COPENHAGEN, OSLO, THE FJORDS, BERGEN, AND STOCKHOLM
On this unique five-city, air-inclusive Scandinavian tour, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark! Admire famous palaces and quaint streets around Copenhagen, explore charming Oslo and its Viking history, and delight in the colorful buildings and houses of Bergen and Stockholm. We’ve even included time in Flam and Lofthus, Norway’s breathtaking Fjord region—you’ll travel through Sognefjord (also known as the “King of the Fjords”), board the world-famous Flam Mountain Railway for a thrilling one-hour ride, take a guided walking tour of Bergen’s fish and flower market (plus a tasting!), explore Stockholm’s medieval Old Town on foot, and more!
Did you know you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options
for groups of 15 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
Tour Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Copenhagen
- Overnight cruise to Oslo
- 1 night in Oslo
- 2 nights in Lofthus (the Fjords)
- 2 nights in Bergen
- 2 nights in Stockholm
Tour Highlights
- Copenhagen City Tour
- Oslo City Tour
- Vøringfossen Waterfall (Norway)
- Hardangerfjord
- Cruise through Sognefjord
- Flam Mountain Railway
- Bergen Walking Tour with food tasting
- Stockholm Old Town Walking Tour
- Stockholm City Tour
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from the New York area (varies by departure) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- All intra-Scandinavia flights, ground and sea transportation
- Accommodations at Scandinavian-style hotels
- 15 meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 2
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature light hiking, and/or stairs on some hilly and/or uneven terrain. Learn More
Pacing Level: Balanced
Expect either half-day or full-day tours most days with a free day or free half-day to explore independently in most cities. There may be a few early mornings or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 3+ nights. Learn More
New in 2024: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2024, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.
Some walking tours will include cobblestone streets and stairs such as Gamla Stan, Bergen, and Oslo Sculpture Park.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Today we arrive in the delightful capital of Denmark, Copenhagen. This afternoon is free to relax or explore on our own. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation.
Accommodations: Scandic Kødbyen or similar
Meals: Dinner
This morning, we'll enjoy the splendid morning scenery of Copenhagen as we explore Denmark's capital and delightful cultural center. Our guided city tour features Hans Christian Andersen's renowned Little Mermaid, Christiansborg Palace, and Nyhavn—a world-famous and recently restored district. This afternoon is free to explore on our own. Wander the streets, enjoy Copenhagen's charming evening ambiance, or sample some creative Copenhagen cuisine!
Accommodations: Scandic Kødbyen or similar
Meals: Breakfast
We'll have a morning of free time to make the most of Copenhagen before we transfer to our ferry and depart on an overnight cruise to Norway with a chance to admire the Fjords at sunrise tomorrow morning!
*Please note that the August 17th and September 7th, 2023 departures will not be taking the overnight cruise due to a private event buy-out. Instead, a flight from Copenhagen and Oslo will be arranged with an overnight stay in Oslo.
Accommodations: DFDS Seaways Cruise Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After a morning of viewing the Fjords, we'll arrive in Oslo where we'll enjoy a guided tour of this old Viking capital. We'll visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park which features impressive bronze sculptures, see City Hall, take in the beautiful waterfront, and we'll be wowed by the Holmenkollen Ski Jump! This afternoon and evening is at leisure so we can explore independently at our own pace. Consider visiting the Viking Ship Museum, head to the top of the Opera House to view the modern architecture of the Barcode Project Buildings, or stroll through Palace Park.
Accommodations: Thon Hotel Opera or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today we'll depart Oslo and journey through Norway's scenic countryside. We'll stop to view the mighty Vøringfossen Waterfall which cascades 600 feet before we arrive in Lofthus later today.
Accommodations: Hotel Ullensvang or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lofthus is located on the shores of the Hardangerfjord, in a region that is brimming with stunning natural beauty and surrounded by snow capped mountains and pristine fjords. The day is at leisure to explore at our own pace from our ideally located resort hotel, or consider the charming Hardanger Folk Museum optional excursion.
Accommodations: Hotel Ullensvang or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we'll disembark from Lofthus to Gudvangen, where we'll take off on a drive through the bends of the Stalheim Canyon, venturing into the heart of Norway's Fjord region for some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. Next, we'll enjoy a leisurely cruise through the majestic Sognefjord, also known as "the King of the Fjords", and its smaller arms, with a chance to admire the grandeur of the sheer cliffs that flank the fjord. Arriving in Flam, we'll board the world-famous Flam Mountain Railway for an hour-long thrilling ride descending 2,600 feet through 20 tunnels, past thundering waterfalls and towering mountains. Our ride ends in Myrdal where we'll take an express train to Voss, followed by a scenic drive that brings us to Bergen.
Accommodations: Clarion Hotel Bergen or Scandic Bergen City or similar
Meals: Breakfast
We'll discover the charms of Bergen today with a guided walk from our harborside hotel to the open-air fish and flower market where we'll also enjoy some tastings of the local fare, and the lively 14th-century merchant quarter of Bryggen. This afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodations: Clarion Hotel Bergen or Scandic Bergen City or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today we travel to Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden. Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm was built on fourteen islands that are connected by dozens of bridges. After we check into our new hotel, we'll enjoy a guided walk through the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town).
Accommodations: Downtown Camper by Scandic or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today's guided tour takes us to see the Town Hall where Nobel Prize banquets are held as well as Gamla Stan, the fascinating medieval old town where the Royal Palace, Parliament, and Riddarholm Church are located. This evening, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner with our fellow travelers at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Downtown Camper by Scandic or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchase our air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our return flight and touchdown in the U.S. later today.
Meals: Breakfast
We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for
this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form
linked below, and we will notify you once dates are available.
Optional Tours
Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
Enjoy an excursion to Denmark’s lovely countryside in North Zealand. First, visit the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle, completed by King Christian IV in 1625. Continue past the Royal Family’s summer residence, Fredensborg Palace, attractively located in the middle of a lovely park and surrounded by the idyllic Esrum Lake. Later, arrive in Elsinore where you’ll see the outer walls and towers of the impressive Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” The castle was built to protect Denmark’s interests and to collect tolls from ships passing through the narrow straits. Return to Copenhagen via the scenic coastal route, lined with fashionable residential districts and exclusive resorts.
Please note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 20 participants to operate.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Travel back in time to 18th and 19th century Norway with an excursion to the Hardanger Folk Museum. You’ll begin with a drive to Kinsarvik, once the busiest ferry port in Norway, to embark on your ferry ride to the charming port town of Utne. Stroll through the open-air section of the museum, which features historic buildings along the picturesque shore and offers a chance to savor the way of life for the people of Hardanger long ago. The main museum building hosts a permanent exhibition of world-renowned Hardanger embroidery, traditional costumes, and an impressive collection of old Hardanger fiddles. Later, before your return ferry ride, you’ll have a chance to explore Utne, including the historic Utne Hotel, which is one of the oldest hotels in Norway dating back to 1722. Please note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 15 participants to operate.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
ABBA The Museum is no ordinary museum. It’s not just about the original costumes, gold records and so many other wonderful items of memorabilia – it’s about you! Feel what it’s like to be onstage with ABBA, to sing at the famous Polar Studio or to dress up in those legendary costumes (virtual).
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Featured Accommodations
Skelbækgade 3A
Copenhagen, Denmark
Website
Dronning Eufemias gate 4, 0191 Oslo, Norway
Website
Hotel Ullensvang
N-5787 Lofthus, Norway
Website
Rosenkrantzgaten 8, 5003 Bergen, Norway
Website
Håkonsgaten 2-7, Bergen, Norway
Website
Brunkebergstorg 9,
111 51 Stockholm, Sweden
Website
Michael L
Photo of Michael L and Linda B in Bergen, Norway. I met my soulmate on this trip. Thank you Smartours.
Mike
Deirdre L
Fast paced taste of Scandinavia explained its interwoven history, architecture and culture. Would have liked an extra day in each location!
Terry W
The Scandinavian Explorer was a spectacular trip. The destinations, sightseeing, hotels, food - everything was wonderful. It all was made even more special because of our perfectly delightful tour director, Bjorn Petersen. We’ve always enjoyed good tour directors with smartours - Granville in Greece, Paul in Ireland. But Bjorn raised the bar to a new level.
David W
We was fortunate for us (probably not SmarTours) to have only 7 folks on the tour. We all got along famously and got to know each other well. Bjorn did such a great job. His warm personality made it all seem very personal.
Linda G
We just returned from the Scandinavia Explorer and loved reach of the four beautiful countries we visited. This is our 11th Smartours and as always it was well organized with tremendous value for the cost. It was a great mix of Scandinavian cities along with incredible fjords in the Norway countryside. We stayed at one of the most beautiful hotels we have ever been to at Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus. We can’t wait for next Smartours adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Arlene T
Wonderful all around.
ADRIAN D
My wife and I have done several tours -- South Africa, Zimbabwe, Israel, Jordan, Peru and Scandinavia with your group. They were all simply great. Great arrangements, great service. Keep it up.
Deborah A
This was my 6th fantastic trip with smarTours. You get a lot of "bang for your buck" with smarTours. We had an EXCELLENT guide with Wenche. She was funny, gave us printed details for most mornings, was attentive to everyone's needs and made great suggestions. I regularly refer people to smarTours. The single supplement is one of the most reasonable in the industry.
Delores
I thought it was great. One problem was the long layover in Helsinki before going on Sweden. It was over 5 hours.
Also, the process for getting a VISA for Russia was rather expensive and tedious.
I like that they gave us time to explore on our own most places.
Tour guide was great.
George G
Our 8/25/2016 trip was very enjoyable. The hotels were all 4 star and well located. Good food and a nice group of people. Pear (spelling?) our main guide made us feel welcome, was attentive, informative and always had a smile. Our secondary guides were very knowledgeable about the area we were visiting. It was sometimes difficult to hear them clearly on the bus tours but they never hesitated to repeat what was missed. The beginning of the trip was not ideal due to the long layover in Helsinki which after the long flight was tiring. The experience left us enriched. We will travel with Smartours again.
Sue H
Everyone on this tour, including my sister and I had travelled with smartours before. Thre's a reason....a lot of bang for your buck. The accommodations on this trip were excellent...not only 4 star but in very central locations. The included tours were all very good too. The guide pointed out things of interest for our spare time. The guide was very good. I don't rate him excellent for one reason...he never gave us his cell phone number or hotel room number. How could he be reached in an emergency....? Everything else was great!
Patti S
We had a wonderful time traveling with Betty Levin through Scandinavia. The people were gracious and friendly, the food was delicious, the cities were clean and beautiful and the scenery was spectacular. Highlights were; Skansen open air Museum, Wassa Museum, Tivioli Gardens, the cruise from Oslo to Copenhagen and,of course, the fjord cruise. The hotel on the fjord was fabulous.
Cindy L
It was an overall quality, funfilled Nordic experience. The sightseeing was compact butesrscti provided ample free time to explore on our own leisurely. The hotels all located in central area of each city, though provide convenience but quality of each varies and some are less than ideal. The best one being Ullensvang. Special mention is our tour director Pam Boudrot who made a big difference in making the trip so memorable. She was professional, informative, and meticulously caring to the smallest details to ensure all have the best time possible. My family and friends have all been traveling with SmarTour's before, but I highly recommend that Pam Boudrot be in all my future adventures with SmarTour's
Ed L
Wonderful accommodations, food and guide. Perfect balance of planned excursions and free time. Trip over, with lengthy airport layover in Helsinki was tiring. Would have loved an extra night in Oslo.
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