Grand Scandinavia
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Experience Overview
Cruise the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, step back in time to the reign of the Vikings in Oslo and see Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, on a grand three week tour. At North Cape, toast the midnight sun with champagne and local caviar alongside the towering cliffs of Europe’s most northern point, where the summer sun never sets. Sample local specialties like liquorice and smoked reindeer at the harborside Helsinki Food Market before arriving to the Swedish capital of Stockholm, home to the melodies of the ABBA Museum and the magnificent Vasa Galleon. After voyaging across the home territories of the nomadic Sami community in Lapland, visit the farm of Trine Lyrek where you’ll meet her Arctic dogsled racing Alta huskies. Draw your vacation to a close among Oslo’s thousand-year-old Viking ships.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 10 Dinner (D)
- 19 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Travel Director
- "One thing I really love about showing guests Norway is how people have lived and flourished for thousands of years in harsh and unforgiving yet stunningly beautiful landscapes."
Authentic Dining
- Copenhagen: Savor local specialties in Denmark's capital city during dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers.
- Alta: Meet the Lyrek family and their huskies, and hear captivating tales of marathon Arctic dog sled races—told over a hearty, oven-baked seasonal lunch. Savor fresh Arctic fish or tender reindeer, served with crisp salads, local accompaniments, and a glass of wine. An authentic taste of Norway’s wild and nourishing north.
- Oslo: Scandinavian hospitality is matched with fine food and a glass of wine during dinner at a local restaurant.
Top Rated Highlights
- Copenhagen: Visit Tivoli Gardens, opened in 1843 as a public pleasure garden beside Copenhagen’s central station. Walk the landscaped paths between pavilions, theaters and restaurants and see historic rides, including one of the world’s oldest wooden roller coasters, still operating with a brakeman on board.
- Copenhagen: Join your Local Expert to understand the city through its key sites, from the Little Mermaid statue on the harbourfront to Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish parliament. You’ll view Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace, walk the 17th-century Nyhavn waterfront and see Copenhagen Cathedral and the Round Tower that served as an observatory.
- Copenhagen: Visit the impressive 18th century Copenhagen Cathedral, designed by Christian Frederik Hansen, known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark.
- Oresund Bridge: Cross this magnificent feat of engineering. It's the longest road and rail bridge in Europe, spanning 8 kilometers.
- Stockholm (Solna): Visit Stockholm City Hall, completed in the early 20th century in National Romantic style. You’ll step into the brick-built Blue Hall, site of the Nobel Banquet, then continue to the Golden Hall, where mosaics made from glass and gold leaf depict episodes from Swedish history and mythology.
- Stockholm (Solna): Explore Stockholm with your Local Expert, moving from Gamla Stan, where many streets and buildings date from the 13th–17th centuries, to later civic and waterfront districts. You’ll see Stockholm Cathedral and view a capital planned across 14 islands, established as Sweden’s political center from the 17th century.
- Helsinki: Admire the beautiful views from your high-class, sea-view cabin as your cruise through the largest archipelago in the world, from Stockholm to Helsinki.
- Helsinki: Your Local Expert will show you the sights of the harbor city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer before enjoying free time to explore the harbor of this fascinating city of design.
- Kuopio: Admire the spectacular panoramic views from atop Puijo Tower.
- Oulu: Visit Northern Finland's oldest city. It is also one of the most important harbor cities in all of Northern Europe.
- Rovaniemi: See Alvar Aalto's Town Hall and visit the cathedral. You'll even receive an Arctic Circle Crossing certificate.
- Sodankyla: Visit one of Lapland's oldest churches.
- Ivalo: Enjoy an orientation as you arrive into the village.
- Karasjok: See the Sami Parliament and continue on to visit the museum devoted to Sami history and culture, offering a glimpse into the old Sami lifestyle.
- North Cape: Journey to mainland Europe's most northern point to see something that doesn't happen - sunset! Even at night, the sun clings to the horizon. This once-in-a-lifetime unique experience is accompanied by bubbles and caviar to make it even more special. Stand near the fence of the towering cliffs, dramatically rising out of the sea and you will feel as if you are on the edge of the world, and you literally are.
- Narvik: Learn more about the scenic town of Narvik and its history as you gaze upon the majestic mountains that surround the town.
- Mo i Rana: Discover Mo i Rana, nestled on the shores of the Ranfjorden. See the Arctic Circle Monument, explore the town’s steelworking heritage and admire street art that nods to its industrial past.
- Trondheim: Tell all your friends you traveled through!
- Trondheim: During an orientation with your Travel Director, get to know the historic heart of Trondheim, uncovering highlights of the city’s rich past and vibrant present along the way.
- Geiranger: Join your Travel Director for an orientation of Geiranger, set at the head of a UNESCO-listed fjord. You’ll note how the harbor, hillside roads, viewpoints and walking paths connect the village with the steep surrounding landscape.
- Geiranger: Cruise along Geirangerfjord, part of a UNESCO World Heritage area known for its narrow channel, high walls and waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters. From the water you’ll see abandoned mountain farms, forested slopes of birch and pine and may spot seabirds, porpoises or white-tailed eagles in the fjord.
- Lillehammer: Join your Travel Director for an orientation of Lillehammer, set above Lake Mjøsa. You’ll see the town center and Olympic landmarks from the 1994 Winter Games, and learn how this former market town developed into a hub for winter sports and outdoor life in Gudbrandsdalen.
- Oslo: Explore Oslo with your Local Expert, viewing the 19th-century Royal Palace and the medieval Akershus fortress that guarded the harbor. Continue through the city center to see Karl Johans gate and the Stortinget Parliament building before reaching the Opera House and Bjørvika waterfront, where former docklands have been redeveloped into a cultural district.
- Oslo: Visit Frogner Park to see Gustav Vigeland’s permanent sculpture installation, with more than 200 bronze and granite works arranged along bridges, terraces and the Monolith plateau.
Insight Experiences
- Helsinki: Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market with your Local Expert and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer.
Insight Choice
- Rovaniemi: Join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest and admire the tranquil surroundings.
- Rovaniemi: Meet Santa Claus when you visit his village where it is Christmas all year round! From his post office, you can make sure that Santa sends Christmas letters to friends and family back home come December.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Rovaniemi: Join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest and admire the tranquil surroundings.
- Rovaniemi: Meet Santa Claus when you visit his village where it is Christmas all year round! From his post office, you can make sure that Santa sends Christmas letters to friends and family back home come December.
Trip Details
Product Code: 20872
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 210.210A
Starts: Copenhagen, Denmark
Finishes: Oslo, Norway
Duration: 20 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9405 ($470 /day)
Itinerary
Begin your Scandinavian exploration in Copenhagen. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, followed by a visit to the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen
Meals: Dinner
Your Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark's capital. Meet Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbor. Continue on to see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn and Christianborg Palace. Visit the 18th-century Copenhagen Cathedral designed by Christian Frederik Hansen. This is the cathedral where King Frederik X of Denmark married Queen Mary and the one known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark. With the afternoon at your leisure, why not delight in one of the fairytale-style castles on an optional experience along the Danish Riviera?
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen
Meals: Breakfast
Travel from Denmark to Sweden by crossing the incredible Øresund Bridge. Spanning 16km over the Flinte channel it’s the longest road and rail bridge in Europe. Pass through the artificial island of Peberholm which has become a haven for flora and fauna and continue through the Skåne region, which gave its name to Scandinavia. Enjoy views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands as you journey along the shores of Lake Vättern to the Swedish capital, Stockholm, which is set on 14 beautiful islands. In the evening, perhaps try the local cuisine served in traditional surroundings?
Accommodation: Scandic Continental, Stockholm, Hilton Stockholm Slussen
Meals: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert for your visit to the City Hall's marvelous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. Continue to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city. View the cathedral and walk through the Old Town to see the Royal Palace. With the afternoon at leisure, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Vasa Galleon. In the evening, board your Baltic cruise to Finland and voyage through the largest archipelago in the world. Enjoy dinner onboard as well as the sight of thousands of islands from the comfort of your A-class, sea-view cabin, while the northern sun hangs over the horizon, showing almost no sign of setting in mid-summer.
Accommodation: Serenade/Symphony - Tallink & Silja Line Ships
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Helsinki is known as a global trendsetter in design, fashion, stunning architecture and luscious parks. Disembark your Baltic cruise and meet your Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore on your own. Why not stop for lunch at the colorful market located by the harbor and spend time browsing the vast array of stalls selling local souvenirs, handicrafts as well as fruits, vegetables and world-class pancakes?
Accommodation: Home Hotel Jugend, Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast
Finland is a land of beautiful lakes and enchanting forests. Sit back and relax as you take in the spectacular scenery. On arrival in Kuopio, ascend Puijo Tower for a splendid panorama that will reveal why Finland is called the land of a thousand lakes.
Accommodation: Original Sokos Puijonsarvi, Kuopio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
As you journey towards the Arctic, travel to Lapland, native home to the nomadic Sami community. Visit Oulu, northern Finland's oldest city. It is also the largest general port in the Bothnian Bay, made up of 3 harbors. Enjoy time to explore the center of the city that is spread across several islands, connected by pedestrian bridges and cycleways, considered one of the best in Europe. Your travels continue to Rovaniemi, the modern capital of the region.
Accommodation: Santa's Santa Claus, Rovaniemi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Arctic Circle today, a highlight for many travelers. With your Local Expert, see the Town Hall designed by Aalvar Aalto and visit Rovaniemi Church. Explore Rovaniemi with Insight Choice. Choose to meet Santa Claus and embrace the spirit of Christmas. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest. With the afternoon at leisure perhaps you may want to visit the open-air museum and Arktikum?
Accommodation: Santa's Santa Claus, Rovaniemi
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning enjoy a relaxed start or perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit Ranua Wildlife Park, for the chance to see polar bears, lynxes or even a wolverine. Continue north along the Four Winds Road, where you may see herds of reindeer roaming freely as you journey for one of the oldest churches in Lapland. Travel through Europe’s last great wilderness to see the Urho Kekkonen National Park near the gold center of Tankavaara.
Accommodation: Ivalo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the rolling tundra into Norway and stop at Karasjok to see the Sámii Parliament, before continuing along the beautiful Porsanger Fjord to reach the quaint settlement of Honningsvag. Enjoy the picturesque harbor at your leisure or perhaps set out on a sea bird and arctic cruise adventure? This Optional Experience includes a cruise around the Gjesværstappen, a necklace of islands that's a protected nesting area for millions of Puffins, Kittiwakes, Gannets, Guillemots, White Tailed Eagles and even a chance of a Gray Seal or Porpoise. Tonight we journey in search of the midnight sun on your included experience of Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, where you will enjoy a glass of bubbles and caviar in one of the most special places on Earth.
Accommodation: Scandic Nordkapp, Scandic Honningsvåg.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start before continuing through Norway’s most Northern County of ‘Finnmark’, covered in unique topography of rolling tundra and isolated dwellings. This afternoon experience the town of Alta at your leisure, made famous for its fishing and mining history. Why not visit the Northern Lights Cathedral or consider taking a wilderness trip on the Alta River itself?
Accommodation: Scandic Alta
Meals: Breakfast
Begin your day with a Relaxed Start before delving into Alta’s ancient heritage. Explore the town center or join your Local Expert to discover the UNESCO-listed Rock Art of Alta, home to thousands of prehistoric carvings that reveal fascinating stories of early Arctic civilization. Later, visit a working husky farm where you’ll meet the Lyrek family, champions in the world of Arctic dog-sled racing. Here, savor a seasonal oven-baked lunch, featuring regional fare such as fresh Arctic fish or nutrient-rich reindeer, served with crisp salads and wine. Afterwards, learn about the Alaskan huskies bred for endurance and speed on the snow, and meet the next generation of spirited pups—perhaps future champions themselves.
Accommodation: Scandic Alta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Pass Kåfjord where the German battleship Tirpitz was once stationed and hear tales of one of the first large-scale battles of World War II. As you travel south, see the marvelous Lyngen Alps in the distance. They're 90 kilometers of mountains and glaciers that really are stunning all year round. Continue to Narvik, surrounded by majestic peaks that played their own part in history. This afternoon, you may wish to visit the Narvik War Museum on an Optional Experience, where thought-provoking exhibits explore the 1940 Battles of Narvik and the impact of occupation on everyday life in the Arctic.
Accommodation: Quality Grand Royal
Meals: Breakfast
Board a ferry to cross the striking Tysfjord, whose arms stretch inland between steep granite walls. Continue south past the border of Rago National Park, part of a vast transboundary wilderness shared with Sweden, known for its glacial lakes and pine-clad ridges. Cross the Arctic Circle near the town of Storforshei, marked by a striking monument, before reaching Mo i Rana. Located on the Ranfjorden, Mo i Rana was historically shaped by iron ore mining and today serves as a gateway to Northern Norway’s wild interior.
Accommodation: Home Hotel Helma, Mo I Rana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive through Namdalen then watch for salmon leaping upstream as they travel to their spawning-grounds at the mighty Laksfoss Falls. Continue past the village of Hell en route to Trondheim, Norway’s third largest city and once the seat of its Viking kings. A city shaped by centuries of history and changing fortunes, Trondheim offers plenty to discover—from its lively central squares to storied landmarks and scenic viewpoints. Upon arrival, enjoy the serene setting of your hotel and take time to settle in. Surrounded by Norway’s dramatic landscapes, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation: Scandic Lerkendal, Trondheim
Meals: Breakfast
Begin one of the most scenic days you will ever experience. Norwegian Fjordland is a dream world of soaring mountains, icy glaciers and rivers which cascade hundreds of meters into the green valleys below. Cross the Dovre Mountains, as you journey through Dovrefjell National Park. Travel via lakes and snowcapped peaks to Lom, home to one of Norway’s most beautiful stave churches. Arrive at the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord to embark on a spectacular cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Your hotel is in a superb setting overlooking the beautiful Norwegian Fjord landscape.
Accommodation: Union Geiranger
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start and a whole day free for you to explore the fjords and mountains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and take an incredible scenic drive along the amazing Trollstigen, or Troll's Road. The road itself was a masterpiece of engineering when it was built over 70 years ago and the spectacular views will leave you speechless.
Accommodation: Union Geiranger
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey through the countryside immortalized by Ibsen in 'Peer Gynt' and inspiration for Edvard Grieg. Continue to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, for an orientation with your Travel Director. Then it’s on to the modern Norwegian capital of Oslo. Round off your travels with a dinner and raise your glass to toast your adventures with your newfound friends.
Accommodation: Thon Opera, Oslo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your Local Expert will show you the spires and ramparts of the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbor. See the Royal Palace and explore Frogner Park, housing the intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax by the harbor or continue exploring as you wish.
Accommodation: Thon Opera, Oslo
Meals: Breakfast
Your Scandinavian exploration has come to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
