Compare Scandinavia Explorer by Intrepid Travel vs Highlights of Swedish summer by Audley Travel

Day 1 Oslo

Welcome to Norway, where you’ll discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. With so much to see and do in Oslo we recommend that you plan to arrive a few days before the trip begins, so you can see as much of the city as possible. Why not head to the Munch Museum to glimpse Edvard Munch's famous painting, The Scream. Your adventure begins with a important welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare with the group.

Day 2 Oslo

This morning, follow your leader on an orientation walk in the city. Then enjoy some free time in Oslo. Maybe embark on some island hopping on Oslofjord, browse the harbour-front Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, taste local flavours at the food hall Vulkan, explore the immense Akershus Castle & Fortress, or check out the cool shops in the Grunerløkka district. There's so much to get stuck into.

Day 3 Bergen

Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region to Bergen. No other train ride between two cities in Europe is at a higher altitude than this one, and few can match the views passing by your window. Linking Norway's two main cities, this line takes in some spectacular scenery of lush valleys, idyllic villages, dramatic mountains and picturesque lakes as it crosses the Hardangervidda Plateau. As the trip is long and you'll arrive quite late into quirky city of Bergen, there won't be too much time to explore today (don't worry, you'll have time to explore here tomorrow). There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so possibly venture out with the group for a bite to eat this evening.

Day 4 Bergen

After breakfast this morning, join your leader for a ride by Fløibanen funicular. Taking you to 1.050 feet above the city in just seven minutes, it offers a bird eye prospective of the town and vistas of the deep blues of the sea. Those who want to get active can also continue following its multiple hiking trails. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore however you like. Perhaps visit World Heritage Bryggen area and wander through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses or visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum (a former trade building), and explore the old Hanseatic port area – the Hanseatic merchant confederation dominated Baltic maritime trade for 400 years from the 15th century.

Day 5 Norwegian Fjords

Leave Bergen after breakfast and travel by bus to the fjord region. The journey will take you through epic landscapes and remote regions, so have your camera at the ready. The typical Norwegian huts that you’ll stay in tonight are located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by steep cliff walls with a perfect view of the spectacular crystal clear Kjelsfossen waterfall falling from the top of the fjords. It's humbling to look up and consider these giant and ancient geological formations. Your accommodation is located near the village of Gudvangen.

Day 6 Norwegian Fjords

Today, take a boat trip and be captivated by the sight of crisp mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord, a World Heritage site. The name Naeroyfjord takes its origins from the Norse god of seafarers and the sea, Njord. The fjord itself, formed by glacial erosion of the surrounding bedrock, is 18 kilometres long and only 250 metres wide at its narrowest point, but its depth reaches up to 500 metres. Surrounding mountain peaks rise up to 1400 metres and waterfalls crash down sheer cliff faces. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding area. Perhaps hire bikes and cycle along the shore of the fjord, take to the waters in a kayak or take a bus to the nearby fishing village of Flam and then ride the famous railway up to Myrdal. This is one of the most picturesque (and steepest) railway journeys in the country. Alternatively, explore on foot and discover nearby waterfalls and ancient moraines. Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to throw a line in the crystal waters, sit back and soak up the serenity (a fishing licence is required and costs around NOK 150).

Day 7 Lillehammer

There will be another long bus journey ahead of us after breakfast today, as you journey to the town Alpine playground of Lillehammer. Cross vast high plains, and remote valleys, and drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel at 24.5 km. The tunnel is divided into four sections, broken up by ‘mountain caves’. These caves are 6 kilometres apart and equipped with special lighting to help drivers concentrate by giving off the illusion of driving into daylight. Lillehammer, which held the Winter Olympics in 1994, is picturesquely situated on Lake Mjøsa. When you arrive, head out for a brief orientation walk to find your bearings in the laid-back 19th-century town centre, along the main pedestrian street of Storgata (Big Street), lined with wooden houses, boutiques and restaurants.

Day 8 Lillehammer

Join an orientation walk this morning and get to know Lillehammer. Your leader will take you on an included visit to the Maihaugen Open Air Museum, home of the Garmo Stave Church, which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley over the last 300 years. This brilliant museum includes timber-built farms, a town and a big residential area that gives you an insight into various eras of Norway's history. The afternoon is free for you to further explore. Perhaps conquer misty mountains on a hike. As a town famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer has a great Olympic Museum where you can hear tales of heroic feats and is also an ideal spot for many outdoor activities.

Day 9 Swedish Lakes

Travel for around five hours by private bus today and cross the border into Sweden. Head to the lakeside town Rättvik, a laidback place that encapsulates the most Swedish of Swedish landscapes, and which sits right in the middle of the Swedish lakes. Rättvik is a location steeped in history and culture that's ready to be discovered. Dalarna county is in the heart of the Sweden and is famous for the national symbol of the wooden Dala horse. Tonight, you will stay at in a peaceful setting of local B&B located 7 km outside of Rattvik.

Day 10 Swedish Lakes

This morning you'll get a chance to get under the surface of this region with a special guided village safari with local experts. You'll get to know the history behind the villages here and learn about the traditions of the area around Lake Siljan. A truly memorable experience, you'll visit a variety of villages, discover the traditional way of life and mingle with the locals. The rest of the day is free to explore the local area and its lakes. Perhaps take a leisurely historic boat trip across the lake, sink a line to partake in a little fishing, hike around the gentle rolling surrounds or enjoy local artisan shopping.

Day 11 Stockholm

Leaving the Swedish lakes behind, head to the country's cultural, political and economic capital of Stockholm by train. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably Scandinavia 's most beautiful city, Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. After an introductory orientation walk, use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you. You can perhaps head underground for the world’s longest art exhibition. Connecting the fourteen islands of the city and blasted through hard rocky ground, the subway (Tunnelbana) system's 100 stations are like the longest modern art exhibition in the world, featuring artwork from over 140 different artists. Enjoy the narrow cobble stone streets and the colourful merchant houses. Why not soak up the culture and try a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest café Sundbergs Konditori located on Jarntorget square, and dating from 1785.

Day 12 Stockholm

After breakfast, go on an included visit to the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The 17th-century warship, Vasa, sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage in the harbour of Stockholm and was salvaged only in 1961. As one of the most visited sights in Sweden, the Vasa Museum collection consists of the Vasa itself and all of the objects that were found within the ship. The rest of the afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish, so why not leave the city behind for a few hours and see the waterways of Stockholm on a cruise past tiny islets and along narrow waterways? Consider taking a self-guided Millennium Walking Tour of Stockholm or visit the Abba Museum. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family. There are plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy here in this great Scandinavian city, so plan your activities wisely. Tonight perhaps head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district, the inner-city island with the best nightlife, full of hip shops, bars and cafes. Or maybe sit down at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants, such as the latest venues opened on the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan, or in the cool fusion restaurants of Kungsholmen.

Day 13 Stockholm / Overnight Ferry

Today is free for you to enjoy your last day in Sweden. In the evening, you'll be boarding an overnight ferry for Helsinki, Finland.

Day 14 Helsinki

After your morning arrival into Helsinki's port you will take a public transport to your hotel. Discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Apart from a short orientation walk, today is completely free and you'll be able to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are a visit to the city's cathedral or the interesting Design Museum. Don't miss the harbour-side market and market hall from 1889 for local oddities, and make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, sometimes referred to as the Gibraltar of the North, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city. Surrounded by the sea, Helsinki is a modern European city that offers an endless array of options. Throughout its 450-year history, the city has often been the buffer between the east and west. This is shown in their cuisine, with a mix of root vegetables, berries and fresh fish. Perhaps head out in the evening to sample some traditional dishes at dinner with your group.

Day 15 Helsinki

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Helsinki we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please speak to your travel consultant at the time of booking.

Day 1: Malmö

Accommodation: Clarion Collection Hotel Temperance

On arrival into Copenhagen airport, you'll be picked up by your private driver and driven over the famous Øresund Bridge to Malmö. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore the city.

Day 2: Malmö

Accommodation: Clarion Collection Hotel Temperance

Today, embark on a cycling tour of the Skåne capital. You'll see many of Malmö's sights, including the Turning Torso skyscraper and the Øresund Bridge.

Day 3: Gothenburg

Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Post

You'll be picked up from your hotel today and taken to the station for your train journey to Sweden's second city, Gothenburg. After settling into your hotel, embark on a short walking tour of the city's key highlights, such as Avenyn, the main boulevard, and Haga, the old town.

Day 4: Gothenburg

Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Post  

Spend the day exploring Gothenburg on your own today. You might visit the Konstmuseum, one of Scandinavia's most impressive art galleries, or Sweden’s largest botanical garden, Botaniska Trädgården.

Day 5: Gothenburg

Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Post

Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago on board the M/S St Erik, a traditional archipelago boat designed in 1881. The cruise sets sail from Lilla Bommen in the early evening, and heads into the southern archipelago, passing many of the region’s best-known islands, such as Styrsö, Donsö and Brännö, while you enjoy a traditional seafood buffet.

Day 6: Stockholm

Accommodation: Miss Clara 

You'll be picked up at your hotel in Gothenburg and driven to the central station in time for your rail journey to the Swedish capital. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own, perhaps exploring Gamla Stan, the city's old town, or one of the leafy islands such as Skeppsholmen or Djurgården.

Day 7: Stockholm

Accommodation: Miss Clara

Today, you'll be picked up at your hotel by your local driver-guide for a three-hour tour of the opulent Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often referred to as Sweden's Versailles, Drottningholm is the 400-year old royal palace that's home to the Swedish royal family. Look out for highlights such as the Chinese Pavilion, pleasure palace, the Royal Chapel, the Drottningholm Court Theatre and an impressive array of gardens.

Day 8: Stockholm

Accommodation: Miss Clara

You have the day to explore the capital on your own. You might take the train up to historic Uppsala to see its picturesque waterways and visit Sweden's largest cathedral, Uppsala Domkyrka.

Day 9: Stockholm

Accommodation: Miss Clara

Journey outside the capital today to spend the day exploring Stockholm’s scenic archipelago. The yacht was built for sailing through the many narrow straits and can access wide range of the islands. The exact itinerary is decided on the day, based predominately on weather conditions as well as the interests of the group. You'll see charming 19th-century houses standing next to the super villas that have been built in the last few years, as well as a wide array of scenery and wildlife.

Day 10: Kiruna

Accommodation: Camp Ripan

You will be driven to the airport for your flight up to Kiruna, Sweden's most northerly town. In the afternoon, visit the Icehotel, where the rooms and hand-carved sculptures are made of ice.

Day 11: Kiruna

Accommodation: Camp Ripan

Your driver will pick you up for the 90-minute drive to Abisko National Park, where you'll take a chair lift up to the sky station for far-reaching views across the park. Then, join your guide on a leisurely walk back down to the valley, learning about the flora and fauna as you descend.

Day 12: Kiruna

Accommodation: Camp Ripan

Spend a day with a traditional Sámi family of reindeer herders. Help feed the reindeer, learn to throw a lasso and hear stories told through song. Join the family for lunch in their home and then on a reindeer sleigh ride through the forest.

Day 13: Return home

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.