13 Day Sweden & Norway, Scandinavian Culture & Fjords

Welcome to stunning Stockholm, spread across 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to experience the many delights of this city of contrasts. This evening, your tour begins at 6:00 PM when you join your Tour Manager for a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting which highlights the magnificent journey through Scandinavia that awaits you. Then, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in Stockholm no later than 4:00 PM on day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible
Overnight: Stockholm
Meals: Dinner

The discovery of Stockholm begins with views of the iconic Italian-Baroque Royal Palace and Riddarholm Church, burial place of Swedish monarchs. At the City Hall, visit the famous Blue Hall and glistening Gold Hall where the Nobel Banquet is held each year. A walk through the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town reveals rows of 17th and 18th century storybook buildings, 700-year-old Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Nobel Museum and historic Stortorget Square. Conclude your tour of Old Stockholm with a visit to a local confectioner where you'll learn the art of baking the traditional Swedish candy cane. Your creation is yours to take home! The rest of the day is free to explore some of Stockholm’s distinctive neighborhoods, beautiful parks and world-class museums, including a fascinating and interactive museum dedicated to ABBA, Sweden's most famous pop singing group!
Overnight: Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast

Begin your day with a fascinating visit to the unique Vasa Museum, home of the restored royal warship that set off on a maiden voyage and sank to the bottom of the sea. Then say goodbye to Stockholm as we drive west through the Swedish lowlands, the traditional heart of Sweden where farms and countless lakes dot the countryside. Stop for a visit to the Anundshög, a fascinating ancient site believed to be an important center of power during the Iron Age. Here, view Sweden's largest burial mound as well as stone circles, standing stones, and one of the best-preserved runestones in Sweden. After free time for lunch, continue to the city of Karlstad, located on the banks of the Klarälven River, for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Karlstad
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, savor the morning in Karlstad before departing for Oslo, the futuristic capital of Norway. Upon arrival, visit the Munch Museum, the world's largest museum dedicated to one single artist, Edvard Munch. This Norwegian painter is an important figure of Modernism, and is best known for his painting The Scream. Afterward, check into your room. Tonight, gather together for dinner at your hotel in central Oslo
Overnight: Oslo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin the day with a visit to the Viking Ship Museum to see three 1,200-year-old Viking ships, renowned for being the best-preserved examples in the world. Next, a drive in Oslo reveals its striking architecture. Begin at the magnificent National Theater, one of Norway's most prominent venues for performance of dramatic arts. View the 19th century Royal Palace as well as the main square with its ornate City Hall. Afterward, visit the unique Vigeland Sculpture Park with its astonishing 212 stark life-size granite and bronze sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. View the huge Monolith Column, adorned in relief with 121 human figures carved from a single block of granite. Tonight, a specially arranged private visit and refreshments at the renowned Nobel Peace Center. Tour this state-of-the art museum that celebrates the lives and achievements of winners of the Nobel Peace Prize accented by compelling digital displays. This evening, discover Oslo's vast range of vibrant restaurants and bars
Overnight: Oslo
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, travel to Lillehammer where your exploration begins at the expansive Maihaugen Open Air Museum, a charming living history museum arranged as a small village. View the collection of more than 180 buildings including a transplanted Stave Church, traditional Gudbrandsdalen homes, crafts shops, a postal museum and 27 farm buildings. Afterward, on to the Lillehammer Ski Jump dating back to the 1994 Winter Olympics. Ascend by chair lift to the ski jump tower where you can admire panoramic views of Lillehammer and Lake Mjosa from the terrace (when conditions permit). Tonight, warm hospitality and lots of fun await you at the Lillehammer Brewery's beer cellar, dating back to 1855. After a tasting of their beers, enjoy dinner at the popular restaurant
Overnight: Lillehammer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A day of astonishing beauty as you travel on the thrilling Trollstigen Mountain Road on your way to Geiranger. View the dramatic fjords and towering mountain vistas. Tucked into the mountains with its eleven hair-raising hairpin bends, the road snakes its way along the steep mountainside - undoubtedly one of Norway's most mesmerizing sites. Stop for lunch in this breathtaking setting before continuing on your journey through the Norwegian countryside. At the village of Linge board a ferry and cross the Norddalsfjorden to the village of Eidsdal. From here, continue to the town of Geiranger at the head of the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord. The view from Ørnesvingen down to the Geirangerfjord is truly spectacular! Dinner together in this magnificent setting caps a breathtaking day
Overnight: Geiranger
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is highlighted by a cruise on the wondrous Geirangerfjord, renowned for its unsurpassed beauty. Pass scattered cliffside farms that cling to towering, nearly sheer walls, majestic mountain peaks and lush green vegetation. Then, the boat twists and turns to the amazing waterfalls known as the Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil. The indescribable beauty of this fjord will be a lasting memory of your adventurous journey! Drive via the incredible Dalsnibba Pass (conditions permitting) where you will stop at the outstanding lookout, the region's highest point, for unforgettable views of towering cliffs, waterfalls and the valley below. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at your hotel
Overnight: Geiranger
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Geiranger this morning and head to the fascinating hands-on Norwegian Glacier Museum. The museum's exhibits offer a unique perspective of glaciers, their movements, crevasses and an informative audio-visual presentation. You can even experiment with 1,000 year old glacial ice! Afterward, take a ferry ride from Mannheller to Fondes. Dinner this evening is at the hotel in Flam
Overnight: Flam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Board the world-famous Flam Mountain Railway, a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering, for a train ride into Norway's high glacial regions. View pastures, waterfalls and snow-clad peaks, all nestled beautifully into the surrounding mountainside. Ascend to 3,000 feet within 12 miles for one of the most splendid panoramas in Norway. After arriving in Myrdal, change trains and continue to the village of Voss where your coach will meet you. This afternoon's drive through the Norwegian countryside is punctuated by a stop at a local farm for conversation, coffee and cake. Then, continue to picturesque Bergen, Norway's second largest city and unofficial capital of western Norway
Overnight: Bergen
Meals: Breakfast

Begin the day with a stroll through Bryggen, the city's old Hanseatic wharf district known for its busy harbor and gabled traditional wooden buildings. Founded during the days of the Hanseatic League, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a walk through the popular fish market, linger for a tasting of the fresh smoked salmon. Then continue to Troldhaugen, home of beloved Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg. This lakeside home served as inspiration for his music. In the on-site theater overlooking the water, attend a piano concert featuring Grieg's work. Tonight, say goodbye to your newfound friends at the Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Bergen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast