Scandinavian Supreme 12 Days
From Copenhagen to Helsinki we've got you on the journey of a lifetime, with some extraordinary treats along the way. Having been here many times, our founders hold a special place in their hearts for Sweden in particular but also for Denmark and Finland.
We're starting in Danish capital Copenhagen with 3 nights in the city famous for the Opera House donated by the owner of Danish shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, the little Mermaid statue, Hans Christian Anderson, the Royal buildings, the hippy hideout with a liberal policy, one of the world's oldest theme parks, NOMA (best restaurant in the world), amazing pastries, the highest consumption of coffee anywhere in the world, and a very educated and forward thinking populace. In Denmark, there's not much of a divide between rich and poor, the social system is fantastic and when it comes to health care and education everyone gets the same chances. So, welcome to "The Happiest Country in the World."
From here, we're crossing over the Oresund sound to Malmo by train, and into Sweden. We'll then visit the second city, Gothenburg, one of our favourite places in the world and take the Blue Heritage Train to Stockholm, capital of Scandinavia and cultural gem. We know it deeply and love this city. After a couple of days exploring the beauties of this amazing capital, we're off to Helsinki, capital of a unique culture.
The Finns, whilst not extremely chatty, are smart, resourceful, well-educated and practical. Speaking your mind is not only accepted, it's encouraged here. The country of Nokia, many start up tech companies and the best education system in the world, there's a huge amount of culture to catch up on here. We absolutely love the contemporary and modern art Musuem, not to mention modern architecture and many stories on how the Finns were able to maintain their independence when faced with the Nazis and USSR in WW2 and beyond. Whilst the rest of Europe suffered the same fate as Poland, Finland resisted and very successfully. Let's learn how and why.
One of the great things about this trip is that neighbours so close to one another are so different in terms of culture, language and history. Sweden and Denmark were the powerhouses, but also big rivals, for domination of Baltic trade. Let's explore more.
Itinerary and Specifics
Highlights:
- Learn about Viking and Norse Sagas
- Visit the Gamla Stan in Stockholm, the enchanting Old Town
- See the best maritime musuem we've ever been to - the Vasa Ship Musuem (the Ship is in the centre so they had to contruct the building around it).
- Taste some interesting food and drink products
- Learn about the social system of inclusivity, excellent health care and high education standards in Scandinavia
- Learn about the rivalries between these great Nation States - the 30 Years War, Norway achieving independence from Sweden, Swedish power, Finnish resistence, bi and tri-lingualism. Everyone in Scandinavia speaks fluent English.
- Cross the Oresund Sound on the train - it's an incredible experience and you feel like you're hovering above the North Sea.
- See some of the best museums in Europe.
- Visit Drottningholm, the summer residence of the Swedish Monarchy (this is our favourite visit in Scandinavia)
Included:
- Internal flight from Stockholm to Helsinki
- 4 Star Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis
- Meet and Greet at Airport
- Transfers to and from hotel
- Expert driver/guide
- Comfortable touring vehicle
- Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make
- Porterage - 1 piece per person in and out of hotels
Not included
- Flights - purchase your own flights in and out of destination
- Gratuities - minimum recommended $10 per person per day
- Lunches and Dinners - we like our guests to be able to choose their own dining options
- Any entrances to musuems, attractions and concerts - most of what you're looking for will be free entrance anyway.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Fly to Copenhagen International Airport, Meet and Greet and direct transfer to your hotel in the centre of the city. Check-in and chance to freshen up before you take a panoramic tour of the city and stop to take pictures as designated points of interest. Once you return to the hotel the guide will do a short orientation walk in your area so you know what there is to do and see this evening and give you some recommendations should you decide to dine out.
Day 2
Today commences with a visit to SMK - the National Gallery of Denmark. We'll follow this up with a good place for lunch and coffee and continue on to the Amelienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal Family. We reckon you could do with a rest after two full days so this evening is yours to gather strength.
Day 3
Today we follow the Royal theme and get inside 800 years of Royal History at the stunning Christianborg Palace as well as visiting Kronberg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and known as the castle of Hamlet by Shakespeare. Both places offer private tours, so we'll do that. Today we'll finish off with the Little Mermaid statue and free time on Stroget, the imporant thoroughfare of the city. Tonight's the last evening in Denmark.
Day 4
Today we take the train from Copenhagen Central Station, itself an architectural gem, and cross over to Malmo in Sweden on one of the longest bridges in Europe. We'll switch trains in Malmo and meet our local Gothenburg guide once we arrive in Sweden's second city, a couple of hours north. During the train trip you can enjoy the views and maybe read a book you've picked up in Denmark - one of the most book-obsessed and literate nations on the planet. Upon arrival check-into the hotel and take a short orientation walk so you're aware of what's near you this evening before some sightseeing in the morning.
Day 5
Today we'll do a panoramic tour in our sightseeing vehicle and our local guide will show you the highlights of this very interesting city. Gothenburg is a very pretty university town known for its charming people, excellent architecture, abundance of culture and relaxed vibe. The people in Stockholm are often jealous about the easy pace of life here and the quality of living is second to none. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to regain some energies and visit the cultural attractions, restaurants or cafes you're interested in.
Day 6
Today we visit the excellent Botanical Garden and Horticultural Gardens so you can see what the flora of Sweden is all about. We'll also see Haga, an area that has become trendy in recent times for its Fika - coffee and a pastry, cobbled stones and great old-school village vibes.
Day 7
Today we're taking the heritage Blue Train to Stockholm, the largest city in Scandinavia and the economic powerhouse of Northern Europe. Keep your eyes peeled for Elk and other wild animals, the forested landscape is incredibly beautiful and is dotted with small lakes. We'll arrive in Stockholm in the early afternoon, check into the hotel in the Gamla Stan, the most exclusive zone to be in when it comes to accommodation. This is the Old Town of the city and everything will be within walking distance for you from here. We're here three nights.
Day 8
We meet the local guide who will take us on a three hour panoramic city tour in our touring vehicle and you'll see the highlights of the city. We'll point out the Vasa Musuem that you'll definitely want to see in your free time, Fotografiska photoraphic musuem (fascinating), the Royal Palace, City Hall (used for Nobel Prize Ceremonies) and Strandvagen. For Music lovers you've got the Abba Museum. Enjoy the afternoon off to explore you're particular interests - there are a lot of cultural gems here.
Day 9
Today we'lll take a cruise up the river to Drottningholm Royal Summer Palace and enjoy a guided tour of one of the best visits in the world. There'll be free time to have a Swedish lunch in one of the restaurants here before taking the cruise back down the River and into the centre of Stockholm. Upon return we'll head for the Nordic Musuem, an absolute must to understand Scandinavian daily life from the 16th century onwards.
Day 10
We leave Stockholm for the Finnish capital Helsinki, also located in the south of Scandinavia in warmer climes and on the water. It's just over an hour's flight (included in the trip) and once we land at the airport we'll have a local driver pick us up and direct to the hotel in the centre of this fascinating capital city. You'll meet your guide in the late afternoon who will take you on a walking tour to stretch the legs and explore the history, architecure and modern-day culture the city has to offer.
Day 11
Today you'll truly see and learn about the World Design Capital and capital of Finland, sitting on the edge of the Baltic. Learn about the contemporary trends, high-tech achievements and visit the top attractions : Helsinki Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church (bizarre design), the Old Market Hall, and the Sea Fortress Suomenlinna. Enjoy the last night in Scandinavia as the last evening is upon us.
Day 12
Today is an airport transfer to Helsinki International Airport. Say farewell to your guide and safe travels home or combine with the Baltic Trip of Glories of Poland and the Baltic, which begins at Fredric Chopin International Airport in Warsaw, less than a two hour flight away. Become a true master of Eastern Europe with this in-depth exploration of all things Baltic and Slavic, it makes sense now you've come this far.