Highlights of Scandinavia

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen & Sognefjord

This exciting private tour features the best of Scandinavia including Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo and the stunning Norwegian fjords.

Begin in Copenhagen, the charming capital of Denmark. With your own private guide, tour the highlights of the historic center, and see local landmarks such as picturesque Nyhavn harbor, Radhuspladsen square, the Copenhagen Opera House and the Old Stock Exchange building. Cruise through Copenhagen’s harbor and canals, keeping an eye out for the Little Mermaid and interesting contemporary architecture. Visit boutiques dedicated to fine Danish design. Also visit the Torvehallerne market, a great place to have excellent coffee, delicious Danish pastries and traditional smorrebrod(open-faced sandwiches). If desired, visit some of Copenhagen’s palaces and museums, such as Rosenborg Castle, the Danish Jewish Museum, the National Museum of Denmark or Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Perhaps also walk through Christiania, and see the nearby Church of Our Saviour and its famous corkscrew spire. One night, visit magical Tivoli Gardens to enjoy the twinkling lights, evening entertainment, and great cafes and restaurants.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, an outstanding cultural institution in a beautiful setting along the coast. Nearby, perhaps visit the Karen Blixen Museum or continue to Frederiksborg Castle, one of Denmark’s finest castles. Alternatively, opt for a private excursion to Roskilde. Visit the Viking Ship Museum to learn about Viking history and culture, and perhaps go sailing in a traditional wooden boat. Also visit Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy time to explore the historic town.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange reservations at Copenhagen restaurants renowned for contemporary Nordic cuisine, as well as tickets to performances at the Royal Danish Opera, Royal Danish Theatre and other venues.

Next, travel by first-class express train to Stockholm to explore the many highlights of Sweden’s seaside capital. Walk the medieval streets of atmospheric Gamla Stan (Old Town) to see the Royal Palace, Nobel Museum and other interesting places. Visit Stockholm’s best food hall, and perhaps have lunch at one of its renowned restaurants. Tour City Hall, where the Nobel Prize dinner is held, to see its magnificent interiors, including the Gold Room, which sparkles with mosaics. Visit the best-known boutiques for Swedish design, including Svenskt Tenn. Also see the impressive and well-preserved 17th-century ship at the Vasamuseet. If desired, learn about traditional rural Swedish life at Skansen, an open-air museum filled with historic buildings from around the country. Also enjoy a cruise on the harbor and along the Djurgarden Canal. Other touring options include visiting Rosendals Tradgard, Haga Park, Hallwyl Museum, ABBA The Museum or the National Museum.

One day, enjoy an excursion to Artipelag, located on the outskirts of the city in the Stockholm Archipelago, to enjoy the art, architecture, cuisine and wooded trails overlooking the sea. Alternatively, take a private excursion to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the beautiful interiors and theater.

Artisans of Leisure can also arrange reservations at the top restaurants in and around Stockholm, private cruises through the Stockholm Archipelago, and excursions to other destinations.

Continue to Oslo, the attractive seaside capital of Norway. During flexible private touring, see cultural highlights, top museums, beautiful parks, charming neighborhoods, and historic and contemporary architecture. Take in panoramic views of the harbor from the Akershus Fortress, walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House, see iconic Vigeland Park, learn about Norwegian history inside the Oslo City Hall, and explore masterpieces of Norwegian art, architecture and design at the National Gallery. Other options include visitingthe Munch Museum, touring the Nobel Peace Center, learning about rural traditions at the Norwegian Folk Museum, touring the Royal Palace or Oscarshall, delving into the life of one of Norway's most renowned playwrights at the Ibsen Museum, seeing Norwegian modernist architecture at Villa Stenersen, learning about the World War II history of Norway at the Holocaust Museum or Resistance Museum, visiting Holmenkollen ski jump and the Ski Museum, and biking along the Akerselva River. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange tickets to performances at the Oslo Opera House and other venues around the city.

Next, fly to Bergen, a historic port city and the gateway to Fjord Norway. During private touring, explore the picturesque Bryggen wharf district, a former Hanseatic trading post that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the bustling fish market, and tour the Hanseatic Museum and Schotstuene to learn about life in medieval Bergen. Walk through the pretty backstreets of the town, and venture up the Floibanen funicular for panoramic views of Bergen and the harbor from the top of Mount Floyen. Other options include delving deeper into the city's history at Rosenkrantz Tower and the Bryggens Museum and shopping for local handicrafts. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange optional excursions to Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg's home), Old Bergen or the Bergen Aquarium. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange tickets to performances at Grieg Hall and other venues around Bergen.

One day, enjoy a full-day excursion with your private guide through some of Norway's most spectacular mountain and fjord scenery. Ride the renowned Flamsbana train on one of the world's most scenic rail journeys through a glacier-carved valley past small farms, tumbling waterfalls and high peaks. Cruise the most dramatic sections of beautiful Sognefjord, including impressive Aurlandsfjord and breathtaking Naeroyfjord, the narrowest fjord in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon, request, this tour can be extended to include Helsinki, Finland, or elsewhere in Europe.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Copenhagen, Denmark Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Copenhagen Full-day private city tour, including shared harbor cruise Day 3 Copenhagen Full-day private excursion to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Time and interest permitting, also visit Karen Blixen Museum and/or Frederiksborg Castle. Tickets to Tivoli this evening Day 4 Copenhagen – Stockholm, Sweden Private transfer to train station. First-class express train to Stockholm. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 5 Stockholm Full-day private tour Day 6 Stockholm Morning private excursion. Afternoon at leisure. Tickets for shared canal cruise Day 7 Stockholm — Oslo, Norway Private transfer to airport for flight to Oslo (flight not included). Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 8 Oslo Full-day private tour Day 9 Oslo — Bergen Private transfer to airport for flight to Bergen. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private touring of Bergen Day 10 Bergen, Flamsbana & Sognefjord Full-day privately guided excursion on Flamsbana train and cruise on Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord Day 11 Depart Bergen Private transfer to airport

Hotels

Copenhagen: Hotel d’Angleterre Stockholm: Grand Hotel Stockholm or Hotel Villa Dagmar Oslo: Hotel Continental Bergen: Opus XVI or Solstrand Hotel & Bad

Cost

$21,025 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) $28,895 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)