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2017 Best of Scandinavia 15 Days

Denmark - Sweden - Norway

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our journey begins this morning with a departure for the west coast where we make a comfortable connection to Europe. Once the preliminary flight schedule is ready it will be displayed online doldworldjourneys.com under the journey's page.

Day 2 Via Germany to Copenhagen, Denmark.

To cut down on flying time we make a connection on the west coast and fly non-stop to Frankfurt, Germany. After a brief stretch, depart on an hour and a half hop to Copenhagen, Denmark arriving in the early evening. We clear customs formalities, are met by our specially chosen Scandinavian Tour Director, and transfer to the Radisson Blu Scandinavia our home for the next two nights. Tonight celebrate the start of our journey with a Welcome dinner at our hotel. (D)

Day 3 Exploring Copenhagen.

The Danes have a word for their capital city: Hyggelig, which means warm and cozy. Built on a human scale with charm and grace, its streets are a pleasure to walk through. On our guided morning tour see the Church of Our Savior and the Stock Exchange on the way to Christiansborg Palace, where we visit the elegant Royal Reception Rooms.

Drive past the National Museum and the Royal Theater, stop for pictures of Amalienborg Palace with its lovely flower gardens, and view the world-famous statue of the wistful Little Mermaid. Tonight enjoy the bright lights and animation of Tivoli Gardens, the city's colorful amusement park. (B)

Day 4 Via Odense to Arhus.

A morning drive over one of the world's largest suspension bridges constructed off-shore takes us to the fairytale island of Funen. Here we visit Hans Christian Andersen's Home at Odense then cross the Little Belt waterway to Jutland. Arrive in Arhus and visit Den Gamle By, a fascinating collection of completely furnished old Danish town houses. After we check into the Scandic Arhus City Hotel there is time to shop in the pedestrian area near the hotel. This evening savor dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (B), (D)

Day 5 By Ferry to Gothenburg, Sweden.

At naval town of Frederikshavn we board a ferry for the three-hour crossing of the strategic Kattegat to Gothenburg, Sweden's thriving second-largest city. We see its landmarks during an orientation drive, and later we might want to mingle with the locals in the Liseberg Amusement Park. This is a country so civilized that even barnyard animals enjoy the protection of stringent laws. First Hotel G. (B), (D)

Day 6 To Stockholm.

Crossing the width of southern Sweden we see the area often referred to as the breadbasket of the country, miles of fertile farmland strewn with tidy farms. Pastoral scenes alternate with glimpses of major industrial centers that contribute to the wealth of the modern country: Jonkoping, home of the safety match industry; Huskvarna, noted for its sewing machines and bicycles; and Norkoping, a major Baltic Sea port. In the late afternoon we arrive in Stockholm, scene of Stieg Larsson's Millennium. Check in to the Radisson Blu Waterfront for our two night stay. (B)

Day 7 Discovering Stockholm.

The Swedish capital's beauty is due to its unique setting on 14 islands between Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea and to the care with which the city authorities control urban development and preserve historical treasures.

Our sightseeing with a local guide features the Royal Palace, Riddarholm Church, and the blue and gold chambers in the City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held. Later enjoy a stroll through the Old Town. Then explore Stockholm’s most colorful historic island and have lunch in a 13th-century cellar. The rest of our day is at leisure to do as we please. Our tour director can arrange an optional excursion to the fascinating Wasa Ship Museum. (B), (L)

Day 8 Via Uppsala to Falun.

This morning we visit Uppsala, the country's oldest university town and seat of the Archbishop of Sweden. Among this area's treasures is a twin-spire, 13th century French-Gothic Cathedral with glorious stained glass windows. After our visit to the Cathedral we enter Dalarna County and see the Great Pit at the Falun Mine. Once a copper mine and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First Grand Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 9 To Lillehammer, Norway.

We say goodbye to Sweden today and enjoy a scenic drive as we continue through rustic Dalarna. Our first stop is at Nils Olsson's Dala Horse Workshop to learn how these famous horses are made. Then across the Norwegian border and on via Lake Mjosa to Lillehammer. At the fascinating Maihaugen Open-Air Museum an expert explains the rich collection of ancient Gudbrandsdal farmhouses, dwellings, workshops, tools, and weapons. Lillehammer Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 10 Via Borgund to Flam.

An unforgettable day in the region many Norwegians prefer for their vacations. Majestic mountains, dark pine forests, sparkling lakes, silvery trout streams, trim villages, and prosperous farms all the way on our leisurely journey through Valdres and the Fillefjell area. Before arriving in Flam we stop for pictures at Borgund's stave church, famous for its beautiful exterior. Then enjoy a picturesque ride on the Flam Train before savoring dinner at our hotel. Fretheim Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 11 To Bergen.

Today we are in for a real treat: embark at Flam for a leisurely two-hour cruise on the spectacular Sognefjord and Naeroyfjord. Land at Gudvangen and motor to Stalheim for a dazzling panoramic view over the Naeroydalen Valley. Coffee and pastries will be served. Early afternoon arrival in picturesque Bergen, a cluster of brightly painted houses squeezed between the harbor and seven surrounding mountains. On our orientation tour we will hear about its 11th-century origins and its association with the Hanseatic League.

In the early evening we discover Old Bergen and Bryggen with its Hansa Quarters. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for the small shops, local artist studios, and Julehauset (Christmas House) - Norway's famous Christmas and handicraft center. Enjoy a delightful traditional Bergen meal after our free time for shopping. First Marin Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 12 To Geilo.

Meet the family that has owned the Steinsto Farm for eight generations. While we sample their Apple Cider, they will explain to us their history and how the cider is made. Next cross the amazing Hardanger Bridge before ascending to Voringfoss, Norway's most celebrated and mightiest waterfall. Then continue over the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau, the largest national park in the Nordic countries, to the ski resort of Geilo. Dr. Holms Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 13 Via Torpo to Oslo.

In Torpo admire a Stave Church, symbol of Norwegian heritage. We travel along the scenic road between the Steinsfjord and the ice-blue Tyrifjord and arrive in Oslo, the Capital of Norway. Our next two nights are at the Thon Opera Hotel. (B)

Day 14 Exploring Oslo.

Founded in 1050, Oslo is a study in farsighted urban planning, seeking growth in harmony with nature. More than any other Scandinavian capital, this city recalls the days of the Vikings and the great legends of the Norse. It is a narrow strip of a city backed up against the mountains and facing out to sea. It has about it the relaxed, buoyant feeling of a frontier outpost.

Panoramic sightseeing with a local guide features such landmarks as the National Theater, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Today's highlights include Frogner Park with Gustav Vigeland's famous stark sculptures and the ornate City Hall. The last afternoon of our great Scandinavian journey is free, with a chance to join an optional excursion to the relics of a glorious seafaring past. Tonight we savor a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of our journey. (B), (D)

Day 15 To Honolulu.

Vivid memories of a scenic and picturesque experience are with us as we retrace our original flight schedule to return home. Our flight arrives in Honolulu in the late evening. (B)