Experience Overview
Explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Scandinavia, from the scenic fjords of Norway to the cultural treasures of Denmark and Sweden. Stroll through the historic streets of Bergen, see Voss, Norway's adventure capital, and discover the rich history of Stockholm on this immersive journey through the heart of Northern Europe.
Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm - Explore the Nordic capital cities
Norwegian fjords - See the UNESCO fjords and ride the Flam Railway
Oresund Strait - Journey to Stockholm across the world-famous bridge
Highlights
An immersive Nordic experience from the UNESCO fjords through the capital cities of Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm.|Visit the UNESCO Norwegian Fjords by boat and ride the Flam Railway|Dramatically scenic rail journeysTrip Details
Product Code: 22585
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusBoatCable CarFerryMinibusTrain
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: NDS
Starts: Denmark
Finishes: Denmark
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Local Guide(s)
Accommodation
- Thon Hotel Orion
- Fleischers Hotel
- Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
- DFDS Ferry
- Copenhagen Strand
- Hotel C Stockholm
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,100 ($710 /day)
Itinerary
Our journey through Scandinavia starts in Bergen, the gateway to Norway's beautiful fjord region. Known for its unparalleled natural landscapes, Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and offers wonderful views of the fjords. The city's rich history is reflected in its charming wooden houses and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen, a historic harbour district. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting, followed by dinner for those who wish. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. Should you miss the meeting, our tour leader will catch you up on all essential information as soon as possible. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Bergen Airport (BGO), a short drive away from our hotel. Arriving earlier in the day? You might like to get acquainted with Bergen's Old Town, with its network of quaint, cobbled streets, or head for lunch in the trendy Bryggen district. Food in Norway is traditionally hearty, influenced by its Scandinavian neighbors and favouring seafood and local produce. The city offers a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of options for all tastes.
We begin the day with a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Bergen, discovering the city's rich history and vibrant culture. As we stroll past the colourful wooden houses of Bryggen we'll hear about the influence of the Hanseatic League - a powerful alliance of merchants and guilds that flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries. Next, we head to the bustling Bergen Market for a unique fish tasting experience, sampling fresh delicacies straight from the fjords. In the afternoon, there is free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps take a ride on the Floibanen funicular for panoramic views or relax at a cozy café by the waterfront.
We embark on the first of our train journeys in Scandinavia. Our destination is Voss, often hailed as Norway's adventure capital, nestled in the heart of the mountains. Upon arrival we check into Fleischer's Hotel, a historic gem dating back to 1864, known for its Swiss-style architecture and rich heritage. We then have the rest of the afternoon free. Options include the Voss Gondola which takes you from the town centre up to the top of Mount Hanguren for wonderful views and a myriad of walking trails. Alternatively take a stroll around Lake Vangsvatnet which is just in front of the hotel. Framed by some of the most impressive peaks in the area, you migh want to dip your feet in its clear waters and enjoy the scenery . In the evening, relax in the hotel's elegant surroundings, enjoying a blend of modern comfort and historic charm.
A local bus takes us to Gudvangen to take a cruise along the Naerofjord and Aurlandsford to Flam. The memorable journey passes towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls as it makes its way to Flam. Here we board the Flam Railway for an unforgettable journey to Myrdal. This steep and spectacular train ride offers panoramic views of Norway's rugged landscapes, including a stop at the majestic Kjosfossen waterfall. After reaching Myrdal we take a connecting train back to Voss.
It's time to move on from Voss by train on a picturesque journey to Oslo. We cover over 350km in around 5hrs 30 mins, a comfortable and scenic way to witness the country's diverse terrain. There are ample opportunities for stunning photographs as we approach the dynamic capital, arriving around 4pm. This journey is a memorable adventure through some of Norway's most breathtaking scenery.
We spend the day exploring Oslo, a city rich in history and culture. Our tour includes the Royal Palace, the striking Oslo Opera House, and the Akershus Fortress. We'll then have some free time to take in the streets of Aker Brygge, a popular waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. In the afternoon we transfer to the pier to board the ferry to Denmark across the Skagerrak Strait. We depart around 3.30pm meaning there's time to enjoy the views before dinner and an evening at leisure, retiring to our cabins as we continue on to the next leg of our adventure.
After transferring from the pier to our hotel to store luggage, we take the public harbour boat to Reffen, a street market known for its eclectic food stalls and creative atmosphere where we'll try a local delicacy and soak in the lively ambiance. The exact dates on which the Reffen market start and end fluctuate slightly from year to year but typically opens in March and runs to September. Should it not be available, we will try another of the city's wonderful food experiences. Next, we take a canal boat tour, a popular way to explore Copenhagen, gliding past iconic landmarks such as the Nyhavn Harbour, the impressive Christiansborg Palace, and the striking modern architecture along the waterfront. The harbour boat takes us back to the city with further time to explore in the late afternoon. The Botanic Gardens certainly merit a visit if timings allow.
After a short transfer to the station we board our train heading for Sweden. Undoubtedly the highlight of today's 5 hour journey will be crossing the iconic Oresund Strait Bridge. This remarkable engineering marvel spans nearly 8 kilometres, seamlessly connecting Denmark and Sweden. As the train glides over the bridge, there are panoramic views of the shimmering waters below and the magnificent landscapes on either side. The journey continues through the scenic Swedish countryside, offering glimpses of charming towns and lush greenery, before arriving in Stockholm around 4pm.
We have a slower start today, with the chance to indulge in a favourite Swedish pasttime - Fika. Sipping coffee, having a pastry and watching the world go by is a cultural staple here. We then walk the short distance to City Hall or Stadshuset, meet our guide and explore one of the most iconic landmarks in Stockholm. Located on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen island, it overlooks the beautiful Riddarfjarden bay and features a 100 metre tower topped with the Three Crowns of Sweden. We'll discover elaborate ceremonial chambers, including the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held annually, and the Golden Hall, adorned with stunning mosaics. Tour completed, there's free time to dive deeper into the vibrant heart of Stockholm. Wander through the magnificent Royal Palace, a treasure trove of regal history and opulence. Alternatively let the maritime marvel of the Vasa Museum captivate you with its 17th-century warship, or why not lose yourself in the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town), where history, charm, and countless cozy cafes offer a very Swedish ambience.
Our tour of Scandinavia ends at our hotel in Stockholm. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), around 50 minutes' drive from the hotel.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
We loved our leader Mads but think we tried to see too much at the expense of Copenhagen and Stockholm. We loved Norway in particular. Perhaps a trip with one or the other, Copenhagen or Stockholm instead of both.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2025
Florence "Claire" - Traveled, May 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed the venture. A good range of "elderly" folks with younger people. Excellent leader. Loved the time we had to explore on our own well and how it was spaced throughout. Recommend that, if possible, other clients should be prepared, if possible, to have Whats App on their phones as Meds was able to communicate this way to the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2025
Louise - Traveled, May 2025
This is a brand new trip by Explore, and given that we were the ‘test’ group, I was super impressed at how well organized and free of drama it all was. Pretty much everything went like clockwork- the hotel rooms, the transport, and the guided tours. All 3 countries are stunningly beautiful. From the fjords, mountains, and misty waterfalls to the colourful waterside houses and the scent of cinammon in the towns, it all felt very clean, fresh and safe. I loved the people, the values and the weather was gorgeous blue sky and sunshine on all but one day. All the hotels are of a decent standard, had amazing breakfasts, and are very centrally situated, so it was easy to go out and roam about without feeling like you wouldn’t find your way back. Mads our tour leader was brilliant. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of everywhere we went and he delivered it all in an engaging way with passion and humour. He went above and beyond to support people when they needed help, and always offered to take people on optional trips that weren’t part of the core offering. He explained things very clearly and was very attentive / vigilant - regularly counting us and shepherding any straying sheep back into the fold. We had one issue when the electric boat in Flåm (to take us on the fjords) wouldn’t charge and it was 2 hours till the next boat which would have meant we’d miss our connection back to Voss. Mads reacted very quickly, got straight on the phone and organized Plan B which meant we still got to see the fjords (which were absolutely stunning) and still got back to our hotel at a reasonable time. If you are thinking of doing this trip… A lot is packed in over 9 days with lots of destinations (you will sleep in 6 different places in 9 nights) so you need to be ok with living out of a suitcase. Take clothes that don’t need ironing! Protection of the environment is woven into the fabric of this trip and so public transport is used most of the time. To avoid clogging up space on trains, and to help us move around more lightly, our suitcases were sometimes transported separately (you won’t have to carry them) so there a few nights where you just have a small bag with you (and this is all in the trip notes). The pace is very leisurely so would suit all age groups and anyone who is moderately mobile/ active. There’s plenty of walking required but it is first and foremost a discovery trip rather than a walking one. If you want to get a higher step count, there is plenty of free time built in, so the trip never felt like a military operation. You can go off and do your own thing, go to one of the many museums, or you might just want to have a pastry and a coffee (fika). Or find a pub! Feedback for future trips: I think some of us would have preferred 2 nights instead of 1 in Copenhagen. It’s a beautiful city with lots going on and I felt that we left a day too soon. You could maybe switch things around do 1 night in Voss instead of 2. I also wanted to do a quick shout out to Tom from Explore who joined us for the Norway leg. He was great company, very friendly and helpful. ..and finally a shout out to my fellow travelers - you know who you are! Thank you for all the laughs! It was a pleasure and a privilege to do the trip with you guys ????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2025
Carolyn - Traveled, May 2025
Our leader, Mads, was very knowledgeable and informative. He was considerate and personable. I would love to have him as a tour guide again sometime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2025
Rose - Traveled, May 2025
A really great experience visiting Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Our guide Mads was excellent! He was very knowledgeable, giving detailed info for every location we visited, as well as being attentive and kind. The Fjords are amazing, as well as the Flam Railway but then everything we did was enjoyable! We had such a great bunch of people in our small group of 11. Would highly recommend this trip, absolutely no negatives!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2025
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.