Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais Half-Day… Pinacoteca Nazionale

Scandinavia Explorer

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Oslo)

Destinations visited: Sweden, Norway, Oslo, Finland, Helsinki, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jul 21, 2012 and save 25% $3,398

from USD$4,530

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Description

Tour Scandinavia and discover the many charms and delights on this two-week adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland. Travel through some of Europe's most stylish capitals and be wowed by some of the world's biggest fjords. Visit Norway's uber-cool Oslo, travel to Sweden's vibrant Stockholm and explore Finland's hip Helsinki. Along the way, uncover a Viking past, learn of a maritime heritage and get swept up in Olympic fever. Whether it's walking along charming streets in Bergen, sailing through vast fjords or cycling around idyllic islands, you'll undoubtedly be left with a multitude of picturesque memories from this once in a lifetime Scandinavian adventure.

Highlights

Visit Norway and discover a Viking past in picturesque Oslo.
Be impressed by Norway's Sognefjord.
Travel to Sweden and soak up the sun in Karlstad.
Cycle around Finland's Aland Islands.
Visit Helsinki and get acquainted with Finland's stylish capital.
Visit Holmenkollen's Ski Museum.
which showcases 4.
000 years of skiing history.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Oslo

Travel to Norway and discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. If arriving early, head to the National Gallery of Art to glimpse Edvard Munch's famous painting, The Scream, or discover a Viking past at one of Oslo's many museums. Visit nearby Holmenkollen for a short hike on the plateau and wander through the Ski Museum, which is housed inside the monumental Holmenkollen ski jump and explores over 4,000 years of ski history!

Days 3-4 Bergen

Venture by train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region. Arrive in Bergen, a quirky city with a host of things to see ranging from churches and museums to galleries and brightly coloured houses.

Days 5-6 Norwegian Fjords

Be captivated by the sight of crisp mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters of Sognefjord on a boat trip. Pass through Naeroyfjord, so named for the Norse god of seafarers and the sea. Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to throw a line in, sit back and soak up the serenity.

Days 7-8 Lillehammer

Make tracks to the alpine playground of Lillehammer and wander through the Trollhaugen Open Air Museum. Perhaps hear tales of heroic feats at the Norwegian Olympic Museum or conquer misty mountains on a hike.

Days 9-11 Stockholm

Absorb the timeless beauty of Stockholm, the 'Venice of the North, on an orientation walk and check out the Vasa Museum. Perhaps sample galleries or nightclubs in trendy Sodermalm, head to the Skansen Open Air Museum or join a day trip to Uppsala.

Days 12-13 Aland Islands/Overnight Ferry

Take time out aboard a ferry to the Aland Islands, and embark on a cycling sojourn through this pristine maritime area. Then, why not indulge in some steamy bliss at a day sauna before boarding an overnight ferry to Finland.

Days 14-15 Helsinki

Before the Scandinavia Explorer comes to an end, discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Perhaps visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city, or wile away those precious few holiday hours in Kaisaniemi Park.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nts), Cabin (2 nts), Overnight boat (1 nt)

Transport

Bus, Train, Metro, Ferry, Bicycle, Boat

Budget

Allow EUR €675 for meals not included.

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from USD$4,530

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