Tour overview

This 20-day escorted tour makes a grand loop through all four Scandinavian countries, from Copenhagen to Oslo by way of Lapland and the North Cape. A tour director travels with you throughout, with local experts in the main cities. You travel by air-conditioned coach, with a Baltic Sea crossing in a sea-view cabin and a ferry across Tysfjord, and stay in comfortable, central hotels. Breakfast is included every day, with 10 dinners and a lunch, and porterage for one suitcase is included at hotels. Departures run in spring and summer, and the tour is land-only, starting in Copenhagen and ending in Oslo.

Copenhagen begins with a welcome dinner and an evening at Tivoli Gardens, and a tour of the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg and Rosenborg, Nyhavn and the cathedral. You cross the Øresund Bridge into Sweden for Stockholm, where a local expert shows you the Golden Hall and Blue Hall of the City Hall, home of the Nobel banquet, and the medieval lanes of Gamla Stan. An overnight cruise across the Baltic brings you to Helsinki for a tasting walk through its food market.

Read more

Finland's lakes and forests lead to Kuopio and the view from Puijo Tower, then north through Oulu to Rovaniemi in Lapland, where you cross the Arctic Circle and can choose between a visit to Santa Claus Village and a forest nature walk. Along the Four Winds Road herds of reindeer roam freely, and in Norway you see the Sámi Parliament at Karasjok before reaching Honningsvåg. An evening excursion takes you to the North Cape, mainland Europe's northernmost point, where in midsummer the sun barely sets.

Heading south, Alta offers UNESCO-listed prehistoric rock art and lunch at a husky farm. The road continues past the Lyngen Alps and the wartime history of Narvik, across Tysfjord by ferry and over the Arctic Circle again to Mo i Rana, then past the Laksfoss falls to Trondheim, once the seat of Norway's Viking kings. Two nights in Geiranger, set at the head of a UNESCO-listed fjord, give you time for the Trollstigen road or a fjord cruise. The tour ends in Oslo, with Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace and the Vigeland sculptures in Frogner Park.

The physical rating is low, with some long scenic driving days and several relaxed starts. This tour suits travellers who want to see the whole of Scandinavia, including the Arctic, in one comfortable journey.

Trip highlights

  • Copenhagen and an evening at Tivoli Gardens (Days 1–2)
  • Stockholm's City Hall and an overnight Baltic cruise (Day 4)
  • Crossing the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi (Day 8)
  • An evening at the North Cape, mainland Europe's northern tip (Day 10)
  • Alta's prehistoric rock art and a husky farm lunch (Day 12)
  • Two nights at the Geiranger fjord (Days 16–17)

Your route

18 stops from Copenhagen to Oslo

20-day route: Copenhagen – Stockholm – Helsinki – Rovaniemi – North Cape – Alta – Trondheim – Geiranger – Oslo
  1. Copenhagen Days 1–2
  2. Stockholm Days 3–4
  3. Helsinki Day 5
  4. Kuopio Day 6
  5. Oulu Day 7
  6. Rovaniemi Days 7–8
  7. Ivalo Day 9
  8. Honningsvåg Day 10
  9. Nordkapp Day 10
  10. Alta Days 11–12
  11. Narvik Day 13
  12. Mo i Rana Day 14
  13. Laksfoss Falls Day 15
  14. Trondheim Day 15
  15. Lom Day 16
  16. Geiranger Days 16–17
  17. Lillehammer Day 18
  18. Oslo Days 18–19

Why choose this tour

All four Scandinavian countries and the Arctic in one journey, with the North Cape excursion included. A tour director handles every detail, including luggage, across nearly 20 nights and many long distances.

Best suited to

  • Travellers who want to see the whole of Scandinavia in one trip
  • Anyone dreaming of the midnight sun and the Arctic
  • Couples and solo travellers who like coach touring with everything arranged
  • Lovers of fjords, lakes and mountain scenery
The globe monument at the North Cape at sunset

Day-by-day itinerary

20 days from Copenhagen, Denmark to Oslo, Norway

  1. Day 1 · Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens Welcome to Copenhagen

    Begin in Copenhagen. In the evening, join your tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner, followed by a visit to the lights and gardens of Tivoli.

    Hotel
    Radisson Blu Scandinavia or similar
    Meals
    Dinner
  2. Day 2 · The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn Copenhagen

    A local expert shows you Denmark's capital: the Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace and the colourful harbour of Nyhavn, with a visit to the 18th-century cathedral. The afternoon is free.

    Hotel
    Radisson Blu Scandinavia or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. Day 3 · Øresund Bridge, Stockholm Over the Øresund to Stockholm

    Cross the 16 km Øresund Bridge from Denmark into Sweden and drive through the Swedish countryside to Stockholm, a capital built across 14 islands.

    Hotel
    Hilton Stockholm Slussen or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Stockholm City Hall, Gamla Stan Stockholm and the Baltic cruise

    Visit Stockholm City Hall with a local expert, including the Golden Hall and the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held, then walk through Gamla Stan, the medieval old town. In the evening, board the ship for an overnight cruise across the Baltic, with dinner on board.

    Hotel
    Sea-view cabin on the Stockholm–Helsinki ferry
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  5. Day 5 · Helsinki Helsinki

    Arrive in Helsinki, known for its design and architecture. Wander through a traditional food market with a local expert, tasting local produce such as liquorice or smoked reindeer.

    Hotel
    Home Hotel Jugend or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  6. Day 6 · Kuopio, Puijo Tower Lakes and forests to Kuopio

    Drive through Finland's lakes and forests to Kuopio and go up Puijo Tower for a panorama that shows why Finland is called the land of a thousand lakes.

    Hotel
    Original Sokos Puijonsarvi or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  7. Day 7 · Oulu, Rovaniemi Oulu to Rovaniemi

    Head north to Oulu, northern Finland's oldest city, for time to explore its centre and harbours, then continue into Lapland, home of the Sámi people, to Rovaniemi.

    Hotel
    Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  8. Day 8 · Rovaniemi, Arctic Circle Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle

    Cross the Arctic Circle. With a local expert, see the Town Hall designed by Alvar Aalto and Rovaniemi Church, then choose between a visit to Santa Claus Village and a quiet forest walk with a guide.

    Hotel
    Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  9. Day 9 · Ivalo Across Lapland to Ivalo

    After a relaxed start, perhaps with an optional visit to Ranua Wildlife Park, drive north along the Four Winds Road, where herds of reindeer often wander freely, to Ivalo.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  10. Day 10 · Karasjok, Honningsvåg, North Cape The North Cape

    Cross the tundra into Norway and see the Sámi Parliament at Karasjok, then follow the Porsanger Fjord to Honningsvåg. In the evening, visit the North Cape, mainland Europe's northernmost point, where the summer sun barely sets.

    Hotel
    Scandic Honningsvåg or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  11. Day 11 · Finnmark, Alta Through Finnmark to Alta

    After a relaxed start, travel through Finnmark, Norway's northernmost county, a land of rolling tundra and isolated homesteads. The afternoon is free in Alta.

    Hotel
    Scandic Alta or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  12. Day 12 · Rock Art of Alta, Alta Alta's rock art and huskies

    Discover the UNESCO-listed Rock Art of Alta, thousands of prehistoric carvings that record early life in the Arctic. Then visit a husky farm for a seasonal lunch of local specialities.

    Hotel
    Scandic Alta or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  13. Day 13 · Kåfjord, Lyngen Alps, Narvik Past the Lyngen Alps to Narvik

    Pass Kåfjord, where the German battleship Tirpitz was once moored, and see the Lyngen Alps, a long range of peaks and glaciers. Continue to Narvik, scene of major Second World War battles.

    Hotel
    Quality Grand Royal or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  14. Day 14 · Tysfjord, Mo i Rana Across Tysfjord to Mo i Rana

    Take the ferry across Tysfjord, with its steep granite walls, and continue south past Rago National Park. Cross the Arctic Circle once more on the way to Mo i Rana.

    Hotel
    Home Hotel Helma or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  15. Day 15 · Laksfoss, Trondheim Laksfoss to Trondheim

    Drive through Namdalen and watch for salmon leaping at the Laksfoss falls. Continue past the village of Hell to Trondheim, Norway's third city and once the seat of its Viking kings.

    Hotel
    Scandic Lerkendal or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  16. Day 16 · Dovrefjell National Park, Lom, Geiranger Geiranger, jewel of the fjords

    One of the most scenic days of the tour, crossing the Dovre Mountains through Dovrefjell National Park and passing Lom on the way to Geiranger, at the head of its UNESCO-listed fjord.

    Hotel
    Hotel Union Geiranger or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  17. Day 17 · Geirangerfjord Geiranger at leisure

    A free day among the fjords and mountains. You might take an optional drive along the hairpin bends of the Trollstigen road, visit the Dalsnibba viewpoint or cruise the fjord past its waterfalls.

    Hotel
    Hotel Union Geiranger or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  18. Day 18 · Lillehammer, Oslo Lillehammer to Oslo

    Travel through the countryside that inspired Ibsen and Grieg to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, for an orientation with your tour director. Continue to Oslo for a farewell dinner.

    Hotel
    Thon Opera or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  19. Day 19 · Akershus Castle, Royal Palace, Frogner Park Oslo

    A local expert shows you the medieval Akershus Castle above the harbour, the Royal Palace and Frogner Park, with its sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is free.

    Hotel
    Thon Opera or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  20. Day 20 · Oslo Tour ends in Oslo

    The tour ends after breakfast, and you are free to leave at any time. Extra nights in Oslo can be arranged when you book.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Colourful houses and boats along Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Where you stay

  • Copenhagen (2 nights) Radisson Blu Scandinavia or similar
  • Stockholm (1 night) Hilton Stockholm Slussen or similar
  • Baltic Sea (1 night) Sea-view cabin on the Stockholm–Helsinki ferry
  • Helsinki (1 night) Home Hotel Jugend or similar
  • Kuopio (1 night) Original Sokos Puijonsarvi or similar
  • Rovaniemi (2 nights) Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar
  • Ivalo (1 night) Hotel
  • Honningsvåg (1 night) Scandic Honningsvåg or similar
  • Alta (2 nights) Scandic Alta or similar
  • Narvik (1 night) Quality Grand Royal or similar
  • Mo i Rana (1 night) Home Hotel Helma or similar
  • Trondheim (1 night) Scandic Lerkendal or similar
  • Geiranger (2 nights) Hotel Union Geiranger or similar
  • Oslo (2 nights) Thon Opera or similar

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 19 nights, including a sea-view cabin on the Baltic Sea crossing
  • Meals 19 breakfasts, 10 dinners and 1 lunch
  • Transport air-conditioned coach, the overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki and the Tysfjord ferry
  • Guided visits Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens, Stockholm City Hall and Gamla Stan, a Helsinki food market tasting, Puijo Tower, Rovaniemi, the North Cape, Alta's rock art and a husky farm, Trondheim, Lillehammer and Oslo
  • Porterage for one suitcase at hotels
  • Tour director throughout, with local experts

Not included

  • International flights to Copenhagen and from Oslo
  • Airport transfers, available on request
  • Meals and drinks not listed
  • Optional experiences, such as the Vasa Museum or the Trollstigen road
  • Single supplement, tips, travel insurance and personal spending
Helsinki Cathedral, Finland

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want flights included — they are not
  • You prefer a small group — up to 40 guests travel on the coach
  • You dislike long days on the road — some stretches in the north are long
  • You hope to see the Northern Lights — departures run in spring and summer

Good to know

FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Denmark · UK FCDO travel advice for Finland · UK FCDO travel advice for Norway · UK FCDO travel advice for Sweden
The historic waterfront of Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £5,378 per person, twin share, tour only. 27 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Will I see the midnight sun?

On the June and July departures, the sun stays above the horizon all night at the North Cape and across the far north. On spring departures, the nights are already very short.

Is the North Cape visit included?

Yes. An evening excursion from Honningsvåg to the North Cape, mainland Europe's northernmost point, is included on Day 10.

How many people travel on the coach?

Up to 40 guests travel on an air-conditioned coach with a washroom on board, accompanied by a tour director.

What is the Baltic Sea crossing like?

You spend one night aboard a large ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki in a sea-view cabin with private facilities, with dinner on board.

How much luggage can I bring?

One suitcase per person, up to 23 kg and 76 x 46 x 25 cm, plus a small bag. Porterage for one suitcase is included at hotels.

What meals are included?

19 breakfasts, 10 dinners and 1 lunch, including a welcome dinner in Copenhagen, dinner on the Baltic crossing, a husky farm lunch in Alta and a farewell dinner in Oslo.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

Similar routes

11 days · 6 departure dates

Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland: Oslo to Helsinki – 11 Days

From £3,999
9 days · 6 departure dates

Northern Sweden by Rail: Tromsø, Abisko, Lapland & Stockholm – 9 Days

From £3,085
9 days · 9 departure dates

Stockholm to Bergen: Sweden, Oslo & the Fjords – 9 Days

From £5,450

Combine with

Tours in neighbouring countries.

8 days · 4 departure dates

Swedish Lapland in Winter: Huskies, Reindeer & Skiing – 8 Days

From £3,249

Explore more

From £5,378
See dates & prices