18 Day Scandinavia Uncovered

• Ride the iconic Nordland Railway from Bodø to Trondheim
• Witness the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle in summer (from approximately May to July)
• 17 nights in centrally located, 3 and 4 star accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• Independent exploration of Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen
• All transport including coach, trains and local buses
• Sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary

• Helsinki -  City tour
• Tromsø - Polar Fjord Cruise
• Bodø - Saltstraumen
• Bodø - The Nordland Railway to Trondheim
• Stockholm - Under the Bridges tour
• Copenhagen - Canal tour and Tivoli Gardens

Pre/post accommodation
Not available 

Upgrades 
Not available. 

Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional ₹138,600.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire tour.

To keep our Single Supplement at a reduced cost, some hotels may allocate solo travellers with a dedicated Single Room. At times this may mean a single bed will be provided.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub.

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available.

Child policy
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Payment Information 
Secure your trip with a ₹3,999.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

1. At the time of booking pay a ₹3,999.00 deposit per person.
2. Pay a 1st installment of ₹88,887.00 per person within 7 days.
3. Pay a 2nd installment of ₹88,886.00 per person within 90 days.
4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Cooling Off Period 
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product. 

Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions

Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary.  Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty. 

Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary.  The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion. 

Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination. 

Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub.  We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations tour leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

To make your way to your hotel from the airport, there are various connections by express train or limousine bus. The airport information desks can provide helpful advice, too. 

If you're having any problems finding the hotel, please contact the hotel directly. Our ground operator in Norway is also available in case of emergencies.  Please refer to the emergency contact details listed on your final documentation.

Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice. How to book information can be found on our FAQ page or visit: https://wiki.inspiringvacations.com/knowledge/how-to-add-transfers-to-your-booking 

Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.

When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider. 

In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

We understand that there may be instances where your  local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that they escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.

You also have the option to share details in your online feedback after the tour. However, please keep in mind that it's challenging for us to offer practical assistance once the tour is completed. Therefore, notifying us while still travelling allows us the chance to address the issue in real-time and provide a timely resolution.

For general contact details please visit the Contact Us page on our website.

When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this on arrival during your welcome meeting. 

Pace
This tour category is 2 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. ​The itinerary may include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day tours for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.

You will be expected to carry your luggage, including while moving about busy public transport hubs to make connections, upstairs and escalators, and on and off coaches and trains. Although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, you are expected to be able to walk and handle your luggage for a few hundred metres. 

Group Size 
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.  

When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. 

Tour Style 
Explore at your own pace with expertly crafted Independent itineraries that offer both must-see sights and free time, with all accommodation and transportation pre-arranged. 

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Airport transfers
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Optional Tours 
To secure your spot and enjoy the best rates, pre-booking these tours in advance is highly recommended. While some tours require a minimum number of participants to operate, you'll be fully refunded if the tour is cancelled at your destination for this reason. Our optional tours are typically led by your tour leader or local guide. Please note that transportation to and from the optional tours may not be included, but your tour leader will be happy to assist you with navigating public transportation options like trains or taxis to reach the starting point.

Travelling in a group 
Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group—patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. 

We kindly ask that when you are requested to be at a place at a certain time that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your tour before departure.

Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.

Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options. 

Independent Tour with Local Guides
This tour is an independent tour with day tours from local guides. These experts, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life. Your local guide will change city to city.

Itinerary Changes 
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your local guide might need to adjust the itinerary slightly. 

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your tour! Your guide will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.

Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM at the airport is the final option. For a prepaid fee, you can get data by simply swapping your current SIM with your new SIM and depending on which package you purchase, you’ll be able to text and make phone calls, just as you would at home. 

Getting Around
Getting around Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark during the summer is enjoyable and convenient, thanks to well-developed transportation systems, extensive outdoor routes, and mild weather.

While exploring Scandinavia, some days will feature longer drives as we journey through stunning landscapes and connect iconic destinations. Though these travel days can feel lengthy and occasionally a bit uncomfortable, our comfortable coach, scenic views, and planned breaks will help make the journey more manageable, ensuring you're ready for the next unforgettable experience.

Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.

Accommodation Details
This package utilises comfortable business hotels conveniently located for easy access to transportation and restaurants. Keep in mind that Nordic design emphasises clean lines and functionality, so rooms tend to be cosy compared to what you might be accustomed to in other regions.

While some amenities like tea kettles may not be standard, hotels provide comfortable beds and essential toiletries. The focus is on a restful night's sleep after a day of adventure! If you require specific amenities, it may be best to plan ahead or to speak to hotel staff directly to see how they can assist you. 

Packing Essentials
On this trip, we primarily use public transport, so we recommend packing light and efficiently. You'll need to carry your own luggage between train stations, ferry ports, and hotels, which may involve navigating stairs and walking over cobblestones. Keep in mind that many train stations may not have elevators.

To ensure your comfort we suggest you pack layers, including a light jacket, raincoat, and warmer clothing for evenings. Even in summer, it can get cold, particularly in the mountains or near fjords.

Bring an eye mask if you’re sensitive to light when sleeping, as it may not get dark at all, even at night.

Climate
Mild but Variable Weather: Summer in the Nordics is generally pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). However, weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers, especially in Norway and Finland. Coastal areas can be windy, and evenings may be chilly.

In northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland (especially above the Arctic Circle), the sun doesn’t set during the summer months, resulting in 24-hour daylight from May to July. In Denmark and southern areas, you’ll experience long days, with up to 18–20 hours of daylight.

Click HERE for more information on the weather in Norway.

Click HERE for more information on the weather in Finland.

Currency and ATMs
 Finland uses the Euro (EUR), Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK) Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK) and Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK). Throughout Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, credit cards are the preferred method of payment for most transactions. Visa and Mastercard are the most universally accepted. You'll be able to use them for hotels, restaurants, shops, and public transportation. While credit cards are king, carrying some local currency can be helpful for smaller purchases at markets, cafes, or public restrooms that might not accept cards.

You'll find ATMs in most cities, towns, and tourist areas throughout both countries, though they are rare in the north of Finland. Look for signs with international networks like Visa Plus, Mastercard Cirrus, or Maestro.

Be aware that your home bank and the ATM operator may charge you fees for international withdrawals. Check with your bank before your tour to understand their foreign transaction fees.

Food and Allergies 
The Nordic region offers a delicious culinary adventure, with fresh seafood, hearty stews, and delightful pastries. However, if you have food allergies or dietary requirements, it's important to be aware of a few things.

While major cities and tourist destinations are increasingly accommodating dietary needs, some traditional dishes may present challenges. Rye bread, a staple across the region, is high in gluten. Dairy features prominently in many dishes, from creamy sauces to cheeses like Jarlsberg and Brunost. The good news is that awareness of dietary restrictions is growing. Many restaurants offer gluten-free options, and lactose-free milk alternatives are becoming more common. When making reservations, communicate your dietary needs. Travel with a phrasebook or translation app to help you explain your requirements in restaurants.

Local supermarkets also stock a growing selection of gluten-free and dairy-free products, allowing you to manage some meals on your own. Speciality stores catering to dietary needs can be found in major cities.

By planning, researching restaurants, and being open to exploring alternative options, you can still enjoy the delightful flavours of this region on your tour!

While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of culinary offerings. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your tour. 

While our partners will assist you where they can, there may be some included meals that are decided in advance and therefore cannot be altered or modified for different diets. For those with a particular food allergy, your guide will endeavour to advise the main ingredients in the dishes consumed. It is, however, still your responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any problematic ingredients.

Local Customs
It's always a good idea to learn something about local customs before you travel. The Nordic region is known for its friendly and relaxed culture, but a few social customs can help you blend in seamlessly. Respecting personal space is key – queues tend to be orderly with space between people, and greetings are often casual. While tipping isn't mandatory, rounding up a bill or leaving a small token of appreciation for exceptional service is always welcome. By following these simple guidelines, you'll be well on your way to a smooth and enjoyable cultural experience.

People in the Nordics tend to be more reserved compared to some other European countries. Expect less small talk, and when using public transport, it’s common to maintain a quieter demeanour.

Responsible Dining
We support the protection of endangered species around the world. Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1,000 whales are still being killed every year. We do not visit places that serve whale meat on any of our tours, nor will your leader guide you to where it is offered.

Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark prioritise sustainability, so be a responsible traveller by following designated trails, minimising waste, and opting for local, seasonal food options whenever possible. Traditional cuisine features fresh seafood, reindeer meat, and hearty stews. Vegetarian options might be limited, especially in smaller towns.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. 

Safety and Security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your tour. 

Your Inspiring Vacations local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. 

Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Apps to Download
 Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi. 

We generally always recommend that you download a reliable transportation app for the country you are visiting in case you need to get around on your own. 

In Norway, Vy is a popular app for train travel. It offers ticket booking, schedules, real-time updates, and even taxi booking options in some areas. 

In Finland, HSL is an app specifically for Helsinki and its surrounding areas, providing information on buses, trams, metro, and commuter trains. The 02 Taksi app in Finland compares the taxi companies in your area so you can choose one based on the best price or the best customer rating.

In Sweden, SL is a Stockholm public transport app that helps with schedules and ticket purchases for buses, trains, and ferries in the capital region.

Rejseplanen is a widely used app for public transport routes, schedules, and ticketing across Denmark, including buses, trains, and the metro.

Bolt is a ride-sharing app that is available in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Norway, and offers a convenient way to book taxis or private cars.

Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability. 

Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth trip survey. Your tour leader or local guide may also provide you with a QR code that you can scan using your device to access our survey straight away. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your trip has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved. 

Finishing Point 
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking. 

Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly. 

Departure Details 
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub.  We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. 

Alternatively, Denmark’s public transport system is very efficient and reliable. 

To make your way to the airport from the hotel, there are various connections by metro, train or bus. The hotel concierge can provide helpful advice, too.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form
  

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.