Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sweden

We'll meet at our Stockholm hotel around 5 p.m. for a Välkommen till Skandinavia get-together and dinner, followed by a short orientation walk. Sleep in Stockholm (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Stockholm's Old City and the Vasa

We have all day in Scandinavia's powerhouse city, beginning with a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan (Old City). Next, we'll marvel at the well-preserved Vasa warship, which sank on her maiden voyage nearly 400 years ago. You'll have the afternoon and evening free to explore more of this cosmopolitan city. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Modern Stockholm and Cozy Kalmar

This morning we'll visit Stockholm's impressive City Hall, home of the Nobel Prize banquet. Then we drive through beautiful birch forests to quaint, colorful Kalmar, where we'll eat dinner together. Sleep in Kalmar (1 night). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 4: Kalmar Castle and Copenhagen

We'll explore Sweden's medieval masterpiece this morning: stunning Kalmar Castle. Then we'll drive across the awe-inspiring bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark, on our way to Copenhagen. We'll get to know this city with a walk through the lively pedestrian center, then enjoy dinner together. Sleep in Copenhagen (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 5: The Art of Wandering in Copenhagen

This morning we'll dive into the sights and sounds of Copenhagen on a walking tour of the city, followed by a canal cruise and lunch together. Then, you'll have the rest of the day free to enjoy Europe's best people-watching on the Stroget, or visit the fanciful Tivoli Gardens. No bus. Walking: moderate to strenuous (your choice).

Day 6: Viking Ships and Ærø Island Charms

This morning we'll stop in Roskilde to prowl through the evocative Viking Ship Museum and tour Denmark's famous cathedral. Then a scenic ferry ride takes us to the island of Ærø and the old windjammer port of Ærøskøbing. Tonight we'll enjoy a traditional Danish feast together. Sleep on Ærø (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Boat: 1¼ hrs. Walking: light.

Day 7: All Day to Explore Ærø Island

You'll have the morning free to relax and savor this epitome of small-town Denmark or get Ærø-dynamic and pedal a rented bike past thatched cottages, tidy farms and windswept bluffs. We’ll regroup this afternoon and enjoy a bus tour around the island. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 8: Overnight Ferry to Oslo

Today we'll hop on an overnight ferry for Oslo. On board you can choose to dine at a buffet fit for a Viking or grab something smaller at the ship's café. After dinner, you can dance the night away in the nightclub, linger in the tax-free shop or enjoy the scenery as we cruise to Norway in style. Sleep on ferry (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Boat: 17¾hrs. Walking: light.

Day 9: Historic and Artistic Oslo

We'll greet the sun as we glide up the Oslofjord into Norway's capital. Once ashore, we'll take a walk through the heart of town and learn about Norway's history and politics, including an inspiring visit to the WWII Resistance Museum. After lunch, we'll drive to Frogner Park, home of Gustav Vigeland's amazingly lifelike sculptures before dinner together. Sleep in Oslo (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 10: Norway's Seafaring Past

Today we'll cruise across the harbor to Bygdøy peninsula, home of Scandinavia's best-preserved Viking ships and those of explorer Thor Heyerdahl (Kon-Tiki and Ra II). After marveling at Norway's seafaring history, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free in this vibrant city. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: moderate.

Day 11: Lillehammer and Giant's Country

Driving northwest from Oslo, we'll visit Lillehammer's Maihaugen Open-Air Folk Museum, including its 12th century stave church. This evening we'll settle into a mountain hotel, located in the heart of "Giant's Country." Sleep in Elvesæter (1 night). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: Fjord Country and Bergen

Make sure your camera is charged-up: today is scenery day! We'll take a 2½ hour scenic fjord cruise and then turn left at the troll on our way to ruddy-cheeked Bergen. Sleep in Bergen (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Boat: 2½ hrs. Walking: light.

Day 13: All Day in Charming Bergen

A local guide will walk us through the enchanting old wharf area, where wooden warehouses lean together and recall their glory days. You'll have the afternoon free to explore more of Bergen or buy one of those hand-knit sweaters you've been eyeing. This evening we'll gather for a hearty "last supper." No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

Those returning home can catch a flight to Copenhagen, which connects with direct flights to the US. Skål!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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