Hej! Welcome to Denmark. Your adventure begins in Copenhagen – if you arrive early, which is highly recommended, why not visit the pastel-coloured waterfront houses in the Nyhavn area. You could drop in at an industrial-chic bar for a drink or stroll around the famous Tivoli Gardens, home to one of the world's oldest rollercoasters. Another area worth checking out is Norrebro, a residential area known for its wide range of restaurants. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and the other travellers who will be joining you for the trip. After the meeting, head out for an optional welcome dinner where you can get to know your group over some tasty Danish cuisine. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

When in Copenhagen, do as the locals do – explore the city by bike! This is undoubtedly the best way to explore the city's many hidden corners, and the bike-friendly streets make it a breeze to get to all the major sites. The afternoon is free for you to keep exploring at your own pace. Stroll along the harbor or head to the 18th-century Amalienborg Palace, which is still the main residence of the Danish royal family. Maybe pay a visit to Frederik's Church (AKA the Marble Church), the Court House on Nytorv Square or the City Hall, with its red brick facade. Alternatively, the National Museum is a must-see, as is Christiansborg Palace. In summer, you can even choose to join the locals and take a refreshing dip in the free harbor baths located in the city centre. Please note that rooms in hotels in Scandinavia can often be smaller and more basic in comparison to accommodation in other parts of Europe. In the case of unfavourable weather on departures in early spring and winter, bike tours may be replaced by a guided tour of the city.

See Copenhagen through a different lens this morning – join a local guide from Street Voices, a company with a mission to enhance quality of life for socially vulnerable people, aiming to give voice to their stories. You’ll hear personal stories about your local guide’s everyday struggles and gain insight into the reality of life on the streets in Copenhagen. This afternoon, take a train to Gothenburg, then board a ferry to Vrango Island, where you'll spend the night. Your travel time for today is approximately 4 hours. Sea cabins are situated right by the water in the heart of Vrango Harbour’s archipelago setting. Each cabin features a private wooden deck patio. Cabins include a double bed, private bathroom with shower, and a kitchenette with fridge, stove, and microwave. Wi-Fi, TV, bed linen, and towels are all included.

Today, you’ll explore Vrango – the most southerly island of the Gothenburg archipelago, with a population of just a few hundred and a strong fishing industry. The island is known for its stunning beaches and protected nature reserves – in the summer, you'll explore the coastline in an included kayaking activity. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to stroll around the town, then return to Gothenburg for a free evening. Sweden's second largest city is known as one of the world's most sustainable destinations and is exemplary of what a responsible tourism destination should look like. Your travel time for today is approximately 3 hours. Today's kayaking activity only takes place during the summer months from May to September and is subject to weather conditions. Outside of these months and in case of bad weather, you will explore the island on an extended guided island tour instead. Our accommodation in Gothenburg has a shared communal bathroom. Gothenburg has ranked among the top destinations in the Global Destination Sustainability Index for a number of years. The city is considered one of the greenest cities in the world in terms of tourism. Our hotel tonight is no exception and holds an official eco-certification.

This morning, head to Alingsas, regarded as the capital of fika – a Swedish tradition of pausing during the day for a coffee and cake break. You'll be guided by a local expert on a tour of some of the town's best traditional cafes. Learn about the local love affair with coffee and discover the story behind this town's special cafe culture. Sample Swedish cinnamon buns, biscuits, chocolate truffles, pastries and sandwiches. You'll return to Gothenburg in the late afternoon and have a little time to explore at your leisure. Maybe visit the Gothenburg City Museum, housed in the historic East India Company building, which was built in the 18th century when Gothenburg was a major maritime trading centre. Take in the architecture at Gustav Adolfs Torg, go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn, check out the iconic Skansen Kronan, stroll along bohemian Langgatan street or sip a coffee in the charming Haga district, known for its traditional wooden houses.

Catch a bus across the border to Norway's capital, Oslo. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you get to know this quirky, colourful city. It's highly recommended you spend the afternoon perusing delicacies at Maschmanns Food Market, admiring the handiwork of glass blowers at Hadeland Glassverk or simply strolling along Karl Johans Gate, the main shopping strip of the city. Maybe head to the Munch Museum to glimpse Edvard Munch's famous 19th-century painting, The Scream. In the evening, say 'skal' ('cheers') over dinner with your group. Why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare – cod and mackerel are very typical menu staples. Your travel time for today is approximately 4 hours.

Today is a free day for you to enjoy all this city has to offer. You might like to roam the roof of the Olso Opera House, stroll through Vigeland Sculpture Park to see the 200 or so sculptures by Gustav Vigeland or catch a ferry to the Viking Ship Museum. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your new group and local leader. After the meeting, maybe head out for a drink or dinner and get to know the new travellers joining your group. As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

This morning, follow your leader on an orientation walk in the city. Then, you’ll have some free time in Oslo. Maybe go island hopping on Oslofjord, browse the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art on the harbourfront, taste local flavours at the Vulkan food hall, explore the immense Akershus Fortress or check out the cool shops in the Grunerlokka district. Ask your leader for recommendations if you need some pointers for planning your day.

Leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region to Bergen. No other train ride between two cities in Europe is at a higher altitude than this one, and few can match the views passing by your window. Linking Norway's two main cities, this line offers some spectacular scenery of lush valleys, idyllic villages, dramatic mountains and picturesque lakes as it crosses the Hardangervidda Plateau. Today’s trip is long and you'll arrive in Bergen quite late – but don’t worry, you’ll have time to explore tomorrow. There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so maybe head out with the group for a bite to eat this evening. Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1000 whales are still being killed every year as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.

After breakfast this morning, join your leader for a ride on the Floibanen funicular. Taking you to 350 m (1050 ft) above the city in just seven minutes, this railway offers a bird’s eye view of the town and vistas of the sea. If you feel like getting active, you can continue exploring after riding the funicular by following one of the area’s hiking trails. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore however you like. Maybe visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen area and wander through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses. Or, you could visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum (a former trade building) and explore the old Hanseatic port district – the Hanseatic merchant confederation dominated Baltic maritime trade between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Leave Bergen after breakfast and travel by bus to the fjord region. The journey will take you through epic landscapes and remote regions, so have your camera at the ready. The typical Norwegian huts that you’ll stay in tonight are set in a beautiful landscape, surrounded by steep cliffs with an excellent view of the Kjelsfossen waterfall cascading from the top of the fjords. Gaze up at the sight of these giant, ancient geological formations. Your accommodation for the next two nights is located near the village of Gudvangen. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your accommodation for the next two nights is in rustic cabins on a campsite in peaceful surroundings. All cabins have electricity, running water, a kitchen for self-catering and bathroom facilities that are shared between the rooms in each cabin. Bedding in the cabins is a mix of double beds, bunk beds and sofas. Final room allocations depend on availability and group configuration. Linen and towels are provided.

Today, take a boat trip and be captivated by the sight of mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Naeroyfjord takes its origins from the Norse god of seafarers and the sea, Njord. The fjord itself, formed by glacial erosion of the surrounding bedrock, is 18 km long and only 250 m wide at its narrowest point, with its depth reaching up to 500 m. Surrounding mountain peaks rise up to 1400 m and waterfalls crash down sheer cliff faces. The boat cruise will finish in the fishing village of Flam, where you can ride the famous railway up to Myrdal (at extra cost). This is one of the most picturesque (and steepest) railway journeys in the country. Alternatively, you could explore on foot to discover nearby waterfalls and ancient moraines. Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to throw a line in the crystal waters, sit back and soak up the serenity (a fishing licence is required and costs around 150 NOK). In the afternoon, catch the bus back to Gudvangen and spend the rest of the day as you please. Please note that the Flam Railway should be booked in advance during the busy summer months. Your leader will be able to advise of the best time for this excursion and can help you pre-book this when you arrive in Oslo. Alternatively, you can book tickets using this link: , but please make sure to book the activity to take place in the afternoon before 4 pm in order to get the right timing with the rest of today's itinerary.

You have another long bus journey ahead of you after breakfast today, as you travel to the Alpine playground of Lillehammer. Cross vast plains and remote valleys and drive through the Laerrdal Tunnel – the world's longest road tunnel at 24.5 km. The tunnel is divided into four sections, broken up by ‘mountain caves’. These caves are 6 km apart and are equipped with special lighting to help drivers concentrate by giving off the illusion of driving into daylight. Lillehammer, which held the Winter Olympics in 1994, is situated on Lake Mjøsa. When you arrive, head out for a brief orientation walk to get your bearings in the laidback 19th-century town centre. Explore the main pedestrian street of Storgata, lined with wooden houses, boutiques and restaurants. Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

This morning, you’ll visit the Maihaugen Open Air Museum, home of the Garmo Stave Church, which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley over the last 300 years. This museum includes farms, a town and a large residential area that gives you an insight into various periods of Norway's history. The afternoon is free for you to keep exploring. Consider conquering the misty mountains on a hike or visiting the Olympic Museum. Otherwise, Lillehammer is an ideal spot for many outdoor activities, which your leader can help you organise if you’re interested. Some travellers choose to take part in a bobsleigh activity while in Lillehammer. It is not an activity we feel is safe for novices and therefore our recommendation is that you don’t take part in this activity. There are plenty of other options and your local leader will be on hand to make suggestions and help you with pre-booking.

Board a private bus today and cross the border into Sweden. Head to the lakeside town of Rattvik – a laidback spot that sits on the shores of Lake Siljan. Rattvik is steeped in history and culture – it’s situated in Dalarna County in the heart of Sweden and is famous for the Dala wooden horse, which has become a Swedish national symbol. Tonight, you’ll stay in a peaceful spot located 7 km outside of Rattvik. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Tonight, you’ll stay at a traditional Swedish countryside bed and breakfast, which has limited dining options, especially in low season. Your leader will help you to facilitate your meals during this time.

This morning, you'll get a chance to get under the surface of this region with a special guided village safari led by local experts. You'll get to know the history behind the villages and learn about the traditions of the area surrounding Lake Siljan. Discover the traditional local way of life and mingle with the villagers. Then, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local area and its lakes. Maybe take a leisurely boat trip across the lake, do some fishing, go for a hike or browse the local shops selling artisanal wares.

Leaving the Swedish lakes behind, head to the country's capital of Stockholm by train. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', Stockholm is full of impressive architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. After an introductory orientation walk, use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you. You could head underground for the world’s longest art exhibition – connecting the 14 islands of the city, the subway (Tunnelbana) system's 100 stations are like the longest modern art exhibition in the world, featuring artwork from more than 140 artists. Or, you could simply wander the narrow cobblestone streets and the colourful merchant houses. Why not soak up the culture and try a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest cafe – Sundbergs Konditori, located in Jarntorget square. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, visit the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The 17th-century warship, Vasa, sank in Stockholm Harbour in 1628 on its first voyage. Its wreckage was recovered in 1961. One of the most visited sites in Sweden, the Vasa Museum collection consists of the Vasa itself and all the objects that were found within the ship. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish, so why not leave the city behind for a few hours and see the waterways of Stockholm on a cruise past tiny islets and along narrow waterways? Or consider taking a self-guided Millennium Trilogy Walking Tour or a visit to the Abba Museum. Alternatively, you could take a trip to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family. Tonight, maybe head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district – the inner-city island with the best nightlife, full of cool shops, bars and cafes. You might like to have dinner at one of the city’s renowned restaurants on the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan or on Kungsholmen. It’s highly recommended you book your tickets to the Abba Museum in advance at abbathemuseum.com/en/.

Today is free for you to enjoy your last day in Sweden, so get out and about to explore any of the sites you haven’t gotten around to yet. In the evening, you'll board an overnight ferry for Helsinki, Finland. Please note that your cabins for the night are bunk bed cabins, however we have booked one cabin per two passengers to allow for a bit more room. Each cabin has a private bathroom.

Arrive at Helsinki's port in the morning, then take public transport to your hotel. Join your leader for a short orientation walk to get to know the historical sites and gastronomic wonders of Helsinki, then the rest of today is free for you to explore the city however you like. You might like to visit the city's cathedral, the Design Museum, the waterfront market or the Old Market Hall for local delicacies. You could also take a short ferry ride to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suomenlinna sea fortress. Throughout its 450-year history, Helsinki has often been the buffer between the east and the west. This is shown in the local cuisine, with a mix of root vegetables, berries and fresh fish featuring heavily in many dishes. Consider heading out in the evening to try some traditional dishes at dinner with your group. When you arrive in Helsinki this morning, check-in at your hotel may not yet be possible. In this case, you will store your luggage at the hotel and head out for an orientation walk. You will be able to check into your room later in the day.

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to extend your stay in Helsinki, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.