From Norway travel north to the land of the Midnight Sun.  Visits to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Oslo.
18 Days 
Optional Iceland Tour available

Day 2 Copenhagen. (Fri.) Sightseeing in Scandinavia’s largest and liveliest metropolis. See the Church of Our Savior and the Stock Exchange on the way to Christiansborg Palace, where you visit the lavish ROYAL RECEPTION ROOMS. Snap your pictures of Amalienborg Palace and the wistful Little Mermaid watching the harbor. Afternoon free. Tonight experience TIVOLI GARDENS, the city’s colorful amusement park. (FB)

Day 3 Copenhagen-Stockholm, Sweden. (Sat.) From Elsinore beneath Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle take a ferry to Helsingborg, and then motor through the Swedish Lake District. Pastoral scenes alternate with glimpses of industrial towns such as Jönköping on Lake Vättern, the world capital of the safety match industry, and Norrköping, a Baltic Sea port and important textile manufacturing center. Evening arrival in Stockholm. (FB)

Day 4 Stockholm. Night Ferry to Finland. (Sun.) The Swedish capital’s beauty is due to its unique setting on 14 islands between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic. Sightseeing features the Royal Palace, Riddarholm Church, and the festive blue and gold chambers in the CITY HALL. Time for independent or optional outings before boarding your luxurious overnight Baltic Sea cruise to Finland in the late afternoon. (FB)

Day 5 Helsinki. (Mon.) After breakfast on board, a local guide explains the sights of Helsinki: City Hall and Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, the monumental railroad station, and the great LUTHERAN CATHEDRAL Then leave downtown for an orientation tour to the Olympic Stadium and the Sibelius Monument. Also browse for Finnish souvenirs and local crafts in the HELSINKI OPEN AIR MARKET. Afternoon at leisure. (FB,D)

Day 6 Helsinki-Kuopio. (Tue.) Today pass Järvenpää, Jean Sibelius’ pretty hometown. Take your morning break in the international ski resort of Lahti, boasting three enormous ski jumps. Then enter the magnificent lake area that covers a third of the country. Proceed via Jyväskylä to Kuopio. The main attractions here are the sweeping panorama from PUIJO TOWER and a pretty market square. (FB,D)

Day 7 Kuopio-Iisalmi-Oulu-Rovaniemi. (Wed.) More sparkling lakes and dark pine forests as you head further north. On the way, visit the university town of Oulu situated on the Gulf of Bothnia. Later arrive in modern Rovaniemi, the “Gateway to Lapland.” (FB,D)

Day 8 Rovaniemi. (Thu.) Your orientation drive includes Lappia Hall, the library, and the Town Hall, all created by the world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto who redesigned the city after its destruction during World War II. Next visit the modern CHURCH with its intriguing altar fresco depicting the struggle between good and evil in a Sami context. Then the ARCTIC CENTER with interesting exhibits on the life and traditions of the Arctic people, area wildlife, and natural resources. (FB,D)

Day 9 Rovaniemi-Saariselkä. (Fri.) As you cross the Arctic Circle (66°31’N), you are in incomparable, unspoiled Lapland, land of reindeer and the midnight sun. Stop at the SANTA CLAUS WORKSHOP with a chance to meet Father Christmas himself. North to Sodankylä where you see the charming Vanha Kirkko, Lapland’s oldest wooden church dating back to the 17th century. At Tankavaara visit the GOLD MUSEUM and try panning for gold if you wish. Overnight in the ski resort of Saariselkä, on the edge of the virgin wilderness, part of Finland’s major national park. (FB,D)

Day 10 Saariselkä-Honningsvag, Norway. (Sat.) Via Ivalo you drive to Inari for a visit to the fascinating OPEN-AIR MUSEUM giving insight into Sami life and folk art. On into Norway and across the beautiful Porsangen Fjord to Honningsvag on the island of Mageroya, home to 4,000 people and 5,000 reindeer. Tonight one of the highlights of this tour: drive to the North Cape, Europe’s last northern outpost, on a sheer cliff rising 1,000 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. From May 11 to July 31, if the sky is clear, you’ll see the midnight sun rolling just above the horizon! (FB,D)

Day 11 Honningsvag-Fjord Cruise-Alta. (Sun.) Today a real treat: board the famous Coastal Express Liner for a five-hour cruise along the most scenic part of the Norwegian coast and fjords. Today’s destination is Alta, situated at the mouth of one of the world’s richest salmon rivers. See its 6,000-year-old ROCK CARVINGS depicting the life of fishermen, farmers, and hunters of a bygone era. (FB,D)

Day 12 Alta-Narvik. (Mon.) Continue your unforgettable journey south along the stunning shoreline of Norway. The road meanders along Kvaenangenfjord and Lyngenfjord. You are now in the Troms Province, still way beyond the Arctic Circle, but with a climate mild enough to allow very successful farming. Hear about fierce World War II battles as you approach Narvik, rebuilt after near total destruction. (FB,D)

Day 13 Narvik-Mo. (Tue.) Visit Narvik’s WAR MUSEUM and relive how Norwegian troops, with the help of their allies, showed the world that the Nazi war machine was not invulnerable. Cruise across the scenic Tysfjord, and enter Nordland; not far from Mo you cross the Arctic Circle again and are back in a world where the sun rises and sets every day of the year. (FB,D)

Day 14 Mo-Trondheim. (Wed.) On the agenda today: a picture stop at the ancient octagonal church of Mosjöen; the spectacular Laksforsen Waterfall; the forests and rivers of Namdalen Valley; finally vistas of Trondheimsfjord, the World War II hideout of the German battleship Tirpitz. (FB,D)

Day 15 Trondheim-Dombas. (Thu.) Sightseeing in the city where Norway’s kings were crowned includes the royal residence STIFTSGARDEN and the magnificent Gothic NIDAROS CATHEDRAL of white marble and blue soapstone. In the afternoon motor through rugged Tröndelag, then enjoy thrilling vistas of the Dovrefjell high plateau and the Rondane Mountains. Overnight in Dombas. (FB,D)

Day 16 Dombas-Oslo. (Fri.) Drive south through the Gudbrandsdal Valley, rich agricultural and timber land celebrated in Ibsen’s Peer Gynt. Then focus on Lillehammer. At the vast MAIHAUGEN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM (mid-May to mid October) an expert explains the rich collection of ancient Gudbrandsdal farmhouses, dwellings, workshops, tools, and weapons. Proceed along Lake Mjösa to historic Eidsvoll for a picture stop before reaching Oslo. (FB)

Day 17 Oslo. (Sat.) Norway’s capital is a study in farsighted urban planning, seeking growth in harmony with nature. See such landmarks as the National Theater, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Highlight visits: FROGNER PARK with Gustav Vigeland’s famous stark sculptures; the RESISTANCE MUSEUM in the lavish grounds of Akershus Fortress; finally the ornate CITY HALL. Later you have a chance to join an optional excursion to the relics of a glorious seafaring past. Tonight your tour director will suggest a venue for an optional farewell dinner. (FB)

Day 18 (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Extend Your Tour in Iceland
21 days
(back to top)

Days 1 to 17. (Wed. to Sat.) as above

Day 18 Oslo-Reykjavik, Iceland. (Sun.) Morning transfer to Oslo airport for your flight to Reykjavik. Meet your tour representative and start your Icelandic experience with an orientation of the capital, then reach your hotel for a welcome dinner. (FB,D)

Day 19 Reykjavik. Full-day excursion. (Mon.) An unforgettable day dedicated to the scenic highlights of Iceland. Begin with the impressive geothermal town of Hveragerdi; continue to Volcanic Crater Kerid, and the bishopric of Skalholt. Then it’s time to visit Geysir, which gave its name to all hot springs, and on to Gullfoss, the spectacular Golden Waterfalls. Complete your day with a drive through the enchanting National Park at Thingvellir. (FB)

Day 20 At leisure in Reykjavik. (Tue.) Discover the sights of the capital at your own pace. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the South Shore including the impressive Skogafoss waterfalls, and views of glaciers and picturesque coastal villages; or ask your tour representative for suggestions. (FB)

Day 21 Reykjavik-Blue Lagoon-Keflavik-Homebound flight. (Wed.) A morning not to be missed. Visit the Presidential site of Bessastadir, the lava town of Hafnarfjördur, and the famous Blue Lagoon. Then to Hafnir’s Aquarium to admire Icelandic fish and shellfish. Homebound flight in the afternoon. (FB)

Host service from days 19-21.

*airfare not included 

COPENHAGEN Sightseeing with local guide, Little Mermaid, visit the Royal Reception Rooms in Christiansborg Palace & Tivoli Gardens (mid-April to mid-Sept.), ELSINORE Ferry crossing with view of Hamlet’s Castle, STOCKHOLM Sightseeing with local guide, visit the City Hall, SWEDEN-FINLAND Overnight cruise Stockholm-Helsinki in first-class two-berth cabins with private facilities, HELSINKI Sightseeing with local guide, visit the Helsinki Open-Air Market & the Cathedral, KUOPIO Ascend Puijo Tower, ROVANIEMI Orientation, visit the main Church & the Arctic Center, ARCTIC CIRCLE BORDER Visit Santa Claus Workshop, TANKAVAARA Visit the Gold Museum, INARI Visit the Open-Air Museum, HONNINGSVAG-hammerfest Cruise on the Coastal Express Liner, ALTA Visit the 6000-year-old rock carvings, NARVIK Visit the War Museum & cruise across Tysfjord, TRONDHEIM Sightseeing with local guide, visit Stiftsgarden Royal Residence & Nidaros Cathedral, LILLEHAMMER Guided visit of the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum (mid May to mid Oct.), OSLO Sightseeing with local guide, visit Frogner Park, the City Hall & the Resistance Museum

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS: Swedish Lake District, Finnish Lake District, Lapland, North Cape, Nordland, Laksforsen Waterfall, Namsdalen Valley, Trondheimsfjord, Gudbrandsdal Valley, Lake Mjösa.

MEALS: Welcome drink; 17 full Scandinavian breakfasts (FB);
11 three-course dinners (D)

INSIDE VISITS as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable

Quality Hotels

COPENHAGEN Imperial (F), STOCKHOLM Clarion Stockholm (F), HELSINKI Scandic Marski (F), KUOPIO Scandic Kuopio (SF), ROVANIEMI Sokos Vaakuna (F), SAARISELKA Saariselän Tunturihotelli (F), HONNINGSVAG Rica Honningsvag (F), ALTA Rica Alta (F), NARVIK Radisson SAS Grand Royal (F), MO Meyergarden (F), TRONDHEIM Clarion Grand Olav (F), DOMBAS Dombas (F), OSLO Rica Victoria (F), REYKJAVIK (Iceland Tour only) Grand Hotel Reykjavik (F)

Note: All arrangements in Iceland are under the management of Gudmundur Jonasson Travel

Security cruise regulations require clients’ family and first name, D.O.B., gender, and nationality at time of booking