Scandinavian Grand Tour – Copenhagen to Helsinki
Join us for a Scandinavian experience of a life time taking in the magnificent fjords of western Norway from Bergen to Geiranger, and combine this with a visit to the Nordic capitals of Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki. We stay in beautiful and traditional accommodation along the way and benefit from our knowledgeable local tour guides. This is an all encompassing tour
"Our Scandinavian Tour was phenomenal! The scenery and landscape were breathtaking and I loved the privilege of getting up so close to the tongue of the Briksdal Glacier. I was amazed at how different the Scandinavian cultures are and to feel the different energies in each region. Global Drift promised, and delivered in spades"
Dr Elise Julien, Australia
Day 1 - Arrive Copenhagen Arrive Copenhagen. We meet this evening to discuss our program in detail. If you arrive early, consider a walk along the port down to Nyhavn the 17th century waterfront, canal and entertainment district or head out to lunch at one of Copenhagen's famous restaurants Day 2 - Copenhagen Enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Royal Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace (Danish Parliament Buildings), Gefion Fountain, Nyhavn and the Tivoli Gardens. The afternoon is free to explore this fairy tale city. There are many fabulous options to dine in Copenhagen tonight Day 3 - dep Copenhagen (ferry to Oslo) A free morning in Copenhagen then we board our overnight ferry to Oslo. Enjoy the views as we cruise gently up the Kattegat Day 4 - arrive Oslo Cruise along the enchanting Oslo Fjord. On arrival in Oslo we enjoy a morning tour of the Norwegian capital. We visit the Polar exploration ship Fram, and the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park. The afternoon is free to explore perhaps the Munch Museum or a stroll along the Karl Johan shopping boulevard. We are based in the heart of Oslo city only a short walk from the waterfront area Aker Brygge Day 5 - Oslo to Ulvik Visit the world-famous Viking Ships before we drive along the charming Halling Valley to the resort town of Geilo. Cross the wild Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall, the highest in Norway. Then descend the amazing Måbødal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord crossing the Hardanger Bridge, driving around the Ulvik Fjord to the picturesque village of Ulvik. We stay on the banks of the fjord Day 6 - Ulvik to Bergen We enjoy a scenic tour along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord via the towns of Øystese and Norheimsund, arriving in Bergen around midday. The afternoon includes a tour of Bergen with a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour and the old Hanseatic Quarter. We also ride the funicular to Mt. Fløien for the best views of the city and fjords below Day 7 - Bergen to Balestrand We drive from Bergen via Dale to the town of Voss where we board the train on the beautiful Bergen Railway, a masterpiece of engineering ascending 2.838 feet in less than one hour. We descend to the fjord side village of Flåm with waterfalls and mountain scenery. This is followed by boat cruise along the narrow Aurlands and Nærøy Fjords part of the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Enjoy the cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks and variety of wildlife. Disembarking in Gudvangen we continue on through the amazing Stalheim Canyon and Nærøy Valley, across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes, for the short ferry crossing to our base in Balestrand Day 8 - Balestrand A free day in Balestrand with opportunities to enjoy the outstanding beauty and nature of the fjords. You may spend the morning relaxing on the hotel terrace and enjoying the spectacular views. Alternatively on offer there is a visit to the local aquarium and art gallery, or perhaps rent a bike or rowing boat. A walking tour of the village of Balestrand with its historic buildings can also be arranged Day 9 - Balestrand to Geiranger We catch a ferry from Dragsvik to Hella followed by a scenic tour along the northern side of the Sogn Fjord to Sogndal. We continue by road to Fjærland, passing under the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village of Skei at the northern end of beautiful Lake Jølster. Descend to the Nord Fjord making a detour at Olden to visit the world famous Briksdal Glacier. The journey up to the glacier will be made in open cars to give you the best views. We travel around the Nord Fjord to the picturesque village of Hellesylt where we board the ferry for a cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord. We pass close to magnificent waterfalls such as the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters Day 10 - Geiranger to Oslo At the top of the famous Serpentine Road we take in amazing views of the fjord before crossing the rugged Grotli Mountains to Lom, well known for its 14th century stave church. Continuing on we descend the magnificent Gudbrands Valley to the popular town of Lillehammer. We have a stop for lunch here then continue alongside Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, arriving back to Oslo Day 11 - Oslo to Stockholm We depart Oslo by road towards the Swedish border and crossing into the attractive province of Vãrmland. Arriving in the city of Kalrstad on Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden we enjoy a lunchbreak then continue through a landscape of forests and sparkling lakes to the Swedish capital in the late afternoon Day 12 - Stockholm We have a tour of the city including the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral and Royal Theatre. Also time to visit the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous antique shops. A highlight is a visit to City Hall with its famous Blue and Golden Halls, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year. The afternoon is free to explore Stockholm. Don’t miss the ABBA museum if you are a fan! Day 13 - depart Stockholm (ferry to Helsinki) A free morning in Stockholm then an overnight ferry of the Silja Line sailing slowly down the glorious archipelago passing numerous small islands Day 14 - arrive Helsinki Sailing into Helsinki we arrive to enjoy a tour of the city. Sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall and the Underground Temple. The afternoon is free to unlock Helsinki’s secrets Day 15 - depart Helsinki Transfer to the airport for your international flight connection |
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.