Grand Scandinavia (Small Group)

Begin your Scandinavian exploration in Copenhagen. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, followed by a visit to the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. (D) Stay: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen

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, Nyhavn and Christianborg Palace. Visit the 18th-century Copenhagen Cathedral designed by Christian Frederik Hansen. This is the cathedral where King Frederik X of Denmark married Queen Mary and the one known for its neoclassical architecture and for featuring the largest bell in Denmark.

With the afternoon at your leisure, why not explore further and climb up the Round Tower, a 17th-century tower and the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, or take delight in one of the fairytale-style castles on an optional experience along the Danish Riviera? (B)

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: Hilton Stockholm Slussen

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.

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/D) Stay: Serenade/Symphony - Tallink & Silja Line Ships

Helsinki is known as a global trendsetter in design, fashion, stunning architecture and luscious parks. Disembark your Baltic cruise and meet your Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer.

Afterwards, enjoy time to explore on your own. Why not stop for lunch at the colourful market located by the harbour and spend time browsing the vast array of stalls selling local souvenirs, handicrafts as well as fruits, vegetables and world-class pancakes? (B) Stay: GLO Art, Helsinki

Finland is a land of beautiful lakes and enchanting forests. Sit back and relax as you take in the spectacular scenery. On arrival in Kuopio, ascend Puijo Tower for a splendid panorama that will reveal why Finland is called the land of a thousand lakes. (B/D) Stay: Original Sokos Puijonsarvi, Kuopio

As you journey towards the Arctic, travel to Lapland, native home to the nomadic Sami community. Visit Oulu, northern Finland's oldest city. It is also the largest general port in the Bothnian Bay, made up of 3 harbours. Enjoy time to explore the centre of the city that is spread across several islands, connected by pedestrian bridges and cycleways, considered one of the best in Europe. Your travels continue to Rovaniemi, the modern capital of the region. (B/D) Stay: Santa's Santa Claus, Rovaniemi

Cross the Arctic Circle today, a highlight for many travellers. With your Local Expert, see the Town Hall designed by Aalvar Aalto and visit Rovaniemi Church. Explore Rovaniemi with Insight Choice. Choose to meet Santa Claus and embrace the spirit of Christmas. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a nature walk in the forest. With the afternoon at leisure perhaps you may want to visit the open-air museum and Arktikum? (B)

In the morning enjoy a relaxed start or perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit Ranua Wildlife Park, for the chance to see polar bears, lynxes or even a wolverine. Continue north along the Four Winds Road, where you may see herds of reindeer roaming freely as you journey for one of the oldest churches in Lapland. Travel through Europe's last great wilderness to see the Urho Kekkonen National Park near the gold centre of Tankavaara. (B/D) Stay: Ivalo

Cross the rolling tundra into Norway and stop at Karasjok for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit a Sámi National Museum, devoted to preserving the Sámi history and culture, and see the Sámii 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 Nordkapp, Scandic Honningsvåg.

Enjoy a relaxed start before continuing through Norway's most Northern County of ‘Finnmark', covered in unique topography of rolling tundra and isolated dwellings. This afternoon experience the town of Alta at your leisure, made famous for its fishing and mining history. Why not visit the Northern Lights Cathedral or consider taking a wilderness trip on the Alta River itself? (B) Stay: Scandic Alta

Begin your day with a Relaxed Start before delving into Alta's ancient heritage. Explore the town centre or join your Local Expert to discover the UNESCO-listed Rock Art of Alta, home to thousands of prehistoric carvings that reveal fascinating stories of early Arctic civilisation.

Later, visit a working husky farm where you'll meet the Lyrek family, champions in the world of Arctic dog-sled racing. Here, savour a seasonal oven-baked lunch, featuring regional fare such as fresh Arctic fish or nutrient-rich reindeer, served with crisp salads and wine.

Afterwards, learn about the Alaskan huskies bred for endurance and speed on the snow, and meet the next generation of spirited pups—perhaps future champions themselves. (B/L)

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 kilometres of mountains and glaciers that really are stunning all year round. Continue to Narvik, surrounded by majestic peaks that played their own part in history.

This afternoon, you may wish to visit the Narvik War Museum on an Optional Experience, where thought-provoking exhibits explore the 1940 Battles of Narvik and the impact of occupation on everyday life in the Arctic. (B) Stay: Quality Grand Royal

Board a ferry to cross the striking Tysfjord, whose arms stretch inland between steep granite walls. Continue south past the border of Rago National Park, part of a vast transboundary wilderness shared with Sweden, known for its glacial lakes and pine-clad ridges.

Cross the Arctic Circle near the town of Storforshei, marked by a striking monument, before reaching Mo i Rana. Located on the Ranfjorden, Mo i Rana was historically shaped by iron ore mining and today serves as a gateway to Northern Norway's wild interior. (B/D) Stay: Home Hotel Helma, Mo I Rana

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 Lerkendal, 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 snowcapped 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: Union Geiranger

Enjoy a relaxed start and a whole day free for you to explore the fjords and mountains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and take an incredible scenic drive along the amazing Trollstigen, or Troll's Road. The road itself was a masterpiece of engineering when it was built over 70 years ago and the spectacular views will leave you speechless. (B/D)

Journey through the countryside immortalised by Ibsen in 'Peer Gynt' and inspiration for Edvard Grieg. Continue to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, for an orientation with your Travel Director. Then it's on to the modern Norwegian capital of Oslo. Round off your travels with a dinner and raise your glass to toast your adventures with your newfound friends. (B/D) Stay: Thon Opera, Oslo

Your Local Expert will show you the spires and ramparts of the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbour. See the Royal Palace and explore Frogner Park, housing the intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax by the harbour or continue exploring as you wish. (B)

Your Scandinavian exploration has come to an end. (B)