A Taste of Scandinavia

Reiseverlauf 2027

1. Tag 1

   Copenhagen

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   Welcome to Copenhagen. If you arrive early, which is highly recommended, why not visit the pastel-coloured waterfront houses in the Nyhavn area. Drop in at an industrial-chic bar for a drink or stroll around the famous Tivoli Gardens, home to the world's oldest rollercoaster. Another area worth checking out is Norrebro, a residential area known for its wide range of restaurants. Meet your group at 6 pm then head out for an optional group dinner if it takes your fancy.
   The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
2. Tag 2

   Copenhagen

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   When in Copenhagen, do as the locals do and explore the city by bike, undoubtedly the best way to explore the city's many hidden corners. The bike-friendly streets mean cycling to the city's major sites are a breeze. The afternoon is free for you to further explore this Scandinavian city. Stroll along the harbor or head out to the classicist palaces of 18th century Amalienborg, to this day the main residence of the Danish Royal family. Perhaps pay a visit to Frederik's Church, also known as Marble Church, the Court House on Nytorv Square or check out the facade of the red brick town hall. Alternatively, the National Museum is not to be missed, nor is the Christiansborg Palace in the very center of Copenhagen. In the Summer, you can even choose to join locals and take a cool dip in the free harbor baths centrally in the city.
   Please note that rooms in hotels in Scandinavia can often be smaller and more basic in comparison to accommodations in other parts of Europe. In case of unfavourable weather on departures in early spring/ winter season, bike tour may be replaced by a guided tour of the city.
3. Tag 3

   Gothenburg

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   Today morning see Copenhagen through a different lens. Join a local guide from Street Voices, a socially responsible company, with a mission to enhance life quality for socially vulnerable people and be led to the unlit corners of Copenhagen. You will hear different tales from lives on the edge and get insight into the life of a local person, their everyday struggles, and how to follow the unwritten rules of the streets. Afterwards take a direct train to Gothenburg, where you'll spend the night.
   Please note that our accommodation in Gothenburg has shared communal bathroom. As Gothenburg has topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index for a number of years now, the city is considered one of the greenest hotel cities in the world. Our hotel is no exception and holds an official eco-certification. Today's travel time is approximately 4 hours.
4. Tag 4

   Gothenburg to Vrango Island to Gothenburg

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   Catch an early-ish ferry from Gothenburg to Vrango Island. Vrango is the most southerly island of the Gothenburg Archipelago, with a permanent population in the low hundreds and a strong fishing industry. The island is known for its stunning beaches and protected nature reserves and you'll explore the coastline in an included kayaking activity (summer only). In the afternoon, enjoy some free time strolling around the town or maybe try an optional floating sauna, before returning to Gothenburg for a free evening. Sweden's second largest city is known as the world's most sustainable destination and is exemplary example of what a responsible tourism destination should look like.
   Please note that today's kayaking activity takes place only during the summer months from May to September and is subject to weather conditions. Outside of these months and in case of bad weather, you will explore the island on an extended guided island tour instead. Today's travel time is approximately 3 hours (return).
5. Tag 5

   Gothenburg

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   This morning you'll head to Alingsas, regarded as the Capital of Fika, a Swedish cafe and food culture. You'll be accompanied by a local expert to tour some of the town's best traditional cafes. You'll learn of the local love affair with coffee and discover the story behind this town's special cafe culture. And, of course, you'll also get a chance to sample Swedish cinnamon buns, biscuits, chocolate truffles, pastries and sandwiches. You'll return to Gothenburg in the late afternoon and have a little time to explore at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Göteborg City Museum, housed in the former East India Company House and built during the time when Gothenburg's role was that of a major maritime trading centre. Take in the architectural ensemble on Gustav Adolfs Torg, go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn, check out the iconic Skansen Kronan, stroll along bohemian Långgatan street or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter, known for its picturesque wooden houses.
6. Tag 6

   Oslo

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   Catch a morning bus across the border to Norway's capital Oslo. Your leader will take you on an initial orientation walk so you get a first taste of this quirky, colourful city. It's definitely worthwhile to spend the afternoon perusing delicacies at Maschmanns Food Market, admiring the handiwork of glass blowers at the Hadeland Glassverk, or simply strolling along Karl Johans Gate, the main shopping strip of the city. Perhaps head to the Munch Museum to glimpse Edvard Munch's famous 19th-century painting, The Scream. In the evening say 'skal' ('cheers') to the group over dinner. Why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare based around cod and mackerel dishes.
   Today's travel time is approximately 4 hours.
7. Tag 7

   Oslo

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   Your trip ends today after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in Oslo please speak to your travel agent at the time of booking as we will be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
   If it's all ending too soon, you can extend your trip by combining it with the 'Scandinavia Explorer', taking in the Norwegian fjords, Sweden's capital Stockholm, and ending in Helsinki in Finland. Or complete the loop and additionally tack on our 'Baltic Experience' trip, travelling from Helsinki through the Baltic States, and ending in Vilnius. Alternatively see more of Norway on the 'Northern Norway Explorer' heading all the way up across the Arctic Circle. Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combination trips.