Scandinavia (Winter)

Good afternoon globe-roamers and welcome to your first stop of memory-making magic. After a bit of a mingle with the new squad we'll be getting into the spirit of our imminent adventures in Copenhagen. We've got all day tomorrow to suss out the city, so after an orientation tour, tonight can stay reserved for Contiki hangs if you're feeling social. (D) Stay: Scandic Sydhaven (or similar)

Constantly named amongst the most liveable 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. (B) Stay: Scandic Helsfyr (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. We'll be surrounded by 200 bronze statues eating Krumkaker pastries before we can say "jeg elsker Norge! " (that's "I love Norway," folks). 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)

Oslo, it's been amazing. But there's one more thing to tick off before we leave. You can choose to sail the Oslo Fjord, taking in the breathtaking views along the way. Then, we'll head to traditional city of Elverum. Hey hey, Lillehammer! Upon arrival we can check out the ski jump, take a stroll through the city and then find a spot for dinner. With plenty of churches and lakes, things are bound to feel authentically Scandinavian here in Elverum, and we wouldn't have it any other way. (B) Stay: Thon Hotel Elgstua (or similar)

Rise and shine! More adventures await us today. We're crossing the border from Norway to Sweden, so keep an eye out for the famous Vasaloppet start line. Once we reach Torgås, you can join a hike during the day (with snowshoes if there's snow). We'll also be joined by some huskies… so be prepared for a cuteness overload. For dinner tonight, we'll tuck into a traditional Norwegian speciality – reindeer stew served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry. It's enough to warm the cockles of your heart. (B/D) Stay: Torgåsgården (or similar)

Today you'll wake up in Torgåsgården - a Contiki Special Stay renowned for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. Skiing, anyone? How about snowboarding? Maybe indoor swimming and high-speed water slides sound good? Whatever you fancy, you can choose to do it here! (B/D)

Leaving Dalarna behind and bidding farewell to the orange Dala horse (Sweden's national symbol), we're headed to the capital today. Stockholm, here we come! After an orientation tour of the city, it's time to check into our stylish Generator accommodation and then find a good spot for dinner. (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 – but don't forget to save room for your evening meatballs…. (B)

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