Classic Scandinavia

Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your adventure kicks off in Helsinki with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Senate Square or catch a performance at the National Theatre. You may want to consider purchasing the Helsinki Card – an economical way to travel on Helsinki City Transport (HKL) with free admission to the main Helsinki sights, including nearly 50 museums.

After your meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with your group and get to know each other.

After breakfast this morning, head out with your leader for an orientation walk of Helsinki’s main sites, like the Helsinki Cathedral and the Design Museum.

Later this afternoon, you’ll catch an overnight ferry to Stockholm, Sweden. Aboard your boat, you can grab dinner at one of the onboard restaurants, hang out at the bar or watch some live entertainment as the sun dips below the sea outside the windows. You could even treat yourself to an onboard spa treatment at the wellness centre! You’ll spend the night in cosy cabins with sea views, falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves. (B)

Arrive in Stockholm this morning – often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', this city is packed with amazing architecture, manicured parks and clear waters. After checking in, head out for an orientation walk with your leader through the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan and see the Vasa Museum, which you can further explore later during your free time. Vasa, a 17th-century warship, sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage and was salvaged in 1961. You’ll also experience the Swedish tradition of Fika – a social ritual around enjoying coffee, pastries and good company. The essence of Fika is taking a moment to pause and connect with others, typically with a strong coffee and baked goods like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), cakes or cookies.

Tonight, maybe head to Stockholm's Sodermalm District – the inner-city island with the best nightlife, shops, bars and cafes. (B)

Fuel up on breakfast this morning then head out on a scenic boat tour around Stockholm's archipelago. Vast and unique, the archipelago consists of nearly 30,000 islands surrounded by expansive waters. Spend 3 hours soaking in the gorgeous natural surroundings as you sail through the islands, then you’ll have a free afternoon to find some lunch. After, explore the city at your own pace. Maybe head to the Photography Museum, the ABBA Museum or Drottningholm Palace. (B)

Take the train from Stockholm to the village of Tallberg today, travelling through the scenic Swedish countryside. Take the opportunity to relax, connect with your fellow travellers and soak up the passing landscapes, including Siljan Lake, where the village sits – one of Sweden’s largest lakes. When you arrive in Tallberg, consider taking an optional tour of Holens Gammelgard (only available June to August) – the home and studio of Gustaf Ankarcrona, a Swedish artist and architect. Walk around the timber farm that features buildings from the 1600 to 1800s, feeling like you’ve been transported into one of Gustaf’s paintings, and take in views of the lake below. After, you’ll head to a cinnamon roll baking demonstration. Watch the locals make this favourite afternoon treat, then tuck in and try one for yourself. (B/D)

Today you’ll take a private transfer to the local forest for a walk. Breathe in the fresh forest air as you follow your leader through the trees.

For lunch, you’ll head to a local’s home for an outdoor lunch, cooked over an open fire with your host. The rest of your evening is free to explore the village at your own pace – ask your leader for the best local dinner spots. (B/L)

Say goodbye to lakeside Tallberg and drive to Oslo – the capital city of Norway at the head of the Oslofjord. This cool capital is famed for its fusion cuisine and eclectic art scene, so there’s plenty of things to feast your senses on. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and see the Opera House by the waterfront. Then, go out to taste some Norwegian snacks, including a local beer and a glass of aquavit (a Scandinavian spirit, often paired with beer).

This afternoon, maybe take on the typical Oslo experience of an urban sauna – the harbour now boasts several of these saunas, and many locals take the daring opportunity to dip in the fjord after! Tonight, why not head out for an optional dinner with your group and celebrate a quintessential Scandinavian adventure. (B)

With no further activities planned after breakfast today, your trip comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Oslo and it’s recommended that you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)