Description
Photo courtesy of VisitDenmark / Photographer Kim Wyon – visitDenmark.com
Duration: 15 days
Itinerary: 2 nights Helsinki, 3 nights Copenhagen, 3 nights Stockholm, 3 nights Oslo, 1 night Flam, 2 nights Bergen
This itinerary was created for a family group traveling with children on a moderate budget seeking to experience the Scandinavia country highlights while lingering a little longer in the capital cities.
On arrival Helsinki International Airport, meet & greet private transfer from airport to hotel.
HOTEL KLAUS K****1 Desire King room, +1 Desire Twin, breakfast included daily x2 nights
Klaus K Hotel is located in the heart and center of Helsinki. Inspired by the national epic Kalevala provides modern, indigenous, memorable and uncomplicated experience with 171 guestrooms, customized for comfort, with cutting edge décor, and featuring all amenities for a pleasant stay. An ideal location near shopping, galleries, museums, and key city sights and you can try the award winning Italian Toscanini restaurant and Klaus K Bar & Lounge onsite.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and great green parks. The city’s rhythm is laid back yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs.
The capital of Finland is a compact city easily explored on foot. Design, architecture, culture and shopping are all great exploration angles and large park areas, forests, lakes, and the coastline with numerous islands sprinkled off it make certain there’s no shortage of natural presence. Needless to say, there’s something going on in Helsinki every day of the year.
Private Day Tour of Helsinki City Highlights
Your tour today will visit the most important sights giving you an excellent view of Helsinki’s past and present. Explore the historical centre where Senate Square, City Hall, The Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House are located. Then venture over to the iconic bright white Helsinki Cathedral, Government Palace and University of Helsinki. Admire the Uspenski Cathedral, when possible, you’ll also visit Temppeliaukion Church, known as the Church of the Rock. Next your guide will take you aboard a ferry with direct service in 15 minutes to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and island fortress, dating back to the 18th century. On arrival, you will meet your private Fortress guide to enjoy the beautiful nature of the island or explore the tunnels and Suomenlinna Museum. You will have an hour to explore before you and your guide board your return ferry to Helsinki.
Balance of your day at leisure to self-explore the city’s charming shops and markets.
This morning make the short stroll to the Helsinki Railway Station to board your direct train to the airport.
Fly: Helsinki to Stockholm – Departure at 11:15am; Arrival at 11:15am (gain an hour)
On arrival Stockholm Airport, take the Arlanda Express train directly to the Central Train Station in 20 minutes. Departure: every 15 minutes (for most of the day).
When you arrive at the Central Train Station make the short stroll to your nearby hotel.
Balance of your day at leisure.
BEST WESTERN KOM HOTEL STOCKHOLM***1 Family Room + 1 Double Superior, breakfast included daily x3 nights
This central yet quiet hotel offers accommodation with free WiFi and a modern fitness centre. Rådmansgatan Metro Station and the Drottninggatan shopping street are just a few minutes’ walk away. Best Western Kom Hotel’s guest rooms have a work desk and a bathroom with shower. All feature a flat-screen TV with digital channels. Kom Hotel’s large breakfast buffet includes hot as well as cold choices. Free hot drinks are available at all times in the lobby. Every Wednesday morning from September to June, guests can take part in a 45-minute light-paced guided running tour through historic Stockholm sights. Guests can also participate in free fitness class in the gym. The staff is happy to provide tourist information and other assistance.
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. The cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands.
Private Walking Day Tour of Stockholm City Highlights
This walking tour visits the special icons and points out the best places to take a break as well as which restaurants will be well-suited to your families tastes.
Day at leisure for self-exploration.
When you have visited all the city center icons, you may wish to venture across the bridge today and visit Stockholm’s Sofo (the area south of Folkungagatan) where the Stockholmers live and eat. The trendiest neighborhood in Stockholm, known for its cafés, cool shops and plethora of Stockholmers favorite spots. The area is small in size but bursting at the seams with things to see and do. Getting to Sofo is as simple as jumping on the subway’s green line and hopping off at Medborgarplatsen, then heading south.
Here are some tips on how to best enjoy the coolest part of the city.
Where to eat – Of course, you can’t come to Stockholm without trying some meatballs so why not try to score a table at the tiny and very popular Meatballs for the People (my favorite eatery!!!), which is just a few doors away from String, another great café. Even Stockholmers were surprised at how many ways there were to make meatballs when this place opened up back in 2013. All ingredients are organically sourced and you can take your pick from among scintillating delights such as wild boar, veal, fennel – or even classic Swedish meatballs. Located at Nytorgsgatan 30, open 11am-10pm daily.
The heart of Sofo is the bustling square Nytorget and its here – or near here – that you’ll discover some of the best cafés and restaurants. Urban Deli is the original local café in Stockholm and while it’s branched out to other locations, the one on Nytorget remains the best. You can enjoy a weekend brunch, a filling yet reasonably priced lunch or dinner, grab a coffee to go, or simply pick up a few items from the deli. Café String, just off the square on Nytorgetsgatan, is another great option; known for its eclectic interior, which is made up of found or donated items, String is cosy, comfy, and the perfect place to chill out. The food is delicious (particularly the cakes) and extremely cheap (for Stockholm) and the staff is known for its friendliness.
What to do – Katarina Kyrka is the imposing church that dominates the skyline of Sofo. The original structure was built in the mid-1600s but in 1723 a fire completely destroyed it. Rebuilding began immediately under the supervision of city architect Göran Josua Adelcrantz, but then in 1990 the church burned down again, with nothing but the external walls remaining. So Stockholm rebuilt it – again. Why visit this church? It has lunch concerts for free, the interior and the surrounding park and graveyard are beyond peaceful, and a number of famous Swedes are buried here, including assassinated Foreign Minister Anna Lindh.
Stockholm’s Spårvägs Museum (The Stockholm Transport Museum) is a hidden – and cheap little gem. You can sit in a horse tram from the 1800s, drive a subway train, as you see how Stockholmers have gotten around the city through the ages. And how do you get yourself to this museum? Take the number 2 bus from Slussen heading towards ‘Sofia’ and get off at the Spårvägsmuseet stop.
For culture vultures who are tired of museums take some time to visit the Centrum för Fotografi at Tjärhovsgatan 44. CFF holds six annual shows featuring the best of both Swedish and international photography, with an eye towards supporting the efforts of professional photographers by bringing their work to the people.
Vita Bergen is the park on the hill where people watching is at a premium. Grab some lunch to go and settle on the grass and just watch the parade of cool, trendy Stockholmers do their thing. After the relaxing is over, explore the nearby wooden houses, which date back hundreds of years. During summer, there is free theatre in the evenings, where you can sip a glass of wine and make new friends.
Make your way a short distance to the Central Train Station. The Arlanda Express train takes you from the Central Train Station to the Stockholm Arlanda Airport in 20 minutes. Departure: every 15 minutes (for most of the day).
Fly: Stockholm to Oslo – Departure at 11:45am; Arrival at 12:40pm
The fastest way from the Oslo Airport to downtown Oslo is by Flytoget Airport Express Train, the shuttle train, which takes you to the city center in 20 minutes. Trains run from 05.35am to 12.35am every 10 minutes. You may purchase your tickets at the Kiosks or with the staff at the ticket booths.
On arrival at the Oslo Central Railway Station, make your own way a 2 minute walk to your hotel.
SCANDIC OLSO CITY****1 Family Room + 1 Double Room,breakfast included daily x3 nights
This hotel is found in Oslo’s bustling city centre, 100 meters from Oslo Central Station and the Oslo Airport Gardemoen Express Train. It offers free WiFi, sauna and gym access. Scandic Oslo City ’s rooms include a TV and a fresh bathroom. The hotel walls are decorated with reproductions of famous paintings from the National Gallery. The à la carte restaurant, Bjørvigen Mat & Vinhus, offers Norwegian cuisine as well as international dishes. After-dinner drinks are served in the cozy lobby bar. Oslo’s main shopping street, Karl Johans gate, is just around the corner.
Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord. It also has a ski museum.
Private Day Tour of Olso City Highlights
You will enjoy Oslo’s most important sights with your tour guide, visiting the popular landmarks of the medieval Akershus Fortress and Castle, the modern Opera House and the Bar Code area, the City Hall, the main street Karl Johan with the National Theatre, the University, the Royal Palace before moving onto the Holmenkollen ski jump, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Fram & the Viking Ship Museum.
Balance of your day at leisure.
Today you have free to linger through the beautiful city shopping streets. Be sure to take a the scenic waterfront 20 minute stroll over to the Aker Brygge known for its pier, where eateries with outdoor tables serve upscale Nordic and French cuisine, or casual fare like burgers and steak. A popular summer boat bar is moored nearby, and ferries depart year-round for the scenic Oslo Fjord. Local cultural draws include the Nobel Peace Center, with exhibits on the famous prize, and the striking Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.
Another great place to visit for lunch or dinner where the locals eat is Mathallen Oslo food hall, Open 10am-8pm daily except Monday. An indoor food market with more than 30 specialty shops, cafés and eateries that offer high-quality products from Norwegian small-scale producers as well as special foreign imports. Mathallen Oslo is a venue for unique culinary experiences with the very best of Norwegian and international food, people and atmosphere. Located at Vulkan 5. You have the option to walk through the city center one way, and return via the river for a scenic stroll back to your hotel.
Make your way back to the Oslo Train Station to board your Flam train.
Flam Train
Oslo to Myrdal – The Bergen Railway – Departure at 8:25am; Arrival at 12:58pm
Connect – Myrdal is a very small train station; so it is easy to locate the most popular train to Flam.
Myrdal to Flåm – The Flåm Railway –Departure at 1:27pm; Arrival at 2:25pm
The Flåm Railway is an incredible train journey that takes you from the high mountain plateau at Myrdal down the steep valley to the fjord by Flåm. The Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s most popular attractions. The journey takes about an hour.
On arrival Flam harbour side Railway Station, make your way a 5 minute stroll to your hotel drop your luggage then make your way to the Inner Harbour departure point for your afternoon cruise.
HERITAGE FJORDSAFARI – Flåm to Flåm –Departure: Inner Harbour at 3:15pm – Return: Inner Harbour at 5:30pm
Rib boats are equipped with all the necessary safety equipment. You will receive flotation suits to keep warm and for safety. If necessary you will also receive gloves, beanies. Experienced guide during the trip. Before the trip starts the guide will inform about the safety conditions and what to experience during the trip. Wear practical outdoor clothes and shoes and bring sunglasses.
After your tour and for the evening meal, you may wish to eat at the nearby quaint authentic Norwegian Flåmsbrygga Hotel – the brewery hotel by the fjord and the Flåm Railway. They have an excellent restaurant and Ægir their very own brewery, which opened in 2007 and is now one of the best craft breweries in Norway and one of the biggest attractions in Flåm. Ægir beer is world-class, and has won gold, silver and bronze medals in international competitions. Ægir also makes its own aquavit!
On offer – beer and aquavit tasting, food and Viking-inspired menus that take you on a voyage of culinary discovery 1000 years back in time.
HOTEL FRETHEIM****2 Double rooms + 1 Twin room, breakfast included daily x1 night
Hotel Fretheim is within 5 minutes’ walk of Flåm Station and the Flåm Line. This refurbished 1800s manor house is in Flåm, 200 meters from the Aurlandsfjord a rail station. It provides a restaurant, a large garden and free WiFi access. All rooms have views towards the Aurlandsfjord or the surrounding mountains. Fretheim Hotel’s individually decorated rooms feature a seating area, an electric kettle and a private bathroom. Fretheim’s restaurant serves Norwegian cuisine based on organic, locally sourced ingredients. In summer, guests can sit on the terrace. A bar, café and lobby bar are also available. Other facilities include a library, a bookable hot tub and several elegant lounges with fireplaces and antique furniture.
You have the morning at leisure until your late afternoon Fjord cruise departure. You may choose to have a short stroll along the fjord or in the Flåmsdalen valley, paddle the fjord, cycle the Rallarvegen or hike in the Aurlandsdalen valley. The hotel staff will happily arrange hiking and guided tours of the scenic surroundings.
2.30pm collect your luggage and make your way to the Flam Line cruise departure next to the Flam Railway Station.
Fjord cruise boat departs from pier no. 3 in Flåm.
Flåm to Gudvangen – Fjord cruise classic boat – Departure at 3:00pm; Arrival at 5:00pm
Connect – to the bus to Voss.
Gudvangen to Voss – Bus – Departure at 5:25pm; Arrival at 6:20pm
Connect – The bus stops at the train station to join the train to Bergen.
Voss to Bergen – The Bergen Railway – Departure at 6:39pm; Arrival at 7:55pm
On arrival Bergen, private transfer to your hotel in the city center.
HOTEL SCANDIC CITY****1 Family room + 1 Double Superior room, breakfast included daily x2 nights
Scandic Bergen City is located in central Bergen, only 5 minutes’ walk from Den Nationale Scene Theatre. All rooms have modern bathrooms and cable TV with additional premium movie channels on demand. Some rooms feature wooden floors. Restaurant Oscar offers à la carte dining with both traditional Norwegian and international options. City Bar serves drinks and lighter dishes by the fireplace or in the lounge. Guests can relax by the lobby area’s fireplace. Children can enjoy the playroom located next to the restaurant. Guests at the hotel can enjoy free access to the Actic Gym, situated 100 meters from the hotel.
Bergen is a city on Norway’s southwestern coast. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. Bryggen features colorful wooden houses on the old wharf, once a center of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. The Fløibanen Funicular goes up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views and hiking trails. The Edvard Grieg House is where the renowned composer once lived.
Private Segway Day Tour of Bergen City Highlights
You will visit Torgallmenningen Square and Den Nationale Scen, the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf and Fløyen funicular. Surrounded by seven mountains and beautiful wild nature you will experience Bergen from an angle you will not forget.
In the afternoon, join the historic train Bergens-Expressen on an hour ride through the city streets, between old wooden houses, along Bryggen, the Fishmarket and Fjellveien.
Make your way the 8 minute walk to the Bergen Flybussen bus stop. Flybussen (the airport bus) is the quickest public transport to and from the airport and downtown Bergen, and it departs every 15 minutes.
Fly: Bergen to Copenhagen – Departure at 1:05pm; Arrival at 2:25pm
On arrival Copenhagen International Airport, make your way to your hotel in the city. From the airport it takes less than 15 minutes to go from Copenhagen Airport to the city center by train which runs from terminal 3.
Balance of your day at leisure.
HOTEL SCANDIC COPENHAGEN****1 Standard Family + 1 Economy Double, breakfast included daily x3 nights
This waterfront hotel lies opposite the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, 500 m from Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli Gardens. The eco-friendly Scandic Copenhagen serves a generous breakfast buffet that includes gluten- and lactose-free products, along with fairtrade coffee. The in-house restaurant uses quality Danish beef, veal and pork as well as organic vegetables. General facilities include a children’s playroom, a sauna, 2 bars and a snack shop. Concierge service is available at the hotel. The Vega concert hall is 1.5 km away, while the indoor food stands at West Market and the Øksnehallen that hosts art shows and flea markets are both 1 km from the hotel.
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. It’s linked to Malmo in southern Sweden by the Öresund Bridge. Indre By, the city’s historic center, contains Frederiksstaden, an 18th-century rococo district, home to the royal family’s Amalienborg Palace. Nearby is Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by gardens and home to the crown jewels.
Private Bicycle Day Tour of Copenhagen City Highlights
The best way to get a handle on the Danish capital’s alluring mix of old and modern design, and its eclectic range of restaurants, is either by a guided tour on two wheels or by walking. (a bike tour offers families more active interaction)
There’s no better way to explore the hidden treasures of Copenhagen than a bike, discover all kinds of small wonders that aren’t in the guidebooks. In particular, Nørrebro and Vesterbro are great areas to explore by bike, because of their many small streets. It is an easy way to get around, and visit some of the city’s most popular attractions, such as Tivoli Gardens and the shopping streets of Nyhavn and Stroeget.
Entrance fees have been included today to Tivoli Gardens with the balance of your afternoon for self-exploration.
Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen’s famous and magical theme park, located right in the heart of the city offering rides, games, musicals, ballet, and major concerts.
Make your way a short walk to the Copenhagen Train Station.
Fly: Copenhagen to USA
Phone one of our Scandinavia Specialist at 1-800-227-5317 to start planning your Scandinavia Holiday now!
CST #2023415-40
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