Scandinavian Discovery

Welcome to Copenhagen. Your wondrous journey begins with a two-night Special Stay in the capital of Denmark. The city has humble origins as a fishing village but went on to become the glittering capital of the Danish Empire. Today Copenhagen is one of the world’s premier design capitals and is a brilliant mix of the historic and modern. The cityscape comprises sumptuous palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares. The harbour is at its heart and is a popular place for putting about on boats and kayaks, swimming, and even boasts floating bars and hotels.

This morning, tour Rosenborg Castle, an elegant Renaissance castle built as a country summerhouse in 1606. Rosenborg Castle houses some of the Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures spanning 400 years, including royal art, the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. You will also get to see the delightful courtyard of Amalienborg Palace, home to Queen Mary and the Danish Royal Family. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Copenhagen’s finest restaurants.   Freechoice: Take a cruise to see the city’s many attractions including Christiansborg Palace, the impressive Black Diamond library and the Little Mermaid sculpture, while gliding along the canals. Alternatively, visit the Tivoli Gardens, an enchanting amusement park that has been operating since 1843.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the trendy Swedish capital, Stockholm. Stretching for 80 kilometres to the Baltic Sea, the Stockholm archipelago comprises some 30,000 islands. Built on 14 islands, the city is connected by 57 bridges and is considered one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. It’s also a creative city, fostering innovations in music, design, fashion and technology. Spend the next two nights at your Special Stay hotel.

Take a city tour with a local guide to discover City Hall, one of Sweden’s most famous buildings whose spire features the golden Three Crowns. You’ll also see the Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace. Then, visit the Vasa Ship Museum located on the island of Djurgården, where the 17th-century warship ‘Vasa’ is now housed after it tragically capsized and sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628.   This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring Swedish cuisine with European influences in a stunning setting.

Take a short flight to Oslo, the capital of Norway. The Norwegian capital is the smallest in Scandinavia but packs a punch when it comes to cultural and nature-based experiences. Awarded the title of European Green Capital in 2019, half of Oslo is covered in forest and parks and its cityscape is a melange of historical buildings and cutting-edge architecture.   Enrich Immerse yourself in the architecture, stage technology, opera and ballet at Oslo’s Opera House on a private backstage tour with a specialist guide. Breathe in the beautiful views from the rooftop and enjoy a glass of wine.

From the 8th to the 11th century, the Vikings journeyed across Europe, looking for land and trade. Discover this amazing history on the Bygdoy Peninsula, home to three famous museums honouring the rich nautical heritage of the Norse race. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Fram polar ship. Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing the farthest north and farthest south. Step on board the ship and see how the crew managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on Earth – the Arctic and the Antarctic.  Enrich Enhance your art knowledge with an art specialist at the Munch Museum. Explore one of the most comprehensive one-man museums in the world, home to more than half of Munch’s paintings, including ‘The Scream’.

Drive through the majestic Hardangervidda National Park, the country’s largest national park and Europe’s highest mountain plateau. This vast Arctic wilderness also claims Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer.   Arrive Lofthus, known as the orchard of Hardanger region for its many fruit trees. The town is a hub for cider production and hosts an annual cherry festival. It also has a scenic position overlooking the majestic Folgefonna glacier, the country’s third largest. Your overnight Special Stay is complete with awe-inspiring fjord views.

Leave Lofthus and journey to Bergen, a Hanseatic fishing port that dates to the 12th century. Bergen is now Norway’s second largest city, however it possesses the charm and warmth of a small town. Surrounded by seven hills that are dotted with colourful houses, the city coined ‘Heart of the Fjords’ is considered one of the prettiest in the country.

During the Middle Ages, Bergen was Norway’s major seaport, as well as its capital, a legacy that can still be seen today. You will have the opportunity to wander through Bergen’s narrow and steep cobblestoned laneways, and its World Heritage-listed wharf Bryggen. Afterwards, drive to Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most celebrated composer and pianist. Freechoice: Journey 320 metres up the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for a spectacular view of the city and fjord. Alternatively, take the tram to Fantoft Stave Church. The old church burned down in 1992 but was painstakingly reconstructed to reflect a style unique to Norway.

After breakfast this morning, bid a fond farewell to Bergen and your fellow guests, taking many wonderful memories of this immersive journey with you.   The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the land journey or the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.