Join Hamilton Tours Ltd. and Collette Vacations and watch a Nordic postcard unfold before your eyes and discover the lands where Vikings reigned.
Day 1: Thurs., May 16 – Our coach will transfer us from Barrie, Bayfield Mall behind the Canadian Tire Store and the Tour Office for our shuttle to Pearson International Airport for our overnight flight to Copenhagen, Denmark. A welcome dinner awaits us this evening. (D)
Day 2: Fri., May 17 -Your tour opens in the beautiful city of Copenhagen. Take some time to venture out on your own and come to know this cosmopolitan capital, dubbed the “gastro capital of Scandinavia.” Tonight, meet your fellow travelers for dinner. (D)
Day 3: Sat., May 18 – After breakfast, join a local expert and set off on an engaging tour of Denmark’s capital city. Explore Nyhavn, the picturesque harbor lined with colorful facades and charming cafes, as well as Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Danish royal family. Visit the Little Mermaid Statue, a 1913 sculpture honoring Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fictional character. See Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish parliament, before enjoying some free time to explore Copenhagen on your own. (B)
Day 4: Sun., May 19 – Today we bid farewell to Copenhagen and travel north to meet the Hage family on their organic farm. Learn about their work conserving ancient grains and the old Danish livestock breeds before enjoying some homemade treats. Continue on to Helsingor, home of Kronborg Castle, and board a local ferry for a short ride across the famous Oresund to Sweden. This afternoon, we arrive at Toftaholm Herrgård, a family-run lakeside manor house and your home for the evening. Before dinner, a local storyteller will enchant you with fabled stories from Sweden’s past. (B&D)
Day 5: Mon., May 20 – Today we travel to Granna, a town situated on the shores of Lake Vättern and famous for its charming wooden houses, cobblestone streets and delectable candy shops. We continue north to Stockholm, Sweden’s capital city. Tonight, enjoy a twist on modern dishes from Swedish and European cuisine at a local restaurant. (B&D)
Day 6: Tues., May 21 – View Stockholm’s greatest vistas and attractions, including Gamla Stan (Old Town), Riddarholm Church, the Royal Palace and the Parliament. You’ll also enjoy a visit inside Stockholm’s stunning City Hall which displays towering brick walls paired with an opulent interior. This afternoon it’s your choice! You may choose to explore the Vasa Ship Museum and learn about the vessel’s shocking maiden voyage, when it sank in a single nautical mile; the perfectly preserved ship, commissioned in the 1600s by King Vasa, was raised 334 years later from the bottom of the harbour -OR- visit the ABBA Museum, an interactive exhibition about the Swedish pop sensation. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Stockholm independently. (B)
Day 7: Wed., May 22 – We will take a quick flight to Oslo, Norway one of Europe’s fastest-growing cities. As Norway’s capital since 1814, Oslo is the center of the country’s government and the home to the royal family. Here, you’ll find a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub with an abundance of world-class museums, restaurants, and art. This evening, enjoy traditional Norwegian fare in one of Oslo’s oldest buildings. (B&D)
Day 8: Thurs., May 23 – A tour of Oslo begins at the remarkable Fram Museum, dedicated to telling the story of Norwegian polar exploration. Continue along Karl Johan Street and view the Royal Palace and city hall in quaint downtown Oslo. We will visit Vigeland Park, home to the collection of statues and sculptures that comprise Gustav Vigeland’s life’s work. Later this afternoon enjoy free time to explore Oslo independently. (B)
Day 9: Fri., May 24 – Travel north from Norway’s capital to the majestic fjord region. Visit the Borgund Stave Church, the intricate structure built in dedication to the Apostle Andrew in 1180. Arrive next in the quaint village of Flåm, nestled at the entrance to the stunning Aurlandsfjord. (B&D)
Day 10: Sat., May 25 – Embark on the renowned Flåm Railway, one of the world’s steepest train rides, and ascend 3,000 feet past mighty waterfalls, towering mountains and amazing valleys. Journey to the mountain plateau of Myrdal and cascade down to the fjord of Flåm, taking in the breathtaking views each way. Continue onto the village of Loen, for a relaxing stay in the heart for Norway’s fjord region. (B&D)
Day 11: Sun., May 26 – Spend the day enchanted by the inspiring landscape of the fjord region of Norway. While in Geiranger, a UNESCO World Heritage site, embark on an exhilarating Geirangerfjord cruise, soaking in some of Norway’s most beautiful scenery along the way. Known to be one of the most famous fjords in the world, Geirangerfjord is where you’ll find Norway’s mightiest waterfalls: the Seven Sisters, the Bridal Veil and the Suitor. You’ll notice that homesteads are a continued presence on the steep sides of the mountains, where these farms have been kept for centuries. (B&D)
Day 12: Mon., May 27 – Be inspired by Norway’s most impressive landscapes en route to Bergen – the gateway to the fjords. Founded with Viking roots, the Bergen of today is known for its old-world charm and scenic landscapes. (B)
Day 13: Tues., May 28 – Join a guided walking tour of Bergen. Stroll along the historic and iconic harbourfront, known as the Bryggen (UNESCO). Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Reunite with your fellow passengers for an atmospheric farewell dinner in the historic Bryggen neighbourhood (B&D)
Day 14: Wed., May 29 – Bergen – Fly to Reykjavík, Iceland and discover Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature. Massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes. This evening join fellow travelers for an included Icelandic dinner at a local restaurant. (B&D)
Day 15: Thurs., May 30 – Reykjavík This morning, join a local expert for a walking tour of the city’s old section featuring Hallgrimskirkja church, city hall, the harbour, and Reykjavík’s oldest building – home of the Kraum Icelandic design center. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Perhaps you will choose to relax on a scenic whale watching cruise; venture out on a horseback riding excursion; or travel out to the Reykjanes peninsula to spend quality time relaxing in the geo-thermal waters of the famed Blue Lagoon. (B)
Day 16: Fri., May 31 – Reykjavík – Golden Circle – Reykjavík Travel the incredible Golden Circle, a route that encompasses many of Iceland’s most renowned natural wonders. Marvel at the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, a stunning 100-foot double cascade. Journey to Thingvellir National Park, the nation’s most historic area. Here, Icelanders gathered in A.D. 930 and established what is one of the world’s first parliaments. Find yourself standing upon one of the globe’s most geologically significant landscapes, Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley (UNESCO) that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Return to Reykjavík and have time to explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 17: Sat. June 1 – Reykjavík – Tour Ends
Depart for home today with incredible memories of your Scandinavian journey. Our coach will be waiting for our arrival at Pearson Airport to return us home. (B)
Tour includes: transfer to Pearson International Airport in Toronto by motor coach, return flights, departure taxes, airport baggage fees round trip, motor coach transportation with Hamilton Tours Director, 15 nights’ accommodation, hotel taxes, 15 breakfasts, 10 dinners, baggage handling, attractions, museum visits and guided tours as listed in the itinerary & HST.
Cost per person: Twin $TBC & Single $TBC
**pricing available April 30, 2023
Travel Insurance is available through our office at the time of booking at an additional charge.
