Say farewell to Norway as you sail across the Skagerrak to Hirtshals, Denmark. Your journey continues to Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city and one of Europe's cultural treasures with world-class museums and modern art. Explore Aarhus with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert to visit Den Gamle By Open-Air Museum, offering a trip through 300 years of Danish culture. Walk among historic houses relocated from all over the country and see traditional workshops.
Alternatively, take a walk in the Botanical Gardens with your Local Expert and learn about Danish nature and flora as well as international plants in the Tropical Houses. Join your fellow travellers for a Farm-to-Table Dinner of delicious regional specialties, made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. (B/D) Stay: Comwell Hotel Aarhus.
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 and the Renaissance Stock Exchange and visit the Christianborg Palace.
Visit the 18th century Copenhagen Cathedral, designed by Christian Frederik Hansen, known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark. With the afternoon at your leisure, why not see the unusual Round Tower, a 17th century tower and the oldest functioning observatory in Europe and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. (B/DW)
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? (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel, Stockholm.
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, a marvellous impression of life on board a 17th century naval vessel.
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. (B/DW) Stay: Serenade/Symphony—Tallink & Silja Line Ships.
Cross nature reserves into Norway and stop at Karasjok for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit a Sami National Museum, devoted to preserving the Sami history and culture, and see the Sami 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. (B/D) Stay: Scandic Honningsvåg.
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. Learn about their Alaskan huskies and the challenges of competing in marathon 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.
Afterwards, delight in a wonderful oven-baked Highlight Lunch with seasonal specialities from the region, such as salmon or the nutritious local game, reindeer, served with fresh salads and wine. (B/LW)
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. 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. The evening is free for you to explore on your own. (B) Stay: Scandic Narvik .
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. (B) Stay: Scandic Bakklandet, Trondheim.
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 snow-capped 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. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Union Geiranger.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities
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26 Days Paris Amsterdam
Operated By: Insight Vacations