Norway, Sweden and Finland have, for some time now, led the way in cultural cool. Perhaps the answer lies in the world-leading museums. Maybe it’s the innovative gastronomic scenes. Or perhaps it’s the beautiful waterside cities dotted with protected historic sites. Join us on this Nordic adventure to find out for yourself. With the help of our expert leader (and the excellent train systems), we navigate this undeniably attractive trio, stopping at the capitals of each – Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki – while also taking time to dip into smaller towns and visit natural wonders.
Activity Areas
Culture
Multi-Country Culture Holidays
Multi-Country Holidays
Region & Country & City
Europe: Finland, Norway, Sweden
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts included, and one dinner
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 10 Classic nights (9 hotel, 1 overnight ferry)
— Travel by private minibus, ferry and train
— Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Start Oslo
The adventure begins in Oslo, the waterside capital of Norway. There’s a welcome briefing with our leader this evening, an ideal opportunity to meet the group and ask any questions you have.
Classic accommodation: Anker Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Oslo Boat trip; free afternoon
This morning, we enjoy a scenic boat trip around the idyllic bays and islands of Oslo.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore this culture-rich city. Perhaps travel to the nearby area of Holmenkollen for a visit to the Ski Museum, housed inside the monumental Holmenkollbakken (ski jump), which looks more like a work of art than a sports venue. At the summit of the jump tower, there are 360-degree views of the city, fjords and forests. Alternatively, browse the harbourfront Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, taste local flavours at the Vulkan food hall, explore the immense Akershus Fortress, or check out the cool shops in the Grunerløkka district. (Please note some museums and attractions are closed on Mondays or may require reservations to visit).
Classic accommodation: Anker Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Train to Gothenburg; city tour and ‘fika’
We take the train from Oslo to Gothenburg (approximately four hours), a scenic way to travel to Sweden. On arrival, we join our leader for a city tour and a traditional Swedish fika (a pastry and coffee break).
This afternoon is free for you to enjoy all Gothenburg offers. Perhaps embark on a cruise through the many waterways, passing the opera house and visit the old docks. Or visit the Gothenburg City Museum in the former East India Company House, which was built when the city was a major maritime trading centre. Alternatively, take in the architectural ensemble on Gustav Adolfs Torg, go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn, check out the Skansen Kronan stone fortress, stroll along bohemian Långgatan street, or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter, known for picturesque wooden houses, a 19th-century atmosphere and hagabulle, a cinnamon pastry similar to kanelbulle.
Classic accommodation: First Hotel G (or similar)
Day 4 Ferry to Vrango island
Catch an early-ish ferry (approximately 1hr 20min) from Gothenburg to Vrango, the most southerly island of the Gothenburg archipelago. With a permanent population in the low hundreds and a strong fishing industry, it is best known for its stunning beaches and protected nature reserves, which you explore with the local guide. In the afternoon, relax at a floating sauna (payable locally) or maybe take a dip in the sea before returning to the city. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy Gothenburg, known as the most sustainable destination in the world.
Classic accommodation: First Hotel G (or similar)
Day 5 Travel to Stockholm; introductory city tour
We leave Gothenburg by train (approximately three hours) this morning and head to Stockholm, the cultural, political and economic capital of Sweden. Arguably the most beautiful city in Scandinavia, Stockholm is packed with amazing architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. Upon arrival, we have a short transfer to our hotel and time to check in and grab lunch nearby. We then enjoy an introductory tour to the city guided by our tour leader, walking from the hotel into the old town.
Classic accommodation: Hotel Lilla Radmannen (or similar)
Day 6 Ferry to Djurgården; Vasa Museum; free time to explore the island
We take the ferry to the inner-city island of Djurgården this morning, which is populated by many of the oldest and most venerated museums in Stockholm. Here we visit the Vasa Museum, home to the Vasa, a 17th-century warship, which sank in 1628 on its maiden voyage and was only salvaged in 1961. It’s one of the most visited sites in Sweden, so our morning visit allows us to avoid the biggest crowds.
We then have the rest of the day free to explore this museum island. Options include: the Skansen Open-Air Museum, which displays Sweden’s history and customs; the Nordiska Museet (the Nordic Museum); the Liljevalchs modern art gallery, and the ABBA museum. Our included full-day public transport tickets can also be used to take a ferry back to the old town or the main city for more wandering.
Classic accommodation: Hotel Lilla Radmannen (or similar)
Day 7 Guided boat tour around the Stockholm Archipelago; overnight ferry to Turku
After breakfast, we explore the Stockholm Archipelago on a boat tour. Our 2hr 30min adventure takes us through the picturesque inner archipelago, while a guide unravels the history and culture of this scenic part of the Baltic Sea.
After disembarking, we have free time in the afternoon for one final exploration of the Swedish capital before boarding an overnight ferry (11 hours) to Turku, Finland, in the evening. We sleep in high-class cabins with twin or double beds. Each has a TV, air conditioning and sea views, plus a bathroom with shower.
Classic accommodation: MS Viking Glory
Day 8 Arrive in Turku; walking tour of the city
We arrive into Turku this morning and take a transfer to our hotel. The rooms might not be ready on arrival, so we leave our luggage in the hotel storage and set off for a walking city tour with a local guide. Learn about the historic Aura River waterfront, the Old Great Square and pay a visit to the cathedral, considered the most valuable historic monument in Finland, and enjoy a guided tour of the medieval Turku Castle. In the evening, join your tour leader for a typical Finnish meal and beer tasting at a local restaurant and brewery.
Classic accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund (or similar)
Day 9 Train to Helsinki; orientation tour by your leader; free time
This morning, we take a two-hour train to Helsinki, our final destination. Upon arrival, we tour the city with our guide, discovering a wealth of historic sights and some of the gastronomic wonders of the Finnish capital. The rest of the day is free, and you can explore Helsinki in your own time.
Note: your leader will provide you with a 24hr ticket for public transport in Helsinki that includes the ferry to Suomenlinna fortress the next day too.
Classic accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Albert (or similar)
Day 10 Ferry to Suomenlinna sea fortress; free time to explore Helsinki
Walk to the port and take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna sea fortress. Now a World Heritage site, this fort complex is built over six different islands, with more than 200 buildings and 3.7mi (6km) of protective walls. Building here first started in the latter half of the 18th century, but work has continued over the years and the estate was only turned into an area for the public in 1973.
The rest of the day is free and you can explore Helsinki in your own time. Helsinki is overflowing with good food, great design, interesting museums and unique architecture. Discover why it's said to be one of the most live-able and walkable cities in the world.
Classic accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Albert (or similar)
Day 11 Trip ends in Helsinki
Our trip ends this morning. If you’d like to explore this historic city a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
