Scandinavian Escape Christmas
Scandinavian Escape Christmas
Scandinavian Escape Christmas
10 Days Starting in Copenhagen and ending in Stockholm
Visiting: Copenhagen, Hirtshals, Bergen, Oslo, Stockholm
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ESYXMAS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Festive and New Year, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Tour Overview
Experience the best of Scandinavian travel this Christmas! See Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Wander through captivating Scandinavian cities. Marvel at the views of rolling hills and mountains sprinkled with snow. This Scandinavia tour kicks off in cultured Copenhagen, travels through the stunning Danish countryside, cruises through magnificent Norwegian scenery and showcases Sweden’s unique style! Absorb the Scandinavian spirit of Oslo and Stockholm and take a step back in time with the chance to visit a Viking village! Are you ready for a Scandinavian Christmas? Our Scandinavian tours are just what you need!
IIf you'd like to continue on to Helsinki at the end of the tour, consider the Copenhagen to Helsinki Christmas & New Year tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Copenhagen
Location: Copenhagen
Meals Included: Dinner
Kick off this unmissable Scandinavia Christmas and New Year tour this morning! Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark, and meet your tour leader and group at your hotel. Settle in before meeting up with an expert local guide to embark on a walking tour of this capital city's top attractions! Once the walk concludes, spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure. The Tivoli Gardens are always a must-see but especially during the festive season! This evening, after an exciting first day on tour, enjoy an included buffet dinner with your new travel companions. The Scandinavian exploration has just begun!
Guided tour of Copenhagen: Enjoy a walking tour of Copenhagen with a local guide. Highlights include the famous Nyhavn Waterfront, Rosenborg Castle, the Town Hall, the Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace.
Day 2: Copenhagen: Free Day
Location: Copenhagen
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get immersed in Copenhagen on a full free day! To embark on the ultimate exploration of Copenhagen's culture and rich history, join today's optional excursion led by an expert local guide. You won't want to miss the included canal cruise, a true bucket-list experience, or the delectable local delights at the famous Reffen Market! What better way to experience the city? Alternatively, use the free day to spend as you wish, at your own pace. Missed out on the Tivoli Gardens yesterday? Consider a visit! The city has much to explore, such as the astronomical observatory, the Rundetaarn. It's famous for its fabulous city views and the unique equestrian staircase. Today is guaranteed to be filled with fun and adventure!
Day 3: Copenhagen - Odense - Aarhus - Hirtshals (Ferry Port)
Location: Hirtshals
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the picturesque journey to the seaside gem of Hirtshals this morning. On the way, make a stop in Odense, the third-largest city in Denmark that is world-renowned for being the birthplace of fairytale writer, Hans Christian Anderson. Arrive and head out on an orientation tour of the city, exploring its top attractions before enjoying some free time to spend as you wish. Next, travel to Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of the must-see sights, such as an old town open-air museum, contemporary art and architecture, Viking museums and more! Journey to Hirtshals, where the group will board the overnight ferry to Bergen, Norway!
Orientation tour of Odense: Explore the highlights of Odense, the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen. Join your tour leader and learn more about Odense’s history as well as its most famous inhabitant. Try and see if you can identify some of the inspiration for his fairytales!
Orientation tour of Aarhus: Enjoy a tour and learn more about the bustling city of Aarhus. Aarhus is home to Den Gamle By, an Old Town that doubles as an open-air museum offering insight into the Danish way of life from centuries ago.
Overnight ferry to Norway: Arrive in Hirtshals seaport and hop aboard the ferry. Get ready to enjoy an overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway.
Day 4: Overnight Ferry - Bergen
Location: Bergen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Are you ready to explore Norway's second-largest city on Christmas Eve? Arrive in Bergen and head out on an orientation tour of the city's sights. This charming city, also known as "the city among the seven mountains" serves as the gateway to the famous Norwegian fjords, which are just a short boat trip away from the home of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen Quay. Embark on an orientation tour of Bergen and enjoy some free exploration time thereafter. Alternatively, spend Christmas Eve enjoying the ultimate Norwegian experience on an optional excursion, including a visit to Norway’s historic fishing villages! Later, join back up with the group for a Christmas Eve dinner.
See Norway’s scenery: Cruise to Norway on the overnight ferry and marvel at views of the country’s famous fjords as you arrive in Bergen. Norway is home to over 1,000 fjords! The striking, winding waterways offer views which are guaranteed to leave you speechless!
Orientation tour of Bergen: Become familiar with this city that is known as “the city among the seven mountains” on an orientation tour with your tour leader. There are great things to see and do in Bergen including an acclaimed aquarium as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed quay.
Day 5: Bergen: Free Day (Christmas Day)
Location: Bergen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Welcome to beautiful Bergen, the must-see destination where you will be spending Christmas Day discovering its top attractions and picturesque surroundings. Why not explore the city in-depth without the hassle of arrangements by joining today's Bergen+ optional excursion? This highly recommended excursion includes an orientation tour followed by a ferry trip and a guided tour of Bryggen. Then, take a Fløibanen ride to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views before enjoying a cocktail at the Magic Ice Bar. You'll truly see the best of Bergen in a day! Otherwise, use the day to discover at leisure. The city boasts impressive medieval architecture and Christmas markets waiting to be explored.
Day 6: Bergen - Gudvangen - Flam - Oslo
Location: Oslo
Meals Included: Breakfast
What better time than the day after Christmas for a journey into the heart of Norway? Depart Bergen towards today's first stop, Gudvangen. This village is situated at the end of Nærøyfjord, arguably Norway's most famous fjord! For the ultimate deep dive into Bergen's beauty, join today's optional excursion. Visit a Viking village and embark on a scenic cruise through the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords to Flam. Join back up with the coach and marvel at some Scandinavian travel highlights, such as beautifully blue waters, steep cliffs and impressive waterfalls. Next, continue on to Oslo with a stop at Borgund’s famous Stave Church en route. Arrive in Oslo and check into the hotel this evening.
Experience Norway’s scenery: Enjoy a scenic trip through the Norwegian countryside. Look forward to views of mountains, forests and fjords!
Visit Gudvangen: Make a stop in Gudvangen, a village nestled at the end of one of the most famous fjords in Norway. When you arrive in Gudvangen, you will have the opportunity to join the Viking Village and Sightseeing Fjord Cruise optional excursion.
See Borgund’s Stave Church: Enjoy a stop at this famous Norwegian church. Have your cameras ready as the striking building offers great opportunities for photos.
Day 7: Oslo: Free Day
Location: Oslo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, head out for an exciting locally-guided walking tour of Oslo, the capital of Norway and home of the Norwegian royal family. Join your expert local guide and explore some of the city's top attractions, including Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Next, take advantage of some free time to roam around as you wish. To get the very best out of your Oslo experience, join today's Oslo+ optional excursion and explore the city's public spaces and cultural attractions. Visit Vigeland Park, the Bygdoy Peninsula and the iconic Kon Tiki boat! This evening, explore on your own and enjoy dinner anywhere you choose.
Guided tour of Oslo: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Oslo. On the tour, gain deeper insight into the city and its history. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, Kvadraturen, the Parliament building, Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace.
Day 8: Oslo - Karlstad - Sigtuna - Stockholm
Location: Stockholm
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore even more of Sweden today! This morning, travel from Oslo to Karlstad, located halfway between Oslo and Stockholm on Lake Vänern's shores. Arrive in Karlstad, discover the must-see attractions and delectable local cuisine. Next, head to the medieval town of Sigtuna for an orientation tour and photo stop before enjoying free time in Sweden's oldest town founded in 970 AD. Then, the journey continues towards the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour with an expert local guide to tick the top attractions off of your bucket list, including the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship and Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s Old Town). This evening, enjoy an included dinner and settle into the hotel.
Stop in Karlstad: Discover this small city on the shores of Lake Vänern which is conveniently located between Oslo and Stockholm. Karlstad is known for its outdoor activities and ancient Viking history.
Visit Sigtuna: Enjoy a visit to Sweden’s oldest town! Founded by King Erik the Victorious in 970 AD, Sigtuna is home to the oldest Main Street in the country.
Guided tour of Stockholm: Join a local guide and see the top sights of Sweden’s capital city. Highlights of this cosmopolitan Scandinavian city include the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship as well as the old town Gamla Stan which is the beating heart of the city.
Swedish meatballs for dinner: It’s time to tuck into a Swedish classic - meatballs! Join the group and enjoy this included dinner tonight.
Day 9: Stockholm: Free Day
Location: Stockholm
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore more of Stockholm's must-see sights on a full free day! Be sure to visit Gamla Stan, the old town filled with red, orange and terracotta buildings and cobblestoned streets winding in between them. Or, take a leisurely walk - the town is made up of several picturesque islands. Wander through the Djurgården and visit the Swedish open-air museum, the Skansen. Alternatively, embark on a memorable journey by joining the Royal Sweden & Vasa Museum optional excursion. This outing includes visits to the iconic Drottningholm Palace and the famous Vasa Museum. You're guaranteed to make lifelong memories today!
Day 10: End Of Tour In Stockholm
Location: Stockholm
Meals Included: Breakfast
After 10 days of discovering the highlights of Scandinavia in winter, the time has come to bid this gem a festive farewell! This morning, the tour comes to an end after breakfast. Be sure to swap contact information with your newly-made travel friends before leaving! Expat Explore hopes you have had an incredible Christmas on tour with us. We wish you a Happy New Year full of even more exciting travel experiences!
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms and cabins with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Overnight ferry from Denmark to Norway
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
Enjoy a guided tour of Copenhagen; Denmark's capital city
Explore Odense; hometown of Hans Christian Anderson
Visit Aarhus; a captivating Danish city
Catch an overnight ferry to Bergen, Norway
See Norway’s magnificent scenery
Explore Bergen; known as “the city among the seven mountains”
Marvel at Norway’s spectacular natural scenery
Visit Gudvangen near Norway’s most famous fjord
Enjoy a photo stop at Borgund’s Stave Church
See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide
Discover Karlstad on an orientation tour
Visit Sigtuna; Sweden’s oldest town
Explore Stockholm with a local guide
Tuck into Swedish meatballs in Stockholm
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Overnight ferry from Denmark to Norway
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
- 9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms and cabins with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.