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, with optional extensions to Iceland or the Faroe Islands. This is slow, meaningful travel at its finest—crafted for discerning travelers seeking authenticity and depth.
Destinations On Our 21-Day Nordic Explorer Tour
Days 1–4: Denmark – Royal Charm & Creative Culture
Days 5–8: Norway – Fjords, Vikings & Arctic Views
Days 9–12: Sweden – Culture, Waterways & Nordic Living
Days 13–16: Finland – Baltic Beauty & Seaside Simplicity
Days 17–21: Iceland (Reykjavík + Golden Circle)
Days 1–4: 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.
Days 5–8: 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. Travel by scenic rail, cruise UNESCO fjords, and explore maritime culture with your private guide.
Day 5: Oslo Arrival, Akershus Fortress & the Harborfront
Today, you travel from Denmark to Norway’s capital, where Oslo’s clean design, cultural charm, and fjordside setting offer a warm and tranquil welcome.
Take a short flight or scenic train from Copenhagen to Oslo. Upon arrival, your private driver-guide will meet you for a relaxed orientation drive through the city, introducing landmarks such as the National Theatre, Parliament, and Royal Palace, before escorting you to your hotel for check-in.
Later, head out for an evening walk along Oslo’s harborfront. Begin at the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle perched above the fjord. Your guide will lead you through its ancient ramparts, royal halls, and sweeping overlooks, sharing stories of Oslo’s military past and its role in World War II. End your stroll along the lively Aker Brygge promenade, with time to enjoy dinner at a waterfront bistro, where modern architecture and historic warehouses sit side by side.
Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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.
Days 9–12: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: Drottningholm, Uppsala, or Design-Focused Leisure
Enjoy a flexible day that invites you to explore deeper or simply slow down and savor your final hours in Sweden.
Choose a private excursion to Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO-listed residence of the Swedish royal family. Tour its Versailles-style gardens, richly furnished halls, and one of Europe’s oldest working theaters. Alternatively, your guide can escort you north to Uppsala, home to Scandinavia’s oldest university, a majestic cathedral, and Viking burial mounds steeped in ancient Norse mythology.
If you prefer rest and rejuvenation, opt for a spa day at a lakeside retreat just outside the city. Enjoy a wood-fired sauna, forest walks, or a traditional Finnish-style plunge—all arranged to your comfort level and pace.
For those staying in the city, spend time browsing Stockholm’s design districts, where minimalist fashion, homeware, and art galleries provide a perfect opportunity to shop or simply soak in Nordic style before your journey continues.
Days 13–16: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: Porvoo Old Town or Nuuksio National Park
Today offers a flexible escape from the city—whether you’re drawn to cobbled lanes and artisan crafts or quiet lakes and forest trails.
Option one takes you to Porvoo, a postcard-perfect medieval town just under an hour from Helsinki. Join your guide for a walking tour through its charming Old Town, where red wooden houses line the river and narrow alleys reveal candlelit shops, chocolate makers, and local design studios. Visit the 15th-century Porvoo Cathedral and enjoy a slow lunch at a riverside café.
If you prefer nature, opt for a visit to Nuuksio National Park, where your guide will lead you on an optional forest hike past mossy cliffs, still lakes, and ancient trees. Learn about Finnish foraging traditions, wildlife, and folklore while enjoying the peace of the Nordic wild. A picnic or lakeside lunch can be arranged at a traditional wilderness lodge.
Return to Helsinki in the evening, refreshed and enriched, with time to pack or enjoy one final meal in the city before the journey continues.
Days 17–21: Reykjavík, The Golden Circle & Iceland’s South Coast
Conclude your Nordic adventure in dramatic fashion with five days in Iceland—where thundering waterfalls, steaming geysers, and glaciers meet black sand beaches and quiet Nordic beauty. With your private guide by your side, discover the elemental wonder of this volcanic island in comfort and style.
Day 17: Reykjavík’s Highlights – Culture, Architecture & Nordic Charm
Upon arrival at Keflavík Airport, your private driver-guide will transfer you to your hotel in Reykjavík, Iceland’s dynamic capital. Settle in, then join your guide for a walking or driving orientation of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Begin at Hallgrímskirkja, the soaring concrete church inspired by basalt columns, with the option to ascend its tower for panoramic city and mountain views. Continue to the Harpa Concert Hall, a striking glass structure on the waterfront that reflects both the sea and sky. Your guide will share insight into Reykjavík’s modernist spirit, artistic community, and geothermal ingenuity as you explore its cafés, boutiques, and sculpture-dotted streets.
Day 18: Golden Circle – Þingvellir, Geysir & Gullfoss
Set off with your guide for a full-day Golden Circle tour, Iceland’s most beloved sightseeing route. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the shifting tectonic plates of Europe and North America. Your guide will reveal the site’s historical significance as the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament.
Next, visit the Geysir geothermal area, where bubbling mud pots and steaming vents surround the erupting Strokkur geyser. End the circuit at Gullfoss, a spectacular two-tiered waterfall plunging into a glacial canyon. Enjoy lunch at a countryside greenhouse or farm-to-table restaurant before returning to Reykjavík in the evening.
Day 19: South Coast – Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
Today, travel along Iceland’s dramatic South Coast, where towering cliffs and endless fields meet glacial rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falling curtain of water, and the powerful Skógafoss, which crashes 60 meters down into a spray-filled basin.
Continue to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where basalt columns, sea stacks, and crashing waves create a moody and unforgettable landscape. With your guide, learn about the legends of trolls turned to stone and the unique geology that shaped Iceland’s southern shores.
Day 20: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
This day takes you to one of Iceland’s most surreal destinations: the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Watch massive icebergs calve from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and drift serenely across the turquoise waters. Join a guided boat tour (Zodiac or amphibian) for an up-close view of the floating ice sculptures, some streaked with volcanic ash.
Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where glistening chunks of ice wash ashore and sparkle against the jet-black sand—a dreamlike finale to your time in the Icelandic wild.
Return to your accommodation near the lagoon or backtrack toward Reykjavík for your final night, depending on your flight schedule.
Day 21: Departure from Iceland – A Graceful Farewell
Enjoy a relaxed morning before your private transfer to Keflavík Airport. Whether you’re heading home or continuing to another destination, your guide will ensure smooth check-in and departure assistance.
