Scandinavian Escape Christmas

Kick off this unmissable Scandinavia Christmas and New Year tour this morning! Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark, and meet your tour leader and group at your hotel. Settle in before meeting up with an expert local guide to embark on a walking tour of this capital city's top attractions! Once the walk concludes, spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure. The Tivoli Gardens are always a must-see but especially during the festive season! This evening, after an exciting first day on tour, enjoy an included buffet dinner with your new travel companions. The Scandinavian exploration has just begun!

Guided tour of Copenhagen: Enjoy a walking tour of Copenhagen with a local guide. Highlights include the famous Nyhavn Waterfront, Rosenborg Castle, the Town Hall, the Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace.

Get immersed in Copenhagen on a full free day! To embark on the ultimate exploration of Copenhagen's culture and rich history, join today's optional excursion led by an expert local guide. You won't want to miss the included canal cruise, a true bucket-list experience, or the delectable local delights at the famous Reffen Market! What better way to experience the city? Alternatively, use the free day to spend as you wish, at your own pace. Missed out on the Tivoli Gardens yesterday? Consider a visit! The city has much to explore, such as the astronomical observatory, the Rundetaarn. It's famous for its fabulous city views and the unique equestrian staircase. Today is guaranteed to be filled with fun and adventure!

Start the picturesque journey to the seaside gem of Hirtshals this morning. On the way, make a stop in Odense, the third-largest city in Denmark that is world-renowned for being the birthplace of fairytale writer, Hans Christian Anderson. Arrive and head out on an orientation tour of the city, exploring its top attractions before enjoying some free time to spend as you wish. Next, travel to Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of the must-see sights, such as an old town open-air museum, contemporary art and architecture, Viking museums and more! Journey to Hirtshals, where the group will board the overnight ferry to Bergen, Norway!

Orientation tour of Odense: Explore the highlights of Odense, the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen. Join your tour leader and learn more about Odense’s history as well as its most famous inhabitant. Try and see if you can identify some of the inspiration for his fairytales!

Orientation tour of Aarhus: Enjoy a tour and learn more about the bustling city of Aarhus. Aarhus is home to Den Gamle By, an Old Town that doubles as an open-air museum offering insight into the Danish way of life from centuries ago.

Overnight ferry to Norway: Arrive in Hirtshals seaport and hop aboard the ferry. Get ready to enjoy an overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway.

Are you ready to explore Norway's second-largest city on Christmas Eve? Arrive in Bergen and head out on an orientation tour of the city's sights. This charming city, also known as "the city among the seven mountains" serves as the gateway to the famous Norwegian fjords, which are just a short boat trip away from the home of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen Quay. Embark on an orientation tour of Bergen and enjoy some free exploration time thereafter. Alternatively, spend Christmas Eve enjoying the ultimate Norwegian experience on an optional excursion, including a visit to Norway’s historic fishing villages! Later, join back up with the group for a Christmas Eve dinner.

See Norway’s scenery: Cruise to Norway on the overnight ferry and marvel at views of the country’s famous fjords as you arrive in Bergen. Norway is home to over 1,000 fjords! The striking, winding waterways offer views which are guaranteed to leave you speechless!

Orientation tour of Bergen: Become familiar with this city that is known as “the city among the seven mountains” on an orientation tour with your tour leader. There are great things to see and do in Bergen including an acclaimed aquarium as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed quay.

Welcome to beautiful Bergen, the must-see destination where you will be spending Christmas Day discovering its top attractions and picturesque surroundings. Why not explore the city in-depth without the hassle of arrangements by joining today's Bergen+ optional excursion? This highly recommended excursion includes an orientation tour followed by a ferry trip and a guided tour of Bryggen. Then, take a Fløibanen ride to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views before enjoying a cocktail at the Magic Ice Bar. You'll truly see the best of Bergen in a day! Otherwise, use the day to discover at leisure. The city boasts impressive medieval architecture and Christmas markets waiting to be explored.

What better time than the day after Christmas for a journey into the heart of Norway? Depart Bergen towards today's first stop, Gudvangen. This village is situated at the end of Nærøyfjord, arguably Norway's most famous fjord! For the ultimate deep dive into Bergen's beauty, join today's optional excursion. Visit a Viking village and embark on a scenic cruise through the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords to Flam. Join back up with the coach and marvel at some Scandinavian travel highlights, such as beautifully blue waters, steep cliffs and impressive waterfalls. Next, continue on to Oslo with a stop at Borgund’s famous Stave Church en route. Arrive in Oslo and check into the hotel this evening.

Experience Norway’s scenery: Enjoy a scenic trip through the Norwegian countryside. Look forward to views of mountains, forests and fjords!

Visit Gudvangen: Make a stop in Gudvangen, a village nestled at the end of one of the most famous fjords in Norway. When you arrive in Gudvangen, you will have the opportunity to join the Viking Village and Sightseeing Fjord Cruise optional excursion.

See Borgund’s Stave Church: Enjoy a stop at this famous Norwegian church. Have your cameras ready as the striking building offers great opportunities for photos.

Today, head out for an exciting locally-guided walking tour of Oslo, the capital of Norway and home of the Norwegian royal family. Join your expert local guide and explore some of the city's top attractions, including Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Next, take advantage of some free time to roam around as you wish. To get the very best out of your Oslo experience, join today's Oslo+ optional excursion and explore the city's public spaces and cultural attractions. Visit Vigeland Park, the Bygdoy Peninsula and the iconic Kon Tiki boat! This evening, explore on your own and enjoy dinner anywhere you choose.

Guided tour of Oslo: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Oslo. On the tour, gain deeper insight into the city and its history. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, Kvadraturen, the Parliament building, Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace.

Explore even more of Sweden today! This morning, travel from Oslo to Karlstad, located halfway between Oslo and Stockholm on Lake Vänern's shores. Arrive in Karlstad, discover the must-see attractions and delectable local cuisine. Next, head to the medieval town of Sigtuna for an orientation tour and photo stop before enjoying free time in Sweden's oldest town founded in 970 AD. Then, the journey continues towards the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour with an expert local guide to tick the top attractions off of your bucket list, including the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship and Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s Old Town). This evening, enjoy an included dinner and settle into the hotel.

Stop in Karlstad: Discover this small city on the shores of Lake Vänern which is conveniently located between Oslo and Stockholm. Karlstad is known for its outdoor activities and ancient Viking history.

Visit Sigtuna: Enjoy a visit to Sweden’s oldest town! Founded by King Erik the Victorious in 970 AD, Sigtuna is home to the oldest Main Street in the country. 

Guided tour of Stockholm: Join a local guide and see the top sights of Sweden’s capital city. Highlights of this cosmopolitan Scandinavian city include the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship as well as the old town Gamla Stan which is the beating heart of the city.

Swedish meatballs for dinner: It’s time to tuck into a Swedish classic - meatballs! Join the group and enjoy this included dinner tonight.

Explore more of Stockholm's must-see sights on a full free day! Be sure to visit Gamla Stan, the old town filled with red, orange and terracotta buildings and cobblestoned streets winding in between them. Or, take a leisurely walk - the town is made up of several picturesque islands. Wander through the Djurgården and visit the Swedish open-air museum, the Skansen. Alternatively, embark on a memorable journey by joining the Royal Sweden & Vasa Museum optional excursion. This outing includes visits to the iconic Drottningholm Palace and the famous Vasa Museum. You're guaranteed to make lifelong memories today!

After 10 days of discovering the highlights of Scandinavia in winter, the time has come to bid this gem a festive farewell! This morning, the tour comes to an end after breakfast. Be sure to swap contact information with your newly-made travel friends before leaving! Expat Explore hopes you have had an incredible Christmas on tour with us. We wish you a Happy New Year full of even more exciting travel experiences!