Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland

Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Finland, Norway, Sweden
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
11 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: ASY2
Carbon Footprint: 25.3kg CO2e

Trip Overview

City hop, explore nature and soak up culture on an adventure through the coolest trio in Europe

Norway, Sweden and Finland have, for some time now, led the way in cultural cool. Perhaps the answer lies in the world-leading museums. Maybe it’s the innovative gastronomic scenes. Or perhaps it’s the beautiful waterside cities dotted with protected historic sites. Join us on this Nordic adventure to find out for yourself. With the help of our expert leader (and the excellent train systems), we navigate this undeniably attractive trio, stopping at the capitals of each – Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki – while also taking time to dip into smaller towns and visit natural wonders.

At a Glance

Accommodation: 10 Classic nights (9 hotel, 1 overnight ferry)
Travel by private minibus, ferry and train
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Highlights

Soak up Nordic culture on an adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland
Begin with a boat trip around the idyllic bays of Oslo – a picturesque start!
Embrace Swedish tradition with a ‘fika’ break on a city tour of Gothenburg
Marvel at stunning Stockholm on a guided boat tour
Finish in Helsinki, taking a ferry to the imposing Suomenlinna sea fortress

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Oslo
End City: Helsinki

Land Only Itinerary

Begin your adventure in Oslo, the fjordside capital of Norway.

Around 6pm, say hallo to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Nordic welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Oslo? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Hotell Bondeheimen (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

Enjoy a scenic boat trip around the idyllic bays and islands of Oslo this morning.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore this culture-rich city. Perhaps travel to the nearby Ski Museum, housed inside the monumental Holmenkollbakken (ski jump), which looks more like a work of art than a sports venue.

Alternatively, browse the harbourfront Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, taste local dishes at the Vulkan food hall, explore the immense Akershus Fortress, or check out the cool shops in the Grunerløkka district.

Please note: Some museums and attractions are closed on Mondays or may require reservations to visit.

Accommodation: Hotell Bondeheimen (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Bid farewell to Oslo and take the train (approximately four hours) to Gothenburg, a scenic way to travel to Sweden. On arrival, join our leader for a city tour and enjoy a traditional Swedish fika (a pastry and coffee break that’s become an essential experience in the Nordic countries).

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy all Gothenburg offers. Perhaps embark on a cruise through the many waterways, passing the opera house and visit the old docks. Or visit the Gothenburg City Museum in the former East India Company House, which was built when the city was a major maritime trading centre.

Alternatively, take in the architectural ensemble on Gustav Adolfs Torg, go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn, check out the Skansen Kronan stone fortress, stroll along bohemian Långgatorna, or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter, known for picturesque wooden houses, a 19^th-century atmosphere and hagabulle, a cinnamon pastry similar to kanelbulle.

Accommodation: Scandic Europa (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Catch an early-ish ferry (approximately 1hr 20min) to Vrango, the most southerly island of the Gothenburg archipelago. With a permanent population in the low hundreds and a strong fishing industry, it is best known for its stunning beaches and protected nature reserves, which you explore with the local guide.

In the afternoon, relax at a floating sauna (payable locally) or maybe take a dip in the sea before returning to the city. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy Gothenburg.

Accommodation: Scandic Europa (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Head to Stockholm by train (approximately three hours) this morning. Arguably the most beautiful city in Scandinavia, Stockholm is packed with amazing architecture, pristine parks and clear waters.

Upon arrival, we have a short transfer to our hotel and time to check in and grab lunch nearby. We then enjoy an introductory tour to the city guided by our tour leader, walking from the hotel into the old town.

Accommodation: Lilla Radmannen (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Take the short ferry to the inner-city island of Djurgården this morning, which is populated by many of the oldest and most venerated museums in Stockholm. Here, we visit the Vasa Museum, home to the Vasa, a 17th-century warship, which sank in 1628 on its maiden voyage and was only salvaged in 1961. It’s one of the most visited sites in Sweden, so our morning visit allows us to avoid the biggest crowds.

We then have the rest of the day free to explore this museum island. Options include: the Skansen Open-Air Museum, which displays Sweden’s history and customs; the Nordiska Museet (the Nordic Museum); the Liljevalchs modern art gallery, and the ABBA museum.

Our included full-day public transport tickets can also be used to take a ferry back to the old town or the main city for more wandering.

Accommodation: Lilla Radmannen (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Gaze over the highlights of Stockholm on a scenic boat tour this morning. Sit back and relax as we glide past the most famous parts of the capital, including the inner city, old town, and green parks of Djurgården.

After disembarking, we have free time in the afternoon for one final exploration of the Swedish capital before boarding an overnight ferry (11 hours) to Turku, Finland, in the evening. We sleep in high-class cabins with twin or double beds. Each has a TV, air conditioning and sea views, plus a bathroom with shower.

Accommodation: MS Viking Glory

Meals included: Breakfast

Arrive into Turku this morning and transfer to our hotel. The rooms might not be ready on arrival, so we leave our luggage in the hotel storage and set off for a walking city tour with a local guide.

Learn about the historic Aura River waterfront, the Old Great Square and pay a visit to the cathedral, considered the most valuable historic monument in Finland, and enjoy a guided tour of the medieval Turku Castle.

In the evening, join your tour leader for a typical Finnish meal and beer tasting at a local restaurant and brewery.

Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a two-hour train to Helsinki this morning, our final destination. Upon arrival, we tour the city with our guide, discovering a wealth of historic sights and some of the gastronomic wonders of the Finnish capital. The rest of the day is free, and you can explore Helsinki in your own time.

To help you in your explorations, your tour leader hands out 24-hour public transport tickets for Helsinki, which is also used for

the ferry to Suomenlinna fortress tomorrow.

Accommodation: Scandic Hotel Grand Central (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Walk to the port and take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna sea fortress. Now a World Heritage site, this fort complex is built over six islands, with more than 200 buildings and 3.7mi (6km) of protective walls. Building here first started in the latter half of the 18^th century, but work has continued over the years, and the estate was only turned into an area for the public in 1973.

The rest of the day is free, and you can explore Helsinki in your own time. Helsinki is overflowing with good food, great design, interesting museums and unique architecture. Discover why it’s said to be one of the most liveable and walkable cities in the world.

Accommodation: Scandic Hotel Grand Central (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

You’ve experienced authentic Nordic culture, discovered the wonders of Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki, and taken to the waters to explore by boat, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.

Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Classic city hotels and one overnight ferry

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.

Overnight ferry: MS Viking Glory (night 7)

Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland

Catch a ferry to Turku on the modern MS Viking Glory. On board, you’ll find a choice of restaurants plus a comprehensive spa, including a snow cave and several pools. We sleep in high-class cabins with twin or double beds. Each has a TV, air conditioning and sea views, plus a bathroom with shower.

Worth knowing

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Single supplement from 1 452 €

Food & Drink

The cuisines of Norway, Sweden and Finland possess many similarities yet retain their own gastronomic traditions inspired by the Nordic climate. Meat dishes mainly consisting of beef, veal and pork meatballs are one of the main elements of most Scandinavian dishes. Herring is also popular, as are other types of fish. Cooking is typically seasonal and uses a lot of mushrooms and berries. You will also find a large variety of vegetables (especially potatoes) featuring prominently in many dishes. Dairy products, including cheeses and creams, are heavily used here too.

Breakfasts are usually continental with a choice of eggs
Dinner is the main meal of the day; we usually stop en route for a hot lunch at a restaurant or cafe
Desserts are plentiful and varied with each country having unique sweets and cakes
The beer is renowned for its quality and taste, all countries visited on the trip also offer good wines and local spirits

Vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, but there may not be the same variety as you have at home. Please advise us upon booking.

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus for all transfers.

Weather & Seasonality

The weather in Scandinavia is comparatively unstable even during summer with rain being possible at any time of the day. Average temperatures vary between 15C (59F) and 25C (77F).

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotell Bondeheimen, Kristian IVs gate 2, 0159 Oslo
Phone: +47 23 21 41 00
Recommended arrival time: We have a welcome meeting at 6pm, followed by a group dinner
Airport: Oslo Airport (OSL)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEL), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Oslo
Location end: Helsinki

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Trousers (pants)
Waterproof jacket
Warm layers
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Swimwear
Eye mask (some hotels do not offer blackout blinds)

This trip relies on public transportation, which is very effective in Scandinavia, we therefore don’t recommend bringing a lot of luggage.

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Norway, Sweden or Finland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Vaccinations and Health

There are no required vaccinations for this trip. However, there may be other vaccinations you want to consider. Please check with your doctor or travel health clinic for the latest information.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Oslo and Stockholm is UTC +02:00, while Helsinki is UTC +03:00.

Electricity

All three countries have plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Finland's currency: Euro (EUR)

Norway's currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)

Sweden's currency: Swedish krona (SEK)

ATM Availability

ATMs are available in every town. We also recommend you bring some spending money in cash from home except for Swedish krona, as Sweden is essentially a cashless nation.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in all three countries.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Meals in the capital cities are generally more expensive than in the rural towns. Below is a rough guide for meal prices in each country:

Sweden: 250 Swedish kronor (US$23) per meal
Norway: 300 Norwegian kroner (US$28) per meal
Finland: €20 (US$22) per meal

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend €45-€55 each for the tour leader.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Important Information

Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:

Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.

After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.

Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.

Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.

Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

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