Nordic Splendors: Iceland & Scandinavia

Arrive at Keflavik International Airport where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation tour of this colorful city, including Hallgrímskirkja Church with its distinctive architecture, the harborfront, and the striking Harpa Concert Hall. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Icelandic cuisine, including fresh seafood and local specialties. If traveling between September and April, enjoy an optional Northern Lights hunting tour after dinner (weather permitting, extra charge). Overnight in Reykjavik.

After breakfast, embark on the famous Golden Circle tour, showcasing some of Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders. Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart and the world's oldest parliament was established in 930 AD. Continue to the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area with its erupting Strokkur geyser. Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure or optional Icelandic folklore dinner show (extra charge). Overnight in Reykjavik.

Full day exploring Iceland's dramatic South Coast. Marvel at the powerful Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, each with its unique character. Visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara with its impressive basalt columns and view the distinctive Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Continue to the charming village of Vík. Weather permitting, enjoy views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. Return to Reykjavik in the evening. For those traveling between September and April, another opportunity for Northern Lights viewing (weather permitting). Overnight in Reykjavik.

Morning at leisure to explore more of Reykjavik. Options include visiting one of the city's excellent museums, enjoying the scenic waterfront promenade, or shopping for Icelandic woolen products and designs. Alternatively, enjoy an optional visit to the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa (extra charge, pre-booking essential). Afternoon transfer to Keflavik Airport for your flight to Copenhagen (flight not included). Upon arrival in the Danish capital, meet your guide and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Evening orientation walk around the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful buildings and waterfront restaurants. Overnight in Copenhagen.

After breakfast, full day exploring Copenhagen's royal heritage. Visit Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal Family, to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Continue to the magnificent Rosenborg Castle, housing the Crown Jewels, and stroll through the beautiful King's Garden. After lunch, visit the iconic Little Mermaid statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. Explore the historic Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Parliament. Evening canal cruise through Copenhagen's waterways, offering a different perspective of this beautiful city. Overnight in Copenhagen.

Morning visit to the fascinating Designmuseum Danmark showcasing Danish design excellence, followed by the National Museum with its extensive Viking collection. Afternoon at leisure to explore Strøget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, or visit the alternative community of Christiania. Evening visit to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks (entry included, rides at extra cost), beautifully illuminated at night. Dinner at a traditional Danish restaurant. Overnight in Copenhagen.

 After breakfast, transfer to Copenhagen port to board an overnight ferry to Oslo (alternatively by flight depending on schedule). If taking the ferry, enjoy the scenery as you sail through the Kattegat and into Oslo Fjord. The ferry offers comfortable cabins, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. Dinner and overnight on board the ferry. (If flying instead: morning flight to Oslo, afternoon city orientation, dinner and overnight in Oslo hotel).

Morning arrival in Oslo (if by ferry). Full day discovering Norway's capital city. Visit the impressive Viking Ship Museum housing well-preserved Viking vessels, and the fascinating Kon-Tiki Museum dedicated to explorer Thor Heyerdahl. Continue to Vigeland Sculpture Park, featuring over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. After lunch, visit the striking Oslo Opera House resembling a glacier rising from the fjord. Evening at leisure to explore Oslo's vibrant food scene. Overnight in Oslo.

Railway After breakfast, depart on one of the world's most scenic train journeys - the Bergen Railway crossing the mountainous spine of Norway. Marvel at spectacular landscapes of mountains, fjords, and waterfalls during this approximately 7-hour journey. Upon arrival in Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, transfer to your hotel. Evening orientation walk of the historic Bryggen wharf with its colorful wooden buildings (UNESCO World Heritage site). Dinner at a local restaurant featuring Norwegian seafood specialties. Overnight in Bergen.

Full day excursion to experience Norway's magnificent fjords. Embark on the spectacular "Norway in a Nutshell" tour, combining a scenic railway journey on the Flåm Railway, one of the world's steepest standard-gauge railway lines, with a cruise on the narrow Aurlandsfjord and the magnificent Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to Bergen in the late afternoon. Farewell dinner featuring traditional Norwegian cuisine. Overnight in Bergen.

 After breakfast, morning exploration of Bergen, including a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. Visit the lively Fish Market and the medieval Bergenhus Fortress. Depending on your departure time, enjoy some last-minute shopping for Nordic souvenirs. Transfer to Bergen International Airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of Iceland and Scandinavia.