A journey through Scandinavia feels like stepping into a living postcard where avant-garde, hyper-modern design seamlessly coexists with untamed, primordial nature. The geographic term , Scandanavia, traditionally covers Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, with Finland and Iceland sometime added. But with only 11 days, we will stick to the first three countries on this adventure.
While Denmark, Norway, and Sweden share deeply intertwined histories, mutually intelligible languages, and a similar social blueprint, their physical landscapes could not be more distinct. A popular local joke perfectly summarizes the geological divide: "Denmark has water and water; Sweden has forests and water; Norway has mountains and water."
The natural identities of the three true Scandinavian nations contrast sharply, moving from vertical drama to horizontal serenity, and down to pastoral, coastal charm.
THIS ALL-INCLUSIVE ADVENTURE FEATURES ...
Roundtrip airfare from Washington DC (But you have the option to make your own flight arrangements should you wish)
All accommodations, breakfasts, and dinners
All transfers and transportation
Local guides
All day trips and excursions are included with your trip package
Please note that the itinerary below is subject to change between now and our dates of travel in order to provide you with the best travel experience possible.
For those who select the WITH AIRFARE PACKAGE, we will gather at the selected airport for our overnight flight to Copenhagen, Denmark. Flight details will be provided well in advance of our adventure. This also includes those who opted to purchase their own airfare, but are on the same flight.
For those traveling to Copenhagen on a different flight, we will coordinate meeting up in Copenhagen.
If departing from IAD (Washington Dulles), GoEuro Adventures will treat everyone to a celebratory champagne toast (or non-alcoholic option if you choose) at Vino Volo (Near Gate B63).
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a masterclass in urban living. It is a city where 17th-century fairytale charm gracefully intertwines with cutting-edge modern design, exceptional culinary artistry, and a world-renowned focus on sustainability and human happiness.
Consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable and safest cities, Copenhagen feels less like a frantic metropolis and more like a collection of vibrant, cozy neighborhoods. .Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world’s happiest cities. It is the undisputed gastronomy capital of the region, famous for its vibrant microbreweries, world-class coffee, avant-garde design, and the magical Tivoli Gardens.
Ultimately, the true beauty of Copenhagen is its atmospheric warmth. The Danes are masters of hygge—the art of creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere to enjoy the good things in life with good people. Whether it is sitting outside under a fleece blanket at 1:00 AM under a midnight summer sky, or sipping hot cocoa by a candlelit cafe window in the depths of winter, Copenhagen invites you to slow down and savor the present moment.
GoEuro tries to find upscale accommodations with all of the modrn conveniences, but also prefers to select boutique properties that reflect the local history, culture, or character.
Copenhagen is the undisputed culinary capital of Scandinavia and one of the most influential food cities on the planet. Over the last two decades, it has undergone a massive gastronomic revolution, transforming from a city known for simple potatoes and pork into a hyper-innovative Mecca for food lovers.
At the heart of this transformation is the New Nordic Cuisine movement, which emphasizes hyper-local, seasonal, and foraged ingredients, pure flavors, and a deep respect for animal welfare and sustainability.
Experience the true taste of Copenhagen on this immersive walking food tour — led by passionate local guides who know the city’s culinary scene inside and out.
Your journey begins at Torvehallerne, where you’ll sample award-winning cheeses from Arla Unika — served at Michelin-starred restaurants and only available on this tour. From there, follow your guide through the charming streets of central Copenhagen to Riviera Bakery, a local favorite where you’ll enjoy a freshly baked Danish pastry from one of the city’s trendiest spots.
Next, sit down for a taste of gourmet smørrebrød — Denmark’s iconic open-faced sandwich — at either the stylish Aamanns Deli or historic Café & Ølhalle 1892, a location exclusive to this tour and not visited by any other food tours.
Afterward, enjoy a carefully selected craft beer or apple wine at the lively beer bar SKAAL, a beloved hangout among locals. Then grab a gourmet organic hot dog of your choice at DØP — Den Økologiske Pølsemand — located right next to the famous Round Tower.
The sweet finale includes handmade candy from Sømods Bolcher, an official supplier to the Royal Danish Court, a bite of Lakrids A by Johan Bülow, and a luxurious flødebolle from Summerbird Organic, Denmark’s premier chocolatier.
Throughout the tour, you’ll also pass historic landmarks, cozy pedestrian streets, and hidden local gems — all while enjoying a full lunch’s worth of tastings and insights into Danish culture.
Located right in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, Tivoli Gardens (or simply Tivoli) is one of the world's most famous and historic amusement parks. Opened on August 15, 1843, it is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world and famously served as a major point of inspiration for Walt Disney when he was dreaming up Disneyland.
Whether you are looking for vintage charm, thrilling rides, or a relaxed cultural experience, you will find it at magical Tivoli.
Located at the absolute northernmost point of the island of Zealand, Gilleleje is a stunning, historic Danish fishing town. While it is widely loved today as a peaceful seaside resort along the "Danish Riviera," it also holds a deeply profound place in World War II history.
🎣 The Heart of the Town: Gilleleje Harbor
Unlike many coastal towns where old harbors have been entirely modernized into tourist marinas, Gilleleje maintains Denmark's largest active commercial fishing harbor.
The Atmosphere: You can watch authentic fishing cutters bring in the daily catch, hear the calls of the local fish auction, and see nets being repaired.
The Food: The harbor is lined with exceptional, unpretentious seafood restaurants and smokehouses (røgerier). It’s the perfect place to sit outside and eat traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) topped with fresh shrimp or warm, smoked fish.
Dinners on this adventure (Included in your package) are at restaurants carefully chosen to provide travelers with both authentic local cuisine and a wide variety over the course of the trip. Seafood will be the obvious focus for dinner in Gilleleje.
Moving away from Denmark and heading across the Kattegat Sea to Sweden’s west coast, we find Gothenburg (Göteborg).
As Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg trades the regal, fast-paced hustle of Stockholm for a laid-back maritime charm, a world-class culinary scene, and an incredibly progressive eco-conscious mindset. In fact, it is consistently ranked as one of the world's most sustainable destinations and has been designated as a global UN hub for sustainable lifestyles.
Continuing our journey east across Sweden, we arrive at the capital: Stockholm.
Often called the "Venice of the North," Stockholm is built across 14 distinct islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, all stitched together by 57 bridges. It is a city of striking dualities—where impeccably preserved 13th-century medieval history seamlessly integrates with cutting-edge design, a booming tech scene, and a world-famous pop-culture legacy.
Stockholm’s island layout means each district feels like its own distinct mini-city:
Gamla Stan (The Old Town): The historic, cobblestoned heart of Stockholm. It features winding medieval alleys, the iconic colorful merchant houses of Stortorget square, and the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), which boasts over 600 rooms.
Södermalm: The trendy, bohemian south island. Formerly a working-class district, it is now the epicenter of Swedish "cool," packed with vintage shops, indie boutiques, craft beer bars, and incredible viewpoint hills like Skinnarviksberget.
Djurgården: The city's lush, green oasis. This island is dedicated entirely to leisure, nature, and some of Scandinavia’s most heavy-hitting cultural attractions.
Östermalm: The upscale, elegant district known for high-end fashion, beautiful architecture, and the historic Östermalms Saluhall food market.
The Stockholm Archipelago (Stockholms skärgård) is a vast, breathtaking maritime wilderness of more than 30,000 islands, islets, and granite rocks that fans out from the edge of the capital city into the Baltic Sea.
Despite its massive scale, it is incredibly accessible. You can step onto a classic white ferry in downtown Stockholm and, within 30 minutes to two hours, find yourself in an entirely different world of dense pine forests, quiet fishing villages, and open sea.
Vaxholm is the capital of the archipelago and considered to be its gateway. History buffs love Vaxholm, as this island offers several museums and galleries which speak to the region’s storied past.
Visit the Vaxholm Fortress Museum, then explore the charming old town. Here, you can tour the pastel-coloured wooden houses, and duck into cafés, shops, bars, and restaurants. Just make sure you try some herring, the local speciality!
We have crossed the border into Norway! Welcome to Oslo, the country's fast-growing, eco-forward capital.
Tucked neatly between the deep blue waters of the Oslofjord and miles of dense, protected green forests (Marka), Oslo is a masterclass in urban planning. Over the past decade, the city has radically reimagined its historic, industrial waterfront into a futuristic, walkable wonderland of cutting-edge architecture, public saunas, and world-class museums.
Oslo’s waterfront is home to some of the most striking modern architecture in Europe:
Oslo Opera House: Shaped like an iceberg rising directly out of the fjord, this landmark is clad in Italian marble and white granite. Its most famous feature is its sweeping, angled roof, which is completely open to the public to walk on for panoramic views of the city.
The Munch Museum (MUNCH): A towering, 13-story glass monument dedicated entirely to Norway's most iconic artist, Edvard Munch. It houses three versions of The Scream (rotated through the galleries to preserve them) and offers incredible floor-to-ceiling harbor views from its top-floor sky bar.
The Barcode District: A row of 12 narrow, high-rise buildings designed by various international architects. Built with varying heights and gaps in between, the silhouette resembles a giant, geometric barcode.
Welcome to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and the undisputed "Gateway to the Fjords."
Nestled on the rugged west coast, Bergen is dramatically framed by seven majestic mountains and deep blue waters. Founded in 1070, it is a city steeped in maritime history, famous for its colorful wooden alleys, a booming culinary scene, and—yes—its legendary rainfall, which locals embrace with stylish rainwear and an infectious outdoor spirit.
Bryggen (The Hanseatic Wharf): This UNESCO World Heritage site is Bergen's most iconic view. It features a row of leaning, vibrant 14th-century wooden merchant quarters running along the harbor. Take time to wander behind the facades into the narrow, dimly lit wooden alleyways, which now hide artisan workshops, local boutiques, and small galleries.
The Fish Market (Fisketorget): Operating since the 1200s, this bustling indoor-outdoor market right on the harbor is a sensory feast. It’s the ultimate place to try fresh whale steak, king crab, or hot fish cakes straight from the grill.
Bergenhus Fortress: Located at the entrance to the harbor, this is one of the oldest and best-preserved stone fortifications in Norway, featuring the impressive 13th-century Håkon’s Hall.
BUT BEFORE GETTING TO BERGEN, DON'T SLEEP ON THE RAILWAY JOURNEY
Located by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen Wharf, 984 feet from the fish market, is Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bergen.
Your day begins early at the Bergen train station. You board the Bergensbanen (Bergen Railway), heading east.
The Journey: About 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Scenery: The train slowly climbs from sea level into the high, rugged mountains, passing rushing rivers, deep valleys, and snow-capped peaks before pulling into Myrdal station—a remote mountain junction accessible only by train, sitting over 850 meters (2,800 feet) above sea level.
At Myrdal, you immediately cross the platform to board the legendary Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway). It is widely considered one of the most beautiful and steepest standard-gauge train journeys on Earth.
The Journey: 1 hour to drop 865 vertical meters down to the fjord.
The Scenery: The vintage train snakes down an incredibly steep valley, executing tight horseshoe curves through 20 tunnels. It pauses for a few minutes at the roaring Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can step off the train to feel the mountain spray and snap photos. The ride ends at the edge of the water in the idyllic village of Flåm.
After a short break in Flåm to grab a bite or visit the Railway Museum, you step onto a sleek, ultra-modern, hybrid-electric catamaran for a 2-hour cruise. Because the boat runs on electricity, it glides through the water in near-total, ghostly silence.
Aurlandsfjord: First, you sail down this spectacular, wide fjord branch, framed by towering 1,700-meter peaks.
Nærøyfjord: The boat then turns into the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the narrowest fjord arm in Europe (only 250 meters wide at its narrowest point). The mountain walls rise almost vertically right next to the boat, dotted with isolated, roadless goat farms and cascading waterfalls.
