Scandinavia

:: days 1 — 2 ::

In a field crowded with international contenders, Stockholm reigns as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Terracotta-hued buildings set against piercing blue skies and reflecting in surrounding waters combine to create a dramatic cityscape that is almost unreal in its perfection. You’ll spend two days exploring the major sites and hidden gems of this magical place.

The city between the bridges

You’ll kick off your trip in Stockholm with a dinner at Ektsedt Restaurant, one of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in Stockholm. The next day, you’ll take a whirlwind tour of this city of islands, and you’ll understand why some people refer to Stockholm as “The Venice of the North.” There’s Kungsholmen, Stockholm’s administrative center; Sodermalm, the largest island in Stockholm, where you’ll get an unforgettable panoramic view of the city; Gamla Stan, the historical center of the city, which dates from the 13th century; and Djurgarden (Animal Island), a former royal hunting ground and a local favorite relaxation spot. You’ll have lunch at a restaurant featuring local cuisine. And after lunch and more sightseeing, you have the option to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Stockholm on a hot-air balloon ride, followed by a champagne toast.

A trip back in time

Sigtuna is an hour and about 1100 years from Stockholm. Sweden’s first town, founded in 980 A.D., the last century of the Viking era, the town retains much of its medieval charm, with wooden buildings and market stalls full of Swedish handicrafts. You’ll see ruins and rune stones that still exist around the city as mementos of the Middle Ages. After lunch at the relatively new Sigtuna Stadshotell (established 1909), you’ll board speedboats for an unforgettable ride along the northern shores of Lake Mälaren that combines nature, sea, fauna, culture, and adventure. You’ll visit Skokloster Castle, the baroque home of 17th century military commander and count Carl Gustaf Wrangel, and also stop by neighboring Steninge Palace and Rosersberg Palace.

:: days 3 — 5 ::

Sweden’s summer home

You'll start the third day of your journey with a short boat ride from the city of Stockholm to the gorgeous Stockholm Archipelago, the second largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea. Its thousands of islands, large and small, serve as a summer playground for Swedes who flock to the archipelago to camp, boat and relax in summer cottages. Your little corner of the archipelago is your own private island that features a luxury camp resort and a perfect spot from which to launch kayaks for an afternoon paddle. After a barbecue dinner prepared by your private chef, try your hand at ice-sculpting and see if you can turn a large block of ice into something that doesn’t resemble a slightly smaller, sloppier block of ice. Then pay an evening visit to the large wood-fired floating sauna and wood-fired hot tub by the sea with a dozen or so of your closest friends.

Water and fire

First thing in the morning, head out on a sailing cruise on privately chartered, fully equipped trimarans to do a little island-hopping and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. You’ll stop for a picnic lunch on one of the islands, and then head back to your home island to take the kids on a thrilling treasure hunt. Or you may wish to take advantage of some of the island’s optional activities: Try your hand at laser “clay pigeon” shooting over open water—it’s environmentally friendly and safe, a super fun competition for guests 10 years and older. Take a run at rock climbing. Or just opt for a beautiful hike along the island’s many trails.

The real fun starts after dinner, when you’ll watch a dazzling fire show by a professional fire artist and test your musical knowledge during an Abba-themed musical quiz contest. C’mon, it’s not Sweden without at least a little Abba.

:: days 6 — 8 ::

Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” is your jumping-off point for exploring these magnificent natural wonders. It’s also known as the “City Between the Seven Mountains,” and once you arrive it’s easy to see why. A trade center since the Middle Ages, Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the old Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf still stands today. The city is a charming place to explore as you prepare to set off for Fjord country.

The mountains next door

After a short flight to Bergen, you’ll dine that evening at the famous Enhjorningen Restaurant, a traditional Norwegian fish restaurant located in the old town section of Bryggen, in a building that dates from the early Middle Ages. The next day is a big one. You’ll ride up the Ulriken Funicular from the city to the starting point of your hike across Vidden, the mountain plateau that stretches from Mt. Ulriken to Mt. Fløyen—about a six-hour trip (a more moderate hike is also available). After a picnic lunch, you’ll take the Fløybanen Funicular back down to the city center.

Dinner is at the Lyststedet Bellevue Restaurant, accompanied by folk entertainment with musicians playing Hardanger violins and couples dancing national folk dances—the perfect place to show off your Norwegian dance moves.

Full-on fjords

Today, you’ll take a two-hour train ride to Myrdal, where bicycles will be waiting for you. Take a bike tour through the Flam Valley, a lovely route through idyllic countryside, where you’ll have too many photo opportunities to count. After a private lunch at the Aegir Brewery, a fun place with quirky wood décor, you’ll depart on a thrilling fjord safari. Speed boats will take you on an exhilarating ride along the Nærøyfjord, one of the world’s longest and deepest fjords, with high crystalline rock walls rising on both sides of the narrow passage. Your beautiful boat trip ends at Gudvangen, where you’ll head back to Bergen for a relaxing evening on your own.

:: day 9 ::

Founded by Vikings in the 11th Century, Oslo is one of the oldest capitals in Europe. It’s an eclectic, easygoing place with an active populace that loves the outdoors. Cycling, hiking, ice-skating, kayaking, sailing and skiing are all available within the city limits. Oslo also has a host of museums, acclaimed restaurants, and if you can’t get enough of the fjords, there’s one right next door.

Oslo in a day

You’re only in Oslo for a short time, but it’s long enough to take in some of the sights of the city. Take a driving tour through the city and see Aker Brygge, a waterside shopping, dining, and entertainment complex and a popular meeting spot for Oslo residents; Oslo City Hall, the administrative center of the city and also home to several art studios and galleries; Akershus Castle, a fortress built to protect Oslo from invaders in the late 13th Century; Oslo’s ultra-modern Opera House, and the Vigeland Sculpture Park. That evening, you’ll have a farewell dinner at Annen Etage, one of Oslo's most highly-regarded restaurants and a fitting place to celebrate your last night in the north. Skål!

Discover the remarkable riches of Scandinavia on a one-of-a-kind European vacation designed expressly for families, enjoying unforgettable outdoor adventures, sightseeing excursions and luxurious accommodations.

Accommodations

:: Stockholm, Sweden ::

This grande dame of Stockholm is the only Swedish hotel listed among The Leading Hotels in the World. The spacious and classically beautiful rooms feature views of the harbor, Royal Palace, and Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s picturesque old town. The hotel spa features traditional treatments and the Nordic bathing ritual of a rich pine sauna followed by a refreshing cold plunge. There’s also a restaurant, The Veranda, which features traditional smorgasbord cuisine...

:: The Stockholm Archipelago ::

You won’t believe that it’s camping. This highly exclusive, all-inclusive luxury camp features eight high-tech geodesic tents, each with modern Scandinavian interior design, a wood-fired stove and spectacular lake views. Twin beds feature luxury linens from Swedish bedding designer Mille Notte. Every day you’ll have locally sourced, organic meals prepared under the direction of star chef Daniel Guest. You’ll have copious daylight hours to enjoy the camp’s many activities.

:: Bergen, Norway ::

You couldn’t ask for a better location. This classic hotel is in the heart of Bergen’s historic district, right next to the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf and Bergen’s renowned Fish Market. Hundreds of shops and restaurants are within walking distance. You can stand on your private balcony and survey the old city or the sea. Coffee, tea, and fruit are available to guests 24 hours a day, as well as a complimentary organic breakfast and light evening buffet.

:: Oslo, Norway ::

A family-owned hotel for four generations, the Hotel Continental is Norway’s only five-star hotel. Located in a classic turn-of-the-century building, it is minutes away from some of Oslo’s biggest attractions, including the National Theater, the Royal Palace, and the Norwegian Parliament. Each of the rooms has its own character—some have a more classical look, while others are more modern in design—but all have extremely comfortable beds and a nice sitting area. Theatercaféen, the hotel’s beautiful Viennese-style café, is a local favorite.

Notable Inclusions

• All internal airfare as per the itinerary
• All accommodations
• Services of professional Abercrombie & Kent Tour Director throughout the itinerary and local guides at each itinerary stop
• All sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, including associated entrance fees
• All meals included in the itinerary
• Local beer, wine and soft drinks with included lunches and dinners
• All taxes and gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, guides, Tour Director, transfers

For the complete list of inclusions, visit the Scandinavia page on ER Compass.