Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland

Name: Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

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11 Days from

USD 5,250

5.0/5 from

Culture

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

ASY

City hop, explore nature and soak up culture on an adventure through the coolest trio in Europe

Norway, Sweden and Finland have, for some time now, led the way in cultural cool. Perhaps the answer lies in the world-leading museums. Maybe it’s the innovative gastronomic scenes. Or perhaps it’s the beautiful waterside cities dotted with protected historic sites. Join us on this Nordic adventure to find out for yourself. With the help of our expert leader (and the excellent train systems), we navigate this undeniably attractive trio, stopping at the capitals of each – Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki – while also taking time to dip into smaller towns and visit natural wonders.

Highlights

Soak up Nordic culture on an adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland
Begin with a boat trip around the idyllic bays of Oslo – a picturesque start!
Embrace Swedish tradition with a ‘fika’ break on a city tour of Gothenburg
Marvel at the stunning Finnish archipelago, which has more than 20,000 islands
Finish in Helsinki, taking a ferry to the imposing Suomenlinna sea fortress

Key Information

Nine nights in comfortable three- and four-star hotels, one night on an overnight ferry
Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by private minibus, ferry and train
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Finland, Norway, Sweden

What's Included

All breakfasts included, one lunch, and one dinner
All accommodation

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single supplement

People, Places & Planet

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

TRIP

ASY - Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Oslo Helsinki

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate).For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Anker Hotel, Storgata 55, 0182 Oslo
Phone: +47 22 99 72 00
Airport: Oslo Airport (OSL)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. You can catch the Flytoget train from the airport to Oslo’s main station. Hotel Anker is then about a 13-minute walk away. Alternatively, there is an airport taxi service for around 1,075 Norwegian kroner (US$100). Upon arrival at the hotel, make staff aware you are part of an Exodus group. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEM) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Oslo
Location end: Helsinki

Vaccinations and Health

There are no required vaccinations for this trip. However, there may be other vaccinations you want to consider. Please check with your doctor or travel health clinic for the latest information.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Norway, Sweden or Finland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included.

The cuisines of Norway, Sweden and Finland possess many similarities yet retain their own gastronomic traditions inspired by the Nordic climate. Meat dishes mainly consisting of beef, veal and pork meatballs are one of the main elements of most Scandinavian dishes. Herring is also popular, as are other types of fish. Cooking is typically seasonal and uses a lot of mushrooms and berries. You will also find a large variety of vegetables (especially potatoes) featuring prominently in many dishes. Dairy products, including cheeses and creams, are heavily used here too.

Breakfasts are usually continental with a choice of eggs
Dinner is the main meal of the day; we usually stop en route for a hot lunch at a restaurant or cafe
Desserts are plentiful and varied with each country having unique sweets and cakes
The beer is renowned for its quality and taste, all countries visited on the trip also offer good wines and local spirits

Vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, but there may not be the same variety as you have at home. Please advise us upon booking.

The leader will accompany the group to a restaurant each evening but will provide recommendations if you wish to explore separately.

Weather

The weather in Scandinavia is comparatively unstable even during summer months with rain being possible at any time of the day. Average temperature vary between 15 - 25 C.

TRIP

ASY - Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels

The accommodations selected for this adventure are a mix of three- and four-star hotels and an overnight ferry, each chosen for comfort and convenience. Listed below are the properties we usually use on this trip.

Oslo: Anker Hotel (nights 1 and 2)