Following the Footsteps of the Scandinavian Kings: Sweden, Denmark, Norway

Tour start date(s):	12-08-2025
Duration:	10
Location:	Stockholm (arrival, 3 nights) - Jonkoping (1 night) - Copenhagen (1 night) - ferry Copenhagen - Oslo (1 night, double cabin with window) - Oslo (1 night) - Hemsedal (1 night) - cruise Flam-Gudvangen - Bergen (2 night, departure)
Price (including tax):	DBL 3430 USD ; SNGL 4410 USD (without flights)

Officially, Scandinavia includes three northern countries: Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. This is an amazing region where ancient cultural traditions and modern lifestyles coexist, with the world's cleanest ecology and the most progressive industrial enterprises. Each Scandinavian country is unique in its own way and offers a living interest, astonishing and surprising visitors with its natural beauty, history, culture, and customs. This incredible region is full of mysteries and fairy-tale landscapes. Scandinavian nature inspires creativity and provides a full experience of relaxation. There are vast mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and forests here. It is no surprise that a vacation in Scandinavia feels like living in a fairy tale. Sweden is globally known for its Volvo cars, the ice hotel in the north of the country, and the ABBA music group. Sweden also has many architectural monuments and recreational zones, such as lakes, turbulent rivers, high mountains, and small islands. Denmark is the oldest kingdom in Northern Europe. Despite not being located on a peninsula, Denmark is considered part of Scandinavia because of its close ties to Scandinavian culture.

12.08.2025 - Stockholm

Arrival in Stockholm, transfer to the hotel. Check-in after 14:00 (early check-in may be possible if rooms are available).

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, its largest city, and cultural center. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia, known for its charming old town (Gamla Stan) with medieval houses, modern innovative architecture, numerous magnificent museums, and green parks. Stockholm is often called the "Venice of the North," and it is no surprise since the city is located on 14 islands connected by many bridges. Stockholm was not affected by world wars or major military conflicts, so the historic center has been preserved in excellent condition. The architecture of the old town is quite diverse and includes buildings from the 13th century onwards.

In the afternoon, there will be a short introductory walking tour in the area around the hotel. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Stockholm.

13.08.2025 - Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Bus and walking sightseeing tour of Stockholm: Knights Island (home to several private palaces built in the 17th century, with the main attraction being the Riddarholmen Church, which served as the royal burial site from the 17th century to 1950), the Royal Dramatic Theatre, Djurgården (Animal Island), which is home to many of Stockholm's museums and is often called the museum island. Afterward, we will visit a viewpoint with the best panoramic view of Stockholm, see the Royal Palace, and take a walking tour in the Old Town.

During the tour, we will visit the famous Stockholm City Hall, where the Nobel Banquets are held annually. During the tour, you can learn about the Nobel Banquet menu and explore the interiors of the Blue and Golden Halls.

We will also visit the ABBA Museum, which not only tells the story of the legendary pop group but also offers visitors the chance to step into the 1970s-1980s, the time of their triumph. ABBA became one of the most successful groups from Scandinavian countries and is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Free time or an optional excursion to Skansen Park-Museum. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Stockholm.

14.08.2025 - Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Bus excursion to Sigtuna and Uppsala.

Travel to Sigtuna (35 km from Stockholm). City tour of this town, founded over 1000 years ago, where Sweden's first coins were minted. The town's main church, St. Mary's Church, built in the 13th century by the Dominican Order, has survived in nearly untouched condition. Many ruins of churches and monasteries from the 11th century are still preserved. The Sigtuna Town Hall (1744) is the smallest town hall in Sweden and is still used for wedding registrations.

Excursion to Uppsala, which was the capital of Sweden until the 16th century. The city is located on the Fyris River, which divides Uppsala into two parts: the historical center on the west bank and the residential and commercial area on the east. Uppsala is a picturesque medieval city with charming narrow streets and historical monuments. It is the fourth-largest city in Sweden but still retains its provincial charm and historical atmosphere. The oldest university in Scandinavia and the largest church building in Scandinavia – the Gothic Cathedral, built in the 13th century, is the burial site of Gustav Vasa and famous scientist Carl Linnaeus. We will also visit Uppsala Castle, the Botanical Garden, and the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Free time in Uppsala. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Stockholm.

15.08.2025 - Stockholm - Drottningholm - Jönköping

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Check-out from the hotel with luggage. Visit to the summer royal residence, Drottningholm Palace. A beautiful palace and park ensemble with a well-preserved 18th-century theatre (built in 1766), a Chinese pavilion, and gardens. Drottningholm is the best example of a northern European royal residence of the 18th century and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Travel to Jönköping (320 km). Check-in at the hotel. Evening walk around Jönköping.

Jönköping is an ancient trading center located at the crossroads of historical regions, Götaland and Svealand, on the shores of Lake Vättern. It was granted city rights in 1284 and is one of the oldest cities in Sweden. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was repeatedly looted and burned by the Danes. Overnight in Jönköping.

16.08.2025 - Kronborg - Copenhagen

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Check-out from the hotel with luggage. Travel to Copenhagen (300 km). The road passes through picturesque areas of southern Sweden. Then, take a ferry (20 min) across the Øresund Strait, which separates Sweden from Denmark. From the ship, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Kronborg Castle.

Kronborg Castle is widely known as "Elsinore," the setting for Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The play was first performed in the castle in 1816, on the 200th anniversary of the playwright's death, with soldiers from the garrison playing the roles. Since then, "Hamlet" has been regularly performed at the castle. Another legendary Danish prince, Holger Danske, is said to sleep deep in the castle's cellars, ready to wake up at any moment to protect Denmark when it is in danger.

Kronborg Castle is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as one of the most significant Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. External tour of Kronborg Castle. Arrival in Copenhagen. Check-in at the hotel.

In the afternoon, we will take an excursion to the old Carlsberg Brewery to learn about its history and, of course, taste several varieties of the famous Danish beer. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Copenhagen.

17.08.2025 - Copenhagen - Ferry to Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Check-out from the hotel with luggage. Sightseeing tour of Copenhagen – one of the most beautiful European cities, rich in landmarks, with interesting architecture and a distinctive European charm and friendly atmosphere. The capital of Denmark geographically and culturally connects Scandinavia with Europe, yet it amazes with its provincial charm and tranquility. Copenhagen is a place where old fairy tales coexist with modernity, and warm jazz mixes with cool electronics. Once (in the 11th century), there was a small fishing village at the site of the future capital. Later, due to sea trade and fishing, it grew into a wealthy city and large port. The port atmosphere is particularly noticeable in Nyhavn, filled with colorful merchant houses, boats, and ships.

Modern Copenhagen is one of the main financial and cultural centers of Northern Europe, famous for its unique food culture and museums. During the sightseeing tour, you will see the Royal Palace, City Hall, Old and New Squares, the Latin Quarter, Tivoli Gardens, the Round Tower, the Danish Parliament, the famous Little Mermaid, walk along the pedestrian street Strøget, and learn the history of the city and interesting facts about its famous residents. You will also see the house where Andersen lived and explore the fairy-tale side of the Danish capital.

Board the ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo. Check-in in double cabins with windows.

At 16:30, departure of the ferry. The ship has 12 decks, offering various accommodations and entertainment options for passengers. From the open deck, you can enjoy the beautiful views, and if lucky with the weather, the sunset over the sea will be unforgettable. The evening will feature a musical and entertainment program (free entry). Overnight on the ship.

18.08.2025 - Oslo

Breakfast on the ship (buffet). At 10:00, arrival in the capital of Norway, Oslo. Sightseeing tour in Oslo, where you will see the main attractions of the city: Akershus Fortress (13th-18th centuries) – an ancient fortress with a legendary history in Oslo. The castle was founded by King Håkon V Magnusson in the 1290s. Akershus Fortress became the first example of stone architecture in Norway, and the city hall, built between 1933 and 1950 by the famous architect Ragnar Estberg, is one of the most prominent buildings in Oslo. Despite its gloomy facade, the inside is decorated with vibrant murals. The Opera House, built on the fjord, is a marble and glass masterpiece. Visit the Aker Brygge waterfront, the main Karl Johans gate street, and Vigeland Park – a park with 227 bronze and granite sculptures created by one person. The park was built over 43 years and completed after the author's death. Free time. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Oslo.

19.08.2025 - Oslo - Hemsedal

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Check-out from the hotel with luggage. Norway is famous for its explorers and pioneers. In Oslo, two museums are dedicated to brave travelers – the Kon-Tiki Museum about the expeditions of the legendary Thor Heyerdahl and the Polar Museum on the Fram ship. The Fram Museum highlights the Arctic explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen.

Travel to Hemsedal (205 km). The route passes through the Hallingdal valley along picturesque rivers and lakes. Stop at one of the glacial lakes at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Hemsedal.

20.08.2025 - Sognefjord - Hardangerfjord - Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Check-out from the hotel with luggage. A wonderful day to immerse yourself in the beauty of Norway's nature. On the way to Flåm, we will stop at the famous Borgund Stave Church – one of the oldest surviving timber churches (external tour). For those interested, it is possible to visit the church for an additional fee. In total, over 1500 such churches were built in Norway, but only 28 have survived to this day. Arrival in Flåm. Cruise Flåm–Gudvangen on the narrowest part of the Sognefjord – Nærøyfjord. The surrounding mountains rise up to 1700 meters, and at its narrowest point, the fjord is only 300 meters wide.

Travel to Bergen (230 km) via Hardangerfjord, passing through some of the most beautiful places in Norway. The Hardangerfjord is rightly called Norway's flowering garden, as this part of the country is full of aromatic flowers in spring and transforms into a giant fruit garden in summer. We will stop at the Stendal Foss Waterfall. The waterfall has a bridge, allowing tourists to walk over it and observe the flow of water. The waterfall is 20 meters high. German Emperor Wilhelm II visited the waterfall every summer from 1889. Arrival in Bergen. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Bergen.

21.08.2025 - Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Bergen is one of Norway's oldest cities, a seaport, and the ancient Norwegian capital, where the old wooden architecture and Hanseatic heritage have been preserved.

The famous Bergen Wharf – Bryggen – is the most well-known in the city and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bergen is a city of extraordinary charm, where colorful houses climb the slopes, it often rains or fogs, and picturesque nature coexists with urban surroundings. Surprisingly, this pleasant city is one of the wealthiest in Norway, a major port, and a center for the oil industry.

Sightseeing tour in Bergen: Bryggen Wharf, Bergenhus Fortress, Rosenkrantz Tower, Fish Market, Bergen Cathedral.

Those who wish can take the funicular to see Bergen from above (additional fee).

Visit the home-museum of Edvard Grieg in Troldhaugen. The famous composer spent 22 years here and wrote many of his most famous works in a small garden cottage. Dinner (included in the tour price). Overnight in Bergen.

22.08.2025 - Bergen - Airport

Breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Transfer to Bergen Airport.

Hotels on the route or similar:

Stockholm: Hotel Clarion Amaranten (or similar)

Address: Kungsholmsgatan 31 - 11227 - Stockholm (Stockholm, Sweden)

Jönköping: Scandic Portalen (or similar)

Address: Barnarpsgatan 6, 551 16 Jönköping, Sweden

Copenhagen: Copenhagen Island (or similar)

Address: Kalvebod Brygge 53 - 1560 - Copenhagen (Zealand Island)

Oslo: Scandic Sollil (or similar)

Address: Parkveien 68, Box 2458 Solli – 202 – Oslo (Viken, Norway)

Hemsedal: Fyri Resort Hemsedal (or similar)

Address: Totteskogen 55 – 3560 – Hemsedal (Viken, Norway)

Bergen: Scandic Neptun (or similar)

Address: Valkendorfsgaten 8, 5012 Bergen, Norway