Scandinavia: Hygge & Nordic History

Say hello to Helsinki!

First impressions: drop your bags and stretch your legs with a quick wander around the neighbourhood. Admire the waterfront views and take in that first hit of crisp Nordic air – it's a breezy introduction to Finland's cool capital.

Dinner, Finnish style: gather with your group at a local restaurant and dive into classic dishes. It's the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers and swap first impressions of this Nordic city. Stay: Clarion Hotel Mestari (or similar) (D)

Live like a local.

Morning on the move: join your Trip Leader for a walking tour through Helsinki's streets. Admire the neoclassical architecture of Senate Square, wander past the colourful houses of Katajanokka and peek inside the stunning Temppeliaukio Church, carved straight into solid rock.

Your Helsinki, your way: spend the afternoon wandering the Design District, sipping a café latte while people-watching like it's a professional past-time, or hunting out street art in the hip Kallio neighbourhood. Feeling daring? Opt for a Finnish sauna experience to sweat out the day, before boarding the overnight ferry to Stockholm. Dinner is served on board, and then it's time to drift off to sleep as the Baltic Sea carries you to Sweden. Stay: Overnight Ferry (B/D)

Stockholm, one sip at a time.

Harbour to streets: start your day with breakfast on board before arriving in Stockholm, then stretch your legs with a Trip Leader-led walking tour. You'll wander past bustling squares and the Royal Palace, and hear stories of Vikings and Nobel prize-winners, plus quirky details like hidden runestones and where to find the narrowest street in the city.

Fika fix: mid-tour, pause for a classic fika coffee break – a warm cup of coffee paired with a sweet bun. Sit back and soak up the crisp Scandinavian air while you recharge for the afternoon ahead. Stay: Hotel C Stockholm (or similar) (B)

Stockholm: set your own scene.

Canal cruising and city strolling: spend the day exploring the Swedish capital however you like. Wander Gamla Stan's colourful cobbled streets, sip a coffee with a kanelbulle (Sweden's answer to a cinnamon bun) in hand or meander along the waterways.

Pick your adventure: Stockholm's your oyster today – so shuck it however you like. Glide under iconic bridges on a boat tour, channel your inner Dancing Queen at the ABBA Museum, brush up on brilliance at the Nobel Museum or time-travel through Swedish traditions at Skansen open-air museum. For golden-hour goals, climb Skinnarviksberget and watch the city shimmer in shades of pink and amber – it's moments like these that you came for. Stay: Hotel C Stockholm (or similar) (B)

Next stop: Gothenburg, because Sweden has more up its sleeve.

Old town wandering: drop your bags and stretch your legs with a Trip Leader-led walking tour of the city's cobbled streets. Snap pics of quirky street art and soak up the relaxed rhythm of this Scandinavian harbour city.

Meatball mission: later, gather with the group for an included dinner of classic Swedish meatballs – think tender, juicy and smothered in gravy, with creamy mash and lingonberry jam on the side. Perfect fuel for an evening of exploring Gothenburg's canals and quirky lanes. And if you fancy seeing the city from the water, hop on a Paddan sightseeing cruise – glide under low bridges, past riverside cafés and admire Gothenburg's gorgeous waterfront from the comfort of the deck. Stay: Clarion Hotel Post (or similar) (B/D)

Ready, set, roam.

City strolls and sights: arrive in Copenhagen and join your Trip Leader for a walking tour through the heart of the city. Wander past colourful Nyhavn townhouses, hear the real story behind the Little Mermaid (spoiler: it's far darker than Disney let on) and check out the canals dotted with bikes and cafés.

Tivoli thrills: this afternoon, step into the magic of Tivoli Gardens amusement park. From rides that spin your stomach upside down to twinkling lights and charming stalls, it's a playground for big kids and thrill-seekers alike. Later, if you're feeling hungry, you could grab a smørrebrød – an open-faced Danish sandwich packed with pickled herring, creamy spreads or smoked salmon – at a canal-side café, or chase it with a classic Danish pastry while watching the city glide by. Stay: Comfort Hotel Vesterbro (or similar) (B)

Bikes, brews and city views.

Your way, your day: the afternoon is yours to play. Go full local on a bike tour past royal palaces, hop on a canal cruise to see Copenhagen from the water or head to the Heineken Brewery for a taste of Denmark's beer scene. Stay: Comfort Hotel Vesterbro (or similar) (B)

Your Copenhagen, your rules.

Start the day Copenhagen-style: today's yours to explore Copenhagen at your own pace. Climb the spiral ramp of Rundetårn for skyline views, venture underground into the atmospheric Cisterns, or graze your way through global flavours at Reffen Street Food. Prefer something more classic? Step into Rosenborg Castle to eye the crown jewels, wander the palace gardens, then refuel with coffee and some top-tier people-watching.

Overnight adventure: in the evening, board the ferry to Oslo. Settle in, enjoy dinner on board and watch the lights of Copenhagen fade as you cruise toward a brand new city. Stay: Overnight Ferry (B/D)

Oslo, come explore.

City strolls and stories: start your morning with a Trip Leader-led walking tour through the Norwegian capital. Wander past the striking Oslo Opera House, explore the waterfront at Aker Brygge and cut through the cobbled lanes of Kvadraturen with its historic buildings, galleries and cafés.

Fjordside fun: in the afternoon, the choice is yours – glide along the fjords on a scenic cruise, or paddle a sea kayak for a closer-to-the-water perspective. Whatever you pick, the crisp Norwegian air and sparkling waters will make it a day to remember. Stay: Thon Hotel Opera (or similar) (B)

Voss, valleys and views.

Scenic start: this morning, you'll make your way to Voss as fjords, forests and mountains blur past. Once you arrive, check in and join your Trip Leader for a quick welcome walk – the town is small and packed with cosy cafés and colourful wooden houses.

Sky-high adventure: in the afternoon, hop on the Voss Gondola and rise above the valley. The sweeping views of mountains, lakes and lush greenery are perfect for stretching your legs and snapping some incredible photos – and yes, the view gets better the higher you go. Stay: Scandic Voss (or similar) (B/D)

Thrill seeker's paradise.

Fjord-bound or feet-first: today is yours to play in Norway's extreme sports capital. Hop on the iconic Flåm Railway for a scenic journey through steep mountains, tumbling waterfalls and deep fjords – it's a ride that's as breathtaking as it is bucket-list worthy.

Your pace, your playground: prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Lace up for a hike in the surrounding hills, grab a hot drink or simply watch the clouds roll over the fjords. Stay: Scandic Voss (or similar) (B)

Voss, go big or go chill.

White-water rush: for thrill seekers, today's your chance to tackle the rapids with an optional rafting adventure. Paddle hard, scream loud and let the fjord spray cool you down – it's pure adrenaline with epic scenery.

Relaxation mode: not feeling that wild? Stay dry and take it easy instead. Wander the town, grab a coffee with a mountain view, or just kick back and soak up the serene Norwegian landscape. Your day, your rules. Stay: Scandic Voss (or similar) (B)

Bergen, bite and behold.

Harbour strolls: arrive in Bergen and join your Trip Leader for a walking tour of this colourful coastal city. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf with its timber façades, explore winding streets lined with shops and cafés and dive into the bustling Fish Market for fresh seafood snacks and local treats.

Sky-high sights: later, hop on the Fløibanen funicular railway and glide up the mountain for panoramic views of Bergen's fjords and rooftops. End the day with a farewell dinner – think hearty Norwegian fare, seafood delights and local flavours as you compare who ate the most cinnamon buns and trade tales of who braved the heights on the gondola. Stay: Grand Terminus Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

Last bites and goodbyes.

Final morning: enjoy your last breakfast in Bergen, soak in the city one last time and say farewell to your fellow travellers. It's the perfect moment to reflect on the fjords, fikas and friendships that made this trip truly special. (B)