Compare Best of Scandinavia by Mayflower Tours vs Sweden & Norway in 10 days - Nordic Peninsula - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1

Depart USA Today you’ll depart the USA on your overnight flight to Stockholm, Sweden.

Day 2

Stockholm, Sweden Upon arrival you are greeted by your a representative of Mayflower Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this remarkable Scandinavian city. This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Dinner

Day 3

Stockholm After breakfast, enjoy a Stockholm city tour. Once home of the Vikings, today’s Sweden is a captivating mix of old and new. Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is the very epitome of a vibrant cosmopolitan center, a city alive with world-class art museums, cutting-edge fashion boutiques and sizzling night life. Remark-able architecture abounds, exemplified in the dazzling City Hall, site of the Nobel Prize reception, with its glittering gold walls and stunning colored-glass mosaics. But even in this thrilling center of culture, you’ll find traces of Sweden’s fabled past. In the Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town, medieval Stockholm comes to life in this beautifully preserved historic district. This afternoon, explore the city on your own or choose an optional excursion of The Royal Canal and Vasa Warship Museum. This excursion includes a one-hour cruise along the shady canal of Djurgarden and a visit to the remarkable Vasa Warship Museum, built around a restored 17th-century warship that sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor. Breakfast

Day 4

Oslo — Where Culture and Nature Meet Following breakfast this morning, bid farewell to Stockholm and depart for Oslo, Norway. Upon your late afternoon arrival in Norway, you’ll learn why it’s hard to say what is more stunning in Oslo: its glorious urban cityscapes or towering mountains and pristine countryside. The remainder of the day is free for you to experience Oslo on your own. Breakfast

Day 5

Oslo to Myrdal/Breathtaking Railway Journey On this morning’s city tour, your local guide will take you through Vigeland Sculpture Park as you discover the amazing granite and bronze artwork. Catch a glimpse of the regal and impressive Royal Palace. All these pleasures await, plus the bustling trade of a thriving port city. After the tour, transfer to the Oslo train station for one of the best ways to take in the wonders of Scandinavia: aboard a scenic railway that traverses this breathtaking countryside. You’ll take in dizzying vistas that open out on all sides as you speed from Oslo toward Myrdal, a remote mountain station located 3,000 feet above sea level. Famous for its remarkable panoramic views, Myrdal is the stepping off point for yet another glorious train ride on the world-renowned Flåm Railway. Descending 3,500 feet during a 13-mile journey into mountainous countryside, passengers glimpse wild rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, and mountain farms clinging perilously to steep slopes. In the heart of this rugged countryside, the historic Stalheim Hotel offers a stunning panoramic perspective of astounding fjordland views. For nearly 200 years, artists, painters and poets have drawn inspiration from the awe-inspiring majesty of this remarkable natural spectacle. Breakfast and dinner

Day 6

The Awe-Inspiring Fjords This morning after breakfast, you’ll get your final view of the Naeroey Valley before you transfer by coach to Flåm for embarkation of a cruise through the world-famous Sognefjord and Naerøey Fjords. Carved out over centuries by waves of majestic glaciers, the fjords are a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature. No visit to Norway would be complete without views of the emerald green cliffs of the fjord sweeping sharply down to glittering waters, where you just may glimpse a sight of seals as they sun themselves on flat, warm rocks. Meet your coach in Gudvangen where you'll continue on the journey to Bergen. Breakfast, dinner

Day 7

The Rich Historical Heritage of Bergen Today you’ll enjoy an included city tour of Bergen, the second largest city in Norway. Bergen offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and natural beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Bergen proudly preserves its rich past, seen in the timbered 15th-century houses, centuries-old warehouses built by seagoing merchants, and a charming labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Nearby, you’ll visit Troldhaugen, the former home and estate of one of Norway’s most famous sons, composer Edvard Grieg. The remainder of the day is free to explore this charming city on your own. Breakfast

Day 8

Copenhagen Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Copenhagen. Upon arrival you enjoy a city tour of this bustling metropolis. Copenhagen offers a mix of old-world grandeur with the excitement of a thriving modern cultural center. Parks and green spaces are everywhere, and canals and waterways crisscross its streets, recalling the city’s seagoing roots. The city is alive with such sites as Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest pleasure parks; and Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament and the Royal Theater. Fans of literature make a pilgrimage to the statue of The Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale, while shoppers enjoy browsing the quaint boutiques along the famous Stroget, Copenhagen’s renowned pedestrian district. Breakfast

Day 9

A day at leisure This day is yours to experience Copenhagen and all of its charm. Or join us for an optional excursion to North Zeeland. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Helsinor, one of the oldest towns in Denmark, and nearby Kronborg Castle, legendary home of Prince Hamlet. Your tour also includes views of Fredensborg Castle and an included visit to Frederiksborg Castle. Tonight join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for the Farewell Dinner at our hotel. Breakfast and dinner

Day 10

Copenhagen Following breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Scandinavia with memories of life enriching experiences as you transfer to Copenhagen Airport for the flight home. Breakfast

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular landscapes and scenic fjords of Scandinavia? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Stockholm.* Night on board. * Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Day 2: Stockholm

Arrival in Stockholm the capital of Sweden and the biggest of the country. It’s an archipelago composed by 14 islands that are connected by around 50 bridges in the Märlaren lake. It’s a very cosmopolitan city as you will find an Scandinavian modern architecture with metal and bronze buildings or fairy tails towers and a very charm old city centre. Self-transfer* to the hotel and overnight in Stockholm. * Possibility to book private transfer in the next step of the booking.

Day 3: Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Stockholm from a different perspective on a boat tour along its iconic waterways, through its locks and underneath its 12 historic bridges! Pass by the most emblematic sights in the city, from the urban centre to the Old Town and the greenery of Djurgården, on a relaxing journey through the heart of the Swedish capital! Ovevrnight in Stockholm. Note: tansfer is not included, you will have to make your own way to the meeting point.

Day 4: Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a free day to enjoy on your own. You can take profit of the time to go shopping or visit some emblematic sites. We recommend the optional excursions Stockholm Archipelago Tour*. Overnight in Stockholm. * Optional excursion Stockholm Archipelago Tour: historic cruise tour throught the Stockholm archipelago. Lunch included.

Day 5: Stockholm - Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer* to the Stockholm airrport to take a flight to Oslo. Arrive at Gardermoen airport and transfer to the hotel.** Oslo is the capital of Norway and a great place to discover the local culture and cuisine. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its green spaces and its numerous museums, many of which are dedicated to the country's Viking heritage. Overnight stay in Oslo. * Possibility to book private transfer in the next step of the booking. ** Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.

Day 6: Oslo - Oppland

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a fascinating panoramic tour of Oslo including Frogner Park which houses the Sculptural Ensemble of Vigeland, the Town Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Modern Opera House. Afterwards, set off for Lillehammer, the city famous for the Olympics of '94, which is situated on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Admire its tiny picturesque streets. Here you have the option to visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.* Continue through the Oppland region and check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Oppland. * Optional Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: Maihaugen is Norway’s largest open-air museum outside of Oslo. The museum offers more than 200 buildings from different eras, superb cultural experiences and numerous exhibitions. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 7: Oppland - Sogn og Fjordane

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day awaits as you set off for Briksdal Glacier. On the way, stop for a brief visit to the beautiful Lom Church.* Located inside the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Briksdal Glacier is set within the breathtaking Briksdalen Valley, rising to a height of 1200 metres. Enjoy some free time in Briksdal to admire the unbelievable views, take photos, explore the valley and have lunch (at your own expense). Afterwards, head to the Førde region, to check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sogn og Fjordane. * Optional Entrance to Lom Church: Enjoy entrance to Lom Stave Church where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of this 12th-century site, one of the largest churches in Norway.Please note: You may find a cheaper entrance ticket price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 8: Sogn og Fjordane - Sognefjord - Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the landscapes of the land of fjords, and enjoy a panoramic cruise through the beautiful Sognefjord, one of the most famous and beautiful in the whole of Norway. Admire the Nærøy Fjord and the Sognefjord with its high mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking landscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, continue to Gudvangen to enjoy some free time in this quaint village, nestled at the base of the Angosto Fjord. We recommend taking an optional excursion to the fascinating Viking Museum here.* Afterwards, continue to Voss where you can explore at your leisure until finally arriving in Bergen the 'capital of the fjords'. Transfer to the hotel and get settled in. Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Viking Museum Visit: Visit Gudvangen's Viking Museum to learn more about this important period in Norwegian history. The Viking Museum is home to impressive Viking-style buildings, re-enactments and brilliant insights into Norway's Viking heritage.

Day 9: Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a fascinating panoramic tour of Bergen for an overview of its sights and history. Visit the Fish Market, famous for its busy atmosphere and excellent produce, and the Hanseatic Neighbourhood or Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional buildings, museums, restaurants and cafes. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Funicular Ride to Mount Floyen.* Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Mount Floyen Funicular Ride: Ride to the top of Mount Floyen for exceptional views of Bergen and the surrounding fjord-lands. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 10: Bergen - Hardangerfjord - Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early towards Oslo and on the way travel across the mighty Hardangerfjord. On the shores of this fjord you can watch the various different farming communities, many of them dedicated to fish farming. After admiring the glistening fjord, head to the Hardangervidda Plateau, home to large herds of wild reindeer. Continue to Olso and watch the changing landscapes and natural beauty of the Buskerud region pass by. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Oslo.

Day 11: Oslo - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to Gardermoen airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.