Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland

After arriving in Oslo we have a group transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Anker Hotel (or similar)

The adventure begins in Oslo, the waterside capital of Norway. There’s a welcome briefing with our leader this evening, an ideal opportunity to meet the group and ask any questions you have.

Accommodation: Anker Hotel (or similar)

This morning, we enjoy a scenic boat trip around the idyllic bays and islands of Oslo.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore this culture-rich city. Perhaps travel to the nearby area of Holmenkollen for a visit to the Ski Museum, housed inside the monumental Holmenkollbakken (ski jump), which looks more like a work of art than a sports venue. At the summit of the jump tower, there are 360-degree views of the city, fjords and forests. Alternatively, browse the harbourfront Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, taste local flavours at the Vulkan food hall, explore the immense Akershus Fortress, or check out the cool shops in the Grunerløkka district. (Please note some museums and attractions are closed on Mondays or may require reservations to visit).

Accommodation: Anker Hotel (or similar)

We take the train from Oslo to Gothenburg (approximately four hours), a scenic way to travel to Sweden. On arrival, we join our leader for a city tour and a traditional Swedish fika (a pastry and coffee break).

This afternoon is free for you to enjoy all Gothenburg offers. Perhaps embark on a cruise through the many waterways, passing the opera house and visit the old docks. Or visit the Gothenburg City Museum in the former East India Company House, which was built when the city was a major maritime trading centre. Alternatively, take in the architectural ensemble on Gustav Adolfs Torg, go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn, check out the Skansen Kronan stone fortress, stroll along bohemian Långgatan street, or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter, known for picturesque wooden houses, a 19^th-century atmosphere and hagabulle, a cinnamon pastry similar to kanelbulle.

Accommodation: Scandic Europa (or similar)

Catch an early-ish ferry (approximately 1hr 20min) from Gothenburg to Vrango, the most southerly island of the Gothenburg archipelago. With a permanent population in the low hundreds and a strong fishing industry, it is best known for its stunning beaches and protected nature reserves, which you explore with the local guide. In the afternoon, relax at a floating sauna (payable locally) or maybe take a dip in the sea before returning to the city. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy Gothenburg, known as the most sustainable destination in the world.

Accommodation: Scandic Europa (or similar)

We leave Gothenburg by train this morning and head to Stockholm, the cultural, political and economic capital of Sweden (approximately three hours). Arguably the most beautiful city in Scandinavia, Stockholm is packed with amazing architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. When we arrive, we enjoy an introductory city tour with our leader, which includes a visit to the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The Vasa, a 17th-century warship, sank in 1628 on its maiden voyage in the harbour of Stockholm and was only salvaged in 1961. As one of the most visited sights in Sweden, the Vasa Museum displays the Vasa itself and all the objects found within the ship.

Accommodation: Hotel Lilla Radmannen (or similar)

Today is a free day to explore Stockholm. There’s plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy, so plan wisely. Connecting the 14 islands of the city, and blasted through rocky ground, the subway (Tunnelbana) system is like the longest modern art exhibition in the world, featuring pieces by more than 140 artists. Alternatively, soak up culture and try a cinnamon roll in Sundbergs Konditori, the oldest café in the city, dating from 1785. Also consider a self-guided Millennium walking tour, which is based on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larsson, or visit the Abba Museum. Alternatively, take a trip to Drottningholm Palace, home of the Swedish royal family.

Accommodation: Hotel Lilla Radmannen (or similar)

After breakfast, we catch a suburban train to one of the oldest and most picturesque cities in Sweden – Uppsala. Soak in the incredible architecture, including the majestic Uppsala Cathedral, fascinating history, and peaceful fika vibe. Return to the capital and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, we board an overnight ferry to Turku, Finland (11 hours).

Accommodation: MS Viking Glory

We arrive into Turku this morning and take a transfer to our hotel. The rooms might not be ready on arrival, so we leave our luggage in the hotel storage and set off for a walking city tour with a local guide. Learn about the historic Aura River waterfront, the Old Great Square and pay a visit to the cathedral, considered the most valuable historic monument in Finland, and the medieval Turku Castle. In the evening, join the leader for a typical Finnish meal and beer tasting at a local restaurant and brewery.

Accommodation: Scandic Julia Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast, we board a ferry for an enchanting day trip to the Finnish archipelago, home of over 20,000 islands. Our exploration includes a visit to Selli, an island with a remarkable history. Since opening its doors to the public in 2017, Selli invites visitors to witness its unique allure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of this vast island cluster.

Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes on Selli before we board another ferry to Nagu, a coastal town on the southwestern tip of Finland, offering breathtaking views of the archipelago and an idyllic island lifestyle. We arrive back to Turku in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Scandic Julia Hotel (or similar)

This morning, we take a two-hour train to Helsinki, our final destination. Upon arrival, we tour the city with our guide, discovering a wealth of historic sights and some of the gastronomic wonders of the Finnish capital. We take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna sea fortress, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city. The rest of the day is free and you can explore Helsinki in your own time.

A few options to consider are the city cathedral or the Design Museum. Don’t miss the harbourside market and market hall for local oddities. In the evening, join the leader for an optional farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your journey.

Accommodation: Hotel Arthur (or similar)

Our trip ends this morning. If you’d like to stay longer in this historic city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

This morning our trip ends in Helsinki, a group transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home.