Discover Denmark in style and comfort over ten days with a private, driver-guided tour and a carefully crafted itinerary designed by our local specialists.
With three base locations and carefully selected day trips, you’ll experience everything from Copenhagen’s royal splendor to the white cliffs of Møn, the literary legacy of Hans Christian Andersen, and the creative pulse of Aarhus.
With your driver-guide throughout and curated private tours each day, this journey balances historical richness with natural beauty and cultural depth with luxurious simplicity.
Destinations on Our 10-Day Denmark Itinerary
Days 1–4: Copenhagen
Explore Copenhagen’s royal palaces, cutting-edge design museums, and vibrant neighborhoods with guided canal cruises and curated art tours.
Days 5–6: South Zealand & Møn
Discover chalk cliffs, Viking fortresses, and peaceful seaside villages, with hikes at UNESCO sites and garden walks through private estates.
Days 7–8: Funen Region (Odense)
Dive into fairy tale history with H.C. Andersen in Odense, tour Renaissance castles, and stroll medieval towns and countryside.
Days 9–10: Jutland (Aarhus & Ebeltoft)
Experience Denmark’s cultural capital with art museums, open-air heritage villages, and glassblowing on the scenic east coast before returning to Copenhagen.
Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen – Royal Welcome
Your Danish journey begins with your private driver collecting you from the airport and delivering you to your accommodation in the center of Copenhagen.
Walking Tour of Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, and Strøget
The first of your private tour experiences gets underway with a private walking tour through Copenhagen’s most iconic streetscapes.
Meet your guide in Nyhavn, the colorful 17th-century harbor canal framed by tall townhouses and lively cafés. Here, you will discover the tales surrounding historical sites, such as the home of Hans Christian Andersen, and understand the harbor’s transformation from a sailors’ haven to a vibrant entertainment district.
Continue to Amalienborg Palace, where you’ll watch the Royal Guards perform the changing of the guard ceremony and learn about the daily life of Denmark’s monarchy. The walk concludes along Strøget, Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, lined with historic architecture, street performers, and centuries-old churches.
Private Canal Cruise Through Inner Harbor
In the afternoon, board a private boat for a leisurely cruise through Copenhagen’s intricate network of canals.
Drift past picturesque waterfront districts, such as Christianshavn, the former naval base transformed into a hip residential area, and Slotsholmen Island, home to Denmark’s central government.
As the boat glides along the Canal, your captain will share historical and cultural insights as you pass landmarks like the Black Diamond Library and the Opera House, beneath the low bridges and along the bustling quay.
Day 2: Art, Design & Danish Modern Living
We have designated day 2 as a fun introduction to the world of Danish design with a curated visit to the Design Museum. Located in a former 18th-century hospital designed by architect Nicolai Eigtved, the museum houses Denmark’s premier collection of applied art and industrial design.
On your private tour here, you’ll be led through the exhibits, admiring mid-century furniture by Arne Jacobsen, modernist lamps by Poul Henningsen, and contemporary product innovations.
Your art historian guide will introduce you to discussions around functionalism, minimalism, and human-centric aesthetics in a friendly and approachable manner. Alternatively, if you have a particular interest, you can delve deeper into how these concepts help frame Denmark’s global design legacy and its ongoing influence on architecture, fashion, and urban life.
Private Tour of Superkilen Park and Bjarke Ingels Architecture
Venture into Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district for a personalized tour of Superkilen Park and other cutting-edge urban spaces.
Superkilen, a public park co-designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), celebrates international diversity through public art and design objects from over 60 countries. Explore additional BIG projects, such as CopenHill—a waste-to-energy plant featuring a rooftop ski slope—or the innovative 8 House, renowned for its figure-eight structure and sustainable design.
These stops offer a compelling look into Denmark’s role as a leader in 21st-century urbanism.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art with Coastal Walk
Your second day comes to an end with a visit to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, perched on a bluff overlooking the Øresund Strait in Humlebæk.
Renowned for its seamless integration of indoor galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens, the museum hosts an ever-evolving selection of international contemporary art.
Enjoy expert-led introductions and discussions on works by artists like Yayoi Kusama, Alberto Giacometti, and Louise Bourgeois. After the indoor visit, stroll along the coastal path and through the wooded park, where installations by Henry Moore and Alexander Calder punctuate the natural landscape.
The location and content make Louisiana as much a sensory retreat as a cultural landmark.
Day 3: North Zealand Castles & Hamlet’s Legacy
On the morning of day 3, your driver will collect you for the journey north to Hillerød, where you will visit Frederiksborg Castle, a striking Renaissance palace situated on three islands in the middle of a serene lake.
Private Tour of Frederiksborg Castle & National History Museum
Step inside the ancient fortress with your expert guide to explore grand audience chambers, the intricately decorated Chapel of Orders, and the Hall of Knights.
Alongside exploring the castle itself and the exhibits therein, Denmark’s National History Museum is actually housed inside the ancient fortress. Inside, you can enjoy an extraordinary array of royal portraits, historical artifacts, and period furniture that act as a living narrative of the country’s evolution from a medieval state to a modern monarchy.
Your guide will weave together architecture, politics, and royal intrigue, ensuring a vivid and engrossing portrait of life at court across the centuries.
Walk Through Fredensborg Palace Gardens With Royal Insights
After Frederiksborg, drive a short distance to Fredensborg Palace, the Danish royal family’s spring residence.
While the palace interiors are only occasionally open to the public, its expansive landscaped gardens are a highlight in their own right. Stroll the formal avenues of the Baroque garden, lined with sculpted hedges and mythological statues, before wandering into the naturalistic English-style garden dotted with lakes and walking paths.
Guided Tour of Kronborg Castle – Hamlet’s Castle
In the afternoon, continue to Helsingør and the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle, famously immortalized as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
On your private tour, explore the dramatic casemates where soldiers once guarded Denmark’s coast, the grand ballroom with its painted ceiling, and the King’s Chamber, offering views across the Øresund to Sweden.
A private tour here enables your guide to truly bring to life both the real strategic importance of this fortress and its literary mystique.
Day 4: Hidden Copenhagen & Culinary Culture
Our first destination today is a deep dive into Denmark’s vibrant culinary culture through a privately guided food tour.
Start at the famed Torvehallerne food halls, where your guide introduces you to artisan producers and beloved Danish staples. Sample smørrebrød—open-faced sandwiches adorned with seasonal toppings—and locally cured meats and cheeses.
Your guide will tailor the tour to your tastes (quite literally) and show you the finest independent stalls where vendors offer homemade pickles, Danish licorice, and regional craft beers.
Continue through hidden culinary corners of the city, such as back alley bakeries or small-batch chocolate makers. You’ll learn about traditional preservation methods, the growing farm-to-table movement, and the ways Copenhagen’s food scene balances heritage and innovation. It’s an interactive and educational experience, perfect for those who enjoy discovering a city through its tastes and textures.
Cultural Walk Through Vesterbro or Nørrebro
Following your tastings, explore one of Copenhagen’s most dynamic neighborhoods—Vesterbro or Nørrebro—on foot with your guide.
In Vesterbro, a former red-light district transformed into a cultural hub, stroll past street art murals, indie design studios, and repurposed factories now housing art galleries and creative spaces.
If you are looking for a more grounded experience, then you may opt to visit Nørrebro instead, a neighborhood known for its multicultural energy and grassroots creativity. Visit immigrant-founded businesses, hear stories of community resilience, and step into intimate courtyard gardens tucked behind residential facades.
Whether you choose Vesterbro or Nørrebro, this walk reveals a contemporary Copenhagen that thrives beyond the postcard views.
New Nordic Cooking Class With a Chef
In the evening, head to a private kitchen or boutique cooking studio where a professional chef awaits to guide you through a hands-on culinary class.
Begin with a briefing on the New Nordic philosophy—seasonality, locality, and simplicity—and discuss how chefs across Scandinavia have revived ancient techniques like fermentation and foraging.
Prepare a multi-course meal under your chef’s supervision, using ingredients such as juniper berries, wild herbs, fresh seafood, or root vegetables, depending on the season. Learn knife skills, plating techniques, and the art of balancing flavors while hearing anecdotes about the cultural origins of each dish. Once the meal is complete, sit down together to enjoy your creations paired with a carefully selected wine or juice tasting.
Day 5: South Zealand & Møn – Cliffs and Coastline
Begin your journey south with a geologist-guided visit to Stevns Klint, a dramatic stretch of white chalk cliffs that tell the story of Earth’s deep past.
Enjoy invigorating coastal trails where fossilized fish and sea urchins have been embedded in the strata for over 65 million years. Learn how this site provides evidence of the asteroid that caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs and why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Along the way, your guide explains the formation of the cliffs, pointing out visible K-T boundaries and rare geological features. Peer into limestone churches perched precariously on cliff edges and take in sweeping views over the Baltic Sea.
The hike combines natural beauty with scientific wonder, offering a unique glimpse into Denmark’s prehistoric foundations.
Tour of Fishing Villages and Castle Ruins
After Stevns Klint, your driver-guide escorts you along the southeastern coast to explore Denmark’s traditional fishing villages and historic strongholds.
Stop in the harbor town of Køge to admire half-timbered houses and learn about its medieval trading history. Continue to Vordingborg, where the ruins of a once-mighty royal castle now stand watch over the coastline. Climb the iconic Goose Tower and envision life during the 14th-century reign of King Valdemar Atterdag.
Your guide also brings you to Gavnø Castle, known for its floral displays and rococo interiors. While the Castle itself is a draw, the surrounding landscape—forests, gardens, and gentle inlets—adds a layer of tranquility to the day.
Countryside Manor Visit and Garden Stroll
Conclude the day with a visit to a privately owned countryside manor nestled near Møn. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a host who offers tea or local refreshments in the estate’s drawing room or terrace.
Your guide then leads a walking tour through the manicured grounds, pointing out native plantings, historical outbuildings, and restored kitchen gardens.
Day 6: Møns Klint to Funen – Ferry & Forests
Your driver will collect you on the morning of day 6 to whisk you off to the cliffs of Møns Klint, where Denmark’s most iconic natural scenery awaits. Choose between a gentle guided walk or a private e-bike ride through beech forests that open suddenly onto panoramic views of white chalk cliffs plunging into turquoise waters.
Descend wooden staircases to the pebbled beach below, where sea-smoothed rocks and towering cliff faces form a surreal coastal amphitheater.
Ferry Transfer to Funen
After exploring Møn, drive to the ferry terminal for your crossing to Funen, Denmark’s central island and cultural heartland.
During the crossing, you’ll spot wind turbines on the horizon and maybe even a seal or two near the boat’s wake. The journey marks a shift in tempo as you transition from Denmark’s dramatic cliffs to the rolling hills and half-timbered charm of Funen.
Historic Manor Check-In and Local Orientation Tour
Upon arrival on Funen, settle into a handpicked countryside manor or boutique inn located near Odense. Your host or local guide will welcome you and provide a brief orientation to the region—highlighting walking trails, nearby villages, and cultural attractions worth exploring.
Take time to stroll through the estate grounds or nearby woodlands, perhaps catching golden light over surrounding fields.
If time allows, your guide may offer a brief local tour to introduce you to Funen’s unique architectural styles, agricultural heritage, and quiet charm. This gentle ending to the day offers a deep breath and a preview of the literary and pastoral discoveries to come.
Day 7: Odense & Andersen’s Fairy Tale World
Guided Tour of H.C. Andersen’s Museum and Childhood Home
Begin your day in the heart of Odense with a private tour dedicated to Denmark’s most beloved storyteller.
A local expert will guide you through the newly designed H.C. Andersen’s House—an innovative museum experience that blends architecture, immersive exhibits, and personal artifacts to tell the story of the author’s life and legacy. Wander through whimsical spaces inspired by Andersen’s fairy tales and listen to audio narratives that bring his world of fantasy and hardship to life.
Next, step into the modest childhood home where the young Andersen first dreamed up his enduring characters. The preserved rooms offer a rare glimpse into early 19th-century life and the humble beginnings of a literary legend. Your guide will share little-known anecdotes and contextual history that illuminate how Odense shaped Andersen’s imagination and sensitivity.
Walking Tour of Odense’s Old Town and Cathedral
Following your museum experience, take a leisurely walking tour through Odense’s atmospheric old town.
With cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and flower-filled courtyards, the area evokes the very charm Andersen wrote about. Your guide will point out heritage sites such as the medieval city walls and the iconic Hans Christian Andersen statue tucked between boutique cafés and artisan shops.
Continue to Saint Canute’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where Danish royalty are entombed. As you explore the nave, crypt, and intricate stonework, your guide shares stories of saints, kings, and the city’s rich religious heritage.
Private Tour of Egeskov Castle’s Grounds & Maze Garden
In the afternoon, head into the countryside to Egeskov Castle, one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castles. Begin your private tour in the formal gardens, where your guide will introduce you to centuries-old topiaries, themed flower beds, and Denmark’s most famous hedge maze. Discover the family that still resides here and learn about how the Castle’s surroundings are carefully maintained as a living heritage site.
Stroll past tree-lined canals, medieval bridges, and garden pavilions before entering the Castle itself. Inside, period-furnished rooms display suits of armor, antique toys, and royal portraits that echo the grandeur of Denmark’s aristocratic past.
Day 8: Journey to Jutland – Viking Stones & Royal Ruins
Today, we leave Funen behind and travel west into the Jutland peninsula, beginning your day with a stop at one of Denmark’s most culturally significant sites.
The Jelling Stones are often referred to as Denmark’s “birth certificate”—runic monuments erected by King Gorm the Old and his son Harald Bluetooth in the 10th century. Your guide, an expert in Viking history, will decode the inscriptions and share their political and spiritual significance.
Visit the adjacent Jelling Visitor Center, where interactive displays and archaeological reconstructions offer insight into the Viking Age. Through augmented reality and ancient relics, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Denmark’s transition from paganism to Christianity.
Visit Koldinghus Castle With Royal Dress Exhibition
Continue to Kolding, where the dramatic silhouette of Koldinghus Castle rises above a peaceful lake. Once a royal residence, the Castle fell into ruin before being masterfully restored in the late 20th century.
On your private tour, you will wander through galleries featuring royal regalia, portraits, and rotating exhibitions—including a spectacular collection of royal garments from past coronations and ceremonies. Ascend the watchtower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and hear stories of political intrigue, military sieges, and royal love affairs that played out within these walls.
Arrival in Aarhus
Arrive in Aarhus in the late afternoon and begin your exploration with a private driving or walking tour through Denmark’s second-largest city.
Your guide provides an overview of key neighborhoods—from the artsy Latin Quarter and modern harborfront to the student-packed streets near the university.
Make scenic stops along the way, such as the iconic Iceberg apartment buildings on the waterfront and the tree-lined alleys of Marselisborg Palace grounds.
This relaxed introduction sets the tone for your stay in Aarhus, providing a sense of the city’s unique blend of innovation and tradition.
Day 9: Aarhus – Art, Heritage & Contemporary Culture
On your penultimate day of our 10-day Denmark itinerary, our first destination is ARoS Art Museum, one of Scandinavia’s most prominent contemporary art institutions.
Your guide leads you through thought-provoking exhibitions by both Danish and international artists, highlighting themes of identity, transformation, and the human condition. Don’t miss Olafur Eliasson’s rainbow-colored rooftop walkway, where you can view the city through a kaleidoscope of color.
Explore multiple levels of installations, video art, and sculpture while learning how the museum bridges traditional fine art and avant-garde expression.
Walking Tour of Den Gamle By Open-Air Museum
Next, step back in time at Den Gamle By (“The Old Town”), an open-air museum that recreates Danish life from the 1600s to the 1970s.
You will be met by a local expert dressed in period attire, who will then walk you through reconstructed streets where bakers, blacksmiths, and shopkeepers animate daily life as it once was. Step inside antique homes, workshops, and a 1920s apothecary, each filled with authentic period details.
The tour is rich in sensory experiences—hear the creak of floorboards, smell freshly baked rye bread, and engage with actors who embody historical characters. It’s a hands-on journey into Denmark’s cultural roots that feels both immersive and educational.
Street Art and Urban Renewal Tour
Conclude your day with a walking tour focused on Aarhus’ public art and urban transformation.
Explore neighborhoods where industrial buildings have been reclaimed by artists and green initiatives. See large-scale murals, quirky installations, and repurposed spaces that now serve as galleries, cafés, or creative studios.
This tour offers a fresh lens through which to view Denmark’s evolving urban landscape, and rounds out your day with a burst of color, creativity, and civic pride.
Day 10: Coastal Calm & Return to Copenhagen
On your journey back east, stop at a countryside estate or dairy farm specializing in sustainable Danish products.
You will be introduced to the local farmers, who will share their practices in organic farming or artisanal food-making. Sample locally made cheeses, seasonal preserves, or cured meats—learning how the land and seasons shape Danish culinary heritage.
This visit is a chance to connect with rural life and the people behind the flavors you’ve tasted throughout your trip. The hospitality is warm and informal, with ample opportunity for relaxed conversation.
Return Drive to Copenhagen
In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you on a scenic return journey to Copenhagen.
Along the way, you can opt for a final cultural visit—such as the Moesgaard Museum near Aarhus (if not already visited), or a brief stop at a medieval church or castle ruin set along the coastal route.
You’ll arrive back in Copenhagen by early evening, with time to freshen up before your final night or prepare for your departure.
If desired, we’ll arrange a private airport transfer or optional farewell dinner to conclude your Hidden Denmark experience.
