Welcome to Berlin! The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If youre going to be late please inform the hotel reception. Well be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If youre a bit daunted by the size of the city there are countless bus tours that operate throughout Berlin and theyre an ideal way to find your feet. Alternatively buses 100 and 200 are perfect to reach many of the main tourist sites for just the regular bus fare. There are many unique memorials and sites holding significance in Berlins more recent history which are all designed to provoke thought as well as commemorate. These include the Jewish Memorial the empty book shelves of Bebelplatz and the confronting Topography of Terror. The 19th century Reichstag whose cupola was designed by British architect Norman Foster holds a special and symbolic meaning outside of its role as the home of parliament. The great glass dome that crowns the building also offers sweeping views over Berlin. Make sure you book your visit early in the morning as queues can snake around the building for hours on end. Notes: If you cant arrange a flight that will arrive in time you may wish to arrive a day early so youre able to attend the welcome meeting. Well be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
After a morning orientation walk of the city enjoy a free afternoon to explore the cafes bars and galleries of bohemian Berlin. Find the crumbling remnants of the Berlin Wall that are scattered all over the city. Checkpoint Charlie is also a significant site in German history as its museum overlooks the former border checkpoint dividing East and West. The city has a unique nightlife that presents delicious food bars pubs and clubs (if thats your thing). The Brandenburg Gate Germanys symbol which is minted on the Euro coins is a great place to visit at night as the whole area is completely lit up. Other areas great for night life are the inner-city neighbourhoods of Friedrichshain Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg perfect for all-nighters. 24-hour public transport makes venturing around the city a breeze.
Travel by train to Hamburg (about 2 hours) leaving in the morning in order to maximise time spent in the port city. Upon arrival enjoy an introductory walk of the city and a cruise of the city harbour aboard a modern barge. The cruise will visit the city centre waterways and canals travel through two locks and under old bridges to the Town Hall. The views from the barge provide a different way to see the historic Speicherstadt (‘Warehouse City’) and parts of the harbour. The afternoon is free to take at your leisure. Perhaps climb the tower of St Michaelis Church (nick-named "The Michel") for great views over the city or return to the warehouse city for a closer look at the the Elbphilharmonie concert hall a brand new glass and steel structure set atop an old brick warehouse from around 1900. Alternatively mingle with the locals at a cafe on the Binnenalster lake.
Travel by train and ferry via the southern Danish archipelago to Copenhagen (approx 5 hours). Enjoy a first orientation walk around town with a free evening to visit the pastel-coloured waterfront houses in the Nyhavn area. Drop in at an industrial-chic bar for a drink or stroll around the famous Tivoli Gardens which has the the worlds oldest rollercoaster. You may also decide to venture into the Freetown of Christiania a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood south-east of the city centre. It is regulated by a special law the Christiania Law of 1989 and has been a source of controversy since 1971 when squatters took over a former military area. Another area worth checking out is Norrebro a residential area known for its wide range of restaurants.
When in Copenhagen do as the locals do and explore the city by bike undoubtedly the best way to explore the citys many hidden corners. The bike-friendly streets mean cycling to the citys major sites are a breeze. The afternoon is free for you to further explore this Scandinavian city. Stroll along the harbour or head out to the classicist palaces of 18th century Amalienborg to this day the main residence of the Danish Royal family. Perhaps pay a visit to Frederiks Church also known as Marble Church the Court House on Nytorv Square or check out the facade of the red brick town hall. Alternatively the National Museum is not to be missed as is the Christiansborg Palace in the very centre of Copenhagen.
Travel by train to Gothenburg in Sweden (approx 4 hours) via the famous Øresund Bridge that spans the strait separating Denmark and the Scandinavian peninsula. After a first orientation walk and becoming familiar with the city enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps visit the Göteborg City Museum housed in the former East India Company House built during the time when Gothenburgs role was that of a major maritime trading centre. Take in the architectural ensemble on Gustav Adolfs Torg go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn check out the iconic Skansen Kronan stroll along bohemian Långgatan street or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter known for its picturesque wooden houses 19th century atmosphere and the so-called hagabulle a cinnamon pastry similar to kanelbulle.
Catch yet another train this time across the border to Norways capital Oslo (approx 4 hours). After an initial orientation walk explore this quirky colourful city. Spend the day perusing delicacies at Maschmanns Food Market admiring the handiwork of glass blowers at the Hadeland Glassverk or simply strolling along Karl Johans Gate the main shopping strip of the city. Why not head to the National Gallery of Art to glimpse Edvard Munchs famous 19th century painting The Scream.
Today is a free day for you to enjoy all this city has to offer. Perhaps use your free time for island hopping on Oslofjord putting the hammer down at the Viking Museum browsing the harbour-front Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art tasting local flavours at the Mathallen food hall exploring the immense Akershus Castle & Fortress or checking out the cool shops in the Grunerløkka district. Theres so much to get stuck in to. As this trip is a combination trip your leader and group composition may change at this location. There will be a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. You are welcome to attend so you can meet your new fellow travellers. Later why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare dinner based around cod and mackerel dishes.
After breakfast travel to the nearby area of Holmenkollen for a short hike on the plateau. Head out on an included visit to the Ski Museum housed inside the famous monumental Holmenkollbakken (ski jump) which looks more like a work of art than a sports venue. Highlights in the museum include the history of skiing over the past 4000 years of Norwegian polar expeditions and lesser known glimpses from the Winter Olympics at Oslo and Lillehammer. At the top of the jump tower there are 360 degree views of the city its fjords and forests.
Leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region to Bergen which will take around seven hours. No other train ride between two cities in Europe is at a higher altitude than this one and few can match the views passing by your window. Linking Norways two main cities this line takes in some spectacular scenery of lush valleys idyllic villages dramatic mountains and picturesque lakes as it crosses the Hardangervidda Plateau. As the trip is long and youll arrive quite late into quirky city of Bergen there wont be too much time to explore today but you will have all day tomorrow. There are some great restaurants in town so possibly venture out with the group for a bite to eat. Note: Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986 approximately 1000 whales are still being killed every year as Iceland Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.
After breakfast this morning head out for a guided walk around the Bryggen area of the city. This is a World Heritage listed area of one of the world’s greatest harbour cities and is where the settlement of Bergen grew from. Wander through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum (a former trade building) and explore the old Hanseatic port area – the Hanseatic merchant confederation dominated Baltic maritime trade for 400 years from the 15th century. Then you’ll have free time in the afternoon to do as you wish. Perhaps visit the 13th century Bergenhus Fortress one of the oldest and best preserved castles in Norway. Also make sure you journey on the Floy Mountain Funicular taking you 1050 feet abve the city in just seven minutes and offering amazing views of the deep blues of the sea and the pastel coloured houses from the top of Floyen mountain. It you’d like to get active while you’re up there the summit has a multitude of hiking paths catering to all abilities. Note: It might be a good idea to purchase a 24 hour Bergen Card. It gives you free and discounted access to a range of attractions and museums as well as included travel on light rail and buses. You can book this online before you arrive.
Leave Bergen after breakfast and travel by bus to the fjord region which should take around 3-4 hours. The journey will take you through epic landscapes and remote regions so have your camera at the ready. The typical Norwegian huts that you’ll stay in tonight are located in a beautiful setting surrounded by steep cliff walls with a perfect view of the spectacular crystal clear Kjelsfossen waterfall falling from the top of the fjords. Its humbling to look up and consider these giant and ancient geological formations. Your accommodation is located near the village of Gudvangen and has electricity running water and a kitchen. Some rooms have private and some have shared (mixed) toilets/shower facilities. Please note rooming may be mixed gender multishare here. Linen and towels are provided.
Today youll take a boat trip and be captivated by the sight of crisp mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord a World Heritage site. The name Naeroyfjord takes its origins from the Norse god of seafarers and the sea Njord. The fjord itself formed by glacial erosion of the surrounding bedrock is 18 kilometres long only 250 metres wide at its narrowest point but its depth reaches up to 500 metres. Surrounding mountain peaks rise up to 1400 metres and waterfalls crash down sheer cliff faces – awe-inspiring melancholic beauty and dramatic vistas. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding area. Perhaps hire bikes and cycle along the shore of the fjord take to the waters in a kayak or take a bus to the nearby ittle fishing village of Flam in order to ride the famous railway up to Myrdal. This is one of the most picturesque (and steepest) railway journeys in the country. Alternatively explore on foot and discover nearby waterfalls and ancient moraines. Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to throw a line in the crystal waters sit back and soak up the serenity (a fishing licence is required and costs around NOK 150).
There will be another long bus journey of around six hours after breakfast today as you journey to the town Alpine playground of Lillehammer. Cross vast high plains remote valleys and drive through the Lærdal Tunnel the worlds longest road tunnel at 24.5 miles. The tunnel is divided into four sections broken up by ‘mountain caves’. These caves are 6 kilometres apart and equipped with special lighting to help drivers concentrate by giving off the illusion of driving into daylight. Lillehammer which held the Winter Olympics in 1994 is picturesquely situated on Lake Mjøsa. Upon arrival perhaps head out for a brief walk to find your bearings in the laid-back 19th century town centre along the main pedestrian street of storgata (Big Street) lined with wooden houses boutiques and restaurants and enjoy dinner with the group.
Join an orientation walk this morning and get to know Lillehammer. Your leader will take you on an included visit to the Maihaugen Open Air Museum which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley over the last 300 years. This brilliant museum includes timber-built farms a town and a big residential area that gives you an insight into various eras of Norways history. As a town famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics Lillehammer has a great Olympic Museum where you can hear tales of heroic feats and is also an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as wheeled bobsleigh. Alternatively head to the Olympic Ski Jump Arena where in summer a special surface is laid out that allows professional ski jumpers to practice even though there is no snow. You can head to the top of the ski jump via chairlift and enjoy excellent views across Lillehammer and Lake Mjøsa. You could also decide to conquer misty mountains on a hike. Youll have a good amount of free time today so keep your options open.
Travel for around five hours by private bus today and cross the border into Sweden. Head to the lakeside village Mora a laidback town that encapsulates the most Swedish of Swedish landscapes and which sits right in the middle of the Swedish lakes. Settled between the northern shore of Lake Siljan and the southern shore of Lake Orsasjon Mora is a location steeped in history and culture thats ready to be discovered. Dalarna county is in the heart of the Sweden and is famous for the national symbol of the wooden Dala horse and Mora knives. Check in to the hotel on arrival and relax for the evening before your day of exploration tomorrow.
Be charmed by tiny countryside villages with deep-red log cottages towering pine forests and rolling meadows on an included bike ride this morning a great way of getting to know the area and the beautiful Swedish country side. The rest of the day is free to explore the area of Mora and its lakes. Perhaps take a leisurely boat trip across the lake sink a line to partake in a little fishing or hike around the gentle rolling surrounds. Admire the work of a meteorite that crashed into the Earth millions of years ago forming what is today Lake Siljan. Mora is also the home of the world’s biggest cross-country ski race the 90 kilometre Vasaloppet and one of Sweden’s most famous artists Anders Zorn. Here you can visit his former home and a museum gallery of his art.
Leaving the Swedish lakes behind head to the countrys cultural political and economic capital of Stockholm by train (approximately 4 hours). Often referred to as the Venice of the North and arguably Scandinavia s most beautiful city Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture pristine parks and clear waters. Use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you. You can perhaps head underground for the world’s longest art exhibition. Connecting the fourteen islands of the city and blasted through hard rocky ground the subway (Tunnelbana) systems 100 stations are like the longest modern art exhibition in the world featuring artwork from over 140 different artists. The bedrock of the cavernous stations on the Blue Line for example has been left exposed and artists given free reign to express themselves on the walls.
Today leave the city behind for a few hours and see the skerries of the Stockholm Archipelago on a cruise past tiny islets and along narrow waterways. Our destination is the small island of Vaxholm with its impressive castle sitting just offshore. During your free time consider a trip by train to pretty Uppsala take a self-guided Millennium Walking Tour of Stockholm or visit the Abba Museum. Alternatively you can take a trip to Drottningholm Palace the residence of the Swedish royal family. Theres plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy here in this great Scandinavian city so plan your activities wisely. Tonight perhaps head to Stockholms Sodermalm district the inner-city island with the best nightlife. Or maybe sit down at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants such as the latest venues opened on the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan or in the cool fusion restaurants of Kungsholmen. Note: We recommend you book your tickets to the Abba Museum in advance at: http://www.abbathemuseum.com/en/
After breakfast go on an included visit to the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The 17th-century warship Vasa sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage in the harbour of Stockholm and was salvaged only in 1961. As one of the most visited sights in Sweden the Vasa Museum collection consists of the Vasa itself and all of the objects that were found within the ship. In the evening youll be boarding an overnight ferry for Helsinki Finland. Your cabin for the night is quad-share which are usually bunk beds and each cabin has a private bathroom. Note: Depending on the make-up of the group quad-share on the ferry may be on a mixed gender basis.
After your morning arrival into Helsinkis port you will transfer to your hotel. Before this Scandinavia Explorer comes to an end discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Today is completely free and youll be able to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are the Open-Air Museum Seurasaari a visit to the citys cathedral or the interesting Design Museum. Dont miss the harbour-side market for local oddities and make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress sometimes referred to as the Gibraltar of the North a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city. Surrounded by the sea Helsinki is a modern European city that offers an endless array of options. Throughout its 450-year history the city has often been the buffer between the east and west. This is shown in their cuisine with a mix of root vegetables berries and fresh fish. Perhaps head out in the evening to sample some traditional dishes on a final celebratory meal with your group. Note: Upon your morning arrival check-in at our hotel in Helsinki may not yet be possible. In this case you will store your luggage at the hotel and head out for an orientation walk.
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There are no more activities planned and youre able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to extend you stay in Helsinki we are happy to book additional accommodation for you subject to availability. Please speak to your travel consultant at the time of booking. Note: If its all ending too soon you can extend your trip by combining it with our Baltic Experience.
