Denmark, Norway, Sweden
Ultimate Scandinavia: A Chic Escape to Norway, Denmark & Sweden
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This 11 night luxury sojourn through Norway, Sweden and Denmark is the perfect recipe for a taste of both traditional and contemporary Northern European lifestyle. Our travel experts have hand-picked the best hotels for you to stay in, including the trendiest hotels in Oslo and Stockholm, and a magical stay in a Danish castle from where you can explore the stunning countryside. To get you acquainted with Scandinavian culture we’ve tried and tested some of the best tours and experiences available: from photographers to foodies, there is something to suit all tastes.
Old meets new in Norway
On arrival in Oslo, we’ll steal you away to The Thief; a modern, high-design boutique hotel in one of the city’s most vibrant areas, the newly revamped arts-and-culture district of Tjuvholmen. Awash with contemporary art and design features, this is one of the trendiest hangouts in the entire city. Celebrated chefs, master mixologists, and – per true Scandinavian hospitality – some of the most luxurious bedding and bathrobes you will find anywhere, The Thief is one of our favourite hotels.
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Start PlanningIn the afternoon, we’ll step back in time slightly as our guide shows you around some of Oslo’s historic sites, including the Royal Castle and Karl Johan Street, as well as the stunning new Opera house. Oslo boasts a very fine dining scene, so you have quite the menu to choose from tonight. Whatever you choose, we suggest washing it down with a drink back at the hotel; the roof terrace has one of the best views of the city around.
To further explore this grand city, you’ll take a guided tour of Vigeland Park, featuring 212 bronze and granite sculptures all designed by famous Norwegian sculptor and designer of the Nobel Peace Prize medal. Tonight we’ll book you a table to have dinner at Smalhans, a casual and contemporary restaurant that holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2016 Michelin guide.
The following morning, you’ll be collected from the hotel for a train journey north to Bergen, one of our favourite scenic tours. Setting out on the Bergen railway to the west, taking in the mountain terrain, you disembark in Myrdal before jumping on the famous Flåm Railway to enjoy some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Norway’s rough and rugged fjord landscapes. It gets better; next, all aboard a fjord cruise to set sail on the picturesque Aurlandsfjord and the dramatic Nærøyfjord (a UNESCO World Heritage site), one of the narrowest in Europe, surrounded by looming mountains and the perfect setting to take some incredible pictures.
From here, the train takes you onward to Bergen and your next boutique bolthole: The Clarion Collection No. 13. You’ll arrive in the evening: we recommend stretching your legs around the quaint city centre square, and then enjoy dinner and a nightcap at the charming bar before turning in.
Stunning Stockholm
Until next time, Norway – Sweden is our next port of call. After a short flight from Bergen, you’ll arrive at your Stockholm home away from home, Ett Hem. The name of this beautiful bolthole means “the home” in Swedish, and this elegant boutique hideaway could not be more appropriately named. Designed as a guesthouse rather than a hotel, you are encouraged to treat the place as if it was your own – you can even take the owner’s dogs for a walk if you like.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Stockholm at your leisure. Ett Hem is a scenic 15-minute walk north of the city centre, and is within easy reach of all that the brilliant Swedish capital has to offer. Djurgården is a good place to start; the island oasis in the city centre is a favourite local hangout, home to historical buildings, galleries, monuments and museums, and some beautiful green spaces.
The next morning you’ll be met by your local guide who will show you all the major sights in Stockholm. First stop is Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest attraction and one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in the world – on the way, you will also walk by the Royal Castle. The tour will end at Svenskt Tenn – a very interesting Swedish design brand that’s an institution in the city. Here you’ll enjoy afternoon tea (‘fika’ in Swedish) which means lots of coffee, pastries and interesting conversations. In the evening we recommend dinner at Prinsen where you can enjoy a traditional Swedish meal – a favourite among Stockholmers.
The next morning, we’ll pick you up and take you to the beautiful island of Skeppsholmen, where you’ll find several museums. Our guide will give you a tour of the island and its significance in Sweden’s military history (thanks to its strategic position on the Baltic Sea). The tour finishes at the nearby Hjerta restaurant, where we recommend you enjoy lunch by the sea. The afternoon is once more at your leisure; we recommend a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, or jumping on a boat to explore the Stockholm Archipelago.
Chic discoveries in Denmark
In the morning you’ll bid farewell to Sweden, and set off on a flight to nearby Copenhagen. Touching down in one of our favourite cities we’ll whisk you 30 minutes north of the city to one of the most magical hotels we know: the fairy-tale countryside castle, Kokkedal. This 18th century property has been carefully and lovingly restored to its former glory, sitting on a stunning stretch of coastline in the heart of the royal North Sealand area, surrounded by rolling green hills. Enjoy the sumptuous high tea served on the garden terrace, or stroll through the lush meadows down to the beautiful beaches.
In the afternoon, we have something rather special planned: an afternoon of polo lessons in the shadow of the castle. No matter if you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll have a go at playing the “Sport of Kings” in the stunning grounds of this royal retreat for a memorable way to mark your stay. Wind down with a visit to the celebrated spa before a delicious dinner in the Cellar Restaurant – think platters of Norwegian lobster, smoked fish and oysters. Dating from 1746, still with its original vaulted ceilings, the candle-lit experience adds another touch of aristocratic authenticity.
In the morning, we’ll take you back down the coast to Copenhagen to check into the magnificent Hotel d’Anglettere, one of the finest hotels in all of Northern Europe following the most extensive hotel refurbishment in Danish history. Perfectly located in the heart of the city, we’ll start exploring in the afternoon with a tour of the trendy Norrebro district, a vibrant multicultural area popular with students and littered with cool cafés and design shops. Your guide will show the best of the local boutiques and shops for a taste of Scandinavian cool. For a hidden gem we’ll take you to Jaegersborggade, a buzzing neighborhood street, is a celebrated foodie destination – home to some of the best coffee around and a Michelin-starred restaurant, where we can arrange a delicious lunch of local produce in a relaxed setting.
For a fascinating end to the trip; fans of Nordic Noir series “The Bridge” can enjoy a private literary tour, a 2-hour city walk taking in some of the landmarks made famous in the show, such as the Politigården (Police Headquarters) and the City Court. For foodies, we can arrange an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the famous Noma restaurant – declared the best in the world in 2011 and 2012 – whose roaring success has helped transform Copenhagen into an international culinary capital.
After one more night soaking up the grandeur of the Hotel d’Angleterre, it’s time to say so long to Scandinavia – although after getting a feel for what this charming corner of the world has to offer, we are sure it won’t be a final farewell.