This exceptional three-week journey connects you with the most iconic destinations and hidden gems across the Nordic region, from dramatic fjords and medieval old towns to coastal fortresses and modern design hubs.
With your private driver-guide throughout, enjoy seamless travel, curated cultural experiences, luxury accommodations, and unrivaled local insight in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. This is slow, meaningful travel at its finest, crafted for discerning travelers seeking authenticity and depth.
Destinations On Our 21-Day Nordic Explorer Tour
Denmark
Day 1: Copenhagen arrival – Nyhavn, Amalienborg, Langelinie waterfront
Day 2: Rosenborg Castle, Christianshavn canals, Torvehallerne Market
Day 3: Frederiksborg Castle, Kronborg Castle, Helsingør coast
Day 4: Designmuseum/SMK, Freetown Christiania, Tivoli Gardens
Day 5: Roskilde Cathedral, Viking Ship Museum
Day 6: Odense (Hans Christian Andersen Museum, old town) – Flight to Oslo
Norway
Day 7: Oslo – Bygdøy Peninsula, Royal Palace, Vigeland Park
Day 8: Oslo – Opera House, Munch Museum, Karl Johans Gate
Day 9: Oslo to Myrdal, then Flåm Railway, Aurlandsfjord, Ægir Brewery
Day 10: Fjord cruise (Nærøyfjord & Aurlandsfjord), Stegastein Viewpoint, drive to Bergen
Day 11: Bergen – Mount Fløyen, Fish Market, Bryggen Wharf – Flight to Stockholm
Sweden
Day 12: Stockholm – Gamla Stan, Cathedral, Nobel Museum
Day 13: Royal Palace, Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum / Nordic Museum
Day 14: Food tour, Fotografiska, Stockholm Archipelago cruise
Day 15: Uppsala day trip – Cathedral, University, Viking mounds
Day 16: Drottningholm Palace or leisure/design day – Flight to Helsinki
Finland
Day 17: Helsinki – Senate Square, Market Hall, Rock Church, Esplanadi
Day 18: Suomenlinna Fortress, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, Nordic tasting dinner
Day 19: Ateneum/Design galleries, Kallio District, Finnish sauna
Day 20: Porvoo day trip – Old Town, Cathedral, riverside lunch
Day 21: Nuuksio National Park hike & picnic – Departure from Helsinki
Days 1–6: Denmark – Royal Charm & Creative Culture
Begin your Nordic journey in Copenhagen, where regal landmarks, cozy harbors, and world-class culinary experiences set the tone for an elegant and inspiring adventure.
Day 1: Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace & the Langelinie Waterfront
Your driver-guide will greet you at the airport for a private transfer into Copenhagen.
After check-in, embark on a guided walk through Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s most iconic harbor district. Lined with brightly colored townhouses and wooden boats, this canal was once home to sailors and artists and is now the heart of the city’s café culture. Continue to nearby Amalienborg Palace, the elegant residence of Denmark’s royal family. Your guide will share stories of Danish monarchs and state ceremonies as you explore the palace square and catch a glimpse of the Royal Guard.
In the evening, unwind at the Langelinie waterfront, where you’ll enjoy dinner at one of the area’s stylish seafood restaurants overlooking the harbor. Watch the sun dip below the skyline near the famous Little Mermaid statue—a serene and fitting welcome to Denmark.
Day 2: Rosenborg Castle, Christianshavn Canals & Torvehallerne Market
Begin your day with a private tour of Rosenborg Castle, a jewel of Renaissance architecture nestled in the King’s Garden. Step inside to explore opulent chambers filled with royal portraits, intricate tapestries, and centuries-old furnishings. Deep below, your guide will lead you into the treasury to view the Crown Jewels, still used in modern-day state events.
Next, experience the city from the water with a canal cruise through Christianshavn and the inner harbor. This peaceful ride reveals Copenhagen’s contrasts—historic shipyards, contemporary architecture, and waterside neighborhoods with rich maritime heritage.
Conclude your day with a tasting tour at Torvehallerne Market, a vibrant culinary hub where locals shop for gourmet produce, seafood, and baked goods. Sample classic Danish flavors such as smørrebrød, cheeses, and fresh pastries with your guide.
Day 3: Frederiksborg Castle, Kronborg & the Coastal Town of Helsingør
Today’s private excursion takes you north of Copenhagen to explore Denmark’s grandest castles and seaside heritage along the Øresund coast.
Begin at Frederiksborg Castle, a magnificent 17th-century palace across three islands surrounded by gardens and lakes. With your private guide, step through the ornate Museum of National History rooms, where royal portraits, tapestries, and ceremonial artifacts bring Denmark’s monarchy to life. Don’t miss the beautifully restored Baroque Garden, an ideal spot for a tranquil stroll and photos.
Continue to Kronborg Castle, dramatically situated at the sea’s edge in Helsingør. Known as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this UNESCO-listed fortress is filled with grand halls, dark casemates, and centuries of maritime history. Your guide will walk you through its role in Danish defense and literary legend before taking you on a coastal walk along the waterfront for views across to Sweden.
Day 4: Designmuseum Danmark, Freetown Christiania & Tivoli Gardens
Experience the creative pulse of Copenhagen as you explore its legendary design heritage, alternative communities, and whimsical evening traditions.
Start with a private visit to either the Designmuseum Danmark, which showcases iconic Danish furniture, fashion, and product design, or the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), home to Denmark’s national art collection. Your guide will tailor the visit to your artistic interests, highlighting how form and function are central to Scandinavian aesthetics.
Next, explore a very different side of the city with a guided walk or bike ride through Freetown Christiania. This self-declared autonomous neighborhood is known for its vibrant murals, communal living, and bohemian spirit. Your guide will provide respectful context on Christiania’s history, cultural tensions, and its role in Copenhagen’s identity today.
In the evening, enter the magical world of Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.
Day 5: Roskilde Viking Heritage & Sacred History
Step back into Denmark’s medieval and Viking past with a private day trip to Roskilde, just west of Copenhagen. This UNESCO-listed city blends royal heritage, Nordic mythology, and waterfront charm in one compact destination.
Begin with a guided visit to Roskilde Cathedral, Denmark’s most important church and burial site for nearly 40 Danish monarchs. Your guide will explain the blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance styles, and how the Cathedral became a symbol of royal power and architectural innovation across Scandinavia.
Continue to the Viking Ship Museum, set along Roskilde Fjord. Here, five original Viking ships excavated from the seabed bring the seafaring culture of the North to life. Explore reconstructed longships, see traditional boatbuilding in action, and learn how Vikings mastered trade, exploration, and conquest.
Afterward, enjoy time to stroll along the fjord promenade or through Roskilde’s charming town center, perhaps pausing at a café before your return to Copenhagen.
Overnight in Copenhagen.
Day 6 – Odense: Andersen’s Fairy-Tale World & Flight to Oslo
Travel west to Denmark’s island of Funen for a full-day discovery of Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen.
Begin with a guided visit to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, a modern immersive experience built around the fairy-tale author’s life and works.
Step inside interactive exhibits that weave together his stories, like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Snow Queen, with insights into his personal journey from Odense’s poor quarter to global fame.
Continue with a walking tour through Odense’s Old Town, where pastel-colored houses, cobblestone lanes, and cozy courtyards echo the world Andersen once knew.
Your guide will point out sites linked to his early life while sharing anecdotes that reveal how Odense shaped his imagination.
Then, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Oslo, Norway, where your Scandinavian journey continues.
Days 7–11: Norway – Fjords, Vikings & Coastal Charm
From Oslo’s royal avenues and Viking heritage to the dramatic fjords of Flåm and the colorful wharfs of Bergen, Norway delivers grandeur shaped by nature and legend.
Day 7: Bygdøy Peninsula, The Royal Palace & Vigeland Park
Today’s private tours dive deep into Norway’s seafaring roots and cultural icons, all set within Oslo’s expansive green spaces and grand boulevards.
Begin with a scenic drive to the Bygdøy Peninsula, home to Oslo’s best museums. With your guide, explore the Viking Ship Museum (or the Museum of the Viking Age, depending on availability), home to three immaculately preserved longships and a fascinating collection of burial artifacts. Continue to the nearby Fram Museum, where you’ll board the world’s strongest wooden ship and learn about Norway’s legendary polar explorers.
Return to the city center for a visit to the Royal Palace, the official residence of Norway’s monarch. Stroll through the adjacent Slottsparken (Palace Park) with your guide, passing fountains and statues while hearing about the royal family’s traditions and daily life.
In the afternoon, take a relaxed walk through Vigeland Sculpture Park, the largest collection of sculptures by a single artist anywhere in the world. Your guide will interpret Gustav Vigeland’s powerful stone and bronze works, which explore the human condition in all its raw beauty.
Day 8: Oslo – Opera House, Munch Museum, Karl Johans Gate
Today is devoted to exploring Oslo’s vibrant mix of cutting-edge architecture, artistic treasures, and lively city streets.
Begin at the striking Oslo Opera House, a gleaming structure of white marble and glass rising from the fjord. Its sloping roof invites you to walk up for panoramic views of the harbor and islands.
Your guide will explain how this award-winning building reflects Norway’s modern identity, blending public access with bold design.
Continue to the Munch Museum, where Norway’s most famous artist takes center stage. Beyond The Scream, you’ll discover Edvard Munch’s deep exploration of human emotion and nature, displayed in a dramatic waterfront building designed to let light and landscape into the galleries.
Stroll along Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main street, stretching from the Royal Palace to the Opera House.
Your guide will point out landmarks such as the Parliament building, the University, and the National Theater, while weaving in stories of royal processions, political debates, and everyday life along this bustling avenue.
Day 9: Myrdal, Flåm Railway & Aurlandsfjord
Leave the city behind for a breathtaking journey into Norway’s fjordlands—where snow-dusted peaks, emerald waters, and storybook villages await.
Your day begins with a private transfer or train ride to Myrdal, where you’ll board the legendary Flåm Railway—one of the steepest and most scenic train lines in the world. Descend through tunnels, waterfalls, and mountains to arrive in the charming fjordside village of Flåm.
Explore the village with your guide on foot, stopping for photos and walking along the waterfront. Enjoy a visit to Ægir Brewery, styled like a Viking longhouse and known for its artisanal ales and mead. Settle in for a relaxed lunch or tasting flight as your guide explains the significance of microbrewing in Norway’s modern culinary scene.
For those feeling adventurous, opt for an afternoon RIB safari or kayak tour through the serene Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. You’ll glide past towering cliffs, waterfalls, and hidden farmsteads—an unforgettable experience in the heart of Norway’s natural beauty.
Day 10: Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord & Historic Bergen Wharf
Begin with a private boat cruise through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, two of Norway’s most iconic—and UNESCO-listed—fjord systems. As your captain navigates the narrow, glacier-carved waters, your guide will point out waterfalls plunging from high cliffs, traditional farms clinging to the slopes, and dramatic vistas around every bend. This peaceful journey offers one of the most cinematic landscapes in the Nordics.
After disembarking, travel by road to the Stegastein Viewpoint, a dramatic architectural platform suspended above the fjord. Step out for an unforgettable panoramic view stretching across the deep waters and forested cliffs of Aurland—perfect for photographs and quiet reflection.
Later, continue your scenic drive to Bergen, where you’ll settle into your hotel before taking a gentle stroll along Bryggen Wharf.
With your guide, explore the narrow wooden alleyways of this Hanseatic-era trading district, now home to artisan shops, cafés, and museums.
Day 11: Bergen’s Icons & Flight to Stockholm
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is a gateway to the fjords and rich with maritime history. Today you’ll uncover its best-known sights before flying onward to Sweden.
Start with a ride on the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen, where sweeping views stretch across Bergen’s rooftops, surrounding mountains, and fjords. Depending on time and interests, enjoy a short walk along forested trails with your guide, learning how locals use this natural playground year-round.
Back in town, explore the lively Fish Market, where stalls brim with freshly caught seafood, berries, and local specialties. Your guide will introduce you to Bergen’s seafaring heritage while you sample delicacies such as smoked salmon or king crab.
Conclude your Bergen visit at Bryggen Wharf, the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic quarter. Its colorful wooden warehouses, crooked alleys, and atmospheric galleries tell the story of Bergen’s role in the medieval trade network.
Your guide will bring this history to life with tales of merchants, fishermen, and the fires that shaped the city.
In the late afternoon or evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Stockholm, Sweden. Upon arrival, your driver will escort you to your central hotel, where you can settle in before the next chapter of your Scandinavian journey begins.
Overnight in Stockholm.
Days 12–16: Sweden – Culture, Waterways & Nordic Living
Stockholm welcomes you with island elegance, royal palaces, and immersive museums celebrating both seafaring legends and pop culture. Experience historic Old Town, cruise the archipelago, and indulge in Swedish design and culinary artistry.
Day 12: Gamla Stan, Stockholm Cathedral & Nobel Stories
This morning, you’ll depart Norway and fly to Stockholm, Sweden’s elegant capital, spread across 14 islands. Upon arrival, your private driver will escort you to your city-center hotel, with time to freshen up before your guided introduction to the city.
Begin with a walking tour of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s medieval Old Town. Wander through cobbled streets lined with ochre-colored townhouses as your guide shares stories of royal coronations, political revolutions, and everyday life over the centuries. Visit the stately Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan), a Gothic treasure and the site of many royal weddings and national ceremonies.
Conclude your afternoon at the Nobel Prize Museum, where your guide will lead you through exhibitions celebrating the world’s greatest thinkers, peacebuilders, and innovators. Enjoy dinner with waterfront views—perhaps in Skeppsholmen or Östermalm—where local ingredients and sleek design meet Swedish hospitality.
Day 13: Royal Palace, Vasa Museum & Swedish Icons
Today, you’ll explore Stockholm’s rich cultural legacy, from royal traditions to maritime legends and modern music history.
Begin with a guided tour of The Royal Palace, one of the largest active palaces in Europe. Stroll through its richly decorated rooms and, if timing allows, witness the changing of the guard, a ceremonial spectacle your guide will help interpret in detail. Learn about Sweden’s monarchy and its evolution into a modern constitutional institution.
Next, cross to Djurgården Island for a private visit to the Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship. Marvel at the scale and intricacy of the Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged centuries later. Your guide will walk you through the story of this ambitious engineering feat and the painstaking preservation efforts that followed.
In the afternoon, choose between two quintessentially Swedish experiences: visit the playful and immersive ABBA Museum, perfect for fans of the iconic pop group, or opt for a deeper cultural dive at the Nordic Museum, which offers fascinating exhibits on Swedish traditions, folk art, and domestic life across the centuries.
Day 14: Södermalm, Fotografiska & the Stockholm Archipelago
Discover the contemporary side of Stockholm with a deep dive into local food culture, striking photography, and the beauty of the Baltic Sea.
Begin with a guided food tour in either the elegant Östermalmshallen Market Hall or the trendsetting streets of Södermalm. In Östermalm, sample classic Swedish delicacies like gravlax, Västerbotten cheese, and shrimp skagen from some of the city’s oldest food purveyors. If you prefer a bohemian twist, your guide will lead you through Södermalm’s indie cafés and neighborhood bakeries, blending traditional flavors with new Nordic flair.
Next, explore Fotografiska, Stockholm’s renowned contemporary photography museum. Housed in a converted Art Nouveau customs house along the waterfront, it features bold, thought-provoking exhibitions from some of the world’s leading visual artists. Your guide will provide context on current shows and the cultural role of photography in Sweden’s creative scene.
In the late afternoon, we set out on a boat cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago, a peaceful constellation of more than 30,000 islands. Glide past pine-clad shores, red cottages, and untouched natural beauty as your guide shares stories of island life, maritime traditions, and summer retreats. It’s a serene and stunning end to a culturally rich day.
Day 15: Uppsala Day Trip: Cathedral, University & Viking Heritage
On day 15, you’ll enjoy a private day trip north of Stockholm to Uppsala, Sweden’s historic university city and one of the country’s most significant cultural centers.
The Cathedral is a soaring Gothic masterpiece that dominates the city’s skyline. Inside, explore royal tombs, medieval frescoes, and chapels dedicated to figures like Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus. Your guide will explain how the Cathedral became a symbol of Sweden’s transition from paganism to Christianity.
Next, walk through Uppsala University, one of Europe’s oldest, with stops at Gustavianum, its historic museum, and the library that houses the famous Codex Argenteus. Nearby, stroll the Botanical Gardens, established by Linnaeus himself, where exotic plants still thrive in greenhouses and manicured plots.
Conclude with a short drive to Gamla Uppsala, the ancient religious and political heart of Sweden. Here, your guide will take you among the great Viking burial mounds and share myths of Norse gods, legendary kings, and rituals that once took place on this sacred ground.
Return to Stockholm in the evening.
Day 16: Drottningholm Palace or Leisure & Flight to Helsinki
On your final morning in Sweden, choose between an elegant royal excursion or a relaxed day in the capital before continuing your journey to Finland.
If you wish, your guide will take you to Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and residence of the Swedish royal family.
Stroll through opulent baroque interiors, wander the Chinese Pavilion, and explore vast landscaped gardens that echo the grandeur of Versailles.
Alternatively, spend a relaxed day in Stockholm. Browse contemporary Nordic design shops in Södermalm, sample seasonal bites at Östermalms Saluhall food market, or enjoy a final walk along the city’s waterfront boulevards.
In the afternoon, transfer to Stockholm Arlanda Airport for your short flight to Helsinki, Finland.
Overnight in Helsinki.
Days 17–21: Finland – Coastal Calm & Design Legacy
Helsinki’s blend of neoclassical charm and modernist edge provides a stylish entry to Finnish culture. Explore sea fortresses, forested open-air museums, and tranquil saunas—all capped with fine dining and time in nature-rich retreats like Porvoo or Nuuksio National Park.
Day 17: Senate Square, Rock Church & Esplanadi, Helsinki
This morning, travel east across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, Finland’s seaside capital known for its neoclassical architecture, calm elegance, and design-forward lifestyle.
Arrive by ferry or short flight, where your private driver-guide will meet you for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Once settled, begin a relaxed walking tour through Senate Square, the city’s neoclassical heart. Admire the imposing white Helsinki Cathedral, the University of Helsinki, and the Government Palace—an ensemble designed with striking symmetry and clarity.
Continue to the lively Market Hall by the harbor, where locals gather for salmon soup, cinnamon buns, and cloudberry jam.
Round out the day with a visit to the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), a modernist marvel carved into solid granite. Its copper dome and raw stone walls offer a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Then stroll along the Esplanadi, Helsinki’s grand boulevard lined with boutiques, design shops, and tree-shaded paths—an elegant close to your first day in Finland.
Day 18: Suomenlinna, Seurasaari & Nordic Culinary Traditions
Step into Finland’s living history, surrounded by island fortresses, folk heritage, and modern interpretations of local cuisine.
Begin with a ferry ride across the harbor to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across six interlinked islands. On a private walking tour, your guide will take you through cobbled paths, ancient tunnels, and bastions built by Swedish and Russian empires. Explore the King’s Gate, old bunkers, and artisan studios as you hear tales of Finland’s military past and maritime traditions.
Return to the mainland for a peaceful stroll through the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, located on a wooded island just west of the city center. Here, your guide will walk you through historic wooden buildings relocated from all over Finland—manor houses, farmsteads, and churches—each telling a story of regional customs, craftsmanship, and community life from centuries past.
In the evening, savor a Nordic-tasting menu at a fine-dining restaurant in central Helsinki. With curated wine pairings or craft spirits, each dish—perhaps featuring reindeer, wild mushrooms, or lingonberries—is a modern celebration of Finland’s foraged flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Day 19: Ateneum, Kallio & Finnish Wellbeing
Today blends Finnish creativity with personal wellbeing, offering a mix of art, architecture, and rejuvenating experiences.
Begin at the Ateneum Art Museum, home to Finland’s national collection of classic works, or opt for a curated visit to contemporary design galleries, where your guide will highlight standout pieces in ceramics, fashion, and minimalist homeware. Learn how Finnish design evolved from rustic simplicity to world-renowned modernism.
Next, explore the Kallio district, Helsinki’s rising creative hub. Once a working-class area, Kallio now brims with coffee roasters, vintage shops, and street art. Your guide will show you the best boutiques and cafés, and if you’re feeling adventurous, arrange a visit to a traditional Finnish sauna, where locals still gather for heat, cold plunges, and reflection.
Day 20: Day Trip to Porvoo – Old Town Charm & Riverside Lunch
Your guide will take you east of Helsinki today for a private day trip to Porvoo, Finland’s second-oldest town and a picture of timeless charm.
Wander the cobbled lanes of Porvoo, where pastel wooden houses lean toward narrow streets and artisan boutiques invite browsing.
Your guide will highlight the town’s medieval roots, its 18th-century reconstruction, and the way it has inspired Finnish artists and poets alike.
Visit the Porvoo Cathedral, a whitewashed medieval landmark that has survived fires and wars since the 15th century. Inside, you’ll see simple yet powerful details that echo centuries of Finnish spiritual life.
Conclude with a relaxed riverside lunch, perhaps featuring salmon, rye bread, and cloudberry desserts, with views of the famous red riverside warehouses reflected in the Porvoonjoki River. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore galleries and cafés before returning to Helsinki in the evening.
Overnight in Helsinki.
Day 21: Nuuksio National Park Hike & Picnic / Departure
Spend your final day in Finland surrounded by pure nature in Nuuksio National Park, just outside the capital.
Your guide will lead you on an easy hike through pine forests and along mirror-like lakes, pointing out wildlife tracks and sharing insights into Finland’s deep connection with nature. Depending on the season, you may spot blueberries, lingonberries, or even hear the call of owls in the trees.
Pause for a traditional picnic on the lakeshore, complete with local cheeses, smoked fish, and warm berry juice. This moment of calm offers the perfect setting to reflect on your three-week Scandinavian journey.
In the afternoon, your driver will transfer you to Helsinki Airport for your onward flight. With memories of fjords, castles, Arctic lights, and timeless Nordic towns, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to the landscapes and cultures of Scandinavia.