Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords - 14 Days
14 Days
Copenhagen
Stockholm
***
Trafalgar Tours
14-Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Your travels will reveal the storybook beauty and colourful history of Scandinavia. On this Scandinavian trip, you'll discover the truth behind the beloved fairy-tales of Hans Christian Andersen, hop aboard one of Europe’s most memorable train journeys and learn about farm life near Bergen...
Itinerary
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
Embrace the enchanting Danish capital that inspired Hans Christian Andersen to share tales of mermaids, queens and ugly ducklings with the world. Spend the day discovering the quintessential hygge found throughout its charming streets before joining your Local Specialist for a fascinating sightseeing tour of the iconic sights of Copenhagen. The Amalienborg Palace Quarter takes centre stage as you admire its 18th century façades and equine statue of King Frederik V at its centre. We'll see the Christiansborg Palace and pay tribute to the tragic Little Mermaid who was willing to give up her life in the sea to become human, followed by a light supper with your Travel Director and travel companions.
Day 2: Explore Historic Copenhagen
Enjoy time to explore on your own, strolling through the city's streets, or embrace your inner child in Europe's oldest amusement park, the Tivoli Gardens. You could choose instead to join an 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.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
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.
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.
Day 3: Journey Past Stunning Scenery to Randers
Leave Copenhagen bound for the Danish island of Funen and the city of Odense, birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. This afternoon our journey continues across the pastoral landscapes of the Jutland Peninsula to Randers, with its cosy half-timbered merchant houses and narrow medieval streets. Tonight, you'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – Hotel Randers, one of the most established hotels in the area, stylishly decorated with original artwork.
Day 4: Set Sail for Stavanger
Set sail from Hirtshals to the port of Kristiansand in Norway. Drive north past fjords, lakes and forests to the port city of Stavanger, one of Norway's oldest settlements – its heritage still evident in the beautifully preserved wooden buildings that date back to the 18th century.
Day 5: Onwards to Colourful Bergen
Norway's spellbinding natural landscapes provide an inspiring backdrop for our island hop from Stavanger. Arriving in Bergen this afternoon, we delve into the city's Hanseatic heritage, enjoying an orientation tour past the 13th-century Haakon's Hall, the bustling fish market and colourful Bryggen Quarter. This evening, you will Connect With Locals over dinner at a special Be My Guest experience, visiting the Øvre-Eide farm, worked for five generations by the same family.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Discover the Vikings - EUR 61pp
Just outside Stavanger lies the Hafrsfjord, home to a big Viking settlement. On its original site, houses from the iron age have been rebuilt and this is where we will have a guided visit and taste some Viking snacks. From here we head to the monument Sverd i Fjell (Swords in Rock), made of Viking swords found across the country to form three swords fixed into the ground symbolising peace, unity and freedom. This is where Harald Fairhair gathered Norway into one kingdom in the 9th century.
Day 6: Bergen At Leisure
Enjoy a full free day in the cultural centre of Bergen.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Best of Bergen - EUR 70 pp
Explore the lost village of Telavåg, a stronghold for the Norwegian resistance during World War II, destroyed when the German army discovered the villagers’ support for the resistance fighters. Here, you will taste local Norwegian Svele before journeying back to town and taking a funicular railway up the hillside for stunning views of Bergen from the panoramic platform.
An Evening in Paradis - EUR 89 pp
Leave Bergen for a short drive to Paradis, a paradise for the people who live there as it's one of the most desirable suburbs of the city. Enjoy a walk around the English-style garden of the historic Gamlehaugen Castle, home to the Royal family when they are in Bergen. Then we drive to a popular Paradis restaurant for a delicious dinner featuring selected Norwegian specialities.
Day 7: Enjoy the Spectacular Flåm Railway and on to Leikanger
Drive east to the mountain town of Voss before boarding the Flåm Railway. On this Dive into Culture experience, you’ll journey through the Flåm Valley and past the Kjosfossen Falls. End the day in Leikanger set on the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Fjords and Mountains - EUR 87 pp
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord with its towering mountains and fabulous scenery. This stunning fjord landscape with waterfalls, snow capped mountains and tiny villages has inspired painters for hundreds of years.
Day 8: Continue to Geirangerfjord
Norway's incredible glacier countryside surrounds us as we skirt the immense Nordfjord on the way to Geiranger – its deep blue waters surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and lush green landscapes, which we will have an opportunity to explore. Tonight’s stay places you in the heart of Geirangerfjord, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Fjordland Farm Cultural Experience - EUR 59 pp
Visit a traditional working farm set amid the glorious scenery of the Sognefjord, surrounded by craggy mountains with views across the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. Get to know a typical Scandinavian family, and something about their day-to-day lives. Learn a little of both the history, which dates back to Viking times and present-day traditions. We'll also sample the local homemade delicacies.
Dalsnibba and the Majestic Geirangerfjord - EUR 84 pp
You’ll enjoy views of the fjord from the famous hairpin bends along the Dalsnibba Pass, before we sail down Norway's most famous fjord. UNESCO listed, the Geirangerfjord is home to tiny farms, the Bridal Veil and Seven Sisters waterfalls, which you’ll discover as we explore.
Day 9: A Day at the Breathtaking Geirangerfjord
Spend a full day admiring this spectacular natural wonder. Cascading waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs into the glacial waters below, which you can explore by kayak or boat, soaking up the crisp, clean mountain air. Consider an Optional Experience to the Trollstigen and see Norway's most famous mountain road, travelling past steep mountain slopes, tumbling cascades and fertile valleys. After a day in intoxicating natural surrounds, we dine in our hotel this evening.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Trollstigen Explored - EUR 64 pp
Join us on one of Norway's most spectacular drives - the path of the Trolls. A masterpiece of Norwegian engineering, Trollstigen is rugged mountain scenery at its finest.
Day: 10 Venture to Historic Lom and Lillehammer
A scenic drive from Geiranger past high peaks brings us to Lom, the gateway to the Jotunheimen Mountains. Here we will Dive Into Culture and visit a 12th-century wooden stave church, adorned with Runic inscriptions, paintings and carved dragon figures that are said to protect it against evil. We continue through the Gudbrands Valley, the inspiration for Ibsen's 'Peer Gynt', before arriving in Lillehammer, the proud host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. This evening before dinner, consider a walk along Storgata or visit the open-air museum at Maihaugen.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Treasures Of Lillehammer - EUR 57 pp
Explore Lillehammer’s heritage on a guided visit to the charming open-air museum of Maihaugen, set on the hills above the Olympic town. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, step back in time to discover life in Norway centuries ago and understand how the unique Nordic lifestyle has shaped Norwegian culture through the ages. You’ll also visit the extraordinary Olympic ski jumping arena and enjoy panoramic views over the town and Lake Mjøsa. When available, a chairlift ride to the top of the ski jump is included. This experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Day 11: On to Oslo
See the unusual Olympic ice arena beside the lake at Hamar as we travel to Norway's cultural capital, Oslo. Join a Local Specialist who will share the city's iconic sights, including views of the medieval fortress of Akershus, the Opera and 19th-century Royal Palace. We visit the fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park, before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy a leisurely coffee in the Aker Brygge District or explore the nation's rich seafaring heritage.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Norwegian Maritime Explorers - EUR 57 pp
Norwegians have been exploring the world's oceans for generations. The 19th-century polar exploration ship Fram sailed to the Antarctic and then to the Arctic more than a hundred years ago. At the pole, Amundsen raised the new Norwegian flag. Join us at the Fram ship as we learn about its icy journeys. This spirit of adventure is followed by another, as we visit the world renowned Kon-Tiki raft that crossed the Pacific with Thor Heyerdahl.
Day 12: Journey to Stockholm
You'll cross the border into Sweden today and continue via Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest lake in the European Union. Passing Örebro, we arrive in the island-ringed capital of Stockholm for a two-night stay. Tonight perhaps consider an Optional Experience to the beautiful and atmospheric Old Town - Gamla Stan.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
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.
Day 13: Discover Beautiful Stockholm
Meet our Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the waterside City Hall and see the medieval Storkyrkan, Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace at the heart of Stockholm's quaint Old Town. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner this evening to toast to an unforgettable Scandinavian adventure.
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.
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.
Day 14: Farewell Scandinavia
Our epic journey has come to an end. Bid Stockholm and your newfound friends a fond farewell. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Departure Transfer: Arrive at the airport at 07:30, 11:00
Includes
- 13 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
Choose Your Departure Date
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
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.