Focus on Scandinavia

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK.

ARRIVE IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Danish capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2 : COPENHAGEN.

COPENHAGEN. Enjoy a day at leisure in the capital of the oldest kingdom in the world. Besides many interesting landmarks and architectural masterpieces, see some of the more famous sites on your orientation drive, including the legendary Little Mermaid statue. An optional tour of Zealand’s castles is also available. (B)

Day 3 : COPENHAGEN–ODENSE–FREDERIKS...

COPENHAGEN–ODENSE–FREDERIKSHAVN. After breakfast, start the journey northwards, enjoying the drive across the GREAT BELT BRIDGE, which will connect you to the fairytale island of Funen. Stop in Odense, Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown and, via the Little Belt waterway, head for Frederikshavn on the rural Jutland Peninsula. Today’s Distance: 295 mi/ 475 km (B,D)

Day 4 : FREDERIKSHAVN–GOTHENBURG, S...

FREDERIKSHAVN–GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN–OSLO, NORWAY. Take a pleasant FERRY ride from Frederikshavn across the strategic Kattegat to Gothenburg, Sweden’s thriving second-largest city and one of Europe’s major seaports. After an orientation drive, follow the inland route and cross into Norway. Evening arrival in Oslo. Today’s Distance: 242 mi/ 390 km (B)

Day 5 : OSLO–TELEMARK AREA.

OSLO–TELEMARK AREA. Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures are among the highlights of the included Oslo sightseeing tour; also see the VIKING SHIP MUSEUM, National Theater, Broadcasting House, Parliament, and Akershus Castle. In the afternoon, drive through the Telemark region, where you’ll spend the night. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km (B,D)

Day 6 : TELEMARK AREA–VEMORK–BERGEN.

TELEMARK AREA–VEMORK–BERGEN. Take the scenic route for a visit to Vemork, where the heavy water plant was blown up by a commando unit of British and Norwegians known as the Heroes of Telemark. Visit the VEMORK MUSEUM, then proceed through the Telemark region with its lakes, winding valleys, and rugged gorges backed by towering mountains. FERRY across the Hardangerfjord from Utne to Kvanndal. Continue to Bergen, Norway’s picture-perfect Hanseatic seaport. En route, make a picture stop at Steindalsfossen Waterfall. Today’s Distance: 342 mi/ 550 km (B)

Day 7 : BERGEN.

BERGEN. Built on seven hills with the fjords on one side and 1,000-foot Mount Fløyen on the other, Bergen was the home of composer Edvard Grieg. Spend the day exploring at leisure, or consider joining one of our optional excursions to discover the history, traditions, delicacies, and breathtaking views of this beautiful port city. (B)

Day 8 : BERGEN–SOGNEFJORD CRUISE–FA...

BERGEN–SOGNEFJORD CRUISE–FAGERNES AREA. More spectacular scenery as you drive towards the Sognefjord, where you embark for a breathtaking CRUISE on one of Norway’s mightiest fjords. On to the Fagernes area. Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km (B,D)

Day 9 : FAGERNES AREA–LILLEHAMMER–K...

FAGERNES AREA–LILLEHAMMER–KARLSTAD, SWEDEN. First to Lillehammer, the mountain resort that hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, then, a scenic drive along beautiful Lake Mjøsa. Continue towards Sweden through Värmland’s unspoiled wilderness of forest and lakes to Karlstad, located by Sweden’s largest lake, Lake Vänern. Today’s Distance: 286 mi/ 460 km (B)

Day 10 : KARLSTAD–MARIEFRED–STOCKHOLM.

KARLSTAD–MARIEFRED–STOCKHOLM. Leave Karlstad and head east towards Stockholm via idyllic Mariefred. Here, view majestic Gripsholm Castle, built in an enchanting rural setting. On to the Swedish capital. Its beauty is due to its unique setting on 14 islands between Lake Mäleren and the Baltic Sea. Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B)

Day 11 : STOCKHOLM.

STOCKHOLM. This is perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals, because the crystalline waters that flow through its intersecting canals give a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. Your city sightseeing takes in all the highlights including CITY HALL. (B,D)

Day 12 : STOCKHOLM.

STOCKHOLM. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)