Accommodation

Copenhagen: Rising high above the city skyline, the Radisson Blu Scandanavia Hotel Copenhagen affords stunning views of the ancient City Hall, the gilded church towers of Christianshavn and the picturesque coast. Cruising: Enjoy the additional comfort of your high-class, sea-view cabin onboard your overnight cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki. Helsinki: GLO Hotel Art is a charming hotel, built around a century-old art nouveau castle. It is in the centre of Helsinki surrounded by the vivid Design District. Rovaniemi Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus is set right in the very centre of the town of Rovaniemi next to the main shopping areas, only a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village. Ivalo: Hotel Ivalo is a meeting place for Lapland travellers who expect quality. An international atmosphere is present every part of the year in the hotel, originally built 1982 and expanded in 1990. Honningsvag: Scandic Honningsvåg is located in central Honningsvåg, a charming village which is the most northern in Norway and the world. Alta: Scandic Alta is located in central Alta, the gateway to the Finnmark region, and combines an arctic experience with a modern and comfortable hotel stay. Narvik: Scandic Narvik is one of Narvik’s most modern and tallest buildings in northern Norway and offers a stunning view of central Narvik, the Ofotfjorden and the surrounding mountains. Mosjøen: The traditional Fru Haugans Hotel is in a picturesque location. It offers all the comforts of a modern hotel and is characterised by excellent personal service. Geiranger: For a scenic location, you won’t find better than Hotel Union. Enjoy upgraded rooms set against a fabulous backdrop of breathtaking fjord scenery and mountains.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities Rovaniemi: Join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest and admire the tranquil surroundings. Rovaniemi: Meet Santa Claus when you visit his village where it is Christmas all year round! From his post office, you can make sure that Santa sends Christmas letters to friends and family back home come December. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door. Karasjok: Visit the The Sámi Museum in Karasjok, displaying the largest cultural heritage collection of indigenous Sámi people in Norway. Admire a big part of its 5,000 items collection, spread across indoor and outdoor exhibits. The Sámi Museum in Karasjok educates its guests about the resiliency of the Sámi community and endeavors to safeguard indigenous-driven processes and traditional practices.The Sámi Museum advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. Copenhagen: Make the most of the long summer nights at the glittering Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous entertainment park, full of fantasy, fun and charm. Copenhagen: With your Local Expert, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You’ll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe. Copenhagen: Visit the impressive 18th century Copenhagen Cathedral, designed by Christian Frederik Hansen, known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark. Oresund Bridge: Cross this magnificent feat of engineering. It’s the longest road and rail bridge in Europe, spanning 8 kilometres. Stockholm: With a Local Expert, step inside the City Hall where the fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall is covered by 18 million gilded mosaic tiles. You’ll also see the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. Stockholm: With your Local Expert, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town. Helsinki: Admire the beautiful views from your high-class, sea-view cabin as your cruise through the largest archipelago in the world, from Stockholm to Helsinki. Helsinki: Your Local Expert will show you the sights of the harbour city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer before enjoying free time to explore the harbour of this fascinating city of design. Kuopio: Admire the spectacular panoramic views from atop Puijo Tower. Oulu: Visit Northern Finland’s oldest city. It is also one of the most important harbour cities in all of Northern Europe. Rovaniemi: See Alvar Aalto’s Town Hall and visit the cathedral. You’ll even receive an Arctic Circle Crossing certificate. Sodankyla: Visit one of Lapland’s oldest churches. Ivalo: Enjoy an orientation as you arrive into the village. Karasjok: See the Sami Parliament and continue on to visit the museum devoted to Sami history and culture, offering a glimpse into the old Sami lifestyle. North Cape: Journey to mainland Europe’s most northern point to see something that doesn’t happen - sunset! Even at midnight, the sun clings to the horizon. This once-in-a-lifetime unique experience is accompanied by champagne and caviar to make it even more special. Stand near the fence of the towering cliffs, dramatically rising out of the sea and you will feel as if you are on the edge of the world, and you literally are. Narvik: Learn more about the scenic town of Narvik and its history as you gaze upon the majestic mountains that surround the town. Mosjoen: See the street of historic, 19th century wooden buildings and Norway’s oldest octagonal church. Trondheim: Tell all your friends you travelled through! Geiranger: Enjoy an orientation of Geiranger to learn more about this small village and the surrounding Fjords. Geiranger: Cruise along the deep, blue waters of majestic Geirangerfjord, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, gushing waterfalls and lush green vegetation. Lillehammer: Explore the town where the 1994 Winter Olympics were held. Oslo: With your Local Expert, see Akershus Castle, Oslo Harbour and the Royal Palace. Oslo: Take a moment to contemplate the interesting Vigeland sculptures when you visit Frogner Park. "One thing I really love about showing guests Norway is how people have lived and flourished for thousands of years in harsh and unforgiving yet stunningly beautiful landscapes." Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Transport

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Meals

10 Dinner (D) 19 Breakfast (B) 1 Lunch (L) Copenhagen: Savour local specialities in Denmark’s capital city during dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Helsinki: Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market with your Local Expert and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer. Alta: Savour a delicious oven-baked lunch of local seasonal specialities of fresh salmon or the local’s favourite, reindeer, served with fresh salads and wine. Oslo: Scandinavian hospitality is matched with fine food and a glass of wine during dinner at a local restaurant. Alta: Meet the Lyrek family and their huskies. Hear tales about their marathon Arctic dog sled races while enjoying a hearty lunch.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. Trondheim: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Market Square and its statue of Olav Tryggvason, the Nidaros Cathedral, the Tyholt Tower and Old Town Bridge. Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.

Others

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance not included.

Optional

NORTH ZEALAND CASTLE TOUR EUR 51.00 TRADITIONAL DANISH DINNER EUR 69.00 SWEDISH SUMMER DINNER EUR 64.00 VASA GALLEON EUR 38.00 RUSSIAN DINNER IN HELSINKI EUR 65.00 FLY OVER HELSINKI EUR 49.00 RANUA WILDLIFE PARK EUR 59.00 THE ARCTIC CENTRE & PIONEER FARM EUR 43.00 TRADITIONAL LAPLAND DINNER AT A FAMILY REINDEER FARM EUR 67.00 BETWEEN A ROCK AND HARD PLACE EUR 55.00 THE ULTIMATE ARCTIC EXPERIENCE – SEA BIRDS AND ARCTIC CRUISE EUR 110.00 WILDERNESS RIVER ADVENTURE EUR 57.00 RAILWAY JOURNEY FROM SWEDEN EUR 34.00 THE TROLL’S ROAD EUR 49.00 EUROPE’S HIGHEST FJORD AT DALSNIBBA EUR 31.00 ARCTIC EXPLORERS AND THE POLAR SHIP FRAM EUR 38.00

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Copenhagen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Copenhagen

Begin your Scandinavian exploration in Copenhagen. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, followed by a visit to the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
Day 2 Day 2: Wonderful Copenhagen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Wonderful Copenhagen

Your Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark’s capital. Meet Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbour. Continue on to see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, Christianborg Palace. Visit the 18th-century Copenhagen Cathedral designed by Christian Frederik Hansen. This is the cathedral where King Frederik X of Denmark married Queen Mary and the one known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark. With the afternoon at your leisure, why not explore further and climb up the Round Tower, a 17th century tower and the oldest functioning observatory in Europe or take delight in one of the fairytale-style castles on an optional experience along the Danish Riviera?
Day 3 Day 3: Stockholm, City Of Islands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Stockholm, City Of Islands

Travel from Denmark to Sweden by crossing the incredible Øresund Bridge. Spanning 16km over the Flinte channel it’s the longest road and rail bridge in Europe. Pass through the artificial island of Peberholm which has become a haven for flora and fauna and continue through the Skåne region, which gave its name to Scandinavia. Enjoy views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands as you journey along the shores of Lake Vättern to the Swedish capital, Stockholm, which is set on 14 beautiful islands. In the evening, perhaps try the local cuisine served in traditional surroundings?
Day 4 Day 4: Stockholm And Baltic Sea Cruise
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Stockholm And Baltic Sea Cruise

Join a Local Expert for your visit to the City Hall’s marvellous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. Continue to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city. View the cathedral and walk through the Old Town to see the Royal Palace. With the afternoon at leisure, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Vasa Galleon. In the evening, board your Baltic cruise to Finland and voyage through the largest archipelago in the world. Enjoy dinner onboard as well as the sight of thousands of islands from the comfort of your A-class, sea-view cabin, while the northern sun hangs over the horizon, showing almost no sign of setting in mid-summer.
Day 5 Day 5: Fashionable Helsinki Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Fashionable Helsinki Relaxed Start

Helsinki is known as a global trendsetter in design, fashion, stunning architecture and luscious parks. Disembark your Baltic cruise and meet your Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore on your own. Why not stop for lunch at the colourful market located by the harbour and spend time browsing the vast array of stalls selling local souvenirs, handicrafts as well as fruits, vegetables and world-class pancakes?
Day 6 Day 6: Lakes And Forests To Kuopio
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Lakes And Forests To Kuopio

Finland is a land of beautiful lakes and enchanting forests. Sit back and relax as you take in the spectacular scenery. On arrival in Kuopio, ascend Puijo Tower for a splendid panorama that will reveal why Finland is called the land of a thousand lakes.
Day 7 Day 7: The Road To Rovaniemi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: The Road To Rovaniemi

As you journey towards the Arctic, travel to Lapland, native home to the nomadic Sami community. Visit Oulu, northern Finland’s oldest city. It is also the largest general port in the Bothnian Bay, made up of 3 harbours. Enjoy time to explore the centre of the city that is spread across several islands, connected by pedestrian bridges and cycleways, considered one of the best in Europe. Your travels continue to Rovaniemi, the modern capital of the region.
Day 8 Day 8: Rovaniemi And Lapland Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Rovaniemi And Lapland Relaxed Start

Cross the Arctic Circle today, a highlight for many travellers. With your Local Expert, see the Town Hall designed by Aalvar Aalto and visit Rovaniemi Church. Explore Rovaniemi with Insight Choice. Choose to meet Santa Claus and embrace the spirit of Christmas. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest. With the afternoon at leisure perhaps you may want to visit the open-air museum and Arktikum?
Day 9 Day 9: Across The Arctic To Ivalo Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Across The Arctic To Ivalo Relaxed Start

In the morning enjoy a relaxed start or perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit Ranua Wildlife Park, for the chance to see polar bears, lynxes or even a wolverine. Continue north along the Four Winds Road, where you may see herds of reindeer roaming freely as you journey for one of the oldest churches in Lapland. Travel through Europe’s last great wilderness to see the Urho Kekkonen National Park near the gold centre of Tankavaara.
Day 10 Day 10: The North Cape
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: The North Cape

Cross the rolling tundra into Norway and stop at Karasjok for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit a Sámi National Museum, devoted to preserving the Sámi history and culture, and see the Sámii Parliament, before continuing along the beautiful Porsanger Fjord to reach the quaint settlement of Honningsvag. Enjoy the picturesque harbour at your leisure or perhaps set out on a sea bird and arctic cruise adventure? This Optional Experience includes a cruise around the Gjesværstappen, a necklace of islands that’s a protected nesting area for millions of Puffins, Kittiwakes, Gannets, Guillemots, White Tailed Eagles and even a chance of a Grey Seal or Porpoise. Tonight we journey in search of the midnight sun on your included experience of Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, where you will enjoy a glass of bubbles and caviar in one of the most special places on Earth.
Day 11 Day 11: Through Finnmark To Alta Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Through Finnmark To Alta Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start before continuing through Norway’s most Northern County of ‘Finnmark’, covered in unique topography of rolling tundra and isolated dwellings. This afternoon experience the town of Alta at your leisure, made famous for its fishing and mining history. Why not visit the Northern Lights Cathedral or consider taking a wilderness trip on the Alta River itself?
Day 12 Day 12: A World Of Adventure In Alta Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: A World Of Adventure In Alta Relaxed Start

With a leisurely morning start, why not explore the town centre or check out the Rock Art of Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of prehistoric rock carvings. Later, visit a working husky farm to meet the champion dog sledding Lyrek family. Delight in a wonderful oven-baked lunch with seasonal specialities from the region, such as salmon or the nutritious reindeer meat, served with fresh salads and wine. Afterwards, learn about their Alaskan huskies and Arctic dog sled races. Meet Husky puppies that may grow to be the best racing dogs in the country. If you wish, spend time playing with these adorable pups.
Day 13 Day 13: Narvik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Narvik

Pass Kåfjord where the German battleship Tirpitz was once stationed and hear tales of one of the first large-scale battles of World War II. As you travel south, see the marvellous Lyngen Alps in the distance. They’re 90 kilometers of mountains and glaciers that really are stunning all year round. Continue to Narvik, surrounded by majestic mountains. With the evening free for you to explore on your own, perhaps join an Optional Experience and take in stunning views aboard neighbouring Sweden’s iron-ore railway. Pass surrounding fjords as the Ofot Railway clings to the mountainside - constructed over 100 years ago, it’s an incredible feat of engineering.
Day 14 Day 14: Across Tysfjord To Mosjøen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Across Tysfjord To Mosjøen

Board a ferry to cross Tysfjord, then continue past Rago National Park, its fjords cut deep into the landscape. Bid farewell to the Arctic before reaching Mosjøen, a pleasant town on the Vefsnfjord that has a large concentration of historic, 19th century wooden buildings.
Day 15 Day 15: Laksfoss Falls To Trondheim
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Laksfoss Falls To Trondheim

Drive through Namdalen then watch for salmon leaping upstream as they travel to their spawning-grounds at the mighty Laksfoss Falls. Continue past the village of Hell to Trondheim, once the seat of the ancient Viking kings and Norway’s third largest city. Trondheim has always reflected the changing fortunes of Norway and is full of interest. See the Market Square dominated by its statue of Olav Tryggvason and the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine. Tyholttårnet, or Tyholt Tower rises high above the city and the Old Town Bridge is locally known as Lykkens Portal, which means Portal of Happiness.
Day 16 Day 16: Geiranger, Jewel Of The Fjords
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Geiranger, Jewel Of The Fjords

Begin one of the most scenic days you will ever experience. Norwegian Fjordland is a dream world of soaring mountains, icy glaciers and rivers which cascade hundreds of metres into the green valleys below. Cross the Dovre Mountains, as you journey through Dovrefjell National Park. Travel via lakes and snowcapped peaks to Lom, home to one of Norway’s most beautiful stave churches. Arrive at the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord to embark on a spectacular cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Your hotel is in a superb setting overlooking the beautiful Norwegian Fjord landscape.
Day 17 Day 17: Geiranger At Leisure Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Geiranger At Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start and a whole day free for you to explore the fjords and mountains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and take an incredible scenic drive along the amazing Trollstigen, or Troll’s Road. The road itself was a masterpiece of engineering when it was built over 70 years ago and the spectacular views will leave you speechless.
Day 18 Day 18: Oslo, The Capital
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Oslo, The Capital

Journey through the countryside immortalised by Ibsen in ’Peer Gynt’ and inspiration for Edvard Grieg. Continue to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, for an orientation with your Travel Director. Then it’s on to the modern Norwegian capital of Oslo. Round off your travels with a dinner and raise your glass to toast your adventures with your newfound friends.
Day 19 Day 19: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start

Your Local Expert will show you the spires and ramparts of the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbour. See the Royal Palace and explore Frogner Park, housing the intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax by the harbour or continue exploring as you wish.
Day 20 Day 20: Out Of Oslo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Out Of Oslo

Your Scandinavian exploration has come to an end.

+17

20 days tour

Grand Scandinavia (Classic, 20 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Grand Scandinavia (Classic, 20 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To Copenhagen

Day 2: Wonderful Copenhagen

Day 3: Stockholm, City Of Islands

Day 4: Stockholm And Baltic Sea Cruise

Day 5: Fashionable Helsinki Relaxed Start

Day 6: Lakes And Forests To Kuopio

Day 7: The Road To Rovaniemi

Day 8: Rovaniemi And Lapland Relaxed Start

Day 9: Across The Arctic To Ivalo Relaxed Start

Day 10: The North Cape

Day 11: Through Finnmark To Alta Relaxed Start

Day 12: A World Of Adventure In Alta Relaxed Start

Day 13: Narvik

Day 14: Across Tysfjord To Mosjøen

Day 15: Laksfoss Falls To Trondheim

Day 16: Geiranger, Jewel Of The Fjords

Day 17: Geiranger At Leisure Relaxed Start

Day 18: Oslo, The Capital

Day 19: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start

Day 20: Out Of Oslo

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania