Nordic Capitals

Castles, Waterways & Fjords of Scandinavia

  • Date

    July 17-August 1, 2025 | Thu / Fri – 16 Days 

  • Location

    Helsinki | Copenhagen | North Zealand | Oslo | Stockholm | Flam | Gudvangen | Myrkdalen | Bergen

Overview

Experience the Nordic capitals of Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo as well as favorite stops in between! Discover what fairy tales are made of on this stunning journey through Nordic castles, thousands of crystal-clear lakes and deep green forests! Begin in Helsinki, Finland, the hip and trendy Finnish capital famous for its architecture, nightlife, and fabulous food. Then make your way to Stockholm, a strikingly beautiful city that stretches over fourteen islands. Venture to Drottningholm Palace, residence of the Royal family, surrounded by lush landscaping and an artful Chinese pavilion. In Denmark, visit Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle and chic Copenhagen with its charming cobblestone streets.

Travel the waterways from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway and sail through the magnificent Oslofjord. Vibrant Oslo bursts with colorful, cultural attractions surrounded by natural wonders. See the Norsk Folkemuseum, which depicts life in Norway dating back to the 16th century and taste the best of Norwegian culinary innovation with a private foodie tour.

In Flam, take a boat cruise around jagged mountains and roaring waterfalls to the Naeroyfjord, the world’s narrowest fjord and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An enchanted land of maritime treasures, fjords, islands, castles, and Vikings is waiting to be explored!

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

  • Guided city tours in Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Bergen
  • Discover Helsinki’s famous “Rock Church”
  • Tour Drottningholm Palace
  • Scenic cruise from Drottningholm to Stockholm
  • Experience Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels
  • Overnight cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo
  • Explore Hamlet’s Kronberg Castle
  • Fjord Cruising from Flam to Gudvangen
  • Cable railway trip to Mount Floyen

PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Helsinki, Finland and from Bergen, Norway
  • Intertour flight from Helsinki to Stockholm
  • Escorted
  • 14 nights accommodations
  • Breakfast daily
  • 1 lunch, 13 dinners
  • Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
  • Ground transportation
  • Hotel baggage handling

NOTE:

A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.

This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.

Thu, July 17: Depart Indianapolis on overnight flights to Helsinki, Finland.

Fri, July 18: Arrive in Helsinki, one of Europe’s most modernized and international cities, with about twenty percent of residents speaking languages outside of Finnish and Swedish. The city boasts a rich history dating back almost 475 years ago, influenced by early Viking settlements and both Sweden and the Russian Empires. Transfer to the hotel, check in for your two-night stay, and enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (Meals: Dinner)

Sat, July 19: After breakfast, your surroundings come to life on a narrated city tour of Helsinki. The local guide will enlighten you as you pass by significant landmarks and sights, such as the Senate Square, Lutheran cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, and Sibelius Monument, among others. Along the way, visit Temppeliaukio Rock Church, a Lutheran church built directly into solid rock and one of the main attractions in Helsinki! Spend some free time this afternoon to do as you please before having dinner with the group. (B,D)

Sun, July 20: On the next leg of your journey, transfer to Helsinki airport for your flight to Stockholm, Sweden—the capital of Sweden and its cultural, political, and economic center. The end of the Ice Age brought settlers into what is today the Stockholm area around 8000 B.C., and the Vikings settled in the area around 1000 A.D. Today, Stockholm stretches across 14 islands, and is home to Stockholm Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarchy. Check in for three nights and have dinner with the group. (B,D)

Mon, July 21: After breakfast, a city tour of Stockholm transports you into the city’s past to the present as you view Old Town, the Royal Palace, Parliament, and House of Nobility. Visit Stockholm City Hall, featuring the golden Three Crowns atop its spire and built from an astounding eight million bricks—also the annual meeting place for the world’s greatest minds at the great Nobel Prize Banquet. Next, explore The Vasa Museum, featuring the only preserved 17th century ship in the world. This 69-meter-long warship sank in 1628 and has been tirelessly restored since its salvage in 1961. After the tour, enjoy some free time to do further sightseeing. (B,D)

Tue, July 22: Today brings yet another beautiful day in Sweden and sees you off on an excursion to Drottningholm Palace, nicknamed the “Versailles of the North,” it is the best-preserved castle in Sweden and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even though the royal family actually lives in the south wing, much of the residence is open to the public. A park with three gardens surrounds the palace: the formal garden with a symmetrical layout, a rococo-inspired garden and the English Park. After your visit, take a scenic cruise along Lake Mälaren back to Stockholm. Back in Stockholm, the balance of the afternoon is yours to rest or walk about the city at your leisure. Join the group for dinner together this evening. (B,D)

Wed, July 23: Journey for much of the day, stopping along the way, from Stockholm to Copenhagen, Denmark—an old merchants’ town overlooking the entrance to the Baltic Sea, with so many architectural treasures that it’s known as the “City of Beautiful Spires.” The city is filled with historical charm and yet exudes a contemporary character that feels effortless. Transfer to your hotel near the city center and check in to your waterfront hotel for a three-night stay. (B,D)

Thu, July 24: After breakfast, join a local guide for a city tour of Copenhagen, where you’ll experience the city’s old-world charm. See such sights as Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Tivoli Gardens, and Christiansborg Castle, where the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court resides. You’ll then pass by Nyhaven harbor and stop by Amalienborg Castle, the official residence of the Danish royal family, before visiting one of Copenhagen’s top sights, The Little Mermaid, taken from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale. Explore Rosenborg Castle, built by the monarch Christian IV in the early 17th century, and today houses such national treasures as the Crown Jewels.  Take the afternoon to traverse the city at your own leisure. Regroup in the evening for an included dinner. (B,D)

Fri, July 25: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off to beautiful North Zealand, a region north of Copenhagen. Join a local guide for a tour of the area, beginning at Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerod, a Renaissance era relic which houses the National Museum of History. Next, stop at Fredensborg Palace, which serves as the Danish Royal Family’s summer residence. Further north, venture through Kronberg Castle, Shakespeare’s setting for his work, Hamlet, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way back to Copenhagen, appreciate the beauty of what is known as the Danish Riviera, the coastal road with a stunning view of the sea separating Denmark from Sweden. (B,D)

Sat, July 26: After breakfast, have the chance to do some more sightseeing on your own.  This afternoon, board an overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway; an unforgettable experience and the ultimate way to enjoy the beautiful North Sea and the Oslo fjord. Settle into your outside stateroom, have a buffet dinner on board, and take in the views. (B,D)

Sun, July 27: Arrive in Oslo—the capital city of Norway. Located at the base of the Oslo Fjord, the city extends up the mountains that surround it on three sides. After breakfast on board, disembark and meet a local guide for a narrated tour. Join a local guide for a city tour of Oslo—see the Parliament building, National Theatre, the new Opera House, and Royal Residence. As a group, visit Norsk Folkemuseum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, which depicts life in Norway from the 16th century to the present. With 160 different buildings representing different time periods, Norwegian regions, and social classes, you’ll experience an in-depth look into the rich history of Norway and its people. After the tour, transfer to your hotel and check in for the next two nights. Gather as a group for dinner. (B,D)

Mon, July 28: Today, a fun foodie tour through Oslo will tantalize your taste buds! Experience the hidden side of this Nordic capital and taste some of Norway’s best street food and culinary innovations, from Norwegian waffles to cured delicacies to the city’s own special treats. Once considered the sleepy cousin to other Nordic capitals, it now rivals the others with so many possibilities. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore before an included dinner. (B,L,D)

Tue, July 29: After breakfast today, travel to Flam, Norway—a charming Nordic village in heart of the Norwegian fjords. Upon arrival, take a boat tour between Flam and Gudvangen, and journey around roaring waterfalls, mountainside homes, and jagged mountains. Pass by Aurland’s 13th century stone church before reaching the Naeroyfjord, the world’s narrowest fjord and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in for an overnight stay near Voss this evening with dinner included at the hotel. (B,D)

Wed, July 30: Various optional excursions will be available this morning from your hotel. Later this afternoon, depart for Bergen, a city on the west coast of Norway which, according to tradition, was founded in 1070 by King Olaf the Peaceful and is also the country’s second largest—and one of its most attractive—cities. During the Middle Ages, Bergen was the seat of kings, as well as one of the departure points for Vikings who roamed the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. Beautiful Bergen will be your host for the final two nights of your tour. (B,D)

Thu, July 31: The city of Bergen beckons, and after breakfast, join a local guide for a guided tour; see both the new and the old of Bergen, wandering through both broad modern streets and historic narrow alleyways. See sights such as the old wooden town, the Fortress, St. Mary’s Church, the Fish Market, City Park, and Theatre. After your city tour, experience one of Norway’s most famous attractions, the funicular railway, which climbs over 1000 feet above sea level to the top of Mount Floyen, granting stunning views of the surrounding area. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to do more sightseeing or shop for the perfect souvenir. Spend your final evening together at a Farewell Dinner. (B,D)

Fri, Aug 1: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for return flights to Indianapolis. (B)

 

GLO Hotel Art, Helsinki, Finland. Originally built for an architecture competition in 1903, the hotel is a charming property built around a century-old Art Nouveau castle located in the Design district of Helsinki. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • sauna • fitness center.

Clarion Sign, Stockholm, Sweden. Clarion Hotel Sign is located right in the center of Stockholm, close to shopping, theatres, and restaurants. Highlights: Bright hotel accommodations with exceptional Scandinavian design. • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • indoor pool • fitness center.

Copenhagen Admiral Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark. A waterfront hotel, located in the heart of the city amidst the best shopping, and tourist attractions. Highlights: complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • bicycle rental • fitness center.

Radisson Blu Plaza, Oslo, Sweden. Towering 37 stories above Oslo city center, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is within walking distance of top attractions Highlights: complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • indoor pool • fitness center.

 Myrkdalen Hotel, Voss, Norway. Wild and pure, this hotel in western Norway is fun for all seasons and a short distance from idyllic fjords. Highlights: complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • bicycle rentals.

 Clarion Admiral Bergen, Norway. Formerly a pack house that dates back to 1904, this waterfront, historic property stands in the center of Bergen City with an amazing view of Floyen Mountain. Highlights: complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar.

Pricing

  • Package with Air
  • Double P/P – $9,849
  • Single – $11,999
  • Land Only
  • Double P/P – $8,239
  • Single – $10,479

*Subject to change due to increase in exchange rate or fuel surcharge