The Itinerary 12-night Scandinavia: Tracing Viking Sea Routes
Thursday, September 16 – Depart Los Angeles ✈️ Overnight flight to Copenhagen Friday, September 17 Arrive in Copenhagen - 3 nights Private transfer to your boutique hotel Time to settle in and freshen up Leisurely orientation walk through the historic city center Stroll along the colorful Nyhavn waterfront Saturday, September 18 - Royal Copenhagen & Canal cruise Guided walking tour of Copenhagen Amalienborg Palace Square The Marble Church The Little Mermaid Free time for lunch Afternoon canal cruise through Copenhagen's scenic waterways Free time for shopping or visiting Tivoli Gardens (optional) Sunday, September 19 - Viking heritage in Roskilde Train to Roskilde Visit the Viking Ship Museum Explore the UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral Free time for lunch in the charming town center Free time to browse local shops and cafés Return to Copenhagen by train Monday, September 20 - Bergen (4 nights) Transfer to Copenhagen Airport Short flight to Bergen (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes) After settling in, walk through the historic harbor. Stroll along the colorful UNESCO-listed Bryggen Browse artisan shops and galleries Enjoy your first views of the harbor Tuesday, September 21 - Bergen food & culture Enjoy a leisurely morning to relax or explore Bergen at your own pace. At 12:30 pm join a three-hour Food and Culture Guided Walk through Bergen’s historic Center. Along the way enjoy five tasting stops featuring local Norwegian specialties, a sweet surprise, and a small beer tasting. At Sunset, Ride the famous Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for spectacular panoramic views. Wednesday, September 22 - Norway in a nutshell Today's full-day excursion showcases some of Norway's most breathtaking scenery. Travel aboard the scenic Bergen railway, continue by bus to Gudvangen, cruise through the magnificent UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and ride the spectacular Flam Railway. A packed lunch and bottle water will be provided. Return to Bergen in the evening. Thursday, September 23 – Bergen to Oslo by scenic rail (2 nights) Relax in comfortable seats as the train winds through dramatic mountain landscapes, sparkling lakes, waterfalls, alpine villages, and Norway's breathtaking countryside. Lunch and drinks may be purchased in the cafe car.Arrive in Oslo in the late afternoon. Private transfer to your boutique hotel. This evening enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Harbor Promenade and lively Aker Brygge waterfront. Friday, September 24 - DISCOVER OSLO 2 nights Morning: Explore Oslo's highlights: Visit the Oslo Opera House and walk on its iconic marble roof View the exterior of Royal Palace Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park Afternoon visit the fascinating Fram Museum, home to Norway's legendary polar exploration ship. Saturday, September 25 - Stockholm (4 nights) Private transfer to Oslo Airport. Short flight to Stockholm. Transfer to your boutique hotel. After settling in, enjoy an orientation walk through the charming streets of Gamla Stan. Sunday, September 26 - Stockholm & SKANSEN AUTUMN MARKET Beginning the day at the remarkable Vasa Museum, home to the beautiful preserved 17th- century warship. Continue to Skansen Open - Air Market and experience a lively country fair Pause for a traditional Swedish Fika experience with coffee and pastry Free afternoon for shopping, museums, or relaxing at a waterfront café. Monday, September 27 - Stockholm archipelago Embark on a scenic guided cruise with lunch through Stockholm’s famous archipelago. Sail past picturesque islands, traditional wooden homes, rocky shorelines, and beautiful scenery while learning about life and history in the archipelago Tuesday, September 28 - Music & modern Sweden Visit ABBA The Museum for a lively and interactive journey through the story and music of Sweden’s most famous pop group. Enjoy free time on beautiful Djurgården Island. Those who wish may visit the Skansen Open-Air Museum or explore the island’s gardens, cafés, and waterfront paths. Farewell Dinner celebrating your Scandinavian adventure. Wednesday, September 29 - Departure Private transfer to Stockholm Airport for your return flight home |
Going AbroadFollow the path of the Vikings on a sweeping journey across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden—where sea, sky, and story are deeply intertwined. This 11 day adventure traces ancient maritime routes from the colorful harbors of Copenhagen through Norway’s dramatic fjords before concluding among the islands of Stockholm.
Walk historic waterfronts once alive with longships, sail through towering fjords that served as Viking highways, and stand beneath Arctic skies where exploration pushed the boundaries of the known world. Along the way, discover UNESCO-listed districts, modern Nordic design, rich maritime museums, and landscapes that feel both powerful and serene. This journey blends epic scenery with cultural depth—balancing guided exploration, scenic cruising, and time to absorb the quiet magic of Scandinavia’s coastal capitals. It’s a voyage through history, nature, and the enduring spirit of the North. Activity Level 3: Moderate with Optional Adventure This Scandinavia journey is designed for travelers who enjoy staying active while exploring extraordinary landscapes—without it feeling strenuous or rushed. **What to expect:** * Daily walking through historic districts in Copenhagen and Stockholm (cobblestones, gentle inclines, waterfront paths) * Scenic exploration in Bergen, including hills and uneven surfaces * Boat cruises through fjords and archipelagos with time seated and relaxed * Optional activities such as short hikes, funicular rides, or seasonal Arctic excursions Most days include 2–4 hours of walking spread throughout the day, with regular breaks for meals, scenic pauses, and cultural visits. Norway’s terrain can be hillier than Denmark or Sweden, but strenuous hiking is never required. This tour is ideal for travelers who are comfortable being on their feet, navigating steps and historic streets, and enjoying fresh coastal air—while still appreciating downtime and comfortable accommodations each evening. In short: active, immersive, and balanced, with adventure available but never mandatory. Food & DiningScandinavian food is rooted in simplicity, freshness, and sustainability, heavily featuring locally sourced fish (like salmon and herring), root vegetables, berries, and dairy, often preserved through smoking, curing, or pickling. Known for hearty, nutritious dishes—or husmanskost (farmer fare)—the cuisine balances staples like rye bread, potatoes, and game meats with a modern emphasis on seasonal, foraged ingredients. Iconic examples include Swedish meatballs, smörgåsbord (open-faced sandwiches), and delicate cardamom-spiced baked goods, reflecting a clean, functional culinary tradition.
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