Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords
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See the wonders of Europe’s northern reaches.
From seafaring histories to fantastic fjords, there’s a lot to love about Scandinavia. Marvel at Norway’s amazing green cliffs and blue water, then set sail from Oslo to Denmark’s waterside capital. Hit the remaining Nordic capitals—Stockholm and Helsinki, two of the world’s most livable cities—and explore their maritime pasts and modern architecture.
Your tour package includes
- 10 nights in handpicked hotels
- 2 nights aboard a cruise ship
- 12 breakfasts
- 6 dinners with beer or wine
- 6 guided sightseeing tours
Included highlights
- Historic Bergen
- Norway’s fjord country
- Fram Museum
- Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district
- Vasa Museum
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Bergen today.
Welcome to Norway! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Join a local guide to discover historic sites in and around Bergen.
- Drive to Fana and enter the wooden, medieval-style Fantoft Stave Church.
- Pass by Bergenhus Fortress and the bustling fish and flower market.
- Admire views of the city center and harbor from Custom House Pier.
- Walk through the Hanseatic era alleyways and courtyards in the UNESCO-listed Bryggen harbor district.
Spend the day journeying through Norway’s fjord country, a region of otherworldly natural beauty.
- Embark on a cruise through the country’s steep cliffs and narrow waterways.
- Disembark in the village of Flåm, overlooking Aurlandsfjord.
- Take a scenic train ride along one of the steepest rails in the world.
Fly to Oslo this morning. Then, step inside the Fram Museum to learn about Norway’s history of polar exploration and other world famous voyages through interactive exhibits.
This evening, sit down for an included dinner.
A local guide introduces you to Oslo's local highlights this morning.
- Step inside Oslo City Hall to see stunning murals.
- Enter the National Gallery to see Edvard Munch's famous painting called "The Scream."
- Stroll through Vigelandsparken, a sculpture park, as you enjoy a short panoramic tour in the center of the city.
- Explore the local Mathallen market.
Later, board a cruise ship and sail through the night to Copenhagen, Denmark. Aboard the ship, sit down for an included dinner.
After docking in Copenhagen, take a guided tour of the bustling maritime city with a local guide.
- Step inside the 16th-century Rosenborg Castle, a royal residence built in the Dutch Renaissance style.
- View the iconic Little Mermaid statue and marvel at the wharfside homes and stores in the beautifully preserved Nyhavn district.
- Pass by the Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Parliament.
Spend a free day in Copenhagen or add an excursion.
Frederiksborg Castle & Elsinore
From $139 per person
Fly to Stockholm, Sweden this morning. This evening, sit down for an included dinner.
Explore Sweden’s sophisticated capital on a guided tour led by a local expert.
- Enter the architecturally unique Stockholm City Hall, site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet.
- Step inside the Vasa Museum to see a 1628 warship that once sat at the bottom of Stockholm harbor.
- Stroll through the medieval Old Town and view the Baroque Royal Palace.
Enjoy a free afternoon in Stockholm or add an excursion.
Historic Sweden: A Day in Uppsala
From $135 per person
Spend a free morning in Stockholm or add an excursion.
This afternoon, board an overnight cruise to Helsinki, Finland. Aboard the ship, sit down for an included dinner.
Drottningholm
From $129 per person
Trace Finland’s history and experience its culture during a guided tour of the country’s capital city.
- Pass through Senate Square.
- See the modern Olympic Stadium.
- Stop to enter Temppeliaukio Church, carved into a rocky hillside.
- Recall Finland’s most famous composer in the eponymous Sibelius Park.
Celebrate your trip with your group during a farewell dinner tonight.
Enjoy a free day in Helsinki or add an excursion.
Tallinn
From $169 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to explore Iceland.
Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland this morning. Upon arrival, get a feel for “the greenest city on Earth,” with your Tour Director leading the way.
- See the iconic Höfði House, Perlan Restaurant, and the presidential residence at Bessastadir
- Visit Hallgrim’s Church and the University District
- Pass the Old Town Center, Parliament House, and modern City Hall
- Glimpse the artwork of Ásmundur Sveinsson and Einar Jónsson, both famous Icelandic artists
Please note: On some departures the sightseeing tour of Reykjavik may take place during the morning of day 15 based on flight availability.
Enjoy a free day to explore Reykjavik on your own, or add an excursion.
Please note: On some departures the sightseeing tour of Reykjavik may take place during the morning of day 15 based on flight availability on day 14.
Blue Lagoon Spa Visit
From $159 per person
Leave the bustle of Reykjavik behind as you travel the Golden Circle, a ring of some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders.
- Stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Althing, an open-air governmental assembly that was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798.
- Sit down for an included lunch at Fridheimar Farm, where fresh produce is grown in a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy.
- Explore the Great Geysir geothermal area, located in the Haukadalur Valley.
- Discover Gullfoss, or the Golden Waterfall, a natural wonder and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Book for just $99 down
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Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.5 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars
Great Tour!
5 out of 5 stars
This tour was amazing!! Everything was perfectly planned, and all we had to do was pack our bags and show up. We got to experience the most magical parts of Scandinavia. I can’t say enough great things about this experience!!
Traveler photos
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This modern hotel is located in Bergen’s Sentrum neighborhood. Guests enjoy a foodbar, a gym, and free bicycle rentals. Nearby, you’ll find the Bergen...
This modern hotel is located on the Fornebu peninsula, outside of Olso. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant, and gym. Nearby, you’ll find the Engineerium m...
This stylish hotel is located in the Harbor District of Denmark. Guests enjoy a fitness center, sauna, and bike rentals. Nearby, you'll find Tivoli Ga...
This modern hotel is located in Stockholm's city center. Guests enjoy a fitness center, sauna, and bike rentals. Nearby, you'll find the ABBA museum, ...
This charming hotel is located in the Design District of Helsinki. Guests enjoy the sauna, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. Nearby you’ll find ...
This modern hotel is located in the Hlemmur neighborhood. Guests enjoy a spa, bar, and restaurant. Nearby you’ll find the Sun Voyager sculpture, Hallg...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- This tour visits Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland (plus Iceland on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SCA.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Bergen and depart from Helsinki (or Reykjavik on the tour extension).
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Bergen, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a moderate physical activity-level tour. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a very fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Three 1-night stays
- Most days and evenings are full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach, some transportation by commercial flights, train, and ferry
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2 miles per day - this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Cobblestone streets and pathways can become slick when wet.
- Travelers should be prepared to climb 100 steps to the top of Vigelandsparken in Oslo
- Walking around the Gullfoss Waterfall on the Iceland extension can be slippery.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect temperatures reaching up to the 60sF-70sF in the summer months and in the 40SF and 50sF in the spring and fall months.
- Scandinavia sees the most rainfall in July and August, while April and May are the driest months.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including plane, ferry, train, boat, and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- A flight from Bergen to Oslo, overnight ferries from Oslo to Copenhagen and Stockholm to Helsinki, as well as a flight from Copenhagen to Stockholm are included in the price of your tour (the tour extension also includes a flight from Helsinki to Reykjavik).
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include flights.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
- For the overnight ferries, customers will only have access to their carry on luggage, as larger luggage will be stored separately in the ship. An overnight bag or backpack is highly recommended.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SCA.
- This tour includes six dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Norwegian cuisine is varied, offering something for every traveler. Lamb is the most traditional meat, but you’ll also find everything from goose to deer being served in Norway. Seafood lovers will enjoy the country's array of smoked salmon, shellfish, pickled herring, and scrod. Typical meals often incorporate grains, locally-produced cheeses, fresh produce, and wild berries.
- Sweden's famous meatballs are typically served with a brown sauce and tart lingonberry jam. Smoked salmon and pickled herring are popular eats, especially atop a crisp bread. Snack on the country's many kinds of pastry and breads during fika, a social coffee hour that occurs mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
- When in Denmark, try the beloved open-faced sandwich called smørrebrød: a slice of rye bread topped with local favorites that could include smoked fish, prawns, mayonnaise, horseradish, or caviar. The country is also known for the popular Carlsberg and Tuborg beers.
- Fish, meat, potatoes, and bread are staples in Finnish cuisine. Some typical Finnish foods include grillimakkara (grilled sausages), ruisleipä (rye bread), leipäjuusto (mild cheese, often served with jam) and korvapuusti (cinnamon buns).
- On the tour extension, Icelandic cuisine relies on traditional, locally sourced ingredients from the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. Both fresh and dried fish, including herring, cod, and shark, are important culinary staples. Other must-tries include Icelandic lamb, which is considered to be some of the best in the world, as well as pylsa (hot dogs), and skyr cheese.
- The included lunch at Fridheimar Farm on the tour extension typically includes the Friðheimar Tomato Soup served on a buffet with sour cream, home baked bread, cucumber salsa, butter and fresh herbs. Beverages include unlimited water and one soft drink.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10-$12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Norwegian krone in Norway, the Swedish krona in Sweden, the Danish krone in Denmark, and the euro in Finland (and the Icelandic krona in Iceland on the tour extension).
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
- You will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Iceland than on your main tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time(ET).
- Finland is two hours ahead of GMT and seven hours ahead of ET.
- On the tour extension, Iceland is one hour behind GMT and four hours ahead of ET.
- When it’s noon in New York, it's 6pm in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, 7pm in Finland, and 4pm on the tour extension in Iceland.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
- Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
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