Compare Best of Scandinavia by Mayflower Tours vs Spectacular Scandinavia & its Fjords - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 2,649 | $ 5,950 |
| Price Per Day | $ 265 | $ 372 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
The remarkable cities of Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen and Copenhagen will come alive filled with history, the Viking legends, Hans Christian Andersen and The Little Mermaid. You won't believe the natural beauty of the Scandinavian countries. |
Tour the Noble Peace Prize banquet halls in Stockholm and ascend almost 1000-metres above sea level on the famous Flam railway, en route to Bergen. This 15-day tour of Scandinavia’s glassy fjords and sky-scraping mountains is a tonic for the soul as you journey from Sweden’s scenic farmlands to cosmopolitan Stockholm. Enjoy Uppsala sightseeing and meet Hans Odoo—a passionate local storyteller who’ll regale you with tales of Sweden’s first botanical garden, before you’re whisked away to a farm to table Falun dinner—prepared at Banken Restaurant with fresh, locally-sourced produce. In Norway, set sail through the deep glassy waters of the Geirangerfjord, surrounding by towering ice capped mountains and lush green forests. |
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: Welcome to Copenhagen
On arrival at Copenhagen airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 09:00, 12:00 or 15:00. Then you will be at leisure to relax and settle in. At 17:30, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers and enjoy drinks and a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner. In the evening visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Wonderful Copenhagen
A Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark's capital. Meet Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbour and see Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Government. Continue to Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. View the unusual Rundertaarn and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, relaxing or exploring at your pace. Perhaps take an Optional Experience into the picturesque Danish countryside to see the castles of North Zealand?
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
Breakfast
Day 3: On to Gothenburg Relaxed Start
Continue along Sweden’s west coast to the cosmopolitan port city of Gothenburg. On arrival, explore with your Local Expert and learn about the region’s culture and nautical history. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Café Dickson. Enjoy traditional Swedish fika, coffee and cinnamon roll, at a community café.
Elite Park Avenue Hotel, Gothenburg.
Breakfast
Day 4: Scenic farmlands of Sweden
Enjoy views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands, as you journey along the shores of Vättern to the Swedish capital.
Hilton Stockholm Slussen.
Breakfast
Day 5: Stockholm, City of Islands
See the charms of Sweden's capital with your Local Expert. On Gamla Stan, start with the cathedral, the coronation palace of many Swedish kings and the Old Town, with some of the narrowest streets in the world and stroll through the courtyard of the Royal Palace. Visit the imposing City Hall to see its fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, with its walls covered in 18 million gilded mosaic tiles, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. There's free time in the afternoon for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the fabulous Vasa Galleon, raised from Stockholm's harbour-bed in 1961 after sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628?
Hilton Stockholm Slussen.
Breakfast
Day 6: Sigtuna, Uppsala and Falun
Travel to Sigtuna on the shores of Lake Mälaren, it was once the Viking capital and now boasts Sweden’s smallest City Hall. Continue to the historic city of Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university. Meet Hans Odoo, a passionate local storyteller, who will share the fascinating history of the Carl Linneaus Garden on a guided tour. You’ll learn about Sweden’s first botanical garden and its 1300 species of flora and fauna. Travel to Falun, an old historic mining town. With your Travel Director see the Falun Copper Mine and the Great Pit, a vast crater created by an enormous mine collapse in 1687. In the evening, enjoy a delightful meal at Banken Restaurant, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
First Grand Hotel Falun.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Lillehammer
A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Siljan in the Dalarna region brings you to Nusnäs, home of the Dala horse. Meet the entertaining Olsson family who has passed the art of making wooden horses down through the generations and visit their workshop to witness a colourful wooden horse being made. Continue deep into the forested heart of Sweden to reach Sälen, Sweden’s largest alpine destination. It is known as the starting point for the world’s oldest and longest cross-country ski race, Vasaloppet, a 90 kilometre track that has been challenging skiers since 1922. Cross the border to Norway and pass Hamar with its Olympic ice skating rink known as the Viking Ship. Journey along the shores of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, to arrive at Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Scandic Victoria Lillehammer.
Breakfast
Day 8: Geiranger, Jewel of the Fjords Relaxed Start
Journey northwest from Lillehammer, travelling through the countryside of 'Peer Gynt', immortalised by Ibsen. At Lom, visit the Norwegian stave church dating back to 1158. Continue along winding roads that pass waterfalls, rivers, ice fields, lakes and snow-capped peaks. For the next two nights you will stay in the scenic village of Geiranger, overlooking fjords and soaring mountains.
Hotel Union Geiranger.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Geiranger at Leisure Relaxed Start
Enjoy a relaxed start and a day reserved for your leisure amongst the most breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience for an incredible scenic drive along the amazing 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.
Hotel Union Geiranger.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Fjærland and Fjordland Relaxed Start
After a relaxed morning, take a scenic cruise through the Geirangerfjord. Your travels continue to the Bøya Glacier for a photo-stop. Explore Fjærland with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the interactive Norwegian Glacier Museum at the foot of the Jostedalsbreen, the largest icecap in continental Europe. Alternatively, take a walk through the village of Fjærland with a Local Expert and hear about life between the fjord and the glacier. Then enjoy a scenic drive onto your hotel in Leikanger. Delight in a dinner of fresh and locally sourced produce.
Leikanger Fjord Hotel.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: The Flåm Railway to Bergen
Cross the serene waters of magnificent Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. Then embark on a spectacularly scenic journey aboard the Flåm Railway, ascending from sea level to 914 metres. Visit a family-run farm on the Hardangerfjord to hear how eight generations have farmed the land, producing fruit, berries and various jams, jellies, traditional spreads, cake and other delicious treats. Sample their fresh apple juice and homemade cider and enjoy a walk through the orchard. Travel on to your hotel in the historic port of Bergen.
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: The Hanseatic port of Bergen Relaxed Start
A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen. The ancient Hanseatic port city still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the picturesque and lively Fish Market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. The market also has stalls selling a colourful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps you might like to visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg, before ascend Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia?
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen.
Breakfast
Day 13: Mountains and Fjords to Oslo
Travel along scenic and varied landscapes to Oslo, through some of Norway's most picturesque ski-resorts. Leaving the seaside town of Bergen, you will start heading inland among soaring mountains to reach the exceptional Hardangerfjord, also known as the Queen of the Fjords. Your journey continues climbing up to elevations of 1200m (3930ft) offering moon like scenery and passing some of Norway’s ski resorts on the Hardanger Plateau. After returning to lower areas you’ll be driving among dense forests before reaching the capital city of Oslo.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.
Breakfast
Day 14: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start
With your Local Expert, see the Royal Palace and the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbour. At Frogner Park, view the intriguing Vigeland sculptures. Exploe the area around the Opera House and see the strikingly modern architecture of Bjorvika neighbourhood. In the evening, round off your Scandinavian adventure with a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant. Over a glass of wine, toast to your travels with your newfound friends.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 15: Out of Oslo
Departure transfers arrive at Oslo airport at 07:15 and 10:15.
Breakfast
