Capitals of Scandinavia - 10 Days

Duration

10 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Copenhagen

End

Helsinki

Rating

***

Operator

Trafalgar Tours

10-Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland

Travel to northern Europe’s historic, stylish and cosmopolitan cities on this fairy-tale tour of Scandinavia. See the iconic mermaid in Copenhagen and visit the grand city hall in Stockholm. During this tour, you’ll learn about the region's Viking history and why Helsinki is the capital of cool...

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Copenhagen

Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 09:00, 12:00, 15:30

Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:00

Hans Christian Andersen would have been right at home in 21st-century Copenhagen. The Danish capital hasn't lost any of its fairy-tale charm over the centuries, as you'll come to discover on your first day exploring this colourful city. Start your Scandinavian adventure with your Travel Director and fellow travellers, and enjoy dinner together to kick things off.

Phoenix Copenhagen
Dinner

Day 2: Explore Historic Copenhagen

Connect with the heartfelt hygge of your Danish hosts when you join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour that will reveal all the highlights of Copenhagen’s Old Town. See Christiansborg Palace and the Little Mermaid, demurely seated on a rock overlooking Langelinie Promenade. See the home of Denmark’s beloved royal family, Amalienborg Palace, then spend the rest of the day exploring Copenhagen your way. Enjoy a cold øl overlooking the colourful façades of Nyhavn.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

Green Hills and Hygge - EUR 84 pp

First, a visit to the top of Copenhagen’s modern mountain, with the best views over the Baltic city. As Danes enjoy their summer skiing, we will learn about the vision behind this amazing project: the building, architecture and sustainability of the hill and its power plant inside. Then, to one of Denmark's best preserved places, the fairy-tale village of Dragør, with its thatched cottages, cobbled streets and pretty working harbour. You’ll wander passed colourful houses, learn a little of the history, feel the Danish hygge and enjoy a taste of traditional Danish specialities during dinner.

North Zealand Riviera and Castle Tour - EUR 69 pp

Join your Local Specialist and travel north from Copenhagen along the scenic Danish Riviera to North Zealand for a visit to Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Now a museum, its grand rooms reveal the stories of the kings and queens who shaped Denmark’s history. Return to Copenhagen passing charming villages of half-timbered houses and thatched roofs.

Phoenix Copenhagen
Breakfast

Day 3: Journey to Oslo

For now, it’s a fond farvel to Copenhagen and a bright and cheery hej to Sweden, as you cross the Øresund by ferry and wind your way north, through the Swedish countryside to Norway. You’ll want to keep your camera at the ready to capture the scenic landscapes that line your route to Oslo, Norway’s modern buzzing capital, where the Norwegian philosophy of friluftsliv can be felt along the flower-lined boulevards and bustling waterfront promenades.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).        

Norwegian Flavours at Aker Brygge - EUR 92 pp

Step into the warmth of a traditional Northern Norwegian fisherman’s cabin for a cozy evening at Rorbua in Oslo. Enjoy a two-course meal with a drink, featuring hearty local flavours and warm hospitality - all set against the scenic backdrop of Aker Brygge’s waterfront.

Scandic Helsfyr Hotel Oslo
Breakfast

Day 4: Vikings and More in Oslo

Tread in the footsteps of the Vikings this morning as you join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that will reveal Oslo’s long-standing seafaring heritage. See the medieval fortress of Akershus, the elegant Royal Palace and Oslo Opera House, which seems to rise up from the water in all its marble, granite and glass glory. Visit a wonderland of Norwegian sculptures left behind by Gustav Vigeland in his sculpture park, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city on your terms. You could choose instead to embark on an optional experience to explore Oslo in more depth.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).          

Above and beyond the Oslo Fjord - EUR 66 pp

Ahoy and welcome on board a cruise on the fascinating Oslo fjord. We hoist the colours on a state of the art electric vessel and have a guided commentary while taking in the stunning scenery. Next our journey takes us up to Holmenkollen mountain for amazing vistas over the city and fjord.

Norway in a Nutshell - EUR 58 pp

An introduction to Norway's rich history awaits, including a visit to an enchanting 13th century stave church followed by a walk on the Oslo opera roof, a one of a kind, architectural marvel. We step into the heart of Norwegian heritage and modern innovation with two unforgettable experiences in Oslo.

Scandic Helsfyr Hotel Oslo
Breakfast

Day 5: Onwards to Stockholm

Enjoy a scenic drive south through Norway’s lush forest landscapes to Sweden, bound for its enchanting capital. Journey past Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden, before stopping in the countryside to Connect With Locals at a special Be My Guest experience with lunch. Brother and sister Niklas and Anna will welcome you to their renovated 19th-century venue and share their philosophy of using local produce to delight all your senses. Later, arrive in Stockholm and enjoy a free evening to explore ‘Beauty on Water’. Consider joining an Optional Experience at the first Ice Bar in the world.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

The Cool Capital - EUR 60 pp

Discover the best views over beautiful Stockholm as we stroll through the old working class heritage area on Sodermalm. Later, we visit the world's first Ice Bar and take a drink in glasses made of pure river ice.

ProfilHotels Nacka
Breakfast Lunch

Day 6: Discover Beautiful Stockholm

Style and substance are qualities Stockholm has in abundance, as you’ll discover when you join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this morning. See Stockholm’s historic mother church, Storkyrkan, the Royal Palace and the Swedish Parliament, then Dive Into Culture on a visit to the City Hall, home to the annual Nobel Prize banquet. This afternoon perhaps join an Optional Experience to explore the maritime heritage of the city, or simply do as the locals do and indulge in fika (coffee and cake), embracing the Swedish philosophy of lagom. Tonight consider an optional experience to cobbled Gamla Stan to admire its medieval history on a walking tour, followed by a traditional Swedish meal in a local restaurant.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).   

Maritime Stockholm - EUR 72 pp

Dive into the fascinating story of Stockholm’s relationship with the sea. Our Local Specialist will explain the age of Viking exploration and the fish and fur trade before a real life encounter with the past on a visit to the 17th century Swedish royal warship Vasa. Magnificently restored after spending three centuries on the sea floor, she now occupies a state of the art, purpose-built home designed to preserve her well into the future. A unique and unmissable experience.

Old Town and Dinner - EUR 83 pp

Discover beauty and history combined during a walk in the fairy tale Gamla Stan, where little has changed since the 16th and 17th centuries. Then enjoy delicious Swedish cuisine in a popular local restaurant, with a drink included.

ProfilHotels Nacka
Breakfast

Day 7: Embark on an Overnight Cruise

A leisurely start to your day could see you embark on some last-minute souvenir shopping or savouring steaming sweet Swedish cinnamon rolls in Stortoget. Consider an optional experience to Drottningholm Palace. The cool capital of Finland beckons as you board your overnight cruise to Helsinki, passing through Stockholm’s archipelago across the Baltic Sea.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Drottningholm, Fika & More - EUR 75 pp

We start with a leisurely drive out to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Drottningholm Palace, the official residence of the Swedish royal family. Here we will explore the magnificent gardens with our Local Specialist before sampling traditional Swedish cinnamon buns and coffee. Afterwards we will board a turn-of-the-century ship to travel across beautiful Lake Mälaren back to Stockholm. An unforgettable experience. Please note: When the ship is unavailable, we will return to Stockholm on the 'Stockholms tunnelbana' the city's subway, which has been described as the world's longest art exhibit, where we'll be introduced to some extraordinary and creative works of art.

Royal Fika and the Magical Underground - EUR 54 pp

Start with a leisurely drive out to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Drottningholm Palace, the official residence of the Swedish royal family. Here you will sample traditional Swedish cinnamon buns and coffee before exploring the magnificent gardens with your Local Specialist. Afterwards you will return to Stockholm on the 'Stockholms tunnelbana' the city's subway, which has been described as the world's longest art exhibit, where you'll be introduced to some extraordinary and creative works of art.

Tallink Silja Line
Breakfast

Day 8: Arrive in Vibrant Helsinki

Continue your cruise across the Baltic, arriving in Helsinki in time to join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights, Swedish and Russian heritage and hidden gems. See the modern marble facades of Finlandia Hall, the Senate and the colourful stalls of Market Square. This afternoon, join an Optional Experience at a Finnish reindeer park, where you’ll meet the reindeer and enjoy coffee, tea and homemade cake. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner to toast your epic adventure across the capitals of Scandinavia. Kippis!

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

The Country of Lakes and Chocolate - EUR 47 pp

Take delight in the chocolate aromas that greet you during this visit to Finland's famous chocolate producer. From its humble beginnings Fazer now produces a wide range of chocolates and is at the forefront of sustainability and innovations. During the tour you have the possibility to taste Fazer’s products.

Arctic Reindeer Experience - EUR 65 pp

Meet Finland’s most iconic residents at a reindeer park near Helsinki. Hand-feed these Arctic animals, capture photos and hear stories of their lives from local herders. Afterwards, warm up over freshly brewed coffee, hot tea and homemade cake for a cosy taste of Finnish hospitality.

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Breakfast Dinner

Day 9: Helsinki at Leisure

Today is yours to explore Helsinki at leisure or perhaps consider joining a full-day optional experience to cruise to the beautiful capital of Estonia, Tallinn. With its walled, cobblestoned Old Town, you will feel like you've stepped into the pages of a fairytale. 

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

A Day in Estonia - EUR 184 pp

Come with us on an adventure to Estonia, the smallest and most northerly of the Baltic states. Cruise across the Baltic Sea to Estonia’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, Tallinn, where you will meet a local specialist who will show you all the treasures of the medieval Old Town. Still protected by the remnants of the old city wall, Tallinn is a labyrinth of medieval houses, shops and laneways, abounding with stories and legends. Afterwards there will be plenty of free time to shop and have some lunch before returning to the port for the journey back to Helsinki. Onboard you will enjoy an amazing buffet dinner of fresh Finnish & Nordic cuisine, with drinks included.

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Breakfast

Day 10: Farewell Scandinavia

After a memorable journey exploring the history and culture of four Scandinavian nations, all that’s left is to say a fond farewell to your new friends and prepare for your return journey home.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

Departure Transfer: Arrive at the airport at 07:30, 12:00

Breakfast

Includes

  • 9 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can i book flights through you?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.

When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements. 

You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?

Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below.  You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.

Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53

United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests

Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests

Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests

Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests

Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests

Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests   

How much walking will be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?

Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:

Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-

We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:

  • Reclining seats
  • An on-board restroom
  • Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
  • WiFi
  • Air-conditioning

Africa & Asia trips:-

Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). 

In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

GBP £2,069.00 GBP £1,759.00 / Adult
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