Focus on Scandinavia

Enjoy a day at leisure in the capital of the oldest kingdom in the world. Besides many interesting landmarks and architectural masterpieces, see some of the more famous sites on your orientation drive, including the legendary Little Mermaid statue. Free time to explore independently this afternoon or get the royal treatment while traveling through time and Danish royal history on the optional excursion to Frederiksborg Castle. Explore this Danish Renaissance gem situated on three islands surrounded by a lake and beautiful gardens.

After breakfast, start the journey northwards, enjoying the drive across the Great Belt bridge, which will connect you to the fairytale island of Funen. Stop in Odense, Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown and, crossing the Little Belt waterway, head for Frederikshavn on the rural Jutland Peninsula.

Take a pleasant ferry ride and continue to Oslo, Norway's capital city.

Today’s Distance by coach: 198 mi/ 319 km

Vigeland’s park, an open-air museum featuring over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) is one the highlights of the included Oslo sightseeing tour; also see the National Theater, Parliament, and Akershus Castle. In the afternoon, drive through the Telemark region, a region of majestic mountains, spectacular lakes, and rich cultural heritage.

Take the scenic route for a visit to Vemork, where the heavy water plant was blown up by a commando unit of British and Norwegians known as the Heroes of Telemark. Visit the Vemork Museum, then travel along lakes, winding valleys, and rugged gorges backed by towering mountains. Ferry across the Hardangerfjord and take a picture stop at Steindalsfossen Waterfall. On arrival in Bergen, Norway’s picture-perfect Hanseatic seaport, start getting to know the city on the included orientation.

Built on seven hills with fjords on one side and 1,000-foot Mount Fløyen on the other, Bergen was the home of composer Edvard Grieg. Spend the day exploring at leisure or consider joining one of our optional excursions to discover the history, traditions, and breathtaking views of this beautiful port city.

More spectacular scenery as you drive towards the Sognefjord, where you embark for a breathtaking cruise on one of Norway’s mightiest fjords, the Nærøyfjord. The fjord's pristine waters, towering cliffs, and lush greenery create a picturesque setting that is nothing short of magical. On to the Fagernes area.

First to Lillehammer, the mountain resort that hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, then, a scenic drive along beautiful Lake Mjøsa. Continue towards Sweden through Värmland’s unspoiled wilderness of forest and lakes to Karlstad, located by Sweden’s largest lake, Lake Vänern.

Leave Karlstad and head east towards Stockholm via idyllic Mariefred. Here, we have a view of majestic Gripsholm Castle, built in an enchanting rural setting. On to the Swedish capital. Its beauty is due to its unique setting on 14 islands between Lake Mäleren and the Baltic Sea. Tonight, why not join an optional excursion to discover Stockholm's Old Town with its fascinating old buildings, and then enjoy a typical Swedish dinner in a 14th-century cellar. Say "Skål" and toast like a Viking.

This is perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals, because the crystalline waters that flow through its intersecting canals give a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. Your city sightseeing takes in all the highlights including the City Hall.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.