train, so please keep this in mind while packing., This trip includes a couple of long journeys, but the picturesque scenery will be well worth it, and you'll make stops along the way.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure., BREAKFASTS There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. , The local currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK)., The local currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK)., TIPPING Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your group leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. Tipping your group leader is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 8 – 10 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader on your trip., CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred because of changes to itineraries, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra USD 500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of all travellers; however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. Please confirm with your leader on Day 1 if you need to carry this in cash, or whether access via card or electronically is sufficient.

    What to take

    Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible. If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well. When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

    TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light.

    WHITE NIGHTS The closer you travel to the second half of June, the shorter the nights are in this part of the world. As many of our accommodations may not have suitable curtains to block out light you may want to consider bringing an eye-mask, especially if you are a light sleeper. Similarly, in winter months, especially in Highland and Island areas, the days are shorter, and it gets dark early. This can impact the availability of certain views and outdoor activities. CLOTHING & CLIMATE The climate in this region is extremely varied. In shoulder season (April, May, September, October and beyond) you can expect temperatures to vary between single digits and warm sunny days, while from June until September temperatures can reach well above 30 C. It is always a good idea to bring a warm windproof jacket, a hat and waterproof footwear and waterproof pouch/bag to protect your phone and documents. No matter which time of year you decide to travel, it can get quite cool at night especially when in the countryside, so we recommend that you bring a warm jacket or fleece.

    Climate and seasonal

    The areas visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season, and at night. Rain is possible at any time of year. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, and snow fall is common. Summers on the other hand can be quite hot, and temperatures can reach up to 30 C. Please familiarize yourself with what climate to expect and bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, rain coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.

    A couple of rules

    Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time., For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us, In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: , If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above., Intrepid’s Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders and local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel, WHALE MEAT Whale meat is sold and consumed in this destination, and it is possible you may see it on some menus. The issue of whale hunting for traditional or commercial purposes can be complex and sensitive. Wherever possible, your leader will advise you in advance if whale meat may be available for sale, to ensure you're informed and prepared., DRESS CODE In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe. When visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites modest dress is required - shorts or sleeveless tops may not be permitted, for both men and women.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

    Transport notes

    TRANSPORT IN EUROPE Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action., LONG TRAVEL DAYS As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: , https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure., SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

    Accommodation

    Comfortable hotel (11 nights), Feature Stay (4 nights)

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