Nordic Explorer Tour

Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen & Norway-in-a-Nutshell
TOURCODE: NK1

Duration:
14 Days

Activity Level:
2

When To Go:
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Countries Visited:
4

Arrive In / Depart From:
/

Max Group Size:
Never more than 18

Tour Style:
Cultural

Price From:

  Overnight in: Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stalheim, Bergen

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

  • Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
  • All-inclusive with top-rated restaurants and hotels.
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Tour Overview
Tour Overview
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Countries Visited: 4 Activity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural

This spectacular 14-day Nordic Explorer tour to the Nordic countries is a perfect opportunity to see what kind of treasures lie along the Baltic Sea. And there could be no better way to start than a walking tour through the vibrant streets of Helsinki, Finland.

Be sure to take a stroll along the harbour and browse the abundant souvenir shops. Then it's off to Sweden, which boasts a colourful history with Renaissance buildings that dot the three main islands making up the oldest part of Stockholm: Riddarholmen, Staden and Helgeandsholmen.

A boat tour gives us a chance to see some of the other 14 islands that make up this wondrous city, like Djurgarden, which consists of a lustrous park that was once designated as the royal hunting grounds.

We visit world-renowned sites such as the Blue Hall and the Golden Chamber where the annual Nobel Prize banquets take place.

Once we arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark, we embark on a boat trip down the city's canal. Tour the massive granite halls of Christianborg Castle, and see the Danish Crown Jewels at the Rosenborg Castle.

 


 

Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices

 

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.

 

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

 

Optional Single Supplement: $1060 USD (number of singles limited).

 


 

Full Itinerary
Full Itinerary

Download Itinerary



Day 1 Arrive in Helsinki
Today we arrive in Helsinki and transfer to our hotel.

Overnight in Helsinki.

Included Meal(s): Dinner



Day 2 Helsinki: City Tour
Affectionately known as the 'Daughter of the Baltic', Helsinki is sited at the arrowhead of a peninsula, surrounded by an archipelago of 315 islands, perfectly placed between its two great trading cousins, Stockholm and Moscow. In a European perspective, Helsinki is relatively young (450 years), yet it is Finland's sixth-oldest town. The Swedes, who extended their empire into Finland in 1155, founded the city of 'Helsingfors' (the name still used by the Swedes) in 1550 when King Gustav Vasa needed a site for a strategic, competitively placed trading port. It languished as a coastal backwater until Imperialist Russia invaded in 1809.

Today we will enjoy a comprehensive walking tour taking in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre and the diplomatic quarters, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. We stop at Senate Square, and, if possible, Temppeliaukio Church.

During the afternoon you can explore the busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbour. Fans of modern architecture and/or libraries may enjoy a visit to the Oodi Helsinki Library, which occupies a hugely significant site in central Helsinki: facing the steps of the Finnish parliament building. The upper surface of the canopy structure has been used to create a large public terrace, from which one can look directly over the square to the steps and main entrance of parliament. The terrace doubles the amount of public outdoor space provided for library visitors and creates a new destination where people can meet and observe the city below.

Overnight in Helsinki.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 3 Free time in Helsinki / Ferry to Sweden
Today you will have a free day to explore Helsinki. Helsinki is small and intimate; lively but not bustling. Its size makes it easy to walk around and cafes, markets, and the nearby islands are just a few of its summer delights.

This evening we will board our overnight ferry to Stockholm. Our overnight ferries feature modern facilities, restaurants, duty-free shopping, and cozy cabins with low beds (ie not bunks) and en-suite washroom.

Overnight ferry.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 4 Stockholm: City Tour
Welcome to Sweden!

After our morning arrival we check into our hotel before commencing with our walking tour of the Old City. With its location on the east coast of Sweden at the mouth of Lake Malaren, by the Stockholm archipelago, it is widely renowned for its beauty. Three islands make up the oldest part of Stockholm -- Riddarholmen, Staden and Helgeandsholmen -- the whole history-riddled mass a cluster of seventeenth- and eighteen-century Renaissance buildings backed by narrow medieval alleys. 
 
It takes only a matter of seconds to cross the bridge onto Riddarholm, where the Riddarholmskyrkan Church is located. Originally a Franciscan monastery, for over six centuries the church has been the burial place of Swedish royalty. 
 
Our walk around the island will take us to the back of the church for stunning views of Stadshuset, the City Hall and Lake Malaren. Nearby is the island Langholmen where in the winter people skate and even take their dogs for walks on the ice, as the water freezes solid right up to the bridges and beyond.
 
We will continue to the City Hall, where we will view both the controversial Blue Hall and the Golden Chamber with its 18 million mosaic tiles, known to the entire world from the annual traditional Nobel Prize banquets.

Overnight in Stockholm.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 5 Stockholm: Boat Tour & Vasa Ship Museum
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour by boat (50 minutes) on which we discover the history of Stockholm. The tour starts at the City Hall and takes us around the second largest island in the city, Kungsholmen. We also pass the historical islands of Långholmen and Reimersholme. Travelling through narrow canals, past leafy shorelines, and many interesting buildings, you will learn all about the history of this beautiful city and its development from early industrial to modern times.

After our cruise we'll visit the Vasa Ship Museum. The Vasa warship left the pier by the Old Town in 1628 for her maiden voyage, but sank right in the harbour of Stockholm after just a few minutes of sailing. In 1961, after 333 years at the bottom of the sea the ship was salvaged, and the museum was established.

The balance of your day is free day in Stockholm. Stockholm is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful national capitals in the world. The Old Town is particularly spectacular, and walking around the city's waterways and parks is a glorious way to spend your afternoon.

Overnight in Stockholm.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 6 Stockholm, Sweden - Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark
Today we fly to Copenhagen. Welcome to Denmark!

Upon arrival we'll visit the Carlsberg Glyptotek Art Museum. This is one of Copenhagen's most important museums, thanks to its exquisite antiquities, Gauguins and Rodins. Surrounding its lush indoor garden, a series of nooks and chambers houses works by Degas and other Impressionists, plus an extensive assemblage of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and French sculpture, not to mention the best collection of Etruscan art outside Italy and Europe's finest collection of Roman portraits. After a brief orientation, you will be free to explore on your own.

Overnight in Copenhagen.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 7 Copenhagen: City Tour
Today we kick off our Copenhagen touring with a one-hour historical canal boat tour, which provides an excellent introduction to our day. The trip includes a visit to the statue of the Little Mermaid on the Angelina promenade. The 1913 statue commemorates Hans Christian Anderson's lovelorn creation, and is the subject of hundreds of travel posters. Donated to the city by Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Breweries, the innocent waif has also been the subject of some cruel practical jokes, including decapitation and the loss of an arm, but she is currently in one piece.
  
After lunch we start our walking tour of Copenhagen, first to Rosenborg Castle, the home of the builder-king Christian the Fourth. We pass through some beautiful gardens en route and see a statue of Hans Christian Anderson. At Rosenborg Castle there are three floors to visit, as well as a basement vault where the Danish Crown Jewels are kept.
 
NOTE: The order of Copenhagen sightseeing may depending on weather and other logistical considerations.
 
Overnight in Copenhagen.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 8 Copenhagen: City Tour - Overnight Ferry to Oslo
Today we continue our tour of historic Copenhagen and visit Christianborg Castle. Surrounded by canals on three sides, the massive granite castle is where the queen officially received guests. Even though the first two castles on the site were burned, Christiansborg remains an impressive Baroque compound, even by European standards.

If time permits prior to our ferry, you may choose to visit the National Museum, with its permanent collections pertaining to Danish history as well as several very good ethnological rooms.

This evening we board our evening ferry for the overnight journey to Oslo. Our route takes us along the coast of Denmark and the body of water that separates the North Sea from the Baltic and into Norwegian waters. Our cabins are small but comfortable with ensuite facilities. These vessels are large and well appointed with amenities that include restaurants, shops, maybe even a cinema and swimming pool.
 
Overnight ferry.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 9 Arrival in Oslo: City Walking Tour
In the early morning we will enter the Oslo Fjord and the last 1.5 hours before arrival should be enjoyed on deck with cameras ready to go. The scenery is enchanting, with the old fortress at Droebak and the scattered islands full of summer homes enjoyed by the Norwegians. The ship will dock right down town and a bus/guide will be waiting to commence our sightseeing program.*

Upon disembarkation, our guide will conduct a walking tour of Oslo’s centre. Our tour includes a visit to the Opera House, where our the guide can point out the Munch Museum, which you can visit on your own this afternoon. We visit the Akershus Fortress for some nice views of Oslo, and the City Hall primarily to view the paintings inside. From City Hall the guide will also point out the National Museum -- 'the best new art gallery in Scandinavia' -- and definitely a place where you could spend the better part of your free time after the formal guided part of today's program.

The balance of the day is yours to spend at leisure, visiting the museums mentioned above and possibly strolling down the main street of Carl Johan, enjoying the activity in a city that comes alive during the summer months.

* Please note that our Oslo hotel rooms may NOT be ready for us this early in the day. Your large baggage will be securely stored; you might want to prepare your daypack ahead of time.

Overnight in Oslo.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 10 Oslo: Area Sightseeing
Today we'll visit one of Oslo's most celebrated and popular cultural targets, the Vigelandsparken, an open-air sculpture park which, along with the Vigeland Museum, commemorates a modern Norwegian sculptor of world renown, Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943).

Next is the Viking Ship Museum (please note that this museum has been intermittently closed for renovations and may not be available at the time of our tour), housing the three ships found buried along the Oslo Fjord, all of them nearly 1,200 years old, followed by a visit to the Norwegian Folk Museum, where a collection of city homes, farm buildings, one of the famous Stave Churches give you a overview of Norway, its culture, and history.

We also visit the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums, the latter of which houses the balsa raft used by Thor Heyerdal and his international crew in 1962. They sailed from Peru to Polynesia to confirm his theory that the first Polynesians originally came from Peru. The Fram Museum Museum tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration.

We return to the city and the Norwegian Folk Museum, where a collection of city homes, farm buildings, one of the famous Stave Churches give you a overview of Norway, its culture, and history.

Overnight in Oslo.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 11 Oslo - Flamsbana Railway - Gudvangen - Stalheim
An early departure takes us to Oslo's train station where we will catch a +/- 08:00 departure to Flam via Myrdal where we connect to the Famous Flamsbana, the Flam Railway, one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys.

In 1923 work was started on the separate railway line from Myrdal down sheer cliffs to Flam. Since the tunnels were done by hand, the first of the track wasn't put down until autumn 1936. By 1940 the line was opened and run first by steam engines. Electric engines took over in 1944. It takes about an hour to cover 20 km (12 miles) of track on the Flamsbana train. Eighteen of the 20 tunnels were chiseled out by hand which took one month of hard labour for each meter excavated. To avoid risk from avalanches, the railway criss-crosses the river and the bottom of the valley three times. Then, instead of building bridges, the river was routed through a tunnel under the railway line. Nowhere else in the world do adhesion rail cars on normal tracks have a steeper journey. Almost 80% of the railway line has a gradient of 5.5% (1:18).

At the bottom, we will enjoy the scenic landscape of the Flam Valley and admire the lovely Aurlandfjord, an offshoot of the Sognefjord, the longest in the world.

We will enjoy a break for lunch in Flam and then board a leisurely 2-hour cruise along the narrowest arm of Sognefjord and Aurland fjords. Here we are surrounded by the dramatic West Coast fjord landscape of steep snow-capped mountains (up to 1800 m /6,000 ft) and tumbling waterfalls, sheltered hamlets, and high mountain farms. After this journey we will catch a bus at Gudvangen and continue on to Stalheim, located at the very heart of Western Norway's beautiful fjord region.

Overnight in Stalheim.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 12 Stalheim - Bergen
Before departing Stalheim we'll visit the Stalheim Folkemuseum, which features exhibits of traditional crafts and rustic objects as well as 30 log buildings laid out as a traditional farm.

Departing Stalheim, we travel by windy mountain road to the train station at Voss. From Voss we journey by rail once again via the famous Bergen/Oslo railway line arriving in Bergen followed by a bus transfer to our hotel.

Bergen is widely regarded as one of the more beautiful cities of Norway, and is an ancient city that looms large in Viking sagas. Until the 14th century, it was the seat of the medieval kingdom of Norway. Later the Hanseatic merchants established a major trading post here, holding sway until the 18th century, when the locals reclaimed their trading rights. Bergen has survived many disasters, including several fires and the explosion of a Nazi ship during World War II. It is a town with important traditions in shipping, banking, and insurance, and its modern industries are expanding rapidly. The oldest part of town overlooks the busy harbour; along the harbour's edge are myriad shops, boutiques and the famous open-air fish market.

Overnight in Bergen.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 13 Bergen: City Tour
Our tour starts in the center of town at Torget, also called Fisketorget or the fish market, where fishermen and farmers deal their goods. Next we walk over to Bryggen, the wharf on the northeast side of Bergen's harbour. The gabled wood warehouses lining the docks mark the site of the city's original settlement. We take time to walk the narrow passageways between buildings; shops and galleries are hidden among the wooden facades.

Our walk continues down the wharf, past the historic buildings to the end of the Holmen promontory and to Bergenhus festning (Bergenhus Fort), which dates from the 13th century; the nearby Rosenkrantztarnet is a 16th century tower residence. Bergen's oldest cathedral is located behind the fort, the 12th century church called Mariakirken. Walking around the back of the church down four blocks to Floybanen, the funicular that runs up and down Floyen, one of the city's most popular hiking mountains -- the view is like no other. At the base of the funicular is an area of crooked streets and hodgepodge architecture where you'll find most of Bergen's antiques shops.

A midday stop at the Fish Market where you can enjoy fresh caught prawns right of the fishing boats, sit down on the quay and enjoy them like the locals do -- peel and load them onto fresh bread, add a bit of lemon and locally made mayonnaise.

Overnight in Bergen.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 14 Depart
Today we depart from Bergen.

BON VOYAGE!

Included Meal(s): Breakfast

 


 

Trip Info
Trip Info

Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily.

All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.

Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.

Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.

Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'.

Airport transfers for Land Only customers..

Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered in late spring, mid- and late summer when temperatures are warm and comfortable, though some summer days can get quite humid.

The region receives precipitation quite even throughout the year, so one must be prepared for a wide variety of conditions. Essentially, weather-wise, the above is the best time frame in which to visit; it is also advantageous with very long daylight hours at these latitudes.

Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size').

Our two overnight ferry crossings feature twin berths and private bath facilities. The vessels are fully-equipped with restaurants, cafes, shops, indoor/outdoor bars, elevators and plenty of open deck space.

Past passengers have commented on the considerable amount of walking on this itinerary. Though we do not rate this tour "strenuous," it is a busy program with full days and numerous city/town walking tours featuring uneven surfaces (cobblestones), inclines and/or stairs. You must be able to spend several hours on your feet per day, walking at a leisurely pace.

We may also make use of public transit and/or taxis in some cities in order to maximize sightseeing where vehicles or walking are impractical.

For information on our overnight ferries, see "Accommodation."

If you are unsure of your suitability for this trip, please contact one of our destination specialists.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3/4 star) throughout. All hotels have elevators and en suite bath, though most have shower only.

Porter service is rarely available; you MUST be independent with your luggage.

Single rooms are limited in number and likely smaller than twins.

Our overnight ferries feature cozy cabins with low beds (ie not bunks), large window, and en-suite washroom.

Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.

Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

Scandinavia & The Baltics
MAY JUL
TOUR CODE: BS3
Tour Overview
31 Day Poland Tour, Baltics & Nordic Europe
MAY
TOUR CODE: PN1
Tour Overview

 


 

Map & Hotels
Map & Hotels

Regions visited: Western Europe
Countries visited: Finland; Sweden; Denmark and Norway


*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.


The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.


Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Helsinki
Country: Finland
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki is located in the stunning historic building designed by the famous Eliel Saarinen at the Central Railway Station, where old-fashioned charm meets modern style in an inspirational way.
... /> The hotel has nearly 500 air-conditioned, timelessly stylish rooms. The wide room selection offers a first-class hotel experience and a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. The views from the rooms are unique. Depending on the room, you can admire the National Theatre, Ateneum Art Museum, the city buzz by the station, the beautiful courtyard or the green Kaisaniemi Park.
Read More
Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Stockholm
Country: Sweden
One of the leading hotel choices in Sweden’s capital, the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm provides an ideal location in the heart of the city. The hotel, just beside the Stockholm Central ... is a smart choice for travelers. Along with thoughtful amenities, many of the rooms provide scenic views of the bay area and city hall.
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Radisson SAS Nydalen
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Oslo
Country: Norway
The Radisson SAS Hotel in Nydalen is close to the Oslo city centre and international airport. These fresh and new styled rooms are fully equipped to the highest standards. All rooms include ... TV, trousers press, electronic safe and high speed Internet.

Read More
Grand Terminus Hotel
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Bergen
Country: Norway
Grand Hotel Terminus is located in the heart of the city, right next to Bergen railway station and Bystasjonen (bus station). Stops for the airport bus and city light rail are close ... In other words, Grand Hotel Terminus is within easy reach of many attractions and adventures. It is within walking distance of the city’s many attractions. Most of the top tourist attractions lie within walking distance of the hotel.

Read More

 


 

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Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
01. What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
02. Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
03. How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone. A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s). Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time. Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
04. What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
05. I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location. This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement. The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible. On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available. Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
06. Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").

 

What People are Saying
Ron P.
Thunder Bay, ON - CA
Well organized professional tour. We most enjoyed old cities centers in Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Guides in Oslo and Bergen were excellent and I felt I really got to know the cities and the main attractions. Hotels were very good. Really enjoyed the train across Norway, the fjord and Flam railway as well as funicular in Bergen. Evening meals were all very good.
Arleen C.
Winter Haven, FL - US
All excursions were good. Especially enjoyable were the walking tours of Stockholm and Copenhagen, the Vasa Ship Museum, the Olso museums and Norway in a Nutshell. The Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen guides were especially good. I loved that we traveled by plane, train, ferry, tram, bus, funicular and on foot. The ferries were an especially interesting experience. I thought we had wonderful evening meals. We had a great variety of authentic foods and the restaurants were extremely interesting, definitely not touristy places. Dinnertime was a highlight of the day. Our tour leader was unflappable. She handled everything with amazing ease. She has a great personality, a unique sense of humor and was able to relate well with all the members of the tour. It was a wonderful tour! The sightseeing was extensive, we had good free time for exploring, the small group made everything very manageable and the food was excellent!
Veronica P.
Silver Spring, MD - US
When members of the tour group went off on separate excursions, [Tour Leader] Chris made sure we had maps, and knew where we were going and how to return to the hotel. He was also helpful in suggesting ways to spend our free time.
William R.
San Fracisco, CA - US
This was an outstanding tour. The countries and cities visited are very interesting and [Tour Leader] Chris made it all work out in a coherent and friendly way. Chris is an extremely perceptive and caring person. He got to know each of the tour participants and made sure that their concerns were addressed. He helped to create a generally friendly atmosphere within the group and many friendships were formed, in part due to his facilitation.
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Countries Visited: 4

Finland; Sweden; Denmark; Norway.
Activity Level: 2

These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
Tour Style: Cultural

These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
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