Spectacular Scandinavia Rail Tour w/Insight Vac

Day One

Welcome to Copenhagen - Greetings to you, Copenhagen! Spend your afternoon at leisure to relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for drinks and a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner. In the evening visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.

Day Two

Wonderful Copenhagen - A Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark's capital. Visit Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbor and see Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Government. Continue to Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. View the unusual Rundertaarn and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, relaxing or exploring at your pace. Perhaps take an optional experience into the picturesque Danish countryside to see the castles of North Zealand?

Day Three

On to Gothenburg - Continue along Sweden’s west coast to the cosmopolitan port city of Gothenburg. On arrival, explore with your Local Expert and learn about the region’s culture and nautical history. Perhaps choose to delve into the heritage of Volvo - one of Sweden’s most recognisable exports. The evening is at your leisure. Take a stroll along the leafy boulevards and enjoy dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants.

Day Four

Scenic farmlands of Sweden - Enjoy views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands, as you journey along the shores of Lake Vättern to the Swedish capital. Stop at Grännaberget café for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience of Swedish Fika of coee and freshly baked pastries. This experience advances SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, promoting the regional heritage of the local area and preservation of traditional Swedish houses.

Day Five

Stockholm, City of Islands - See the charms of Sweden's capital with your Local Expert. Wander the medieval streets of Gamla Stan and see the 13thcentury cathedral. Visit the imposing City Hall to see its fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, with its walls covered in 18 million gilded mosaic tiles, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. There's free time in the afternoon for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the fabulous Vasa Galleon, raised from Stockholm's harbor-bed in 1961 after sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628?

Day Six

Sigtuna, Uppsala and Falun - Travel to Sigtuna on Lake Mälaren to see Sweden’s smallest City Hall. Continue to the historic city of Uppsala, the seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university. Meet Hans Odoo, a passionate local storyteller, who will share the fascinating history of the Carl Linnaeus Garden on a guided tour. You’ll learn about Sweden’s rst botanical garden and its 1300 species of ora and fauna. Continue to the historic city of Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university. Travel to Falun, an old historic mining town. In the evening, enjoy a delightful Farm-to-Table dinner at a local restaurant, with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Day Seven

Lillehammer - With your Travel Director see the Falun Copper Mine and the Great Pit, a vast crater created by an enormous mine collapse in 1687. Later on in the morning travel along the shores of Lake Siljan to Mora, the home of Sweden’s infamous 17th-century witch trials. Continue deep into the forested heart of the country to reach Sälen, the starting point for the world’s oldest and longest cross-country ski race, Vasaloppet. This 90 kilometer race across the snow has been challenging skiers since 1922. Later cross the border into Norway and pass Hamar with its Olympic ice skating rink which resembles an upturned Viking ship. Journey along the shores of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, to arrive at Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Day Eight

Geiranger, Jewel of the Fjords - Journey northwest from Lillehammer, traveling through the countryside of Peer Gynt, immortalized by Ibsen. At Lom, visit the Norwegian stave church dating back to 1158. Continue along winding roads that pass waterfalls, rivers, ice elds, lakes and snow-capped peaks. For the next two nights you will stay in the scenic village of Geiranger, overlooking fjords and soaring mountains.

Day Nine

Geiranger at Leisure - Enjoy a Relaxed Start and a day reserved for your leisure amongst the most breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps join an Optional Experience for an incredible scenic drive along the amazing Troll's Road? The road itself was a masterpiece of engineering when it was built over 70 years ago and the spectacular views will leave you speechless.

Day Ten

Fjærland and Leikanger - After a relaxed morning, take a scenic cruise along the Geirangerfjord. Your travels continue to the Bøya Glacier for a photo-stop. Explore Fjærland with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the interactive Norwegian Glacier Museum, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, the largest icecap in continental Europe at the foot of the Jostedal Glacier. Alternatively, take a walk through the village of Fjærland with a Local Expert and hear about life between the fjord and the glacier. Then enjoy a scenic drive onto your historic fjord hotel in Leikanger. Delight in a dinner of fresh and locally sourced produce.

Day Eleven

The Flåm Railway to Bergen - Cross the serene waters of magnicent Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. Then embark on a spectacularly scenic journey aboard the Flåm Railway, ascending from sea level to 914 meters. On the Hardangerfjord hear how eight generations of a family-run farm have worked on the land, producing fruit, berries and various jams, jellies, traditional spreads, cake and other delicious treats. Sample their fresh apple juice and homemade cider. Travel on to your hotel in the historic port of Bergen.

Day Twelve

The Hanseatic port of Bergen - A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen. The ancient Hanseatic port city still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the picturesque and lively Fish Market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. The market also has stalls selling a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, owers, handicrafts and souvenirs. After seeing the 13th-century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to oer. Perhaps you might like to visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg, before ascending Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia.

Day Thirteen

Mountains and Fjords to Oslo - Travel along scenic and varied landscapes to Oslo, drive past some of Norway's most picturesque ski-resorts. Leaving the seaside town of Bergen, your journey continues climbing up to elevations of 1200m (3930ft) oering moon like scenery and passing some of Norway’s ski resorts on the Hardanger Plateau. After returning to lower areas you’ll be driving among dense forests before reaching the capital city of Oslo.

Day Fourteen

Cosmopolitan Oslo - With your Local Expert, see the Royal Palace and the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbor. At Frogner Park, view the intriguing Vigeland sculptures. Exploe the area around the Opera House and see the strikingly modern architecture of the Bjørvika neighborhood. In the evening, round o your Scandinavian adventure with a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant. Over a glass of wine, toast to your travels with your newfound friends.

Day Fifteen

Out of Oslo - Your Scandinavian exploration has come to an end.

FB=Full Breakfast, D=Dinner