This independent tour allows you to explore the 4 major Scandinavian cites. Travel from Copenhagen to Oslo, then on to Stockholm and Helsinki, by train and overnight ferry. Your tour arrangements include accommodation, transport and introductory sightseeing in each city.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown below is for Copenhagen to Helsinki:
Day 1 Copenhagen Arrival
Arrive in Copenhagen and make your own way to your hotel. This is one of the world's best small cities and with a history that dates back, it is full of cultural landmarks, beautiful and significant buildings, charming waterways, interesting sights and museums. Walk down the shopping street Strøget, visit the Nyhavn area of lively bars and restaurants and sample some of the famous new Nordic Cuisine. 2 nights in Copenhagen at 71 Nyhavn Hotel or similar.
Day 2 Copenhagen Canal and Harbour Cruise
Enjoy a guided canal and harbour cruise, for a different view of the main city sights. Then more time to explore on your own - perhaps visit Hans Christian Andersen's statue, Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces, Christiansborg Palace or in season, the famous Tivoli Gardens (open mid April to late September). 2nd night in Copenhagen at 71 Nyhavn Hotel or similar.
Day 3 Copenhagen - Oslo By Overnight ferry
This morning enjoy the city for a few more hours. Perhaps join the open topped, Hop On-Hop Off bus to take a rest from walking. This afternoon, make your own way to the ferry terminal for your overnight cruise to Oslo, departing at approximately 16.30hrs. Cruise gently up the Kattegat Straits, on your way to Oslo. There is dancing and entertainment on board, or you may prefer to sit out on deck and watch the sunset. Overnight in 2 berth outside cabin with private facilities (with sole use of the cabin), including breakfast and buffet dinner.
Day 4 Oslo Arrival
A Scandinavian buffet breakfast is served on board, as you sail up the lovely Oslo Fjord to reach the Norwegian capital, arriving at approximately 09.30hrs. Make your own way to your hotel to drop-off your luggage. Remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the Munch Museum, or the Maritime Museum. Make sure you stroll along the old Bryggen wharf area, now a bustling hub of outdoor cafés, bars and restaurants. Two nights in Oslo at Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar.
Day 5 Oslo City Sightseeing
This morning make your way to the city centre to join a panoramic city sightseeing tour, which includes a photo stop at the Holmenkollen ski jump and a guided tour at Vigeland Sculpture Park. At the conclusion of the tour you will be dropped off at the city centre, from where you can make your own way to your hotel. Further time to explore at leisure– perhaps visit the fantastic architectural masterpiece that is the stunning Opera House, or take a guided tour of the Royal Palace. 2nd night in Oslo at Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar.
Day 6 Oslo - Stockholm By Train
Breakfast at the hotel then make your own way to the central train station. Depart Oslo by train towards the Swedish border, and into the delightful rural province of Värmland, to arrive in the city of Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden. The train then continues through a landscape of forests and sparkling lakes to reach the Swedish capital.
Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel. Stockholm is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful capitals; built on 14 islands and protected from the sea by Skargarden archipelago. Perhaps explore Gamla Stan's narrow cobbled streets, visit the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings and much more. 2 nights in Stockholm at Hotel Reisen or similar.
Day 7 Stockholm City Sightseeing
Today hop on board a Hop On-Hop Off sightseeing bus and explore the Swedish capital's beautiful attractions. This bus sightseeing tour starts at the Royal Opera and stops at all the most beautiful and well-known places in Stockholm. The Old Town with its world-famous colorful houses, the old royal hunting ground Djurgården, or the southern island Södermalm with its hip urban atmosphere. Visit and see the sights and museums at your own pace – get on and off the bus as many times as you like. Alternatively (according to season) join a sightseeing tour by boat from the centre of Stockholm through the canal of Djurgården. See historical buildings, museums, green areas and a fabulous view of the Stockholm skyline, only to be seen from the water. 2nd overnight in Stockholm at Hotel Reisen or similar.
Day 8 Stockholm - Helsinki By Overnight Ferry
Breakfast at the hotel and morning free in Stockholm - perhaps time for some shopping for unique Swedish homewares and designs. This afternoon, make your own way to the ferry terminal, for embarkation on your overnight cruise to Helsinki, departing at 17.00hrs. Sail slowly through the Stockholm archipelago past numerous small islands. There is a choice of entertainment, shops, casino, and bars onboard. Overnight in a 2 berth, outside cabin with ensuite, (with sole use of the cabin), including buffet breakfast and dinner.
Day 9 Helsinki Arrival and City Sightseeing
Enjoy your buffet breakfast, as you sail into Helsinki. Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in this green and lively small city. Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa, as a trading post to compete with Tallinn, to the south. In the beginning of the 19th century Finland became part of Russia. Then enjoy a Hop On-Hop Off sightseeing bus (May-Sep departures) or a panoramic city sightseeing tour (Oct-Apr departures).
Continue exploring on your own - perhaps visit the Senate Square, Uspenskij Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, Parliament House, the New Opera House, Sibelius Park & Monument, Church in the Rock and the harbourside markets and seafood stalls. Overnight in Helsinki at Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti or similar.
Day 10 Helsinki Departure
Check out after breakfast and end of arrangements.
The reverse itinerary shown below is for Helsinki to Copenhagen:
Day 1 Helsinki Arrival
Arrive in Helsinki and make your own way to your hotel. 2 nights in Helsinki at Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti or similar.
Day 2 Helsinki City Sightseeing
This morning make your way to the city centre for your Hop On-Hop Off sightseeing bus (May-Sep departures) or a panoramic city sightseeing tour (Oct-Apr departures). See the most famous sights such as Senate Square, Sibelius Park and Monument, the Underground Church, Uspenski Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, Parliament House and more. The rest of the day is at leisure. 2nd overnight in Helsinki at Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti or similar.
Day 3 Helsinki - Stockholm by Overnight Ferry
Today enjoy more free time in Helsinki. This afternoon, make your way to the terminal for your overnight ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm, departing at 17:00hrs. Overnight in an 2 berth outside cabin, including buffet dinner and breakfast.
Day 4 Stockholm Arrival: City Sightseeing
At 09:30hrs arrive in Stockholm; disembark and make your own way from the ferry terminal to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Then discover the treasures of this beautiful city, with a Hop On-Hop Off sightseeing bus ticket to explore the Swedish capital's beautiful attractions (May-Sep departures). This bus sightseeing tour starts at the Royal Opera and stops at all the most beautiful and well-known places in Stockholm. The Old Town with its world-famous colorful houses, the old royal hunting ground Djurgården, or the southern island Södermalm with its hip urban atmosphere. Visit and see the sights and museums at your own pace – get on and off the bus as many times as you like. Alternatively (Oct-Apr departures) join a boat sightseeing tour from the centre of Stockholm through the canal of Djurgården. See historical buildings, museums, green areas and a fabulous view of the Stockholm skyline, only to be seen from the water. 1 night in Stockholm at Hotel Reisen or similar.
Day 5 Stockholm - Oslo By Train
This morning make your own way to Stockholm Central Station for your train journey to Oslo. On arrival in Oslo, make your own way to your hotel. 2 nights in Oslo at Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar.
Day 6 Oslo City Sightseeing
This morning make your way to the city centre for your panoramic sightseeing tour which includes many of Oslo's sights, a short walking tour at Vigeland Sculpture Park and, time permitting, a photo stop at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. The rest of the day is at leisure. 2nd overnight in Oslo at Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar.
Day 7 Oslo - Copenhagen by Overnight Ferry
This morning further explore Oslo at your own pace. This afternoon, make your way to the ferry terminal for your overnight ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen, departing at 16:30hrs. Overnight in an 2 berth outside cabin including buffet dinner and breakfast.
Day 8 Copenhagen Arrival
At 09:45hrs on arrival in Copenhagen, disembark and make your way to your to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Time to explore. 2 nights in Copenhagen at 71 Nyhavn Hotel or similar.
Day 9 Copenhagen City Sightseeing
This morning enjoy a guided canal and harbour cruise, for a different view of the main city sights. The rest of the day is at leisure. 2nd overnight in Copenhagen at 71 Nyhavn Hotel or similar.
Day 10 Copenhagen Departure
Check out after breakfast and end of arrangements.
2024 departures: daily all year
Notes:
If you also wish to visit the Norwegian Fjords, take a look at our Discover Scandinavia independent tour.
Extra nights can be added along the way.
