12 Day Enchanting Scandinavia - A Platinum Small Group Tour

Welcome to Copenhagen, Denmark’s beautiful royal capital and the epitome of Scandi cool.

A former fishing village, Copenhagen has grown in leaps and bounds and as of 2024 boasts 15 Michelin-star restaurants, two of the world’s oldest amusement parks, and of course, home to one of the oldest monarchies in the world. 

Once you’ve checked into the hotel, feel free to rest and settle in, or explore the city as you wish. NH Collection Copenhagen is a fusion of Scandinavian and international design, situated conveniently in the city center along the waterfront, with the lively atmosphere of Christianshavn right at your doorstep. This bustling capital city provides a blend of contemporary vibes and traditional charm.

The buzzing capital offers a mixture of modern architecture and culture with sustainable living, pristine waterways, and an innovative restaurant scene. The hotel is located in the vibrant Christianshavn neighbourhood, known for its cafe culture and canals. The Royal Library of Copenhagen and The Copenhagen Opera House are also a short walk away.  

This evening you’ll meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers, and enjoy a welcome reception with drinks and snacks on the hotel’s rooftop. 

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at 9am to set off for a 4 hour tour of Copenhagen.  

We’ll be visiting the city’s most famous and beloved sights including The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen’s most iconic landmark made famous by Hans Christian Andersen, before continuing onto the colourful canal area of Nyhavn, and its many cafés and restaurants. 

Bidding farewell to Nyhavn, a short walk away is Amalienborg Palace, the Danish Royal Family’s winter residence; Børsen, the Old Stock Exchange, which dates back to 1625 and is one of the oldest buildings in Copenhagen; the old-world charm of amusement park Tivoli Gardens, and 1606 Dutch Renaissance, Rosenborg Castle. 

During the tour, a stop is made at the Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish parliament. Christiansborg Palace has an 800-year-long history and is the heartbeat of Copenhagen. It is one of the world’s few working palaces which allows visitors. We’ll tour the Royal Reception rooms* where the former Queen Margrethe (now King Frederik) receives foreign royalty and dignitaries. 

After the Christiansborg Palace tour, we will return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.  

This evening we’ll enjoy a private canal tour around Copenhagen and experience life from the water, a truly Inspiring Sight, before a 3-course Welcome Dinner at The Copenhagen Opera House.

*Please note: The Royal Reception rooms may be closed during our visit due to a Royal event.

After breakfast and check out, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board a flight to Stockholm. The trendy Swedish capital, built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, is said to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Often referred to as the ‘World’s Smallest Big City,’ Stockholm is also one of the world’s cleanest cities and is easy to navigate. Picturesque cobbled streets lined with independent shops, not to mention some seriously impressive art-nouveau design, there is plenty to explore in this green capital. 

On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an Inspiring Stay. In the late 19th century, Brunkebergstorg served as the gathering place for Stockholm's upper class and cultural luminaries. With the establishment of Hotel At Six, this square has reclaimed its historical significance. Hotel At Six epitomizes a fusion of contemporary art, gourmet dining, and opulent interior design, epitomizing modern luxury at the heart of Stockholm.

Domestic Flight - Luggage Allowance:
Please note checked luggage allowance is 23kg per person.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at 9am to set off for a 5-hour tour of Stockholm. 

Thanks to its beauty, architecture, clean and open waterways and parks, Stockholm is also known as the ‘Venice of the North’. Your tour of the city will take you past the impressive buildings of the Nationalmuseum (the national gallery of Sweden), The Royal Dramatic Theatre, the Grand Hôtel, and the Royal Palace (or Stockholm Palace), the official residence of the Swedish monarch, before enjoying a wander around Stockholm’s picturesque historical city centre, known as Gamla Stan. 

We will tour Stockholm City Hall, including a visit to the Blue Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize banquet is held each year, before stopping for a short lunch break. After a rest and some food, we continue onto Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgården where the 17th century warship Vasa is now housed after it tragically capsized and sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628.  

After the Vasa Museum tour we will return to the hotel where the rest of the day can be spent as you please. 

This evening, a very special dinner to remember. We’re heading to Stadshuskällaren, a restaurant located in the basement of Stockholm City Hall. Stadshuskällaren served every Nobel Prize banquet menu from 1901 onwards. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime Inspiring Taste experience, your dinner (fit for a Nobel Prize winner, of course), is served on the original tableware designed by Karin Björquist and Gunnar Cyrén.

After breakfast we will head to Stockholm Arlanda Airport for a flight to Oslo, Norway’s capital. 

This vibrant city is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for art lovers due to the opening of two of the biggest art museums in Europe: Munch Museum and the National Museum. 

On arrival in Oslo, it’s onto the Oslo Opera House, home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. You’ll enjoy an exclusive backstage tour from an Opera House guide, learn all about the building’s architecture, the performances, stage technology and more. Don’t forget your camera as we’ll also take in the beautiful views across the 100-km-long Oslo Fjord from the rooftop of this Inspiring Sight. 

Look forward to an Inspiring Stay at the Grand Hotel Oslo. Standing as Norway's most renowned hotel, Grand Hotel Oslo epitomises a seamless blend of comfort and refinement. Since its inception in 1874, this legendary establishment has welcomed international guests, celebrities, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and now, you.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your own leisure.

Domestic Flight - Luggage Allowance:
Please note checked luggage allowance is 23kg per person.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at 9am for a 4-hour tour of Oslo, starting with a drive through the city.   

Passing national landmarks including Stortinget, the Parliament building and seat of the Norwegian National Assembly since 1866 (lookout for the two imposing lion statues at the main entrance); the National Theatre, and the magnificent Royal Palace and official residence of the present Norwegian monarch. 

We’ll continue heading out of the city, through charming suburban areas where beautiful homes are finished within manicured gardens. We will stop at Vigeland Sculpture Park, the largest sculpture park in the world created by one single artist, for a guided walk. The 80 acres park was designed by renowned Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, who also created the 200-plus iron and bronze statues which depict the life cycle, from birth to death. 

We’ll have a short stop at Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower to take in the stunning views from the top of the ski jump hill. 

We will then drive back to the hotel where the rest of the day can be spent as you please. 

Dinner is also at your own leisure—Oslo is the capital of fresh produce, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food on the corner, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Bon appétit! (or in Norwegian, håper det smaker!)

After breakfast we will farewell Oslo and set off for the Norwegian fjords.  We’ll make a stop at the incredible Kistefos Museum, an art museum and sculpture park and home of the famous ‘The Twist’. We’ll enjoy a tour of the park before continuing our journey. 

After a brief drive through Lillehammer and a lunch stop enroute, we’ll aim to reach Geiranger early evening. After settling in, we’ll enjoy dinner together as a group at the hotel this evening.

Hotel Union Geiranger is nestled within the breathtaking landscape of a globally acclaimed Norwegian fjord. Under the stewardship of the Mjelva family, now in its fourth generation, Hotel Union exemplifies an Inspiring Stay premier hospitality experience, boasting modern amenities while upholding a rich legacy of distinction. For over a century, patrons have been drawn here to partake in something truly extraordinary. The hotel is renowned for its exceptional personalized service, elegant and cozy lodgings, and exquisite cuisine crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients.

We will spend the day in some of the most unspoilt fjords and mountains, starting with a crossing of UNESCO World Heritage Listed Geirangerfjord via ferry. From Geiranger we’ll cruise through stunning landscapes to Hellesylt, a small picturesque village where we will disembark before travelling north to Trollstigen, or ‘Troll Path’, one of the most dramatic areas in Norway. 

On the way, there are 11 hairpin turns your experienced driver will expertly navigate on this stunning stretch of road which is carved into the fjord. Sit back and take in the 100km of incredible landscape (weather permitting)—and keep your camera handy! We’ll also stop for lunch en-route. 

In the afternoon, we will continue exploring the area and return to Geiranger via The Eagle Road (Ørnevegen), the steepest part of the road.

Dinner this evening will be at the hotel.

This morning our journey continues through the mountains to the famous Dalsnibba observation point, above the Geiranger Fjord (an extraordinary 4,800 ft).

Have a moment to take in the breathtaking views before we travel to Briksdal Glacier, a stunning blue glacier tongue which is part of Jostedal Glacier. At around 497 square miles, it is the largest glacier in continental Europe. Once we reach the foot of the glacier, we’ll alternate between walking and using small motorised ‘troll’ cars to reach the edge of the ice. 

After a break for lunch, our journey continues south via the quaint village of Fjærland, located on the Fjærland Fjord (there are only 300 inhabitants here and 10 second-hand bookstores!). After a quick photo stop, we’ll move onto Sogndal, and along the coastal road to Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord also known as ‘The King of the Fjords’.  

Prior to reaching Balestrand, we’ll cross the Sognefjord on a local ferry from Hella to Dragsvik. 

This evening we’ll spend the night at a historical fjord hotel, the Kviknes Hotel. A fourth-generation run hotel located on the Sognefjord and the start of the Fjærland Fjord, it really is a magical place to stay against a stellar backdrop. 

Dinner will be held at the hotel with views of the fjord right on the doorstep.

After breakfast we’ll set off on a short drive back to Dragsvik where a local ferry will take us across the Sognefjord to Vangsnes, a small village with amazing views, then a drive through the Vik mountains to Gudvangen, located at the end of UNESCO heritage listed Nærøyfjord. 

Here, we’ll board the hydro electric fjord cruise to Flåm where we’ll experience the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest, standard gauge railway lines in the world, also one of the most beautiful. 

Once we reach Myrdal, we’ll change to the Bergen Railway Line and continue onto Voss, where we’ll board a coach for our final stretch to Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway.

Bergen has many nicknames, but perhaps it’s best known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords.’ 

After checking into Opus 16, a boutique hotel run by descendants of Norwegian composer, Edvard Greig for the next two nights, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Situated at Vågsallmenningen 16, within the confines of a meticulously restored and repurposed old bank building, Opus 16 embodies the essence of craftsmanship and artistry for a truly Inspiring Stay. 

Later, a Welcome Reception with drinks and canapes will be hosted at the hotel—remember to try local cider from Hardanger which holds Protected Geographical Indication status, just like Calvados and Champagne, and has quickly become an award-winning tipple.  

The rest of the evening can be spent as you please.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at 9am for a 4-hour tour of Bergen, starting with a short drive to Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most celebrated composer and pianist, and his wife, Nina. 

Returning to the city, we’ll experience highlights such as St. Mary’s Church, the oldest building in Bergen; the exterior of King Håkon's Hall which was built by King Håkon Håkonsson as a royal residence; and the famed fish market, sitting right in the heart of the city between the fjords and Bergen's seven mountains. 

After the tour, we’ll head back to the hotel and set out again later in the afternoon to enjoy a journey 320 metres up the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen. 

This evening we’ll enjoy a farewell Inspiring Taste at Bryggen Tracteursted, located a short walk away in the Bryggen wharf area. Serving modern cuisine inspired by Norwegian and Hanseatic traditions, it’ll be a night to remember!

After breakfast it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers, Bergen, and to your Scandinavian adventure—what amazing memories you’ve made! 

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.