WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO ON A TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA?
The best way to enjoy a trip to Scandinavia is to visit Sweden, Denmark and Norway on the same tour. Why? Because these countries share a similar cultural heritage and are well-connected via modern motorways, railways and waterways.
As such, we highly recommend a guided tour of the Highlights of Scandinavia or an independent tour of the Scandinavian Triangle. Both incorporate the capitals of Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Travel between Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo via train and ferry and you’ll discover a land brimming with gorgeous scenery. Spend your days enjoying walking tours, savouring delicious Scandinavian meals, or cycling along the pedestrianised streets and bike lanes.
Come in the summer to enjoy long daylight hours, wild swimming and al fresco dining. In the winter, expect a festive wonderland and smaller crowds at top attractions. You may even get a chance to spot the northern lights!
It’s also good to know that our small group tours are close to all-inclusive Scandinavian holidays. We include all in-country transportation, hotel stays and breakfast. You’ll also receive personal travel documents, extra activities and tours to fill your days as well as around half of the evening meals.
As a specialised tour operator in Scandinavian countries, Nordic Visitor organises trips to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas and travel tips to help you explore Scandinavia your way!
Here’s one of our suggested itineraries for a Scandinavia group tour with services included:
Day 1 - Arrival in Stockholm, Sweden
Fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport and head to your hotel in the city centre. You have the afternoon to explore as you wish. We recommend you spend some time walking through Gamla Stan (The Old Town), and enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break) with a nice pastry at one of the local cafés.
This evening, you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.
Day 2 - The highlights of Stockholm
Spend a full day in the Swedish capital, discovering the city’s attractions and districts.
In the morning, you’ll join a bus and then a walking sightseeing tour to experience the best of Stockholm. Take in the must-see spots like the City Hall, Royal Palace and trendy Södermalm quarter before enjoying lunch in the Old Town.
You have the afternoon to explore on your own. We recommend taking a ferry to the nearby island of Djurgården, home to the Vasa Museum and Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum.
Day 3 - Railway journey to Copenhagen, Denmark
This morning, your group will head to Stockholm Central Station for a half-day train journey to the capital of Denmark.
Once in Copenhagen, you’ll settle in your hotel before joining a local guide for a walking tour of the city’s highlights. Admire the grand Amalienborg Palace, the picturesque Nyhavn canal and get a taste of Denmark. Tonight, you’ll dine with the group.
Day 4 - Discover Copenhagen
Soak up the charms of Copenhagen today. You’ll be treated to a guided tour of Rosenborg Castle this morning as well as an hour-long boat tour along the canals to take in the city from a different perspective. We’ve also included the entrance to the famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park for your enjoyment.
Day 5 - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway
Ahead of your journey to Oslo tonight, spend the day enjoying more of Copenhagen. Why not make like the bicycle-happy Danes and rent a bike? You could also take in the city’s skyline from the viewpoint up the Round Tower.
Later, head to the port for your overnight cruise to Oslo. Your group will enjoy dinner onboard as you sail up the Kattegat Sund.
Day 6 - Explore Norway’s capital city
After your ship arrives early in the morning, the whole day is yours to see Oslo. Join a bus tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You’ll see the highlights of the city such as the Royal Palace, Akershus fortress, City Hall and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Day 7 - Scenic train journey to Flåm
This morning, go to Oslo Central Station to begin your Norway in a Nutshell® tour – one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Look out the window to see picturesque landscapes and quaint villages like Gol and Geilo.
Change at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway for one of the top highlights of the entire trip: a 900-metre (half-mile) descent to the picturesque village of Flåm, where you’ll stay for the night. This evening, you’ll dine with the group at your hotel.
Day 8 - Norwegian fjord cruise
Prepare to witness breathtaking Norwegian scenery today, as you hop on a cruise that takes you through beautiful fjords. You’ll be able to admire the glittering waters, cascading falls and forested mountains of Sognefjord, passing through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Afterwards, it’s an exciting coach and train ride to Bergen.
Day 9 - Discover Bergen
Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is Norway’s charming second city with plenty of its own attractions to uncover. Join a walking tour to learn more about the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen. Later, you’ll take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city and fjords.
You have the rest of the day to explore Bergen more, before dining one last time with your travel companions.
Day 10 - Depart from Bergen, Norway
Fly back home from Bergen-Flesland Airport, having enjoyed 10 days discovering the many delights of Scandinavia.
What other ideas are there for Scandinavian tours?
You can choose from a wide range of routes and tours in the region. For example, you could join one of our all-inclusive Scandinavian cruises. This kind of tour offers a variety of shore excursions to complement your trip. Or explore more of rural Scandinavia, travelling by train or on a road trip.
You could look into our take on an all-inclusive tour of Norway if you just want to visit this country. Discover gems like the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, or travel further up the west coast towards the Lofoten Islands. You’d get most services included, such as transport, accommodation and activities.
There are so many more places to see in this part of Northern Europe. For example, you could delve deeper into the Nordic region, which is made up of Finland and Iceland, as well as Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Like the sound of an odyssey to the far north of Europe? Then we recommend visiting Lapland – a remote region covering parts of Sweden, Finland and Norway. Come in winter for the chance to see the aurora borealis, soak up snowy landscapes, and meet Santa Claus.
Or hop on a plane and visit Iceland as part of your Nordic experience. You can have a virtually all-inclusive tour of Iceland with your hotel stays, transport, activities and more booked in one package.
Good to know: Most of our vacation packages aren't set in stone, and there are many possibilities to tailor your plans. We can modify your tour if you'd prefer to arrive in a different city, spend time in other towns or add optional activities.
Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.
Interested in a guided tour of Scandinavia?
To see the region from a local’s point of view and make some new friends along the way, a guided small group tour of the Scandinavian capitals is an excellent option! These English-speaking tours run from May to August, so you can enjoy summer travel in Scandinavia.
They offer an enriching experience and the opportunity to really get under the skin of Sweden, Denmark and Norway in the company of like-minded visitors.
While all our packages include many services at no hidden cost, these are close to all-inclusive holidays. Along these escorted tours, you’ll enjoy your own tour guide, transportation, private tours, accommodation, daily breakfast and half your evening meals.
What’s more, the group size (with a maximum of 15 other travellers) makes the experience still personal for you.
How about a Scandinavia road trip?
On a self-drive tour in Scandinavia, you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions that catch your interest.
The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant has already sorted those local arrangements for you. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.
Your Scandinavia road trip could encompass a convenient circular route, starting and ending in Stockholm, Sweden.
If you want your Scandinavia road trip to include Helsinki, you could start in the Finnish capital and take a Baltic cruise to Stockholm from there. Or, drive from Oslo to Bergen and spend a few days discovering the world-famous fjords of Norway.
All of Nordic Visitor’s Scandinavia self-drive tour packages can be tailored by our local experts with extra nights at select locations or modified driving routes. If you have any particular attractions in mind, just contact us to ask.
Prefer a self-guided tour of Scandinavia?
If you would like to discover Scandinavia on your own but prefer not to drive, then an independent tour is the perfect choice. Public transportation in Scandinavia is fast, reliable and punctual, so getting around by train and ferry is a great alternative to driving.
By opting for a train and cruise tour of Scandinavia, you’ll benefit from having your itinerary arrangements made for you but with the freedom to spend your days however you please. Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation and travel tickets between destinations, and you can add on activities too.
Plus, by booking an independent tour of Scandinavia you’ll still be able to enjoy the usual Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
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