Scandinavia & Russia

Good morning globe-roamers and welcome to 12-days of memory-making magic. After a bit of a mingle with the new squad we'll getting into the spirit of our imminent adventures in Copenhagen. We've got all day tomorrow to suss out the city, so today can stay reserved for Contiki hangs if you're feeling social. (D) Stay: Generator Copenhagen (or similar)

Constantly named amongst the most livable cities in the world, Copenhagen is an artwork of locals on bicycles, Danish pastries in cute café windows, & Renaissance architecture. Being a bustling university town and home to the hippie hood of Freetown Christiania, nightlife and unique culture can be found at every turn. (B)

Before you go bursting out of your travel clothes thanks to your new-found pastry dependency, we're bailing on Denmark. Next stop: Norway!To the call of castles, fresh seafood, & pretty parks, we respond! Today we're taking on Norway. We'll be surrounded by 200 bronze statues eating Krumkaker pastries before we can say "jeg elsker Norge!" (that's "I love Norway," folks). (B) Stay: Anker Hostel Oslo (or similar)

Oslo, both the capital and biggest city of Norway, is a riverside metropolis back-dropped by mountains of greenery and filled with easy-going culture. Pottering around museums and pretty buildings will keep us busy by day, while taking a stroll through the city should keep you busy by night. (B)

Though you'll feel like you know Norway inside out by now, you can't really grasp the country until you've witnessed its great open plains & small country towns... Before we arrive in our overnight hub, we'll coast through the rugged river and rock landscapes of Telemark and Hardangervidda regions, with nature worthy of an Instagram or two... Tonight's stop, Voss is the adventure capital of Norway. We'll take the chilled out approach here, with a night of relaxing and getting to know the crew in our lakefront lodge, it's like waking up in a movie. (B/D) Stay: Voss Vandrarheim Hostel (or similar)

The adventure capital of Norway is all ours to explore today! We know, we know, it can get a bit overwhelming: but if you're stumped for ideas, we recommended joining us on a guided hiking tour, soaking up all of that dramatic scenery and feeling zen as we explore winding hiking trails. Alternatively, if you're looking for something a bit more fast paced, you could try your hand at white water rafting. Breathless and giddy from the day's adventures, we'll regroup with dinner at one of the local restaurants that offer delicious and traditional Norwegian food. (B)

The outdoor vibes don't end today, we'll be getting back to nature from sun up 'til sun down. Wild animals and spectacular scenery are on the cards so keep that camera of yours charged to full. Norwegian countryside and pretty waterfalls will highlight our journey to the 200km long Sognefjord, a sight set to take your breath away. After lunch at Boyabreen glacier - which will see you pondering more rural life goals - we'll continue our journey to Geiranger Fjord where we'll spend the night surrounded by some of mother nature's finest. (B/D) Stay: Hellesylt Vandrerhjem (or similar)

We've got more spectacular natural beauty to check out today. First we'll take a cruise the stunning Geiranger Fjord, a UNESCO listed fairytale of a place with wild waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and vibrant green foliage. After managing to close our jaws again, we'll stop at the famous alpine ski resort of Lillehammer. Upon arrival we could take a stroll through the city or hop on the Lillehammer Olympic Track bobsleigh, Northern Europe's only artificially frozen bob. All done for the day? We've got more epic surprises tomorrow, so make sure to rest up. (B) Stay: HI Lillehammer - Stasjonen (or similar)

Rise and shine! More adventures await. Today we're crossing the border from Norway to Sweden, so keep an eye out for the famous Vasaloppet start line. A picture perfect land of fairytale forests, painted cottages and gorgeous rolling hills, Dalarna will take our breath away upon arrival.

The centrepiece is the shimmering lake, so we'll let you enjoy the lake for a few hours (kayaking or maybe just a sauna, depending on your vibe) and then we've got a special visit to a working Alaskan Husky Kennel, where we'll meet some of the local very good boys. Want to experience more of the surroundings? Take a short hike to see where bears live and hibernate, with an optional Bear Hike. Just try not to wake one up. (B/D) Stay: Torgasgarden Hostel

Leaving Dalarna behind, and saying farewell to Sweden's national symbol, the orange Dala horse, we're headed to the capital today! Stockholm, here we come!Checking into our extremely stylish Generator hostel, why settle in for the night? Opt for a traditional meatball dinner or Fotografiska evening, setting us up ready for a day of adventure's in the capital tomorrow! (B) Stay: Generator Stockholm (or similar)

Wander the quaint medieval streets of Gamla Stan & try to catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. All that ground covered will earn you some Swedish salmon & an Absolut on the rocks. (B)

Soak up your last dose of Swedish cool this morning before we take our next journey... by air!Our first stop on the Russian map is the elegant and very cosmopolitan city of St. Petersburg. You'll have the chance to dive in head first to sightseeing, figuring out what this gilded city has to offer. Built by the Italians, this city is a unique blend of Europe and Russia, unfathomably grand & adorned by pretty canals - which you can opt to explore tonight for the best view of the city's palaces, lit up in the night's sky. (B/D) Stay: Art Deco Nevsky (or similar)

Today we'll take a locally guided city tour to see the Hermitage and more. There is a feast of cultural options to sink our teeth into today, including a Russian ballet, an authentic cooking class and a tour of the Peter & Paul fortress. The options are all very appealing and the choices are all yours. (B)

For our final day in St Petersburg we have more cultural FTAs to decide between, including learning how to paint Matryoshka (Russian Dolls) and indulging in a traditional Russian feast including local music and dancers. Then, we'll head aboard our accommodation for the night: a comfy overnight train that will swing us to our next spectacular destination without wasting any precious travel time... (B) Stay: Overnight Train

Open your eyes! See the famous spires? That's right, we're in Moscow! Diving right in is the way to do it, so we'll start off with a locally guided city tour of all the sights, including one of the country's most colourful and quirky buildings St Basil's Cathedral. After learning more about the city's rich history, we'll have some free time to do our own thing, before regrouping with a delicious included dinner. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Aerostar (or similar)

We've got a full day in Moscow to enjoy, with plenty of optional add-ons to build the day we want. But first, an included guided tour of the kremlin is a no brainer, as we learn about the colourful history of this opulent building. Then, the choice is yours, history buffs should head to Bunker 42 or take a tour of the Kremlin Armoury where you can view the Romanov's collection of Faberge Eggs, carriages, clothes and jewels. Culture vultures should explore the local restaurants and cafes, then tonight we'll regroup to check out some of Moscow's nightlife. (B)

After the London Underground, Moscow Metro is probably one of the best known, especially for it's amazing architecture. Get up close with our local guide, uncovering the fascinating communist artworks that make it what it is today. The city keeps on giving today with some free time to roam, before an optional Russian Evening feast, eating with local Russian families in their homes. (B)

Our trip finishes after breakfast today but Russia will live on in our memories for years to come. Swap contact details and start planning your next adventure! (B)