Velkommen til Danmark! Divided by idyllic canals, Copenhagen’s lively arts scene and culinary hotspots have earned it a place among the world’s most liveable cities year after year.
Your Scandinavian summer journey begins upon arrival at your centrally located Copenhagen hotel. This evening, meet your tour leader at 6pm and get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious welcome dinner.
Wake with refreshing breakfast and step out to explore colourful Copenhagen on a guided walking tour.
Stroll the charming streets of Indre By – the city’s historic heart – and uncover Danish history with a visit to Parliament and the magnificent Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Danish royal family. Weave your way to the colourful facades of Nyhavn and learn about the storied alehouses and famed residents out of this 17th-century neighbourhood, including the father of modern fairytales, Hans Christian Andersen.
In the late afternoon, take to the water and embark on an overnight ferry to Oslo. Wave farewell to Denmark as you glide through the Kattegat Strait in your sea view cabin.
Dock in Oslo’s harbour this morning and check in at your portside hotel for a day at your leisure.
Spend your day freely exploring this maritime city, perhaps paying visit to the grand Storting, seat of the Norwegian Parliament. Marvel at the medieval fortifications of Akershus Castle, then study the modern mastery of the Oslo Opera House – the city’s sloped arts hub – right at your hotel’s doorstep.
Stride into a guided morning walk and tap into Oslo’s rich history. Hear the thrilling story of Thor Heyerdahl’s 1947 raft expedition across the Pacific at the Kon-Tiki Museum, then turn your attention to the north when you witness the original wooden vessel of the 1893 Fram polar expedition.
Setting aside Norway’s maritime explorations, take a turn around Vigeland Park, home to the striking sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. By turns unsettling and captivating, these human statues culminate in the towering Monolith, depicting 121 human figures clinging together and clambering upward. Continue your sculpture discovery at Ekebergparken, boasting panoramic views over the city, then get to know Norway’s alpine culture with a visit to the uniquely designed Holmenkollen Ski Museum at the base of its titular ski jump.
At your leisure, continue your discovery of Oslo and perhaps visit the Munch Museum – dedicated to the life and works of renowned artist Edvard Munch – or meander through the popular shopping and arts district of Grunerlokka. For those eager to sample Norway’s specialty cuisine, enter the warm and welcoming food hall of Mathallen Oslo.
Leave the city behind and catch the early train to Myrdal in the wondrous wilderness of Aurland, and on to cosy Flam.
Watch the indescribable beauty flit past your carriage as you cross the largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe. Gushing waterfalls meet glistening rivers on their way to the great expanse of the fjords.
In the afternoon, arrive at your premium fjord-side hotel and check in to a picture-book scene. Spend the evening freely and inhale the crisp mountain air.
Start your day with a spellbinding cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord. Carved from the mountainside by the movement of heavy glaciers, these dramatic channels took thousands of years to become the utterly astounding fjords they are today.
Arriving in Gudvangen – a quaint village recreated in the hardy tradition of the Vikings – you’ll take the bus onward to Voss. Travel through enormous canyons and drive the winding Stalheimskleiva, known as one of Northern Europe’s steepest roads. Watch the ground fall away as you ascend the imposing mountainside.
Upon reaching Voss, transfer to beautiful Bergen by train, where you’ll check in at your hotel for the evening.
Familiarise yourself with the artistic charm of picturesque Bergen on a morning sightseeing tour.
Bergen is one of Northern Europe’s oldest port cities. Stroll through the harbourside Bryggen district and learn about its long history in league with medieval Hanseatic merchants. Throughout the peaceful town you can find historic gems like the Rosenkrantz Tower at Bergenhus Fortress – one of Norway’s oldest castles.
In your free time, investigate a unique reconstruction of the 12th-century Fantoft Stave Church, or turn your gaze to the towering Mount Ulriken and Mount Floyen that watch silently over the city. For those inclined, you may take a ride on the century-old Floibanen funicular railway to the top of Floyen for a bird’s-eye view.
Wake to a hearty breakfast and spend your morning at leisure before boarding an express boat to Kalvag. One of the best-preserved fishing villages in the region, Kalvag is a perfect taste of small-town Norway. Pleasantly colourful wooden houses and mesmerising sunsets make this coastal port a true hidden gem.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day exploring this charming town, making sure to meet the friendly locals.
Gather your energy over breakfast, then meet your leader for a drive along the spectacular Nordfjord. Stop along the way for an optional visit to Sagastad Viking Centre (surcharges apply), where you can see a 30-metre-long reconstruction of the famed Myklebust ship.
Continue to the open-air Nordfjord Folk Museum for a guided exploration of 44 historic buildings dating back to the 18th century, demonstrating village life in the Nordfjord region.
In the afternoon, arrive in Loen and check in at your hotel, where you’ll be fed a delicious dinner this evening.
Optional activities:
- Sagastad Viking Centre visit (surcharges apply).
After breakfast, drive to the Kjenndalen Valley for an energising walk up to spectacular Kjenndalen Glacier. The lowest arm of Jostedal Glacier – the largest glacier in continental Europe – this mammoth wall of ice is a humbling display of the patient forces of nature at work.
You may purchase a well-earned lunch at the Kjenndalsstova, situated at the end of turquoise Loen Lake, then ascend to the top of Mount Hoven on the thrilling Loen Skylift. At the summit, take a moment to memorise the panoramic views over the Nordfjord and watch the waters shimmer in the breeze.
Return to your hotel and enjoy another hearty dinner this evening.
Set off for your journey further north as you follow the wide Hjorundfjord to idyllic Alesund.
Stop along the way to admire the grandeur of the surrounding mountains and the markers of Norwegian life through the valleys, including the quaint town of Stryn and the Viking-era stone arches of Hornindal Bridge. Discover the ‘Queen’s Route’ and Norangsdalen, one of the narrowest valleys in the country, then watch the waters tumble sidelong down glorious Hellesyltfossen.
Catch the ferry from Leknes to Saebo for lunch at Sagafjord Hotel, whose buildings’ grassy roofs blend with the lush surroundings. Continue past the vast lakes and bucolic farms on your way to Alesund, where you’ll check in at your hotel for the evening.
Today is yours for the taking! Explore Art Nouveau architecture and sample fresh seafood in coastal Alesund.
For the adventurous, perhaps a kayak outing around the waterfront or a wildlife sea safari will call to you. You can also climb nearby Mount Aksla or set out for a full-day hike up Mount Saksa.
Carry on to Andalsnes along the winding Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route then set out for an easy-going two-hour guided hike along snaking Rauma River. Feel the wild world expand around you and listen as crashing waterfalls fuel the mighty river on its way through this magical valley.
Those with the energy for it can continue the walk up to Rampestreken for an unbeatable lookout, stretching out upon the valley below.
Later this afternoon, travel on to your hotel by the sea in Hustadvika.
Known as one of the most treacherous stretches of water along the Norwegian coast, the rocky cliffs and bare stretches of Hustadvika offer a haven for outdoor exploration by land.
During this free day, you can opt to join an escorted walk along the seashore or take a trip to Stemhesten viewpoint high above the water.
This evening, kick back and relax by the fire with a sumptuous dinner at Restaurant Flo, featuring local delicacies and seasonal ingredients.
Rise and shine for one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Follow the curving roads and organic topography of the Atlantic Road, at times resembling a rollercoaster between Norway’s countless islands.
Stop for an optional visit to Romsdal Museum in Molde (surcharges apply), offering a glimpse of the houses and daily life of pre-war Norway in this seaside region.
Continue to Kristiansund and board the late afternoon express boat to Trondheim, where you’ll arrive in time to check in at your hotel and settle in for one last Norwegian dinner.
Optional activities:
- Romsdal Museum visit (surcharges apply).
Savour your last breakfast, then wave farewell to friends as your journey comes to a close at your hotel.