A Taste of Scandinavia
Experience Overview
Do as the locals do on this urban adventure reaching from the bohemian quarters of Copenhagen to the stylish boutiques of Oslo. Spot the little Mermaid while exploring Copenhagen, listen to the tales directly from locals, explore the cobbled streets of Gothenburg, and nibble traditional cinnamon rolls at a Swedish coffee house, then head out to Vrango Island for some kayaking.
Highlights
- Take a ferry to Vrango Island, a stunning fishing town in the Gothenburg Archipelago, and discover this rocky nature haven by kayak (summer months only).
- Don't miss Gothenburg's Haga district, with its picturesque wooden houses and the iconic Skansen Kronan, as well as laid-back Langgatan street.
- Join a local guide and cafe-hop your way around Alingsas, a town known as the Capital of Fika (Swedish cafe and food culture). Learn of the local love affair with coffee, discover the story behind the cafe culture and, of course, treat your tastebuds to sweet Swedish delicacies.
- Discover Norway's quirky, colourful capital of Oslo, join your leader for a guided orientation walk and then head out to stroll the city at your leisure - going wherever your heart leads.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1611
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Metro,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: AMSD
Starts: Copenhagen, Denmark
Finishes: Oslo, Denmark
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6),Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights),Pension (3 nights with shared facilities)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,250 ($464 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Copenhagen. If you arrive early, which is highly recommended, why not visit the pastel-coloured waterfront houses in the Nyhavn area. Drop in at an industrial-chic bar for a drink or stroll around the famous Tivoli Gardens, home to the world's oldest rollercoaster. Another area worth checking out is Norrebro, a residential area known for its wide range of restaurants. Meet your group at 6 pm then head out for an optional group dinner if it takes your fancy.
Optional Activities:
- Copenhagen - Glyptotek Art Museum (125 DKK)
- Copenhagen - National Museum of Denmark (130 DKK)
- Copenhagen - The Round Tower (40 DKK)
- Copenhagen - Amalienborg Palace (95 DKK)
- Copenhagen - Christiansborg Palace (175 DKK)
- Copenhagen - Tivoli Gardens (160 DKK)
- Copenhagen - Botanical Garden - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today see Copenhagen through a different lens. Join a local guide from Street Voices, a socially responsible company, with a mission to enhance life quality for socially vulnerable people and be led to the unlit corners of Copenhagen. You will hear different tales from lives on the edge and get insight into the life of a local person, their everyday struggles, and how to follow the unwritten rules of the streets. The afternoon is free for you to further explore this Scandinavian city. Stroll along the harbor or head out to the classicist palaces of 18th century Amalienborg, to this day the main residence of the Danish Royal family. Perhaps pay a visit to Frederik's Church, also known as Marble Church, the Court House on Nytorv Square or check out the facade of the red brick town hall. Alternatively, the National Museum is not to be missed, nor is the Christiansborg Palace in the very center of Copenhagen. In the Summer, you can even choose to join locals and take a cool dip in the free harbor baths centrally in the city.
Included Activities:
- Copenhagen - Street Voices guided tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
A morning train ride will get us to Malmo in Sweden, via the famous Oresund Bridge that spans the strait separating Denmark and the Scandinavian Peninsula. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk through the city and will share stories from its history. Malmo has gone through somewhat of a transformation, or should we say revival, over the past twenty years thanks to the construction of the Oresund Bridge and the opening of Malmo University. Spend some time checking out the Old Town, the castle or perhaps have a glance inside Apoteket Lejonet, a 1896 pharmacy in Neo-Renaissance style. If the weather allows, why not rent a pedalboat on the canal before continuing on to Gothenburg (by train or bus depending on availability at the time of booking), where you'll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Malmo - Leader Led Walk
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
Catch an early-ish ferry from Gothenburg to Vrango Island. Vrango is the most southerly island of the Gothenburg Archipelago, with a permanent population in the low hundreds and a strong fishing industry. The island is known for its stunning beaches and protected nature reserves and you'll explore the coastline in an included kayaking activity (summer only). In the afternoon, enjoy some free time strolling around the town or maybe try an optional floating sauna, before returning to Gothenburg for a free evening. Sweden's second largest city is known as the world's most sustainable destination and is exemplary example of what a responsible tourism destination should look like.
Included Activities:
- Vrango Island - Day Trip
- Vrango Island - Island Tour with Local Guide (Oct to Apr)
- Vrango Island - Sea Kayaking (May to Sep)
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you'll head to Alingsas, regarded as the Capital of Fika, a Swedish cafe and food culture. You'll be accompanied by a local expert to tour some of the town's best traditional cafes. You'll learn of the local love affair with coffee and discover the story behind this town's special cafe culture. And, of course, you'll also get a chance to sample Swedish cinnamon buns, biscuits, chocolate truffles, pastries and sandwiches. You'll return to Gothenburg in the late afternoon and have a little time to explore at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Göteborg City Museum, housed in the former East India Company House and built during the time when Gothenburg's role was that of a major maritime trading centre. Take in the architectural ensemble on Gustav Adolfs Torg, go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn, check out the iconic Skansen Kronan, stroll along bohemian Långgatan street or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter, known for its picturesque wooden houses.
Included Activities:
- Alingsas - Guided Fika experience
Optional Activities:
- Gothenburg - Paddan Boat Tour (250 SEK)
- Gothenburg - Fish Market Feskekörka - Free
- Gothenburg - Göteborg City Museum (70 SEK)
- Gothenburg - World of Volvo Museum (225 SEK)
- Gothenburg - Museum of Natural History (70 SEK)
- Gothenburg - Aeroseum (130 SEK)
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
Catch a morning bus across the border to Norway's capital Oslo. Your leader will take you on an initial orientation walk so you get a first taste of this quirky, colourful city. It's definitely worthwhile to spend the afternoon perusing delicacies at Maschmanns Food Market, admiring the handiwork of glass blowers at the Hadeland Glassverk, or simply strolling along Karl Johans Gate, the main shopping strip of the city. Perhaps head to the Munch Museum to glimpse Edvard Munch's famous 19th-century painting, The Scream. In the evening say 'skal' ('cheers') to the group over dinner. Why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare based around cod and mackerel dishes.
Included Activities:
- Oslo - Leader Led Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip ends today after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in Oslo please speak to your travel agent at the time of booking as we will be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities:
- Oslo - Island Hopping on Oslofjord (130 NOK)
- Oslo - Fram Museum (140 NOK)
- Oslo - Holmenkollen Museum (190 NOK)
- Oslo - Museum Edvard Munch (180 NOK)
- Oslo - Resistance Museum (100 NOK)
- Oslo - Akershus Castle & Fortress (100 NOK)
- Oslo - 24 hour Transport and Sightseeing Pass (520 NOK)
- Oslo - The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (180 NOK)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Tania - Traveled, October 2023
This was a very quick taste of Scandanavia and has piqued my interest in spending more time in these countries, particularly Norway. Be prepared for lots of walking and use of public transport and ensure you have luggage suitable for walking between different types of public transport on cobblestones. Nikoli our tour leader was great, he was knowledgeable and extremely well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Hannah - Traveled, September 2023
The taste of Scandinavia trip was a really good way to see these 3 lovely countries, there is a really good mix of planned activities and free time for you to explore the place on your own. The visit to Vrango Island was my favourite day of the trip, going kayaking and swimming in the sea there was so much fun and not something I would have organised on my own so I was very glad we went. I would also definitely recommend Sonja as a tour leader too because she made the whole trip so much fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Joanne - Traveled, May 2023
Intrepid experience was great our team leader Shane was tremendous and with a small group we all bonded very quickly which contributed to the overall experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
Emma - Traveled, August 2023
Incredible intro tour for Scandinavia! 8 days of adventure, exploring, laughs and making memories with like-minded folks. Thanks to Intrepid I was able to devour all the Scandy sweet buns (daily!), the local beers, check out the architecture, major sights and meet the locals - can't wait to do more Intrepid tours!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Evelyn - Traveled, August 2023
Scandinavia is a must see. Denmark, Sweden and Norway although similar in languages and geography each have their own unique characteristics. The countries architecture embody modernization while holding onto their cultural heritage and traditions. Travelling as an English speaker is very easy here as English is spoken everywhere and written information is readily available.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Suganya - Traveled, June 2023
Having never travelled to Scandinavia, I think it's a good introductory tour to the region. I loved cycling around Copenhagen. We couldn't Kayak in Vrango Island due to weather. Oslo was amazing. So many things to do!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2023
Ethan - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was a great introduction to Scandinavia and was very well lead by Tanya who was well prepared, passionate and knowledgeable. The trip to Vrango was a highlight and there is much to see in Copenhagen and Oslo. I would recommend staying a further day on both ends of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Andrew - Traveled, October 2023
"A Taste of Scandinavia" is aptly titled! We got to experience a wide range of great activities and see a ton, all within just a seven day span. Our itinerary was pretty packed, but that's exactly what we wanted. Our guide was extremely knowledgable and affable throughout. Would recommend 10/10!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Matilda - Traveled, October 2023
This was a quick trip but gave us a really good introduction to Scandinavia. Nikoli was a very organised and informative tour leader who managed to get us everywhere by public transport really well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Margaret - Traveled, August 2023
A well organised taster trip with a brilliant guide and a group which gelled well socially. Each of our destinations deserves a return trip. Would definitely recommend an extra night at beginning and end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Elena - Traveled, August 2023
I really enjoyed this trip even the weather wasn't fantastic .Very educational and active.. Lovely people in our group. was a big bonus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Keith - Traveled, August 2023
Intrepid did an excellent job on providing me with a taste of Scandinavia! The trip surpassed my expectations! Well done Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2023
Hugh - Traveled, August 2023
3 countries in one week, fantastic! Loved the cycle tour in Copenhagen, but didn't enjoy our visit to Christiania. I was nervous to go kayaking in some wet and windy conditions at Vrango, but the local guide was super and invited me to share a kayak! I'd recommend arriving a day early in Copenhagen, and staying an extra day or two in Oslo. I stayed one extra day which was great. I was a solo traveller in a brilliant group of 6, plus our tour leader who was excellent, thank you Pavle.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2023
Jacqueline - Traveled, August 2023
Great introduction to Scandinavia with visits to 3 interesting and clean cities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Jessica - Traveled, July 2023
I loved touring through Scandinavia with Intrepid! We were able to see lots of sights through Denmark, Sweden and Norway, with my particular favourite activities being bike riding through Copenhagen, walking tour of Christiania and sea kayaking on Vrango Island! Would highly recommend if you want a good tour of city life in Scandinavia and a small taste of nature!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Scott - Traveled, July 2023
A Taste of Scandinavia is an excellent way to explore bigger cities (Copenhagen, Oslo) and areas you might otherwise skip (gorgeous Vrango Island). There is a nice blend of scheduled activities and free time. The weather is all over the place (even in July), so plan accordingly. Light luggage is key as you transfer a lot. Bashkim is the best tour leader one can ask for - I hope you get him!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Catherine - Traveled, July 2023
An excellent overview/intro to Scandinavia. Elina was an outstanding guide. Fellow travelers were wonderful. Add extra days at beginning and end of trip. Fairly pricey given what is not included.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
Craig - Traveled, July 2023
A Taste Of Scandinavia is an excellent trip to introduce you to parts of Denmark and Sweden. The tour leader did a fantastic job to ensure our trip was successful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Paula - Traveled, June 2023
This was a fabulous introduction to Scandinavia. Casper was very professional, helpful, informative with a great sense of humour. We learned and saw so much, in 7 days. Brilliant!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Kerry - Traveled, June 2023
This is the perfect trip for initial discovery of Scandinavian cities. Plenty of on foot discovery and loads of info, historical & political of each place. Extremely knowledgable & super friendly guide. Was perfect for what we wanted, a taster. We will return.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2023
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