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The Nordic Countries Complete

Train, Cruise & Self-Drive

(28 days / 27 nights)

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THE ULTIMATE SCANDINAVIAN EXPEDITION

Have a lot of time and want to see the very best of Scandinavia? This 28-day tour is for you! Spend four unforgettable weeks exploring the best of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia and Iceland. For those after unrivalled nature, this tour includes the popular Norway in a Nutshell® train journey over the mountains to Bergen, a relaxing Hurtigruten cruise, along with time in idyllic Iceland, driving the ring road. You will also get to explore these modern, yet historical cities by land and sea as you cruise and explore enchanting Stockholm, Talinn, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Oslo by foot.

28 days / 27 nights

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Approx 5432 EUR

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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
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Tour Highlights

  • Explore the colorful capitals of Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Estonia
  • Tour the Finnish capital, Helsinki, and cruise the Baltic sea to Stockholm
  • Drive the famous Golden Circle in Iceland
  • Set sail on the Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage along the coastline of Norway
  • Board the Norway in a Nutshell® tour for breathtaking landscapes
  • Discover Scandinavian royalty by visit castles and palaces
  • Discover the volcanic Lake Mývatn and its beautiful surroundings in Iceland
  • Stroll through Norway’s grand capital, Oslo and visit charming Bergen and Trondheim
  • See the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss in Iceland
  • Walk the Diamond Beach, seeing the scattered, glistening ice

Travel style

Independent Tours i

Interest

Active i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Culture and History i, Family i, Fjords i, Honeymoon & Romance i

Season

May - Sep

Departure

Daily

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

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  • Day 1: WELCOME TO FINLAND

    When you arrive at Helsinki Airport, make your way to city centre. Many travellers opt to take public transportation, but we also offer direct private transfers. Take advantage of this first day on your own to discover this Nordic gem at your own pace, and eat at one of the many delicious restaurants. We recommend visiting Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and the Old Market Hall to become acquainted with Finnish history and culture.

    Spend the night in Helsinki.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 2: EXPLORE LOVELY HELSINKI

    Today, continue exploring Helsinki before boarding a cruise to Sweden. Helsinki is known for its creativity and, in 2012, was awarded the UNESCO “City of Design” title,  boasting its very own design district and “design tram route” (Line 6). Some notable city landmarks to see or visit include Sibelius Park, Finlandia Hall, the Finnish National Opera House, and Parliament House, the seat of Parliament in Finland.

    Spend the night in Helsinki.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 3: SAIL TO ELEGANT ESTONIA

    This morning you will head to the ferry terminal in Helsinki for a 2-hour ferry ride to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. After checking in at your centrally-located hotel, you can explore this beautiful medieval city as you wish. We recommend a walk from the Upper Town (Toompea) and a visit to the Orthodox St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the ancient limestone walls of the medieval Toompea Castle, the current seat of the Estonian Parliament. For dinner, you will find many nice restaurants in the Old Town (Vanalinn).

    Spend the night in Tallinn.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: OPEN DAY IN TALLINN

    Today you will continue to discover enchanting Estonia. Tallinn has a lot to offer and we highly recommend a visit to the Kalamaja district where you will find shops, cafes, interesting architecture and museums, including the Seaplane Harbour, a maritime museum. You could also stop by Telliskivi for a meal and a visit to a gallery or two. A visit to Port Noblessner is also recommended, where you can walk along the marina and grab a bite to eat at a café.

    Spend the night in Tallinn.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 5: TALLINN & OVERNIGHT FERRY TO SWEDEN

    Spend the morning continuing your exploration of the Estonian capital. Like most European cities with an 800-year history, Tallinn is a patchwork of historic areas, offering a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western European influences. For a blast from the past, take a stroll through the Kadriorg district, reminiscent of a time when Estonia was ruled by Russian tsars. This area houses several interesting sights, such as the Kadriorg Palace and the Estonian Art Museum. You could also visit the newer parts of Tallinn, such as Freedom square (Vabaduse väljak), to get a glimpse of Soviet-era life.

    In the late afternoon, you will board an overnight cruise to Stockholm.

    Spend the night on the cruise ship.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 6: WELCOME TO STOCKHOLM

    Savour the maritime scenery during breakfast as the ship navigates through Sweden’s Archipelago, a collection of over 30,000 islands and inlets. Upon your arrival in Stockholm, make your way to the hotel and then enjoy some time exploring the city centre. We recommend, enjoying some shopping on the well-known pedestrian street Drottninggatan and taking a stroll in the surrounding area of Östermalm. There you will find numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants for a perfect introduction to Swedish culture.

    Spend the night in Stockholm.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: THE CHARMS OF SWEDISH CULTURE

    Today you will explore the heart of scenic Stockholm. We recommend exploring the capital by foot, visiting attractions such as the Old Town (Gamla Stan), where you will find the Royal Palace, the parliament, old churces, beautiful cobble stone streets and medieval houses.

    After some time at Gamla Stan, you can take a short ferry ride to the nearby island Djurgården, a cultural oasis with something for everyone. Here you will find the kitschy Abba Museum, the Nordic Museum, the Gröna Lund amusement park, and the Skansen open-air museum. It is ideal to spend the afternoon here, exploring the grounds and many attractions.

    Spend the night in Stockholm.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 8: TRAVEL FROM STOCKHOLM TO LOVELY COPENHAGEN

    Today you will take a short flight to Copenhagen. After settling in at your hotel, go for a walk along the enchanting old harbour area of Nyhavn, where you will see colourful houses and lively restaurants among the docked boats. Walk the narrow side streets, visit some shops and try out the traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, Smørrebrød. In the evening, visit the amusement park Tivoli Gardens, which has something for everyone. It’s a lovely place to admire the architecture and gardens and to enjoy some carnival rides.  

    Spend the night in Copenhagen.

    *For those interested, we offer the option of travelling by train instead of flight between Stockholm and Denmark. For more details click the optional activities.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 9: A DAY IN CAPTIVATING COPENHAGEN

    You have the whole day to explore Copenhagen. We recommend seeing the city by foot, visiting landmarks like Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and the famous Little Mermaid statue. An optional cruise from the harbour is also highly recommended as you can appreciate the architecture and beauty of the city by water.  Next, stroll Ströget street for some shopping and grab something to eat at Torvehallerne food hall.

    Spend the night in Copenhagen.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 10: SET SAIL FOR NORWAY

    Spend the morning touring Copenhagen. Some interesting attractions include the observatory of The Round Tower, the most famous church in Copenhagen, Church of Our Saviour, as well as the impeccable King’s Garden, and the regal Rosenborg Castle. In the late afternoon, it’s time to board your cruise to Oslo, which sails gently up the Kattegat Sund on its way to Norway’s capital city. You can enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants, check out the entertainment on board or just relax and watch the sunset from the deck.

    Spend the night on board the DFDS cruise, in a private cabin.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 11: EXPLORE ENCHANTING OSLO

    After the cruise ship docks, get ready to see the best of Oslo. The city is quite walkable and recommend exploring by foot and the convenience of public transport. Notable attractions include the beautiful Viking Ship Museum, Fram Polar Ship Museum and spending some time along the beautiful harbour area. Other highlights include the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace, Akershus fortress, Oslo City Hall, and Karl Johans street.

    Spend the night in Oslo.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 12: RAILWAY JOURNEY TO TRONDHEIM

    This morning you will head to Oslo Central Station to board the half-day (6.5-hour) journey aboard the Dovrebanen train. The train route passes over the Dovre mountain plateau through historic towns and nature preserves and includes great variations of scenery. The journey concludes with a steep, curvy descent to Trondheim.

    Spend the afternoon discovering Trondheim, including Bakklandet, an idyllic neighbourhood full of history and culture, Nidaros Catherdral, as well as other attractions such as the Ringve museum and gardens, Munkholmen and the Old town bridge.

    Spend the night in Trondheim.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 13: EXPLORING THE COASTLINE OF NORWAY

    Today, you will embark on a cruise that will have you discovering the maritime beauty of Norway. You will head to the Trondheim harbour to board a Hurtigruten cruise ship for the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. It will then set sail along the Trondheim Fjord and past Hitra Island.

    Later in the evening, the boat will dock at the city of Kristiansund and the town of Molde. This journey passes through some breathtaking coastal landscapes, and the final port of the day is a brief stop in Ålesund, after midnight.

    Spend the night on board Hurtigruten.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 14: SAIL TO HISTORIC BERGEN

    During the night, the ship calls at Torvik, Maløy, and Florø as the journey weaves through islets and stunning landscapes before coming within view of its final destination—Bergen. Here you will disembark early in the afternoon to enjoy some leisure time. Despite being an international city, Bergen, “The Capital of the Fjords”, has all the charms of a small town. Here you’ll find Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with remarkably preserved old houses, a lively fish and flower market, cable cars offering stunning views, great museums and more.

    Spend the night in Bergen.

    Attractions Attractions

  • Day 15: THE CAPITAL OF THE FJORDS

    Continue to explore beautiful Bergen today. We recommend riding the Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen to enjoy panoramic views over the city or to take a cable car up Ulriken. Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains so this is an ideal place for hiking. Bergen is also known for its museums that cover the city’s history, architecture, music and art. We recommend visiting the Edvard Grieg museum and the KODE art museum, which is Scandinavia’s largest museum for art and music. If you wish to explore the fjords further, optional fjord cruises are available.

    Spend the night in Bergen.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 16: NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL BY LAND AND SEA

    Today will be an especially scenic day with a lot of travel. From Bergen, the early Bergensbanen train transports you to Voss, where you’ll be transported by bus down Stalheimskleiva, Northern Europe’s steepest stretch of road. After a thrilling ride around 13 hairpin bends, you will continue to Gudvangen. There, you will embark on a scenic 2-hour fjord cruise to Flåm, including a trip through Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in all of Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage site is perhaps the most breathtaking part of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, with its mighty peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and small farms dotting the mountainsides. Finally, the boat sails up Aurlandsfjord to Flåm, a charming village, where you will spend the evening.

    Spend the night in Flåm.

    We recommend booking luggage transfer for the travel between Bergen and Oslo.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 17: EXPLORE SCENIC FLÅM

    Spend the day exploring the beauty of the Flåm and its surroundings. There are many well-maintained hiking paths for those want to explore the beauty of the region by foot. You also get free admission to the Flåm Railway Documentation Centre, where you can learn about the construction of this railway, which has earned the title of one of the world’s steepest railway lines. An optional activity to Stegastein viewpoint is recommended. The viewing platform extends about 30 metres from the cliffside and 650 metres above the fjords, offering unbeatable views. For those who want to explore the fjords even further, you can enjoy an optional fjord safari or a kayaking tour.

    Spend another night in Flåm.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 18: THE FLÅM RAILWAY EXPERIENCE

    Spend the early part of your day exploring the village of Flåm by following one of the many hiking trails in the mountains around the village. At noon, you’ll get to experience the famous Flåm Railway as it climbs 900 metres over a span of 20 kilometres up the winding track to the Myrdal Station. Here you will switch to the Bergensbanen train that carries you over the mountainous rooftops of Norway. This ride will take you through the charming villages of Geilo and Gol before concluding in Oslo, where you will spend your last afternoon and night in this amazing country.

    Spend the night in Oslo.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 19: BEAUTIFUL OSLO TO IDYLLIC ICELAND

    This morning, enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of Oslo’s many museums or relax at a café, before heading to the airport for your flight to Iceland. On arrival to Keflavik International Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore. We recommend strolling the streets of the charming capital city, visiting museums, and exploring landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja and the Sun Voyager.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 20: THE CLASSIC GOLDEN CIRCLE

    Start the self-drive part of your tour and collect your rental car in the morning. Begin your journey on the classic “Golden Circle” route, home to some of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Start with a visit to the fascinating Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk on a path in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Next on the route is the Haukadalur geothermal area, where you can see Geysir—the original “geyser”—and its more active neighbour, Strokkur, which spouts water every few minutes. End the circle with visits to the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. 

    Spend the night in the Hvolsvöllur area.

    Driving distance approx. 230 km / 143 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 21: WATERFALLS & VOLCANIC BEACHES

    Head to the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can experience walking right behind the misty cascade, and the gorgeous 60-metre high Skógafoss waterfall just a short drive down the road. Further ahead at Vík, you can make a stop at the black volcanic beach south of the village, from where you can view the rock formations Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar. The last stop of the day is to the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. You also have a chance today to join an exciting guided excursion by foot or snowmobile on a glacier!  

    Spend the night in Kirkjubæjarklaustur/Skaftafell area.

    Driving distance approx. 157 km / 97 mi. 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 22: GLACIERS & ICEBERGS

    Enjoy Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great natural beauty with many interesting hiking trails, including a short path to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. This area is also full of opportunities for more adventurous pursuits, such as guided glacier-walking or ice-climbing excursions. Then, head to the amazing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can join a boat ride among the maze of floating icebergs (optional). 

    Spend the night in the Höfn or Djúpivogur area. 

    Driving distance approx. 208 km / 129 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 23: FJORDS & FISHING VILLAGES

    Your drive along east Iceland today is characterised by spectacular fjords, tranquil fishing villages, rugged tundra and sweeping landscapes. On arrival to the otherworldly Lake Mývatn, you have an abundance of unusual natural wonders to explore, including the Krafla volcano, the curiously-coloured Námaskarð pass, the massive crater of Hverfell and the lunar-like pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir. 

    Spend the night in the Lake Mývatn area.

    Driving distance approx. 430 km / 267 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 24: LUNAR LANDSCAPES OF LAKE MÝVATN

    Use this day to further explore the surroundings of Lake Mývatn. You can start the day with an optional whale-watching trip from the village of Húsavík, “The Whale Watching Capital of Europe”. Then, drive through Jökulsárgljúfur; part of Vatnajökull National Park, visiting such sights as the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon and the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss. End the day by bathing in the relaxing geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can experience the soft glow of the midnight sun. 

    Spend the night in the Lake Mývatn area.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 25: EXPLORE NORTH ICELAND

    Spend the first half of the day around Lake Mývatn. We recommend a visit to Goðafoss (The Waterfall of the Gods) on your way to the charming town of Akureyri, where you will find interesting shops and museums as well as a beautiful botanical garden.

    After your break in Akureyri, you can either head straight to Skagafjörður or take a detour on the way to Tröllaskagi (The Peninsula of the Trolls), where you can enjoy fantastic scenery of beautiful mountains, cliffs and fjords. Next, continue through Siglufjörður, which was once the centre of Iceland’s herring fleet, and make a stop at Hofsós to relax in the thermal pool (optional) before arriving at Skagfjörður, an area known for its abundance of purebred Icelandic horses. 

    Spend the night in Northwest Iceland. 

    Driving distance approx. 301 km / 187 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 26: JOURNEY TO SNÆFELLSNES

    Head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula today. On the way you’ll see the curious mounds of Vatnsdalshólar and the beautiful Þingeyrakirkja church. You can also make stops at the living museum at Eiríksstaðir, home of famous Viking Erik the Red, and the hot geothermal pool of Guðrúnarlaug, or pay a visit to Stykkishólmur, a picture-perfect fishing village overlooking Breiðafjörður Bay. Here, you can take a walk up to the small hill overlooking the harbour, Súgandisey, for a wonderful panoramic view over the town, sea and surrounding mountains. 

    Spend the night on Snæfellsnes Peninsula / Borgarfjörður area.

    Driving distance approx. 335 km / 208 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 27: SPECTACULAR SNÆFELLSJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK

    Experience the unique Snæfellsjökull National Park, with amazing birdlife, lush valleys and lava fields. It is ideal to drive around the peninsula, exploring Dritvík Cove, Lóndrangar Cliffs as well as Hellnar and Arnarstapi cliffs with its bursting bird-life and the small villages along the coast. You might also wish to test your strength at the large stones of the black volcanic beach of Djúpalónssandur like the sailors did in the old days. 

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Driving distance approx. 219 km / 136 mi. 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 28: DEPARTURE FROM ICELAND

    On your day of departure, a shuttle bus will collect you from your hotel in Reykjavík and deliver you to Keflavík International Airport ahead of your scheduled flight.

    If your flight is in the afternoon, you can fit in a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon or even take a short guided tour of the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula (optional; not included).

    Attractions Optional Extras
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Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.