Travellers gather in Toronto for the flights to Sweden. 

Our journey begins as we touch down in Stockholm, the majestic Swedish capital built across fourteen islands. Upon arrival, we are greeted and transferred to our hotel. Take some time to unwind or step out to witness the city’s harmonious blend of medieval history and modern elegance. This evening, we come together for our welcome dinner. 

Clarion Hotel Sign (3 nights)

We dedicate our morning to Stockholm's most iconic treasures, starting with the Vasa Museum. Here we marvel at the formidable warship which was salvaged after sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628. Our tour continues to the imposing City Hall, celebrated for its romantic architecture and as the venue for the prestigious Nobel Prize banquets. Following free time for lunch, we wander the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, the city's medieval Old Town. We return to the hotel to refresh before a delightful dinner cruise, soaking up the views of the archipelago. 

We board a boat for a short scenic cruise along Lake Mälaren this morning, making our way to the magnificent Drottningholm Palace. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning royal residence serves as a beautifully preserved example of 17th-century European Baroque architecture. After exploring the palace and its grounds, we travel by coach back to the city centre for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps browse local shops or revisit a favourite site, before we rejoin for dinner at our hotel. 

We bid farewell to Stockholm this morning and take a short flight to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Upon arrival, we discover some of the city’s landmarks, beginning with the Little Mermaid, a bronze tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale that has watched over the harbour since 1913. We continue to the massive Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish Royal Family. Tonight we dine at a local restaurant.

Imperial Hotel (2 nights)  

Today we travel through the countryside to Hillerød, home to Frederiksborg Castle. Commissioned by King Christian IV in the early 17th century, this Renaissance masterpiece rises majestically from the waters of the Castle Lake. As we tour the Museum of National History housed within it, we encounter 500 years of Danish heritage preserved in grand tapestries, porcelain, and portraits. Our journey continues to the coast at Elsinore to the imposing Kronborg Castle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress is renowned not only for its strategic command over the Sound but also as the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Our visit in the heart of the city takes us to Rosenborg Castle, originally built as a summer residence for King Christian IV. This royal treasury houses a remarkable collection of cultural artifacts, from Venetian glass and tapestries to the three life-sized silver lions that guard Denmark’s Crown Jewels. We then make our way to the vibrant Nyhavn Canal for lunch. The afternoon is yours to stroll along the waterfront or explore the nearby pedestrian-only streets. Later in the day, we board our overnight ferry to Oslo, Norway.  

Go Nordic Cruiseline (1 night)    

For those who rise early, the morning offers a special treat as we sail through the idyllic Oslo Fjord. Upon docking, we are introduced to the Norwegian capital with a panoramic orientation of this vibrant city. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might choose to visit the striking Munch Museum or explore the monumental City Hall. We then gather for dinner at a local restaurant. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel (2 nights) 

Today is dedicated to enjoying Oslo's celebrated museums. The Norsk Folkemuseum, Norway’s largest museum of cultural history, showcases how life has evolved here from 1500 to the present. At the Fram Museum we learn about the daring feats of Norwegian polar explorers like Nansen. The Kon-Tiki Museum is home to the original balsawood raft used by Thor Heyerdahl for his legendary 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean.

We enjoy a leisurely start before visiting Vigeland Park to admire the life work of Gustav Vigeland, featuring over 200 granite, bronze, and cast-iron sculptures. Leaving the capital, we travel north into the rugged heart of Norway. Our route takes us across the vast, tundra-like expanses of Hardangervidda National Park, known as Europe's largest mountain plateau, before we arrive in the charming ski town of Geilo. 

Ustedalen Hotel (1 night)

Today promises some of the most dramatic scenery in Scandinavia as we traverse the country by rail and sea. We board the renowned Flåm Railway, an engineering marvel that descends steeply from the mountain station of Myrdal to the village of Flåm nestled deep in the valley. Next, we take a ferry to cruise the majestic Sognefjord. Known as the "King of the Fjords," it is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, offering spectacular views as we make our way to the coastal city of Bergen. 

Clarion Hotel Admiral (3 nights)  

We delve into Bergen’s maritime heritage starting at the bustling open-air fish market, a hub of trade for centuries. For a bird's-eye perspective, we ascend Mount Fløyen by funicular, rewarded with sweeping vistas of the harbour and surrounding mountains. After a delicious lunch, we visit the intricate Fantoft Stave Church, a masterpiece of medieval woodwork built without a single nail. The evening is yours to explore the cobblestone streets or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 

The entire day is free for you to explore this coastal city at your own pace. You might choose to browse the local shops for Nordic goods or visit to the KODE Museums, a renowned complex dedicated to art, craft, design, and music. Tonight we gather for a special farewell dinner.

All too soon, our Scandinavian adventure comes to an end as we gather for our homeward journey.