Vision of Scandinavia & the Baltics
Seven countries, seventeen days, and a route that connects the very best of Northern Europe in a single continuous journey – this is what Scandinavia and Baltic tours do at their finest, and the Vision of Scandinavia & the Baltics itinerary delivers every kilometer of it.
From the colorful harbor of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, the route moves through Denmark and onto Norway by overnight ferry, trading city streets for Stavanger's old town, Pulpit Rock towering above Lysefjord, Bergen's UNESCO Hanseatic quarter, and the vertiginous Flåmsbana railway descending through 20 tunnels to the Sognefjord – the longest fjord in Norway.
Sweden brings Stockholm's island-built capital and its cobbled Gamla Stan, before an overnight Baltic cruise carries the group to Helsinki, then across to Tallinn's medieval walled city, Riga's Art Nouveau boulevards, and finally Vilnius – where Gothic church spires rise above hidden courtyards and the journey ends with a proper Baltic farewell.
An escort guide travels the full route, local guides lead every city tour, and transport between stages is arranged throughout – so the only decision is which optional excursion to add.
17 days of landscapes, history, and harbor views that belong to no single country – but together form something you won't find on any shorter itinerary.
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Copenhagen capital of The Kingdom of Denmark.
The history of Copenhagen dates back to around the year 800, when it arose around a small fishing village. From the year 1300 it became the capital city.
Transfer to the hotel on your own (possibility to book optional transfers for an additional fee). Meeting with the tour leader at the hotel reception at 18:00 or at 08:00 on the next day.
Scandic Copenhagen or similar
A local guide will take you on a panoramic tour of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. We will admire its historic architecture, explore its charming districts, and stroll along the colorful Nyhavn harbor. This thousand-year-old city combines timeless charm with the vibrancy of a modern metropolis, offering theatres, museums, restaurants, and shops.
Along the way, we will see key landmarks such as Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish royal family; Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Parliament; the National Museum of History; and the historic Stock Exchange building. Of course, no visit would be complete without stopping at Copenhagen’s iconic “Little Mermaid” statue.
In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Aarhus, traveling by ferry from Odden.
Breakfast- Scandic Aarhus City or similar
190 km
In the morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Aarhus with a local guide. As Denmark’s second-largest city and the European Capital of Culture in 2017, Aarhus offers a fascinating blend of history and modern life. Its strategic location first made it a key Viking settlement and later a thriving commercial hub. We will stop to visit the impressive Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral before enjoying some free time to explore the city at your own pace.
In the afternoon, we will travel north to Hirtshals to board an overnight cruise bound for Norway.
Dinner and overnight stay on board.
- Breakfast, dinner
- Onboard
- 185 km
In the morning a panoramic walk in Stavanger with our escort guide to discover the charming old town of Stavanger. Rest of the day free. We recommend doing one of the two optional activities*:
Option A: Cruise on the Lysefjord (Lysefjord). This 3-hour cruise on the Lysefjord will get us close enough to one of the fjord's waterfalls to feel the spray and then to see the Pulpit Rock towering above all the other stunning scenery.
Option B: Lysefjord Cruise + Preikestolen (Pulpit) Climb (Travellers choosing Option B will not take the morning tour of Stavanger). See our option list.
*please note only one option can be selected
- Breakfast
- Scandic Stavanger City Hotel or similar
Ferry from Mortavika to Årsvågen and from Sandvikvåg to Halhjem. Arrival in Bergen and free time for lunch. In the afternoon, panoramic tour of Bergen with a local guide to see the most emblematic places of the city, including the famous fish market and the Hanseatic quarter, a World Heritage Site (UNESCO).
In the afternoon, you will have a chance to take a ride with the Floibanen funicular to the top of mountain Floyen. From there, you can admire the magnificent views of the city and its surrounding landscapes.
- Breakfast
- Scandic Ornen or similar
- 210 km
After breakfast we are heading to Voss to start our spectacular train trip ascending almost 900 meters with incredible views of the fjord. The train journey will start from Voss and take you to Myrdal station, which is a mountain railway station and junction, located about 13 km from the village of Flåm. In Myrdal, board the famous Flåmsbana - one of the steepest trainlines in the world. The train journey runs through fantastic nature, past the Rallar road, steep mountains, breath-taking waterfalls and no less than 20 tunnels. It offers so many viewpoints that many feel like
travelling multiple times between the mountain and the fjord.
Arrive to Flåm where you will have some free time to discover this village.
The journey continues by cruise on the Sognefjord to our accommodation in Balestrand, a rural area surrounded by nature. Sognefjord - the King of Norway and the longest fjord in Norway. The initial part of the fjord, called Aurlandsfjord, is a 17-kilometer arm of the world’s second longest fjord, the Sognefjord (204 km). It is one of the most picturesque fjords in the world.
- Breakfast / Dinner
- Kviknes Hotel or similar
- 200 km
We will continue our route through mountains, valleys and incredible landscapes with numerous villages scattered by nature, taking the corresponding connecting ferries. We will stop at the Borgund Church, a wooden church dating back to 1,180 AD. In the afternoon we will continue to Lake Tyrifjord and arrive in Oslo.
- Breakfast
- Thon Hotel Terminus or similar
- 365 km
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Oslo, including a visit to Frogner Park with the famous Vigeland sculpture complex. The tour will also pass by the City Hall, the Royal Palace, and the striking modern Opera House. Afterward, you will have free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Sweden, arriving in Karlstad. This charming city lies at the delta where the Klara River meets the impressive Lake Vänern, one of Europe’s largest lakes.
- Breakfast
- Elite Stadshotellet Karlstad or similar
- 220 km
Departure to the East until reaching the Swedish capital, built on 14 islands. Surrounded by the Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, with its grand public buildings, palaces, rich cultural history and museums tell its beautiful 700-year history.
Upon arrival to Stockholm you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with a local guide, visiting the old town or "Gamla Stan" with its network of small squares and cobbled streets, and we will see the exteriors of the Royal Palace, the Cathedral and the Parliament.
- Breakfast
- Profil Central Stockholm or similar
- 305 km
Please note that beginning on Day 10, the tour will continue as independent travel, and there will be no tour escort accompanying you. However, all arrangements will be made for you in advance, including your hotels, transfers, transportation, and city tours with local guides. You will have a detailed itinerary and all necessary information to make your independent travel comfortable and easy.
This morning is on your own. You can explore City by yourself. Stockholm is generally referred to as Beauty on Water, or Venice of the North, as the city is built upon 14 islands. Along a canal you can enjoy Swedish Fika or make last minute shopping.
In the afternoon, transfer to the Stockholm harbour and board your overnight cruise to Helsinki.
Overnight on board of the cruise, inside B-class cabin, twin bed. Upgrade possible on request.
- Breakfast
- Onboard
Welcome to Finland and its magnificent capital city Helsinki!
Upon arrival to Helsinki you will enjoy a 2-hour Sightseeing Tour of Helsinki. Amongst others, you will see Senaatintori, the Senate square’s, and its magnificent architectural ensemble. Right around the corner near the harbour, you will find the Kauppatori, the picturesque market square, characterised by an abundance of flowers, fruits and busy traders. TheTuomio
Kirkko (cathedral) is our next stop. It was built in the 19th century and has an impressive copper dome. Concerts are regularly taking place inside. Another church, the Temppeliaukio Kirkko is carved into the rock, which gives excellent acoustics. One of the last stops is the Uspenski Cathedral - the Orthodox Cathedral in neo-Byzantine style rears its mighty mass of red brick in the Katajanokka Island.
Late afternoon transfer to the cruise-ship terminal, where you will embark on a 2-hour-cruise to Tallinn. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.
- Breakfast
- Sokos Presidentti or similar.
In the morning, enjoy a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Tallinn with a local guide. The city’s medieval Old Town, located at its heart, is divided into two distinct areas: Toompea Hill and the Lower Town. The latter, centered on Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square), is still encircled by 2.5 kilometers of well-preserved fortified walls. Along the way, we will admire landmarks such as the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle (seat of the Estonian Parliament), the historic Town Hall Square, the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, and the churches of St. Olaf and St. Nicholas (Niguliste).
The afternoon is free to continue exploring at your own pace—whether visiting additional attractions, sampling local cuisine, or enjoying some shopping in this charming city.
- Breakfast
- Radisson Meriton or similar
Free time in the morning to further explore Tallinn!
Afternoon departure towards Riga on a long-distance coach, with a short break in Pärnu, a bustling beach retreat with early 20th-century buildings, and a beautiful promenade where you can try a local snack before continuing to Latvia.
- Breakfast
- Wellton Riverside Spa or similar
In the morning, 3-hour Sightseeing Tour of Riga, where we visit the UNESCO world heritage sights as elegant Art Nouveau district, the old town with many medieval churches in it. Drive along central boulevards of Riga surrounded with beautiful city Canal Park and Bastion hill, many beautiful parks, New Opera house from the XIX century, the Riga Castle build for Riga's archbishop in the 14th century, largest in Europe Riga's Central market build from reused zeppelin hangars. During the walk along cobble streets of Riga we see impressive Powder Tower, Swedish barracks, and Swedish gate, "Three Brothers”, Brotherhood of Blackheads building established there 600 years ago, majestic Dome Cathedral founded in 1211 with one of the best organs in Europe with nearly 7000 pipes, house of cats, Richard Vagner Street, and theatre where he conducted in 1830s, Great and Small guild houses.
Rest of the day at leisure to continue exploring the city at your own pace, visit some more attractions and try the local cuisine.
- Breakfast
- Wellton Riverside Spa or similar
In the morning, we will depart for Vilnius by long-distance coach. After crossing the border into Lithuania, we will make a short photo stop at the Hill of Crosses, an extraordinary pilgrimage site whose origins remain shrouded in mystery.
In the afternoon, enjoy a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Vilnius. The Old Town, with its maze of winding streets, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old churches, reflects a unique Central European Catholic influence, contrasting with the more Germanic character of the other Baltic capitals. Highlights include Vilnius Cathedral and an exterior visit to the remarkable Church of St. Anne, a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Lithuania.
- Breakfast
- Congress Hotel or similar
All day at leisure: enjoy some last-minute shopping for Baltic souvenirs, try the local cuisine or choose some of the optional activities.
- Breakfast
- Congress Hotel or similar
Breakfast in the hotel.
Depending on your departure time, you might still have some time to enjoy in the city.
Transfer to the airport on your own. (Private transfer can be pre-booked in advance)
- Breakfast
- Congress Hotel
Transfer to the airport on your own. (Private transfer can be pre-booked in advance)
Customer reviews
Peter S
I hope all is well at the office. I just wanted to check in and let you know how much my wife and I appreciated your help planning the tour of Scandinavia we went on in July. Everything was totally hassle free and I'm glad we were able to put our trust in the hands of an expert, because we would have been completely lost without you! Everything was great, really. Our guide, Erik, was spectacular and so energetic. I don't know how he was able to keep up with our group and talk, talk, talk and never let it phase him. Very impressive. He made it worthwhile for us I think because he was so pleasant to be around each day. Bonnie and I formed friendships with a few other couples who were also on the tour and we've already emailed with each other a few times since returning home. Experiencing the Scandinavian region with my wife was very special. We just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary and our goal is to travel to every continent and explore as many regions together as we can. Those two weeks seeing Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were just perfect. More places we can check off our list! Thanks again for everything, Alex. I'd definitely recommend Nordic Saga Tours to friends or anyone hoping to travel Scandinavia with ease.
Elmer and Bonnie Pierce
