Highlights
- Recover from your flight with a traditional Swedish massage
- Learn about the cozy art of fika in a Stockholm baking class
- Take a silent, scenic cruise through the icy Oslofjord
- Experience one of the world's most scenic rail journeys to Flåm
- Savor the innovative flavors of Copenhagen with a food tour and beer tasting
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Stockholm (Sweden), Swedish Spa Experience | Stockholm |
Day 2 | Swedish Baking Class, Archipelago Dinner Cruise | Stockholm |
Day 3 | Train to Gothenburg, Spa Afternoon | Gothenburg |
Day 4 | Train to Oslo (Norway), Silent Fjord Cruise | Oslo |
Day 5 | Oslo City Walking Tour | Oslo |
Day 6 | Train to Flåm via the Flåm Railway, Fjord Cruise | Flåm |
Day 7 | Train to Bergen, Explore the UNESCO-listed Waterfront | Bergen |
Day 8 | Fly to Copenhagen (Denmark), West End Gourmet Tour | Copenhagen |
Day 9 | Horseback Riding in Copenhagen, Mikkeller Beer Tasting | Copenhagen |
Day 10 | Depart Copenhagen | Copenhagen |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm (Sweden), Swedish Spa Experience
Welcome to Sweden! Once you arrive at the Stockholm Arlanda Airport, hop aboard the Arlanda Airport Express for a short trip to the idyllic capital, Stockholm. The Stockholm archipelago is known as the "Venice of the North," making up fourteen islands in the Baltic Sea.
The innovative city is famous for its art-installation metro stations, tolerant society, and distinct districts. Östermalm is the picture of refined elegance, while the island of Södermalm has artsy and laid-back vibes. The busy downtown of Norrmalm is near the charming Gamla Stan (Old Town) with its skinny alleys and old buildings. After you settle in, explore some of the city's most famous attractions. In addition to Gamla Stan, you can visit the Vasa Museum, a fully-reconstructed ship that sank off the coast in 1628, or the Skansen Open Air Museum, which features replicas of Swedish homes from all over the country.
The rest of the day, you'll relax and recover from your flight at the historic Sturebadet Spa. Dating back to the 1800s, this luxury spa is well-versed in treatments to relax the mind and body. Get a traditional Swedish massage, enjoy a session in the sauna, or visit the gorgeous Turkish bath, which takes up an entire level.
Day 2: Swedish Baking Class, Archipelago Dinner Cruise
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Dive deep into Swedish traditions in a cozy local kitchen where you'll master the art of crafting the perfect kanelbullar (cinnamon roll). Followed by an authentic fika—the cherished Swedish coffee break—you'll learn stories of Sweden and Stockholm while waiting for your dough to rise. And don't leave empty-handed; take a bag of freshly baked delights with you!
For your final evening in Stockholm, embark on a scenic dinner tour aboard a beautifully restored 1906 Edwardian-era ship. The three-hour tour provides a panoramic view of the archipelago from the water, along with live music. Eat a Swedish-style dinner as you enjoy the lights of the city reflected in the sea and pass the beautiful islands of Brännö, Styrsö, and Asperö.Day 3: Train to Gothenburg, Spa Afternoon
Hop on the three-hour express train from Stockholm to Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg. Like Stockholm, Gothenburg lies on an idyllic archipelago on the country's west coast. Encircled by rocky shorelines, lakes, forests, and sea, it's known for world-class seafood, as the home of Volvo, and cobblestone-lined canals.
After you settle in, head to the tranquil oasis of the Hagabadet Spa. From the moment you walk in, you'll be transported to a world of calm, with its Art Nouveau-style surroundings and serene atmosphere. Rejuvenate with a yoga class, get a massage, participate in cutting-edge treatments like cryotherapy, or bask in the famous thermal baths.
Day 4: Train to Oslo (Norway), Silent Fjord Cruise
Say goodbye to Sweden and hop aboard the express train to Norway! The 5.5-hour train ride will take you past gorgeous scenery to the small yet lively city of Oslo. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, this Scandinavian capital is known for its fjords and forests, paired with modern architecture and well-preserved buildings.
In the afternoon, head to the waterfront at Aker Brygge for the Silent Oslo Fjord Cruise (named after its quiet hybrid-electric boat). Sail past the stalwart Akershus Fortress, built on the site where the city was founded over 1,000 years ago. Once the boat is far from the city, the captain will launch the underwater drone for a priceless opportunity to view the world beneath the fjord's surface. On the return, pass by the famous former lighthouse, Dyna Fyr, before stopping at Bygdøy Island to explore one of the many museums.
Day 5: Oslo City Walking Tour
Today, join a walking tour to discover the iconic sights of Oslo. Walk along Oslo's main thoroughfare, Karl Johans Gate, which leads to the home of the Norwegian monarchy at Palace Park. Continue your walking tour to explore the many shops along the waterfront, as well as notable museums like the Nobel Peace Center and Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. Head to Oslo's newest quarter, Tjuvholmen, where modern architecture takes center stage. See the National Museum and the incredible Opera House, completed in 2008, the largest cultural building built in Norway since the 14th century.
At the end of the day, head to the city's historic core for dinner, which has many restaurants and cafés that offer a warm and cozy setting.
Day 6: Train to Flåm via the Flåm Railway, Fjord Cruise
Today, you'll experience Norway's magnificent nature by train and boat. Travel the spectacular railways between Oslo and the fjordside town of Flåm. Take the Bergen Line, one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, for 4.5 hours across the high mountain plateau of Hardangervidda to the alpine station of Myrdal. Switch to the Flåmsbanan, famously scenic with some of the steepest tracks on the planet.
The route passes vertical mountain walls and foaming waterfalls like Kjofjossen (with a photo stop), then cuts through 20 tunnels. In one hour, the train travels from the high mountain station down to sea level at the fjord. Upon arrival in the storybook village of Flåm, take a short walk to the nearby Fretheim Hotel, with a fantastic view of the fjord and the surrounding mountains.
After check-in, head down to the waterfront for a memorable boat trip on the Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen. The cruise traverses the narrow, deep-cut fjords, surrounded by mighty mountains with snow-covered peaks. Waterfalls plunge from the mountain crest and picturesque villages adorn the landscape, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the far end of the fjord is the tiny hamlet of Gudvangen, where you'll catch a bus back to Flåm for dinner at the hotel.
Day 7: Train to Bergen, Explore the UNESCO-listed Waterfront
After a night in Flåm, take the Flåmsbanan back up to Myrdal and catch a train to the historic city of Bergen. Once you arrive in the "City with the Seven Mountains," check into your hotel, then embark on a tour to explore the town. Norway's most important shipping city and the former capital, Bergen is known for its seafood and world-class artists.
The most famous attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, where historic wooden buildings line Vågen, the harbor's northern edge. For 400 years, this area was a hub for trade and now houses the Hanseatic Museum. Try fresh seafood at the Market House, see the 12th-century stone fortress of Bergenhus, and end the tour at the Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen, a museum dedicated to the city's famous composer.
Day 8: Fly to Copenhagen (Denmark), West End Gourmet Tour
Say farewell to Norway and hop a short flight to Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital. As soon as you step off the plane, you'll be greeted by a city full of life, color, and hundreds of bikes. Along with the characterful buildings, cobblestone streets, and quaint canals, you'll find museums, charming cafés, and world-class restaurants.
After you check in to your hotel, head to the historic meatpacking district, Kødbyen, for a gourmet food tour. On this tour, you'll have the chance to experience the vibrant and youthful Danish culinary scene and explore the old derelict factories that have been transformed into some of the city's most exciting, stylish restaurants. Sample delicious smørrebrød (open-face sandwiches), sip craft brews, try organic hot dogs from street stands, or sip akvavit (aquavit) and Danish apple wine.
Day 9: Horseback Riding in Copenhagen, Mikkeller Beer Tasting
Saddle up for an exciting adventure with a guided horseback riding tour on a friendly Icelandic horse through Copenhagen's natural landscapes, including open fields, forests, and windy beaches. This tour, suitable for all levels and depending on your preferences, includes the open fields and forests of Amager Fælled and Kongelundsskoven, the beautiful water at Søvang, or the forest and seaside scenery of Kongelundsstranden.
After a morning of horses, take part in a beer tasting at the pioneer European microbrewery, Mikkeller. The famous Danish brand makes various unique brews, including nonalcoholic beers.
Day 10: Depart Copenhagen
Spend your last morning in Copenhagen exploring the canals and cobblestone streets before taking the short train to Kastrup International Airport. Safe travels onward!
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