Premium Scandinavia - 16 Days

Itinerary

• Day 1: Stockholm Arrival Day

  Valkommen! Welcome to Sweden. When you arrive in Stockholm, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your accommodation. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably Scandinavia's most beautiful city, Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture, parks and clear waters. Your adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets lined with colourful merchant houses and soak up the atmosphere. Maybe grab a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest cafe – Sundbergs Konditori on Jarntorget Square, which dates back to 1785. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome dinner with your trip leader and group to toast to a new adventure.

  Accommodation: Freys Hotel or similar or similarMeals: Dinner

• Day 2: Stockholm

  This morning after breakfast, you’ll head out on a walking tour of Gamlastan (the Old Town of Stockholm) to get your bearings. Your tour ends by the port, where you’ll board a ferry to the island of Fjaderholmarna. Get to know the sweeter side of this island’s history on a guided walking tour paired with a tasting of six chocolate pralines, each inspired by a moment from Fjaderholmarna’s history. After, you’ll have some free time to explore the island at your own pace before taking the boat ride back to the city. The rest of your afternoon and evening are free – maybe make a stop for fika (coffee and pastry), take a self-guided Millennium walking tour to see key locations from Stieg Larsson’s best-selling crime trilogy or visit the ABBA Museum. You can also take a trip to Drottningholm Palace – the residence of the Swedish royal family. Tonight, maybe head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district – the inner-city island with the best nightlife.

  Accommodation: Freys Hotel or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast

• Day 3: Granna

  Leave Stockholm this morning after breakfast and head for the small, medieval town of Vadstena on the shores of Lake Vattern. Have lunch with your group, then take a guided tour of Vadstena Castle – Sweden’s most well-preserved example of a Renaissance royal palace. Built in the 16th century, the palace was turned into a granary and later a cloth factory in the 19th century. It now houses the National Archives and hosts performances by the International Vadstena Academy Foundation singing school in the summer. After your visit, continue to Granna and check into your Feature Stay accommodation – Gyllene Uttern. This boutique hotel offers sweeping views of Lake Vattern and Visingso Island, plus a sauna where you can take in panoramic views of your surroundings while you unwind. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing, then have dinner at the hotel with your group this evening.

  Accommodation: Hotel Gyllene Uttern (Feature Stay) or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4: Granna

  This morning, take a short ferry to Visingso Island, where you’ll take a horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about centuries-old local traditions. You’ll stop at the medieval Kumlaby Church to climb the tower from which, on a clear day, you can see views across four provinces! Return to the mainland and have lunch, then go on an apple safari at the Rudenstam apple orchards – this farm is famous for its award-winning must (a non-alcoholic drink made from pressed apples). After, return to the hotel, where the rest of your day is free. Maybe head to the sauna or simply take in the beautiful nature surrounding you.

  Accommodation: Hotel Gyllene Uttern (Feature Stay) or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 5: Oslo

  Leave Granna behind this morning and travel to Oslo, admiring the scenery of endless forests and lakes along the way (grab a window seat if you can!). On the way, you’ll stop in one of the local towns for lunch and say your farewells to Sweden. Arrive in Oslo in the late afternoon, take some time to unwind and check into the hotel. The evening is free for you to explore on your own. Maybe head to a rooftop bar for night-time city views or head to Gamla – Oslo’s oldest performance venue – to catch a jazz or rock gig.

  Accommodation: Thon Hotel Cecil or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 6: Oslo

  This morning after breakfast, explore the major attractions of the vibrant Norwegian capital including Oslo Opera House, which quickly became the city's icon after its reconstruction in 2008, and Karl Johan’s Gate, the city's emblematic two-lane central street. Admire the Royal Palace from a distance and look at frescoes depicting Scandinavian history on the walls of red-brick Oslo City Hall. Later this afternoon, you’ll head outside the city to meet with a local chef with more than a decade of kitchen experience for a relaxed forest walk. Your local guide will share insights into Norwegian culture, traditions and Norway’s mountain gastronomy. Along the way, you’ll learn how nature and food are deeply connected to everyday local life. As you walk through tranquil forest, you’ll stop do a tasting of traditional cold plates like lamb, cured mountain trout, horse, venison and other local delicacies. Weather permitting, you’ll pause for a photo op at a scenic lookout. You’ll then settle into a cosy camp where the chef will prepare some wild Scandinavian meats. Warm up with comforting, hot drinks and have a go at making your own Norwegian romme waffle over the campfire, topped with traditional favourites like sweet brown cheese (brunost).

  Accommodation: Thon Hotel Cecil or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast

• Day 7: Bergen

  Today is a travel day, but it’s one of the most impressive you’ll experience! Start with an incredibly scenic train journey from Oslo to Flam, seeing Norwegian nature at its most magnificent. Stopping in Myrdal, you’ll travel to the head of Aurlandsfjord on one of the world’s steepest stretches of train line, cutting through deep ravines, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and farms. On the way, you’ll pick up snacks and drinks and then set sail through the breathtaking Naeroyfjord on board an electric boat. Disembark in Gudvangen, then take a private transfer through the equally striking Naeroydalen to Bergen.

  Accommodation: Zander K Hotel (Superior Rooms) or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 8: Bergen

  Join a local guide for a tour of Bergen’s city centre to see the highlights and learn more about its colourful history. See both the old and new parts of the city, including City Park, the old wooden buildings of the city centre and the wide streets and alleyways. Take a closer look at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old wharf and hear about the operations of the Hanseatic League – a network of merchant guilds which dominated maritime trade in the region. Next, embark on an immersive, theatrical tour where you’ll learn about Viking culture. Hop aboard an authentic Viking ship and hear about the daily life, culture, mythology and pagan belief systems from your guide who will be wearing authentic clothing and remain in character throughout the experience. Disembark the ship and take a cable car up Mt Floyen, where a second Viking guide will welcome you to the camp with a pot of moose and reindeer stew simmering over the fire. Full of humour, improvisation and interaction, this tour will bring Norse history alive, making for a memorable final night on your adventure. Take the cable car back to the city, then join your group for a farewell dinner and toast to the memories you’ve shared.

  Accommodation: Zander K Hotel (Superior Rooms) or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 9: Bergen

  Today is a free day for you to keep exploring Bergen at your own pace. You might like to visit the Bergenhus Fortress, which dates back to the Middle Ages, or the 13th-century Rosenkrantz Tower. If you’re looking for something more active, you could take on the popular hike from Mt Ulriken to Mt Floyen – take the cable car up to Mt Ulriken and begin your hike from there. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your new trip leader and the travellers who will be joining you for the next leg of your adventure. After the meeting, head out for a welcome dinner with your group.

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 10: Kalvag

  Board a ferry this morning to Smorhamn port, located in Kalvag – a historic fishing village set on the island of Froya. During this scenic journey, take in dramatic views of the coast and fjords. When you arrive, you’ll check into your Feature Stay hotel – Knutholmen. With warm, charmingly decorated rooms and a floating sauna overlooking the bay, these sea houses will be a relaxing base for you to retreat to over the next two days of exploring Kalvag. This afternoon, you’ll go on a cultural tour of the Coastal Heritage Association, led by a local family. The association aims to preserve Kalvag’s fishing history and its traditional boathouses. Learn about daily village life and local history, plus try your hand at a traditional rope-making technique using glass floats. You’ll also taste some local herring and go on a short ride around the harbour in restored wooden boats. After, you’ll have some free time – maybe unwind at the floating sauna at your Feature Stay.

  Accommodation: Knutholmen (Feature Stay) or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 11: Kalvag

  Set sail today for a boat trip to Vaeroya Island, located west of Knutholmen. As you sail, you’ll do some fishing and set up crab pots, led by a local guide who will share stories about life on Norway’s coast. Arrive on Vaeroya, where you’ll go on a guided tour of the island, then join your group for a seafood lunch of boiled crab and soup. If weather permits, you’ll have lunch on the pier, otherwise you’ll eat inside the boathouse. After, sail back to Kalvag and return to your accommodation. There’s the option to go on a hike to Flona with your leader. This hike takes you to one of Kalvag’s most scenic viewpoints. Starting at Knutholmen, you’ll wind through the village before continuing along the trail up to Flona. From the top, you’ll see sweeping views over Floro – Norway’s westernmost town – Kvanhovden lighthouse and the surrounding islands. This is an easy hike that’s suitable for all ages.

  Accommodation: Knutholmen (Feature Stay) or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 12: Ålesund

  Say goodbye to Knutholmen in the morning and make the scenic journey to Alesund. You’ll travel by private vehicle, then take two local ferries, passing through Nordfjordeid along the way. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour of the city. Alesund is known for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture and is considered the cultural centre of the Sunnmore coastal district. You have a free evening – ask your leader for recommendations on the best spots for dinner and maybe try the local specialty of fish soup (typically salted cod cooked in a tomato stew base).

  Accommodation: Hotel 1904 or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast

• Day 13: Åndalsnes

  Embark on a cruise through Geirangerfjord and get ready for some of the most picturesque views of the trip. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjord is dotted with waterfalls rushing down steep mountainside. Arrive at the village of Geiranger, then continue to viewpoints at Dalsnibba – Norway’s highest fjord lookout, sitting at 1500 m – and Flydalsjuvet. Then, continue your drive along Trollstigen – a spectacular mountain pass that winds through eleven hairpin turns up through the Romsdalen Valley to reach a panoramic viewpoint at the top. Continue to the village of Andalsnes, where you’ll spend the night. Check into your accommodation, then you'll have some free time to relax and maybe head to a restaurant for dinner.

  Accommodation: Hotel Aak or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 14: Trondheim

  Board the Golden Train this morning for a round trip on what’s often referred to as one of Europe’s most scenic train routes. This rail journey takes you past some of Norway’s most iconic landmarks including the Troll Wall – Europe’s tallest vertical rock face at more than 1000 m from base to summit – the famous Kylling Bridge and Vermafossen waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Romsdalen Valley, plus plenty more towering mountains, mighty waterfalls and rivers along the way. After you arrive back in Andalsnes, you’ll take a gondola up to Eggen Restaurant, perched 708 m above sea level on Nesaksla mountain. Have lunch while you take in the views of Romsdalsfjord from the restaurant’s 360-degree windows. Then, begin the drive to Trondheim, taking in more views of Norway’s landscapes and making some stops along the way – you might stop at Avdem Gardsysteri, a dairy farm where you can browse a range of cheese, ciders and other local produce. Arrive in Trondheim in the early evening and check into your accommodation, then you'll have a free evening.

  Accommodation: Quality Hotel Prinsen or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 15: Trondheim

  Uncover Trondheim’s renowned cuisine and hidden heritage on a food and history tour today. Start by making the scenic drive to Hangran Gard, a farm on the Byneset Peninsula. Join the owner for a tour of the farm and learn about its heritage, then sit down for a tasting of wild salmon and other local produce. Trondheim is considered the food capital of Norway, so this is a great chance to get a taste of how this region earned its title. Next, continue your drive across the Byneset Peninsula, taking in views of stretching farmland, forest and mountains. Stop at Sverresborg to visit the ruins of King Sverre’s Castle, also known as Zion Castle. Built in 1183, this was Norway’s first medieval castle. Hear more about its history from your leader, then continue to Tavern Restaurant – Trondheim’s oldest operating taverna – for lunch. You might try some traditional rakfisk (fermented fish) or lutefisk (dried whitefish). Raise a glass to a trip well-travelled, then return to the Trondheim city centre, where the rest of your afternoon and evening are free.

  Accommodation: Quality Hotel Prinsen or similar or similarMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 16: Trondheim

  With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end. A complimentary transfer to the airport will be provided.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner