Scandinavian Escape Christmas

Kick off this unmissable Scandinavia Christmas and New Year tour this morning! Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark, and meet your tour leader and group at your hotel. Settle in before meeting up with an expert local guide to embark on a walking tour of this capital city's top attractions! Once the walk concludes, spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure. The Tivoli Gardens are always a must-see but especially during the festive season! This evening, after an exciting first day on tour, enjoy an included buffet dinner with your new travel companions. The Scandinavian exploration has just begun!

Get immersed in Copenhagen on a full free day! To embark on the ultimate exploration of Copenhagen's culture and rich history, join today's optional excursion led by an expert local guide. You won't want to miss the included canal cruise, a true bucket-list experience, or the delectable local delights at the famous Reffen Market! What better way to experience the city? Alternatively, use the free day to spend as you wish, at your own pace. Missed out on the Tivoli Gardens yesterday? Consider a visit! The city has much to explore, such as the astronomical observatory, the Rundetaarn. It's famous for its fabulous city views and the unique equestrian staircase. Today is guaranteed to be filled with fun and adventure!

Start the picturesque journey to the seaside gem of Hirtshals this morning. On the way, make a stop in Odense, the third-largest city in Denmark that is world-renowned for being the birthplace of fairytale writer, Hans Christian Anderson. Arrive and head out on an orientation tour of the city, exploring its top attractions before enjoying some free time to spend as you wish. Next, travel to Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of the must-see sights, such as an old town open-air museum, contemporary art and architecture, Viking museums and more! Journey to Hirtshals, where the group will board the overnight ferry to Bergen, Norway!

Are you ready to explore Norway's second-largest city on Christmas Eve? Arrive in Bergen and head out on an orientation tour of the city's sights. This charming city, also known as "the city among the seven mountains" serves as the gateway to the famous Norwegian fjords, which are just a short boat trip away from the home of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen Quay. Embark on an orientation tour of Bergen and enjoy some free exploration time thereafter. Alternatively, spend Christmas Eve enjoying the ultimate Norwegian experience on an optional excursion, including a visit to Norway’s historic fishing villages! Later, join back up with the group for a Christmas Eve dinner.

Welcome to beautiful Bergen, the must-see destination where you will be spending Christmas Day discovering its top attractions and picturesque surroundings. Why not explore the city in-depth without the hassle of arrangements by joining today's Bergen+ optional excursion? This highly recommended excursion includes an orientation tour followed by a ferry trip and a guided tour of Bryggen. Then, take a Fløibanen ride to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views before enjoying a cocktail at the Magic Ice Bar. You'll truly see the best of Bergen in a day! Otherwise, use the day to discover at leisure. The city boasts impressive medieval architecture and Christmas markets waiting to be explored.

What better time than the day after Christmas for a journey into the heart of Norway? Depart Bergen towards today's first stop, Gudvangen. This village is situated at the end of Nærøyfjord, arguably Norway's most famous fjord! For the ultimate deep dive into Bergen's beauty, join today's optional excursion. Visit a Viking village and embark on a scenic cruise through the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords to Flam. Join back up with the coach and marvel at some Scandinavian travel highlights, such as beautifully blue waters, steep cliffs and impressive waterfalls. Next, continue on to Oslo with a stop at Borgund’s famous Stave Church en route. Arrive in Oslo and check into the hotel this evening.

Today, head out for an exciting locally-guided walking tour of Oslo, the capital of Norway and home of the Norwegian royal family. Join your expert local guide and explore some of the city's top attractions, including Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Next, take advantage of some free time to roam around as you wish. To get the very best out of your Oslo experience, join today's Oslo+ optional excursion and explore the city's public spaces and cultural attractions. Visit Vigeland Park, the Bygdoy Peninsula and the iconic Kon Tiki boat! This evening, explore on your own and enjoy dinner anywhere you choose.

Explore even more of Sweden today! This morning, travel from Oslo to Karlstad, located halfway between Oslo and Stockholm on Lake Vänern's shores. Arrive in Karlstad, discover the must-see attractions and delectable local cuisine. Next, head to the medieval town of Sigtuna for an orientation tour and photo stop before enjoying free time in Sweden's oldest town founded in 970 AD. Then, the journey continues towards the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour with an expert local guide to tick the top attractions off of your bucket list, including the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship and Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s Old Town). This evening, enjoy an included dinner and settle into the hotel.

Explore more of Stockholm's must-see sights on a full free day! Be sure to visit Gamla Stan, the old town filled with red, orange and terracotta buildings and cobblestoned streets winding in between them. Or, take a leisurely walk - the town is made up of several picturesque islands. Wander through the Djurgården and visit the Swedish open-air museum, the Skansen. Alternatively, embark on a memorable journey by joining the Royal Sweden & Vasa Museum optional excursion. This outing includes visits to the iconic Drottningholm Palace and the famous Vasa Museum. You're guaranteed to make lifelong memories today!

After 10 days of discovering the highlights of Scandinavia in winter, the time has come to bid this gem a festive farewell! This morning, the tour comes to an end after breakfast. Be sure to swap contact information with your newly-made travel friends before leaving! Expat Explore hopes you have had an incredible Christmas on tour with us. We wish you a Happy New Year full of even more exciting travel experiences!