Compare City Walks: Exploring Stockholm’s Neighborhoods by Road Scholar vs Sweden & Norway in 10 days - Nordic Peninsula - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Stockholm D Scandic Park Hotel
Activity note: Check-in available from 3:00 PM.

Dinner: Welcome Dinner in the hotel dining room. Dinner is a two-course set menu with coffee and tea. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.

Evening: Enjoy a short walk in the neighborhood to become acquainted with the area.

Day 3
Stockholm, Island of Riddarholmen, Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Stockholm B,L Scandic Park Hotel
Activity note: Walk 3 - 3.5 hours, approx. 3.1 miles, with cobblestone and hills. There will be a mid-morning stop for a coffee break.

Breakfast: Buffet in the hotel dining room. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: Stockholm is a fantastic city to walk. It has mostly wide streets, except for the Old Town and its surroundings, which have charming cobblestone streets, some stairs, and slight hills. This morning's walk starts through the beautiful former hop garden of Humlegården, across the Vasastan area with its market square Høtorget (Haymarket) and beautiful blue concert hall, and down to City Hall, famous for its Nobel Prize banquets. Continue to Stadshus pier for your first magnificent water view to some of the many islands Stockholm is founded upon. From here, walk across the bridge to the Island of Riddarholmen and Gamla Stan. In Gamla Stan, stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets with a local expert and learn about the dramatic history of when Stockholm was founded. From the Old Town, take a short trip by ferry to the Island of Djurgården, the old hunting grounds of King Johan III in 1579. Enjoy another stroll here.

Lunch: At a local restaurant. Lunches on this program are a one-course set menu with coffee and tea.

Afternoon: Beginning around 1:30 PM, enjoy a free afternoon in Stockholm to explore on your own. You may follow the Group Leader back to the hotel via public bus. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Östermalm, Island of Djurgården
Stockholm B,L Scandic Park Hotel
Activity note: Walk 3 - 3.5 hours, approx. 3.7 miles, on gravel. There will be a mid-morning stop for a coffee break.

Breakfast: Buffet in the hotel dining room.

Morning: Until the 17th century, when it was militarized, Östermalm was a poor area outside of Stockholm called "Ladugårdslandet," or "barn area." In the 19th century, the bourgeois moved in and built a palatial building along the exclusive "Strandvägen" boulevard. Today it is known as Östermalm, where you can find high end shopping brands, trendy night clubs, and exclusive apartments of the Royal Theatre of "Dramaten," only affordable for the few. Walk through the quarters of Östermalm. At the impressive Östermalm Saluhallarna (food halls), meet with an expert in Swedish cuisine. Learn about the Swedish kitchen and food traditions, which will include sampling items such as the famous "kanelbulle" (cinnamon roll). Continue down to Strandvägen and across the bridge to the Island of Djurgården, the old royal hunting ground and today a huge recreation area dotted with cultural pearls. Here you will find the Vasa Ship Museum, the warship that sunk on her maiden voyage in 1628; the impressive open air museum of Skansen presenting Swedish history; the Abba Museum; and art museums such as Waldemars Udde and Thielska. Stroll along the coastline and across the island to admire the lush greenery, charming buildings, and life on the water. End your walk at a local restaurant for lunch.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Beginning around 1:30 PM, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Vasa Ship Museum, the Nordiska Museum with its folklore art, or one of the multiple galleries on the island.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Hammarby Sjöstad - The Urban Project & Swedish Welfare
Stockholm B,L Scandic Park Hotel
Activity note: Walk 3 - 3.5 hours, between 3.7-4.4 miles. There will be a mid-morning stop for a coffee break.

Breakfast: Buffet in the hotel dining room.

Morning: In 1996, the City of Stockholm launched the prestigious sustainability project of Hammarby Sjöstad, the development of a rundown industrial zone at Hammarby Lake. It is now a new part of the city with 25,000 inhabitants, few cars, and multiple cyclepaths and quays; a very trendy place to live. Transfer here by public boat for an expert-led walk of the area. Learn about this eco-friendly urban project and the Swedish welfare system. Continue on foot to see more architectural highlights of Stockholm.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Beginning around 1:30 PM, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Swedish Metro to see its art, the Museum of Modern Art, or the Fotografiska Museum.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: Enjoy "Fika with the Swedes!" Share a cup of coffee with locals at their home.

Day 6
Stockholm Archipelago
Stockholm B,L Scandic Park Hotel
Activity note: Today's excursion will be 5-6 hours long, including walking and the boat ride. Walk approx. 2.5 miles on gravel and uneven surfaces. There will be a mid-morning stop for a coffee break.

Breakfast: Buffet in the hotel dining room.

Morning: The Stockholm Archipelago consists of over 24,000 islands and is the second largest archipelago in the Baltic. It starts right at the center of Stockholm and continues for 50 miles east out into the sea. The islands have 50,000 summer cottages (but only 10,000 citizens live there), many of them connected to the mainland only by ferry and boat. Today we board a boat and head into the archipelago to visit a couple of the islands. Experience the atmosphere and nature of the islands; they are very quiet, despite being so close to the buzzing capital.

Lunch: At a local restaurant on one of the cozy islands.

Afternoon: Return to Stockholm mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is on your own.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: Attend a cultural event. Further details will be provided as soon as they are available.

Day 7
Södermalm: The "Southern Island"
Stockholm B,L,D Scandic Park Hotel
Activity note: Walk 3 hours, between 3.1-3.7 miles, with cobblestone and hills. There will be a mid-morning stop for a coffee break.

Breakfast: Buffet in the hotel dining room.

Morning: On your last day in Stockholm, discover the "southern island," the Island of Södermalm. A rocky island with gorgeous views over Gamla Stan and Djurgården, it was one of the first islands to be settled (it was already mentioned in records in 1288). In the 19th century, it served mainly as workers quarters, although a few older houses were still to be found. Today, the area is inhabited by hipsters and young families, and the small streets are full of edgy shops, cafés, and the newest design trends. Reach the island by metro. During a walking exploration of Södermalm, meet with a local inhabitant who will teach you about daily life on the island and introduce you to hidden spots that are frequented only by locals.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Beginning around 1:30 PM, the afternoon is free for you to explore your last museum, or do some shopping at NK, the largest department store in Scandinavia. You may also wish to visit the hip Södermalm (SoFo) quarters, with its unique, fun and young shops and cafés.

Dinner: Farewell Dinner at a cozy, local restaurant. This evening's dinner is a two-course set menu with coffee, tea, and a glass of wine.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: Buffet in the hotel dining room.

Morning: Transfer to the Stockholm airport (ARN). This concludes our program. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular landscapes and scenic fjords of Scandinavia? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Stockholm.* Night on board. * Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Day 2: Stockholm

Arrival in Stockholm the capital of Sweden and the biggest of the country. It’s an archipelago composed by 14 islands that are connected by around 50 bridges in the Märlaren lake. It’s a very cosmopolitan city as you will find an Scandinavian modern architecture with metal and bronze buildings or fairy tails towers and a very charm old city centre. Self-transfer* to the hotel and overnight in Stockholm. * Possibility to book private transfer in the next step of the booking.

Day 3: Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Stockholm from a different perspective on a boat tour along its iconic waterways, through its locks and underneath its 12 historic bridges! Pass by the most emblematic sights in the city, from the urban centre to the Old Town and the greenery of Djurgården, on a relaxing journey through the heart of the Swedish capital! Ovevrnight in Stockholm. Note: tansfer is not included, you will have to make your own way to the meeting point.

Day 4: Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a free day to enjoy on your own. You can take profit of the time to go shopping or visit some emblematic sites. We recommend the optional excursions Stockholm Archipelago Tour*. Overnight in Stockholm. * Optional excursion Stockholm Archipelago Tour: historic cruise tour throught the Stockholm archipelago. Lunch included.

Day 5: Stockholm - Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer* to the Stockholm airrport to take a flight to Oslo. Arrive at Gardermoen airport and transfer to the hotel.** Oslo is the capital of Norway and a great place to discover the local culture and cuisine. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its green spaces and its numerous museums, many of which are dedicated to the country's Viking heritage. Overnight stay in Oslo. * Possibility to book private transfer in the next step of the booking. ** Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.

Day 6: Oslo - Oppland

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a fascinating panoramic tour of Oslo including Frogner Park which houses the Sculptural Ensemble of Vigeland, the Town Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Modern Opera House. Afterwards, set off for Lillehammer, the city famous for the Olympics of '94, which is situated on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Admire its tiny picturesque streets. Here you have the option to visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.* Continue through the Oppland region and check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Oppland. * Optional Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: Maihaugen is Norway’s largest open-air museum outside of Oslo. The museum offers more than 200 buildings from different eras, superb cultural experiences and numerous exhibitions. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 7: Oppland - Sogn og Fjordane

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day awaits as you set off for Briksdal Glacier. On the way, stop for a brief visit to the beautiful Lom Church.* Located inside the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Briksdal Glacier is set within the breathtaking Briksdalen Valley, rising to a height of 1200 metres. Enjoy some free time in Briksdal to admire the unbelievable views, take photos, explore the valley and have lunch (at your own expense). Afterwards, head to the Førde region, to check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sogn og Fjordane. * Optional Entrance to Lom Church: Enjoy entrance to Lom Stave Church where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of this 12th-century site, one of the largest churches in Norway.Please note: You may find a cheaper entrance ticket price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 8: Sogn og Fjordane - Sognefjord - Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the landscapes of the land of fjords, and enjoy a panoramic cruise through the beautiful Sognefjord, one of the most famous and beautiful in the whole of Norway. Admire the Nærøy Fjord and the Sognefjord with its high mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking landscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, continue to Gudvangen to enjoy some free time in this quaint village, nestled at the base of the Angosto Fjord. We recommend taking an optional excursion to the fascinating Viking Museum here.* Afterwards, continue to Voss where you can explore at your leisure until finally arriving in Bergen the 'capital of the fjords'. Transfer to the hotel and get settled in. Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Viking Museum Visit: Visit Gudvangen's Viking Museum to learn more about this important period in Norwegian history. The Viking Museum is home to impressive Viking-style buildings, re-enactments and brilliant insights into Norway's Viking heritage.

Day 9: Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a fascinating panoramic tour of Bergen for an overview of its sights and history. Visit the Fish Market, famous for its busy atmosphere and excellent produce, and the Hanseatic Neighbourhood or Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional buildings, museums, restaurants and cafes. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Funicular Ride to Mount Floyen.* Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Mount Floyen Funicular Ride: Ride to the top of Mount Floyen for exceptional views of Bergen and the surrounding fjord-lands. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 10: Bergen - Hardangerfjord - Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early towards Oslo and on the way travel across the mighty Hardangerfjord. On the shores of this fjord you can watch the various different farming communities, many of them dedicated to fish farming. After admiring the glistening fjord, head to the Hardangervidda Plateau, home to large herds of wild reindeer. Continue to Olso and watch the changing landscapes and natural beauty of the Buskerud region pass by. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Oslo.

Day 11: Oslo - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to Gardermoen airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.