Scandinavia Explorer

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
Scandinavia Explorer
15 Days
From AUD $8355
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Scandinavia Explorer

Scandinavia Explorer

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
4.4
20 Reviews
View Map
Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Tour Scandinavia and discover the many charms and delights on this two-week adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Highlights

  • Norway's fjords feature some of the most stunning scenery on Earth. Cruise past waterfalls and snow-capped peaks through the narrow Naeroyfjord.
  • Visit Dalarna County, nestled in middle Sweden and often referred as “Sweden in miniature” for the abundance of lakes, forests, and local traditions.
  • Follow your local guide along the narrow, winding roads through genuine villages, past the typical red painted cottages and explore unique sights around Siljan lake rural settlements. You'll even get a chance to meet and mingle with the locals living in these villages.
  • Discover Stockholm's maritime history at the Vasa Museum, which houses an original wooden war ship from 1628. This impressive vessel gives you a rare glimpse into the naval power Sweden was once famous for.
  • Wind up your adventure in Helsinki for a Scandinavian culture binge. Senate Square, the market hall, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna and the Design Museum are just some of the highlights of this amazing city.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Train,Public bus,Overnight ferry,Private vehicle,Tram,Metro

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Oslo, Finland

Finishes

Helsinki, Finland

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Oslo
Welcome to Norway, where you’ll discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. With so much to see and do in Oslo we recommend that you plan to arrive a few days before the trip begins, so you can see as much of the city as possible. This lovely capital has much to offer: experience legendary art and the famous painting, The Scream, at the Munch Museum, learn about the fascinating Norwegian WW2 history at the Resistance Museum, or sail through the beautiful fjord or stroll the Vigeland sculpture park. Your adventure begins with a important welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare with the group.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Oslo
This morning, follow your leader on an orientation walk in the city. Then enjoy some free time in Oslo. Maybe embark on some island hopping on Oslofjord, browse the harbour-front Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, taste local flavours at the food hall Vulkan, explore the immense Akershus Castle & Fortress, or check out the cool shops in the Grunerløkka district. There's so much to get stuck into.

Included Activities:

  • Oslo - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

  • Oslo - Holmenkollen Museum (195 NOK)
  • Oslo - Fram Museum (180 NOK)
  • Oslo - Akershus Castle & Fortress (100 NOK)
  • Oslo - Island Hopping on Oslofjord (130 NOK)
  • Oslo - Museum Edvard Munch (180 NOK)
  • Oslo - Resistance Museum (100 NOK)
  • Oslo - 24 hour Transport and Sightseeing Pass (550 NOK)
  • Oslo - The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (195 NOK)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Bergen
Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region to Bergen. No other train ride between two cities in Europe is at a higher altitude than this one, and few can match the views passing by your window. Linking Norway's two main cities, this line takes in some spectacular scenery of lush valleys, idyllic villages, dramatic mountains and picturesque lakes as it crosses the Hardangervidda Plateau. As the trip is long and you'll arrive quite late into quirky city of Bergen, there won't be too much time to explore today (don't worry, you'll have time to explore here tomorrow). There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so possibly venture out with the group for a bite to eat this evening.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Bergen
After breakfast this morning, join your leader for a ride by Fløibanen funicular. Taking you to 1.050 feet above the city in just seven minutes, it offers a bird eye prospective of the town and vistas of the deep blues of the sea. Those who want to get active can also continue following its multiple hiking trails. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore however you like. Perhaps visit World Heritage Bryggen area and wander through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses or visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum (a former trade building), and explore the old Hanseatic port area – the Hanseatic merchant confederation dominated Baltic maritime trade for 400 years from the 15th century.

Included Activities:

  • Bergen - Floy Mountain Funicular round trip

Optional Activities:

  • Bergen - Mt Ulriken Cable Car & Shuttle (310 NOK)
  • Bergen - Vidden Trail Hike - Free
  • Bergen - Bergenhus Fortress - Free
  • Bergen - Aquarium (370 NOK)
  • Bergen - Rosenkrantz Tower (170 NOK)
  • Bergen - Hakons Hall (120 NOK)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Norwegian Fjords
Leave Bergen after breakfast and travel by bus to the fjord region. The journey will take you through epic landscapes and remote regions, so have your camera at the ready. The typical Norwegian huts that you’ll stay in tonight are located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by steep cliff walls with a perfect view of the spectacular crystal clear Kjelsfossen waterfall falling from the top of the fjords. It's humbling to look up and consider these giant and ancient geological formations. Your accommodation is located near the village of Gudvangen.

Accommodation:

  • Cabin (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Norwegian Fjords
Today, take a boat trip and be captivated by the sight of crisp mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord, a World Heritage site. The name Naeroyfjord takes its origins from the Norse god of seafarers and the sea, Njord. The fjord itself, formed by glacial erosion of the surrounding bedrock, is 18 kilometres long and only 250 metres wide at its narrowest point, but its depth reaches up to 500 metres. Surrounding mountain peaks rise up to 1400 metres and waterfalls crash down sheer cliff faces. The boat cruise will finish in fishing village of Flam, where you can ride the famous railway up to Myrdal (at extra cost). This is one of the most picturesque (and steepest) railway journeys in the country. Alternatively, explore on foot and discover nearby waterfalls and ancient moraines. Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to throw a line in the crystal waters, sit back and soak up the serenity (a fishing license is required and costs around NOK 150). In afternoon, catch the bus back to Gudvangen and spend the rest of the day as you please.

Included Activities:

  • Gudvangen - Naeroyfjord Boat Cruise to Flam (one way)

Optional Activities:

  • Gudvangen - Bike Hire (350 NOK)
  • Gudvangen - Kayak Hire - Half Day (650 NOK)
  • Flam - Gauge Railway (730 NOK)
  • Flam - Stegastein Lookout (470 NOK)
  • Flam - Railway Museum - Free
  • Gudvangen - Hiking Options - Free

Accommodation:

  • Cabin (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Lillehammer
There will be another long bus journey ahead of us after breakfast today, as you journey to the Alpine playground of Lillehammer. Cross vast high plains, and remote valleys, and drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel at 24.5 km. The tunnel is divided into four sections, broken up by ‘mountain caves’. These caves are 6 kilometres apart and equipped with special lighting to help drivers concentrate by giving off the illusion of driving into daylight. Lillehammer, which held the Winter Olympics in 1994, is picturesquely situated on Lake Mjøsa. When you arrive, head out for a brief orientation walk to find your bearings in the laid-back 19th-century town centre, along the main pedestrian street of Storgata (Big Street), lined with wooden houses, boutiques and restaurants.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Lillehammer
This morning, your leader will take you on an included visit to the Maihaugen Open Air Museum, home of the Garmo Stave Church, which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley over the last 300 years. This brilliant museum includes timber-built farms, a town and a big residential area that gives you an insight into various eras of Norway's history. The afternoon is free for you to further explore. Perhaps conquer misty mountains on a hike. As a town famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer has a great Olympic Museum where you can hear tales of heroic feats and is also an ideal spot for many outdoor activities.

Included Activities:

  • Lillehammer - Maihaugen Open Air Museum

Optional Activities:

  • Lillehammer - Sigrid Undset's Home at Bjerkebæk (160 NOK)
  • Lillehammer - Hiking Options - Free
  • Lillehammer - Olympic Museum (225 NOK)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Vikarbyn
Travel for around five hours by private bus today and cross the border into Sweden. Head to the lakeside town Rättvik, a laidback place that encapsulates the most Swedish of Swedish landscapes, and which sits right in the middle of the Swedish lakes. Rättvik is a location steeped in history and culture that's ready to be discovered. Dalarna county is in the heart of the Sweden and is famous for the national symbol of the wooden Dala horse. Tonight, you will stay in a peaceful setting of local B&B located 7 km outside of Rattvik.

Accommodation:

  • Bed and Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Vikarbyn
This morning you'll get a chance to get under the surface of this region with a special guided village safari with local experts. You'll get to know the history behind the villages here and learn about the traditions of the area around Lake Siljan. A truly memorable experience, you'll visit a variety of villages, discover the traditional way of life and mingle with the locals. The rest of the day is free to explore the local area and its lakes. Perhaps take a leisurely historic boat trip across the lake, sink a line to partake in a little fishing, hike around the gentle rolling surrounds or enjoy local artisan shopping.

Included Activities:

  • Lake Siljan - Cultural Village tour with picnic lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Lake Siljan – Historic boat trip (250 SEK)
  • Lake Siljan – Canoe or SUP rental (150 SEK)

Accommodation:

  • Bed & Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Stockholm
Leaving the Swedish lakes behind, head to the country's cultural, political and economic capital of Stockholm by train. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably Scandinavia 's most beautiful city, Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. After an introductory orientation walk, use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you. You can perhaps head underground for the world’s longest art exhibition. Connecting the fourteen islands of the city and blasted through hard rocky ground, the subway (Tunnelbana) system's 100 stations are like the longest modern art exhibition in the world, featuring artwork from over 140 different artists. Enjoy the narrow cobble stone streets and the colourful merchant houses. Why not soak up the culture and try a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest café Sundbergs Konditori located on Jarntorget square, and dating from 1785.

Included Activities:

  • Stockholm - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Stockholm
After breakfast, go on an included visit to the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The 17th-century warship, Vasa, sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage in the harbour of Stockholm and was salvaged only in 1961. As one of the most visited sights in Sweden, the Vasa Museum collection consists of the Vasa itself and all of the objects that were found within the ship. The rest of the afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish, so why not leave the city behind for a few hours and see the waterways of Stockholm on a cruise past tiny islets and along narrow waterways? Consider taking a self-guided Millennium Walking Tour of Stockholm or visit the Abba Museum. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family. There are plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy here in this great Scandinavian city, so plan your activities wisely. Tonight perhaps head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district, the inner-city island with the best nightlife, full of hip shops, bars and cafes. Or maybe sit down at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants, such as the latest venues opened on the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan, or in the cool fusion restaurants of Kungsholmen.

Included Activities:

  • Stockholm - Vasa Museum

Optional Activities:

  • Stockholm - Millennium Books Tour (450 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Drottningholm Palace (150 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Skansen Open Air Museum (285 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Abba Museum (299 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Fotografiska (Photography Museum) (220 SEK)
  • Stockholm - City Hall (150 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Nobel Prize Museum (150 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Nordic Museum (170 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Gröna Lund Amusement Park (130 SEK)
  • Stockholm - The Royal Palace (200 SEK)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Stockholm / Overnight Ferry
Today is free for you to enjoy your last day in Sweden. In the evening, you'll be boarding an overnight ferry for Helsinki, Finland.

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Helsinki
After your morning arrival into Helsinki's port you will take a public transport to your hotel. Discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Apart from a short orientation walk, today is completely free and you'll be able to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are a visit to the city's cathedral or the interesting Design Museum. Don't miss the harbour-side market and market hall from 1889 for local oddities, and make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, sometimes referred to as the Gibraltar of the North, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city. Surrounded by the sea, Helsinki is a modern European city that offers an endless array of options. Throughout its 450-year history, the city has often been the buffer between the east and west. This is shown in their cuisine, with a mix of root vegetables, berries and fresh fish. Perhaps head out in the evening to sample some traditional dishes at dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

  • Helsinki - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Helsinki
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Helsinki we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please speak to your travel consultant at the time of booking.

Optional Activities:

  • Helsinki - National Museum of Finland (20 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Cathedral (10 EUR)
  • Helsinki - City Museum - Free
  • Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (7 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Design Museum (20 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari (18 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum (14 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum (22 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Rock Church (8 EUR)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $8,355
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Tour Scandinavia and discover the many charms and delights on this two-week adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 May 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Nicola
Traveled, August 2023

09/02/2023

Aino, our wonderful tour leader, guided us around Scandinavia for an unforgettable two weeks that gave us a taste of Norway, Sweden and Finland. It was a good mix of cities and nature. I loved that the logistics were taken care of, but that it was otherwise pretty self-directed. It’s great for single people and couples.

4.5
Jacqueline
Traveled, August 2023

09/03/2023

Absolutely stellar itinerary sharing majestic Scandinavian scenes of nature and beautiful cities. The architecture of the Oslo opera house and Helsinki Oodi library are must sees.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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