Join us as we visit a part of the world that is unique both in its physical features and cultures. Explore Scandinavia’s most beautiful and historic cities, from Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo to the coastal town of Bergen and the inland town of Roskilde. Spectacular landscapes that feature glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, towering cliffs, pristine forests, majestic mountains, rushing rivers, and an abundance of wildlife.   This is the Land of the Midnight Sun; all uniquely Scandinavian. And if that is not worth the price of the journey, factor in the Nordic people and cultures which all stem from, you guessed it, The Vikings.
 

Protected by its cool summers and frigid winters, Scandinavia has existed with little interference from the outside world.  Come and enjoy its beautiful and serene land and people with us.

​

ITINERARY

 

Day 1:

Overnight flight from Charlotte to Copenhagen

 

Day 2:

Arrive Copenhagen: We begin with a brief coach tour of Copenhagen and then check into our hotel.  Dinner on our own; overnight Copenhagen

DAY 3:
Our tour today is by coach and walking.   We will pass by the National Museum and Christiansburg Palace – home to the Danish Parliament. We continue to The Old Stock Exchange and across Kongens Nytorv, where you can see the Royal Theatre, world famous for its Royal Ballet. Our tour continues past the colorful harbor district of Nyhavn to Amalienborg Palace – winter residence of the Royal Family and where we will see the changing of the Guard. This is followed by a visit to the Gefion Fountain and The Little Mermaid, inspired by H. C. Andersen's fairytale.
 

We will also visit Rosenborg Castle that was built as a summer residence for Christian IV;  with its turret and cones it  looks like a fairy tale castle.   We will see the Crown Jewels, and The King’s Garden that surrounds the castle.  After lunch we will board a boat to  view the idyllic harbors and canals of Copenhagen on a classic canal tour.  We will return to our hotel for a short rest and then to a provided 3-course dinner.  Overnight Copenhagen 
 
DAY 4:
This morning, we drive through the towns and villages that dot the landscape of Denmark on our way to Roskilde, a city west of Copenhagen nestled at the very end of Rosklide Fjord. Next to the harbor is the Viking Ship Museum displaying 11th-century vessels and an active boatyard.  A walk to the city center reveals the twin-spired, Gothic Cathedral which holds the tombs of many Danish kings and queens.  A short coach ride brings us to the “Land of Legends,” an open-air museum that has recreated Stone Age and Viking life.  Amazing!
Diner on our own.  Overnight Copenhagen
 
DAY 5:
Today we say goodbye to Copenhagen and fly to Bergen, Norway. 
Depending on the time of our flight, we can enjoy free time in either Copenhagen in the morning or Bergen in the afternoon. Dinner on our own. Overnight Bergen
 
DAY 6:
Today is packed with sights and sounds of a beautiful, pristine environment.  Although we do a lot, most of the day is easy-going and relaxing.  Situated among 7 mountains, Bergen is the gateway to the fjords and offers some of the most spectacular scenery Norway has to offer.
 

The day begins with a 3-hour (coach & walking) guided tour; we will see the fish and flower markets, St. Mary's Church, and enjoy a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen, the  historic harbor district in Bergen.   Next we will ride the Fløibanan funicular, from the center of Bergen  to Fløyen, a peak1312 feet above sea level. From the magnificent viewing platform on the top of Fløyen, you will marvel at stunning views of Bergen, the surrounding fjord and mountain landscapes.  After returning to Bergen, there is time for a casual lunch. Following lunch we will experience the fjords, mountains and waterfalls up close on a fjord, boat tour.  As we sail the fjord gets narrower, and we find ourselves surrounded by steep mountains. There is an abundance of wildlife in the area, and you can often see seals, goats, and eagles! Dinner on our own.  Overnight Bergen
 
DAY 7:
This morning, we leave Bergen and travel by coach to Gudvangen, a small village at the end of another UNESCO World Heritage site, Naeroy Fjord. Here we will board another ship and cruise from Gudvangen to  Flåm (approx. 2 hours). You will feel the clean, crisp air, be surrounded by steep mountains, and pass by thunderous waterfalls and small farms, as we make our way to Flåm.  Tonight, we will enjoy an included, wonderful Norweigean dinner.  Overnight Flam
 
DAY 8:
This morning, we will ride the Flam Railway to Myrdal, one of Norway’s most spectacular attractions.  The hour-long journey winds through deep ravines, past cascading waterfalls, typical Norwegian sheep farms and through spiraling tunnels.  In Myrdal we will change trains and continue to Oslo. Dinner on our own.  Overnight Oslo
 
DAY 9::
Sightseeing in Oslo begins this morning with a coach tour passing by the Royal Palace, Norway’s Parliament, the National Theater and the famous Oslo Opera House. We’ll stop at Holmenkollen, the famous ski jump with a panoramic view of the city and fjord. Sorry, there will not be enough time for you to ski the 200+ feet high ski jump.  Maybe another time.   We will, howevr, have plenty of time towalk the grounds of Akershus Fortress and  Vigeland Park. Dinner on our own. Overnight Oslo
 
DAY 10:

Today we begin with the Kon-Tiki Museum to learn about Thor Heyerdahl and his epic crossing of the Pacific Ocean to Easter Island. I read his book, “Kon-Tiki” in the 8th grade and have been fascinated by his adventure ever since. Next, we visit the Fram Museum where you will see the polar ship Fram, used in 3 Polar expeditions by Roald Amundsen. Finally, we will visit the open air, Norsk Folkemuseum where you will see exhibitions about daily life in Norway from the 1500’s to our time.  The open-air folk park includes over 160 exibits.  Dinner on our own.  Overnight Oslo
 
DAY 11:

This morning, we take a short walk with our luggage to the Oslo, central train station.  There we board a train and enjoy a scenic train journey from Oslo to Stockholm, approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival in Stockholm, we will check into our hotel and take a short walk-through city center. Dinner on our own. Overnight Stockholm

​

DAY 12:

Our full day tour of Stockholm begins at the City Hall of Stockholm, visiting the Blue Hall where the Nobel Prize Banquet is held every year. Next, we will see and learn about Sweden’s maritime history.   We will see the Vasa, one of Sweden’s royal war ships which sank in Stockholm harbor in 1628 and was refloated and restored only a few years ago. We leave the harbor behind us as we drive the short distance to Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm.  We will walk through the narrow-cobbled alleys between old houses with beautiful gables, finishing our tour at the Storkyrkan Cathedral.  Return to our hotel; Dinner on our own.  Overnight Stockholm

​

DAY 13:

This morning, we start with a relaxing boat ride from Stockholm City to Drottningholm Palace, surrounded by a magnificent geometric shaped baroque garden. Drottningholm (the “Queen’s Island”) is still occupied by the royal family, and has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List
 

Tonight, we will enjoy a provided 3-course farewell dinner and prepare for our flight home. Overnight Stockholm

​

DAY 14:

Coach Transfer Hotel - Arlanda Airport

​