Scenic Scandinavia and Its Fjords

Embrace this enchanting Danish capital that inspired Hans Christian Andersen to share tales of mermaids, queens and ugly ducklings with the world. Spend the day embracing its quintessential hygge found throughout its charming streets before enjoying a late afternoon orientation drive and Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and travel companions.

Join a Local Specialist today for a fascinating sightseeing and walking 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 17th-century Stock Exchange, Christianborg Palace and the Neo-Classical Cathedral before paying tribute to the tragic Little Mermaid who was willing to give up her life in the sea to become human. 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. This evening, consider taking to Copenhagen’s waters and enjoying a canal cruise with stunning city views.

We leave the fairy tales behind for the Danish island of Funen, and Odense, the city where Hans Christian Andersen was born. Continuing across the pastoral landscapes of the Jutland Peninsula, we arrive in Randers, with its cosy half-timbered merchant houses and narrow medieval streets. Tonight, we stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – the Hotel Randers, one of the oldest hotels in the area with original artwork and a VIP-rich guestbook.

Set sail from Hirtshals across the Skagerrak 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.

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, we 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.

Enjoy a full free day in the cultural centre of Bergen or ascend its funicular for spectacular views of the fjords and islands. Consider an Optional Experience to Telavåg, which played a significant role in the secret North Sea boat traffic between Norway and Great Britain during World War II.

We drive east to the popular ski resort of Voss, where we’ll board a train ascending over 2800 feet (860 m) above sea level. Dive Into Culture on one of the world’s most exciting train journeys, through the Flåm Valley past the Kjosfossen Falls and legendary forest spirit who dances there to lure men into the mountains. Later, arrive in Sognefjord, the ‘King of the Fjords’, where we will stay overnight at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories, the Sognefjord Hotel located on a peninsula stretching into the deep waters of the fjord. Step straight from your hotel into the great outdoors and soak up the breathtaking views.

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, we stay on the shores of the fjord at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – Hotel Havila Geiranger.

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.

A scenic drive from Geirangerfjord through 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 Gudbrandsdalen 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.

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 Akker Bryge District or explore the nation’s rich seafaring heritage.

We 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.

We 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 a Farewell Dinner this evening to toast to an unforgettable Scandinavian adventure.

Our epic journey has come to an end. Bid Stockholm and your newfound friends a fond farewell.