Grand Scandinavia
Sail the Baltic Sea, crossing rolling tundra and glassy fjords in your search for the midnight sun, all the while enjoying the local culture, history and striking scenery.
Pricing
Classic group tour starting at $7,350* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
20 Days – Copenhagen to Oslo
Activity level: Leisurely
Make travel matter
KARASJOK: Visit the museum devoted to Sami history in Karasjok, preserving the culture of one of the world’s oldest tribes. Admire over 5,000 objects in the cultural heritage collection here spread across indoor and outdoor exhibits. The museum educates its visitors about the resiliency of the Sami community and endeavors to safeguard the tribe’s traditional practices.
Unique experiences
ALTA: Meet Trine and her huskies. Hear tales about their marathon Artic dog sled races during a hearty dinner.
Top rated highlights
SCENIC DRIVES: You’ll be enamoured by the natural beauty of Scandinavia as you travel through the Skåne Region, along Lake Vättern, through Lapland and upon the Four Winds’ Road. Pass Kåfjord, the Lyngen Alps, the Rago National Park, Laksfoss Falls, through Norwegian Fjordland, past Dovre Mountains, the Rondane National Park and through Pyr Gynt Country.
COPENHAGEN: Visit the impressive 18th century Copenhagen Cathedral, designed by Christian Frederik Hansen, known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark.
ORESUND BRIDGE: Cross this magnificent fiat of engineering. It’s the longest road and rail bridge in Europe, spanning 8 kilometres.
STOCKHOLM: With your Local Expert, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town.
CRUISE: Admire the beautiful views from your high-class, sea-view cabin as your cruise through the largest archipelago in the world, from Stockholm to Helsinki.
HELSINKI: Your Local Expert will show you the sights of the harbour city. Visit the Church in the Rock, admire the interesting Sibelius Monument and see Finlandia Hall before enjoying free time to explore the harbour of this fascinating city of design.
KUOPIO: Admire the spectacular panoramic views from atop Puijo Tower.
OULU: Visit Northern Finland’s oldest city. It is also one of the most important harbour cities in all of Northern Europe.
ROVANIEMI: Meet Santa Claus when you visit his village where it is Christmas all year round! From his post office, you can make sure that Santa sends Christmas letters to friends and family back home come December.
NORTH CAPE: Journey to mainland Europe’s most northern point to see something that doesn’t happen – sunset! Even at midnight, the sun clings to the horizon. This once-in-a-lifetime unique experience is accompanied by champagne and caviar to make it even more special. Stand near the fence of the towering cliffs, dramatically rising out of the sea and you will feel as if you are on the edge of the world, and you literally are.
MOSJOEN: See the street of historic, 19th century wooden buildings and Norway’s oldest octagonal church.
HELL: Tell all your friends you travelled through!
GEIRANGER: Cruise along the deep, blue waters of majestic Geirangerfjord, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, gushing waterfalls and lush green vegetation.
LILLEHAMMER: Explore the town where the 1994 Winter Olympics were held.
OSLO: Stand beneath the scrolled prows and hand cut hulls of 9th century ships that carried Viking nobles to the afterlife and learn about their traditions and culture when you visit the Viking Ship Museum.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Copenhagen
Meals
Dinner with Wine
Description
On arrival at Copenhagen Airport, your transfer shuttle service is included. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, followed by a visit to the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen (2 nights)
Day 2
Copenhagen
Breakfast
Your Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark’s capital. Meet Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbour and visit Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Government. Continue on to see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace and the Renaissance Stock Exchange and visit the Christianborg Palace. Visit the 18th century Copenhagen Cathedral, designed by Christian Frederik Hansen, known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark. With the afternoon at your leisure, why not see the unusual Round Tower, a 17th century tower and the oldest functioning observatory in Europe and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary.
Day 3
Copenhagen – Stockholm
Breakfast
Travel from Denmark to Sweden by crossing the incredible Øresund Bridge. Spanning 16km over the Flinte channel it’s the longest road and rail bridge in Europe. Pass through the artificial island of Peberholm which has become a haven for flora and fauna and continue through the Skåne region, which gave its name to Scandinavia. Enjoy views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands as you journey along the shores of Lake Vättern to the Swedish capital, Stockholm, which is set on 14 beautiful islands. In the evening, perhaps try the local cuisine served in traditional surroundings?
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel, Stockholm
Day 4
Stockholm – Baltic Sea Cruise
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Join a Local Expert for your visit to the City Hall’s marvellous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. Continue to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city. View the cathedral and walk through the Old Town to see the Royal Palace. With the afternoon at leisure, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Vasa Galleon, a marvellous impression of life on board a 17th century naval vessel. In the evening, board your Baltic cruise to Finland and voyage through the largest archipelago in the world. Enjoy dinner onboard as well as the sight of thousands of islands from the comfort of your A-class, sea-view cabin, while the northern sun hangs over the horizon, showing almost no sign of setting in mid-summer.
Accommodation: Serenade/Symphony, Tallink Silja Line, Stockholm
Day 5
Helsinki
Breakfast
Helsinki is known as a global trendsetter in design, fashion, stunning architecture and luscious parks. Disembark your Baltic cruise to meet your Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore on your own. Why not stop for lunch at the colourful market located by the harbour and spend time browsing the vast array of stalls selling local souvenirs, handicrafts as well as fruits, vegetables and world-class pancakes?
Accommodation: GLO Hotel Art, Helsinki
Day 6
Helsinki – Kuopio
Breakfast, Dinner
Finland is a land of beautiful lakes and enchanting forests. Sit back and relax as you take in the spectacular scenery. On arrival in Kuopio, ascend Puijo Tower for a splendid panorama that will reveal why Finland is called the land of a thousand lakes.
Accommodation: Scandic Atlas, Kuopio
Day 7
Kuopio – Rovaniemi
Breakfast, Dinner
As you journey towards the Arctic, travel to Lapland, native home to the nomadic Sami community. Visit Oulu, northern Finland’s oldest city. It is also the largest general port in the Bothnian Bay, made up of 3 harbours. Enjoy time to explore the centre of the city that is spread across several islands, connected by pedestrian bridges and cycleways, considered one of the best in Europe. Your travels continue to Rovaniemi, the modern capital of the region.
Accommodation: Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus, Rovaniemi (2 nights)
Day 8
Rovaniemi
Breakfast
Cross the Arctic Circle today, a highlight for many travellers. With your Local Expert, see the Town Hall designed by Aalvar Aalto and visit Rovaniemi Church. Explore Rovaniemi with Insight Choice. Choose between meeting Santa Claus and embracing the spirit of Christmas or alternatively, join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest. With the afternoon at leisure perhaps you may want to visit the open-air museum and Arktikum?
Accommodation: Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus, Rovaniemi
Day 9
Rovaniemi – Ivalo
Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning enjoy a relaxed start or perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit Ranua Wildlife Park, for the chance to see polar bears, lynxes or even a wolverine. Continue your journey north along the Four Winds’ Road, where you may see herds of reindeer roaming freely as you head for one of the oldest churches in Lapland. Travel through Europe’s last great wilderness to see the Urho Kekkonen National Park near the gold centre of Tankavaara.
Accommodation: Hotel Ivalo Oy
Day 10
Ivalo – Honningsvåg
Breakfast, Dinner
Cross nature reserves into Norway and stop at Karasjok, the seat of the Sami Parliament and a centre of Sami culture. Visit a Sami National Museum devoted to preserving the Sami history and culture, before continuing along the beautiful Porsanger Fjord to reach the quaint settlement of Honningsvag. Enjoy the picturesque harbour at your leisure or perhaps set out on a sea bird and arctic cruise adventure? This Optional Experience includes a cruise around the Gjesværstappen, a necklace of islands that’s a protected nesting area for millions of Puffins, Kittiwakes, Gannets, Guillemots, White Tailed Eagles and even a chance of a Grey Seal or Porpoise. Tonight we journey in search of the midnight sun on your included experience of Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, where you will enjoy a glass of bubbles and caviar in one of the most special places on Earth.
Accommodation: Scandic Honningsvåg
Day 11
Honningsvåg – Alta
Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start before continuing your escorted journey through Norway’s most Northern County of ‘Finnmark’, covered in unique topography of rolling tundra and isolated dwellings. This afternoon experience the town of Alta at your leisure, made famous for its fishing and mining history. Why not visit the Northern Lights Cathedral or consider taking a wilderness trip on the Alta River itself?
Accommodation: Scandic Alta (2 nights)
Day 12
Alta
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
With a leisurely morning start, why not explore the town centre or check out the Rock Art of Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of prehistoric rock carvings. Later, visit a working husky farm to meet Trine Lyrek, a champion dog sledder. Learn about her Alaskan huskies and her Arctic dog sled races. Meet some of Trine’s Husky puppies, that may grow to be the best racing dogs in the country. If you wish, spend time playing with these adorable pups. Afterwards,delight in a wonderful oven-baked Highlight Dinner of local seasonal specialities,such as salmon or the nutritious local game, reindeer, served with fresh salads and wine.
Day 13
Alta – Narvik
Breakfast
Pass Kåfjord where the German battleship Tirpitz was once stationed and hear tales of one of the first large-scale battles of World War II. As you travel south, see the marvellous Lyngen Alps in the distance. They’re 90 kilometers of mountains and glaciers that really are stunning all year round. Continue to Narvik, surrounded by majestic mountains. With the evening free for you to explore on your own, perhaps join an Optional Experience and take in stunning views aboard neighbouring Sweden’s iron-ore railway. Pass surrounding fjords as the Ofot Railway clings to the mountainside – constructed over 100 years ago, it’s an incredible feat of engineering.
Accommodation: Scandic Narvik
Day 14
Narvik – Mosjøen
Breakfast, Dinner
Board a ferry to cross Tysfjord, then continue past Rago National Park, its fjords cut deep into the landscape. Bid farewell to the Arctic before reaching Mosjøen, a pleasant town on the Vefsnfjord that has a large concentration of historic, 19th century wooden buildings.
Accommodation: Fru Haugans Hotel, Mosjøen
Day 15
Mosjøen – Hell – Trondheim
Breakfast
Drive through Namdalen then watch for salmon leaping upstream as they travel to their spawning-grounds at the mighty Laksfoss Falls. Continue past the village of Hell to Trondheim, once the seat of the ancient Viking kings and Norway’s third largest city. Trondheim has always reflected the changing fortunes of Norway and is full of interest. See the Market Square dominated by its statue of Olav Tryggvason and the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine. Tyholttårnet, or Tyholt Tower rises high above the city and the Old Town Bridge is locally known as Lykkens Portal, which means Portal of Happiness.
Accommodation: Scandic Bakklandet, Trondheim
Day 16
Trondheim – Geiranger (Jewel of the Fjords)
Breakfast, Dinner
Begin one of the most scenic days you will ever experience. Norwegian Fjordland is a dream world of soaring mountains, icy glaciers and rivers which cascade hundreds of metres into the green valleys below. Cross the Dovre Mountains, as you journey through Dovrefjell National Park. Travel via lakes and snow-capped peaks to Lom, home to one of Norway’s most beautiful stave churches. Arrive at the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord to embark on a spectacular cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Your hotel is in a superb setting overlooking the beautiful Norwegian Fjord landscape.
Accommodation: Hotel Union Geiranger (2 nights)
Day 17
Geiranger
Breakfast, Dinner
njoy a relaxed start and a whole day free for you to explore the fjords and mountains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and take an incredible scenic drive along the amazing Trollstigen, or Troll’s Road. The road itself was a masterpiece of engineering when it was built over 70 years ago and the spectacular views will leave you speechless.
Day 18
Geiranger – Oslo
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey through the countryside immortalized by Ibsen in ‘Peer Gynt’ and inspiration for Edvard Grieg. Continue to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, for an orientation with your Travel Director. Then it’s on to the modern Norwegian capital of Oslo. Round off your travels with a Celebration Dinner. During a delicious meal with wine, raise your glass to toast your adventures with your newfound friends.
Accommodation: Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo (2 nights)
Day 19
Oslo
Breakfast
Your Local Expert will show you the spires and ramparts of the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbour. See the Royal Palace and visit the Viking Ship Museum. Stand beneath the scrolled prows and handcut hulls of 9th century ships that carried Viking nobles to the afterlife and learn about their traditions and culture. Explore Frogner Park, housing the intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax by the harbour or continue exploring as you wish.
Day 20
Oslo
Breakfast
Departure transfers take you to Oslo airport.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Grand Scandinavia” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.