- 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 the stunning Stockholm Archipelago on a guided boat tour
- Finish in Helsinki, taking a ferry to the imposing Suomenlinna sea fortress
Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland
Culture
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
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.
Highlights
Key Information
- 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
- Countries visited: Finland, Norway, Sweden
What's Included
- All breakfasts included, and one dinner
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Itinerary
Oslo Helsinki
Fly to Oslo
After arriving in Oslo we have a group transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Anker Hotel (or similar)
Start Oslo
The adventure begins in Oslo, the waterside capital of Norway. There’s a welcome briefing with our leader this evening, an ideal opportunity to meet the group and ask any questions you have.
Classic accommodation: Anker Hotel (or similar)
Oslo Boat trip; free afternoon
This morning, we enjoy a scenic boat trip around the idyllic bays and islands of Oslo.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore this culture-rich city. Perhaps travel to the nearby area of Holmenkollen for a visit to the Ski Museum, housed inside the monumental Holmenkollbakken (ski jump), which looks more like a work of art than a sports venue. At the summit of the jump tower, there are 360-degree views of the city, fjords and forests. Alternatively, browse the harbourfront Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, taste local flavours 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).
Classic accommodation: Anker Hotel (or similar)
Train to Gothenburg; city tour and ‘fika’
We take the train from Oslo to Gothenburg (approximately four hours), a scenic way to travel to Sweden. On arrival, we join our leader for a city tour and a traditional Swedish fika (a pastry and coffee break).
This 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 Långgatan street, or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter, known for picturesque wooden houses, a 19th-century atmosphere and hagabulle, a cinnamon pastry similar to kanelbulle.
Classic accommodation: First Hotel G (or similar)
Ferry to Vrango island
Catch an early-ish ferry (approximately 1hr 20min) from Gothenburg 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, known as the most sustainable destination in the world.
Classic accommodation: First Hotel G (or similar)
Travel to Stockholm; introductory city tour
We leave Gothenburg by train (approximately three hours) this morning and head to Stockholm, the cultural, political and economic capital of Sweden. 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.
Classic accommodation: Hotel Lilla Radmannen (or similar)
Ferry to Djurgården; Vasa Museum; free time to explore the island
We take the 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.
Classic accommodation: Hotel Lilla Radmannen (or similar)
Guided boat tour around the Stockholm Archipelago; overnight ferry to Turku
After breakfast, we explore the Stockholm Archipelago on a boat tour. Our 2hr 30min adventure takes us through the picturesque inner archipelago, while a guide unravels the history and culture of this scenic part of the Baltic Sea.
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.
Classic accommodation: MS Viking Glory
Arrive in Turku; walking tour of the city
We arrive into Turku this morning and take a 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.
Classic accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund (or similar)
Train to Helsinki; orientation tour by your leader; free time
This morning, we take a two-hour train to Helsinki, 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.
Note: your leader will provide you with a 24hr ticket for public transport in Helsinki that includes the ferry to Suomenlinna fortress the next day too.
Classic accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Albert (or similar)
Ferry to Suomenlinna sea fortress; free time to explore Helsinki
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 different islands, with more than 200 buildings and 3.7mi (6km) of protective walls. Building here first started in the latter half of the 18th 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 live-able and walkable cities in the world.
Classic accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Albert (or similar)
Trip ends in Helsinki
Our trip ends this morning. If you’d like to explore this historic city a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Fly to London
This morning our trip ends in Helsinki, a group transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Anker Hotel, Storgata 55, 0182 Oslo
Phone: +47 22 99 72 00
Airport: Oslo Airport (OSL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. You can catch the Flytoget train from the airport to Oslo’s main station. Hotel Anker is then about a 13-minute walk away. Alternatively, there is an airport taxi service for around 1,075 Norwegian kroner (US$100). Upon arrival at the hotel, make staff aware you are part of an Exodus group. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEL) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
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
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.
Classic city hotels and one overnight ferry
The accommodations selected for this adventure are a mix of three- and four-star hotels and an overnight ferry, each chosen for comfort and convenience. Listed below are the properties we usually use on this trip.
Oslo: Anker Hotel (nights 1-2)
Between the city centre and the trendy Grünerløkka district, this contemporary accommodation is close to the city highlights. It has free wifi and a bar-lounge area for you to relax in after a day exploring.
Gothenburg: First Hotel G (nights 3-4)
Positioned in the heart of Gothenburg, First Hotel G has plenty of Scandi style and an excellent location. It also has an elegant champagne bar, plus a sauna with views over Gothenburg Central Station.
Stockholm: Hotel Lilla Radmannen (nights 5-6)
Stay in the heart of the Vasastan district in central Stockholm. Surrounded by the most popular attractions in the city, this hotel offers cosy rooms and a rooftop terrace.
Overnight ferry: MS Viking Glory (night 7)
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.
Turku: Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund (night 8)
A three-minute walk from Turku Market Square, Hotel Wiklund is a modern retreat with plenty of welcome facilities. There’s a sauna to enjoy, this is Finland after all, plus an industrial bar-lounge in the reception and a rooftop bar with views over the city.
Helsinki: Original Sokos Hotel Albert (nights 9-10)
Spend your final nights in the centrally located Original Sokos Hotel Albert, with Helsinki’s most popular sights just an easy walk away (also accessible by public transport). It has cosy rooms and you can enjoy the hotel sauna in the evenings (separate hours for men and women).
Reviews
Add your own reviewNordic weather and boat trips, amongst city life and Scandinavian architecture.
Excellent trip broken up with visits to islands and fresh air.
Most Inspirational Moment
Vrango island trip (although I would suggest reading up on other nearby islands as some boat timings stop off at various ones and I could have done one of them in the afternoon on way back - our ticket included all public transport, including the boats. I also enjoyed the walk around Suomenlinna island, Helsinki. Apart from a good walk in fresh air, the scenery was lovely and it was good to admire pretty buildings along the way too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter was excellent and very informative.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Weather can be very changeable all of a sudden, take layers and jacket/raincoat and an umbrella. Transfers between hotels and stations from city to city involved a lot of carrying/lifting on and off your own luggage (in particular on trains... some had very high steps), best to take two smaller cases/baggage rather than one larger heavy one. Sounds like, from some reviews, I was on a different trip, guess it depends on who your tour leader is! Two negative points on the trip - one day in Oslo is not long enough (especially as there is a boat trip in the morning, which is lovely). The flight the day before gets in too late to do anything in Oslo and, due to delay from UK, we even missed the pre-arranged group dinner so Peter had to think quick on his feet for alternative. Definitely need another day, either added to itinerary/tour, or arrive day earlier and get as early a flight as you can in the day. We were all of the same opinion... another day needed in Oslo. I don't know why just the one day there, we had at least two in other major or capital cities, albeit Turku - as delightful a city as it is, one was long enough... although the tour arrives there on a Sunday when virtually everything is shut! and leaves early on the Monday.) The other negative point, for me personally, was the boat trip around the Stockholm archipelago... apart from the weather not being brilliant and handing out blankets and going rather fast (not to mention the commentary!). I did not enjoy the boat trip at all and found it a waste of time and money as the ferry from Stockholm to Turku took exactly the same route, so you saw the same places, higher up (top deck of ferry) with much better views. I personally think this could be an optional extra and the money spent on the boat trip put to better use, such as towards an extra night in Oslo! By comparison, the Oslofjord boat trip was total contrast, on a leisurely electric boat, and I did not feel like a tourist - better boat trip by far. Of course, this is just my opinion. Sculptures - cute "homeless fox" sculpture on waterfront before Drottinggatan in Stockholm, and cute "wise mouse" very tiny sculpture in Helsinki (on a staircase two roads up from the Cathedral) if you like different and unusual sculptures to the usual human/equestrian ones you usually find in cities. Dining out - the fish and chips in Gothenburg (Feskekorka... "fish church") and on western harbour on Vrango were the best I have ever tasted, the fish batter is nothing like British fish and chips and you can taste that the fish is really freshly caught. If you like Italian food, visit Rodolfino's Italian Ristorante (authentic Italian cuisine) close to Riddarholmen in Stockholm, at the top of Gamla Stan - I ate there both days and had the same dish both times, it was that good, service excellent too).
A fascinating mix of history and culture
A great introduction to three countries, all similar but different. An excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the region, its culture and its cuisine.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were several, but the two most outstanding memories were the visits to two islands. Vrångö Island from Gothenburg. (Do take the opportunity to walk around the whole island). And the Fortress Island in Helsinki - Suomenlinna (very interesting history fully explained in the museum). Plus the excellent museums in Oslo (especially the Nobel Peace Centre), in Gothenburg, Stockholm (the ABBA museum is a must, if you are a fan) and Helsinki.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter was excellent with extensive knowledge of the history and culture of the region. And his recommendations for restaurants and attractions were excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just one day in Oslo is not enough, especially as some (but not all) museums are closed on Monday. Either fly out a day early or try to get an early morning flight on the Sunday. Cashless is everywhere and often the only way to pay. You only need cash for the guide. When visiting the Vasa museum I would recommend taking the free guided tour which is very informative. The ferry is more like a cruise ship with a choice of many restaurants. The Kobba restaurant is a very relaxing as the ship glides through the Stockholm Archipelago with a piano playing in the background.
Great Introduction to Nordic Culture
The trip provided an overview of three Nordic countries each unique in its own ways. It is a busy trip that makes use of local ferries, ground transportation and of course walking as part of the orientation to allow you to explore the cities and sights. Given a couple of train rides and an overnight ferry and you can say you have experienced the countries.
Most Inspirational Moment
My most enjoyable moment of the trip was on Day 4 when we took a ferry in Gothenburg to Varango Island. It was nice to be out of the cities and to walk with a local guide and hear about his island and its history
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gigi, well, she is as good as they come. She dealt with the rain and late trains and made sure we didn't miss any highlights. At our initial group meeting she provided us with a two page outline by day that showed us the city, the hotel, our itinerary and other details. There was also a column for notes that anticipated questions one might have for that day. She interacted extremely well with the group and encouraged questions. Just a great personality to have in a guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Think carry on for your luggage. You will have 6 changes of lodgings, plus long distance train rides and trams to deal with in between. Comfortable walking shoes and hiking pants that have a lot of zipper pockets is perfect. It was cool and rainy and layers worked the best. A smaller backpack for the city walks is all that is needed. Credit cards worked fine--never needed cash. If you want cash from an ATM ask the guide for their locations. At the initial group meeting inquire of the guide which currency would work the best for a gratuity. This trip has a lot of free time built in. During the 10 days you will have 5 group dinners and 2 lunches. On certain days your free time may start before lunch and you may not see any group members until the next morning. While restaurants in cities may be recommended it may well be your individual decision as to when and where you go. Each city has a colored map with all the touristy sights identified. Doing your homework before the trip will help you prioritize the various sites. The accommodations and hotel staff could not have been any better. Our group flight arrived at the hotel after 5 pm on Sunday which only gave one day to see Oslo. You may want to arrive a day earlier to have 2 days to explore the city. Easy train connection from the airport to Oslo Central Station and than a 15 minute walk to Anker Hotel.
Excellent experience in the Nordic countries
This was a very interesting trip, covering 3 capital cities but also other less touristy places, beautiful scenery and idyllic islands, using sustainable transport all the way.
Most Inspirational Moment
Swimming in the cold Baltic Sea and North Sea among the silent islands and Nordic nature. Discovering each culture individually, just a train or boat ride away from one another.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nikolai was extremely organised, very knowledgeable about the history and geography of each country we visited including his native Norway, and eager to share his culture with us. He was so prepared that he even showed us a map of all the languages in the world to explain the different roots of Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish!
Advice for Potential Travellers
No need to have local currency in cash, all places take and even prefer card. ATMs are available in every city if needed. The guide gives great suggestions of what to visit locally during the free time in each place. You can also prepare a bit in advance as well if you want to make the most of it and head directly to the things you want to see. Try the traditional meatballs with gravy in Norway, fika with a cinnamon bun in Sweden, and the salmon soup in Helsinki. Pack your swimming gear!
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