Copenhagen To Helsinki

Copenhagen To Helsinki

271 Views
13 Days From

$3315

$2371

Copenhagen To Helsinki

13 Days Starting in Copenhagen and ending in Helsinki

Visiting: Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus, Hirtshals, Bergen, Gudvangen, Flam, Borgund, Oslo, Karlstad, Sigtuna, Stockholm, Lidingö island, Helsinki, Helsinki

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

ESH

Recommended For:

Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$3315
$2371 (USD) Operator discount: -$944

Tourhub Members Discount - Sign In

-28%

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Breathtaking natural scenery, vibrant cities and Viking villages - this is Scandinavian travel at its best! Visiting Norway, Sweden and Denmark as well as Finland promises many unforgettable experiences. Embrace the bustling atmosphere of capital cities Oslo and Stockholm. Admire a classic Helsinki view of beautiful islands and green parks and marvel at the fjords in Norway. See centuries-old towns, relax on two overnight cruises and try local cuisines. Journey from Copenhagen to Finland, travelling through lush scenery and the Scandinavian heartland along the way! Discover Scandinavia in all its splendour on this Northern Europe trip! 
If you'd like to join a Baltic States tour in addition to a Scandinavia tour, consider the Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics trip.

Highlights

  • Visit all three Scandinavian countries - Denmark, Norway and Sweden

  • Visit the Nordic country of Finland

  • Explore Copenhagen, Stockholm and Bergen with free days in each

  • See the Norwegian fjords

  • Enjoy overnight ferry cruises to Norway and Finland

  • Guided tours of Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Copenhagen

Location: Copenhagen

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to the start of one of the most exciting Scandinavia tours! Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark, and head to the hotel. Meet up with your tour leader and your group this morning. Later this afternoon, meet with an expert local guide for a walking tour of the highlights of the Danish capital. To round off the first day of the tour, enjoy an included dinner to get to know your fellow travellers and your tour leader. Get ready to continue to explore Scandinavia over the next 13 days!

Guided tour of Copenhagen: Enjoy a walking tour of Copenhagen with a local guide. Highlights include the famous Nyhavn Waterfront, Rosenborg Castle, the Town Hall, the Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace.

Day 2: Copenhagen: Free Day

Location: Copenhagen

Meals Included: Breakfast


Enjoy a free day to explore Copenhagen at your own pace. Choose to join today’s optional excursion and learn more about Copenhagen’s history. This excursion also includes a canal cruise and lunch at Reffen market! Alternatively, explore on your own and visit the Tivoli Gardens, which is a famous amusement park, and the Rundetaarn - an astronomical observatory that offers fantastic views of the city and is known worldwide for its unique equestrian staircase (a ramp to allow for a horse and carriage to access the library at the top of the tower). You could also visit Freetown Christiania - a commune in the east of the city that was established by squatters in 1971 and attracts nonconformists from around the world.


Day 3: Copenhagen - Odense - Aarhus - Hirtshals (Ferry Port)

Location: Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus, Hirtshals

Meals Included: Breakfast


Enjoy the beauty of the Danish countryside as the tour travels towards the coastal town of Hirtshals. Depart Copenhagen in the morning and head towards today’s first stop; Odense! This is the third-largest city in Denmark and birthplace of the fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. Enjoy an orientation tour around the town plus free time to explore. Next, travel to Aarhus - Denmark’s second-biggest city which is home to an old town open-air museum, contemporary artwork and buildings, Viking museums and more! Enjoy an orientation tour before hopping back on the coach and travelling to Hirtshals. Arrive and board the overnight ferry which will arrive in Bergen, Norway tomorrow.


Orientation tour of Odense: Explore the highlights of Odense, the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen. Join your tour leader and learn more about Odense’s history as well as its most famous inhabitant. Try and see if you can identify some of the inspiration for his fairytales!


Orientation tour of Aarhus: Enjoy a tour and learn more about the bustling city of Aarhus. Aarhus is home to Den Gamle By, an Old Town that doubles as an open-air museum offering insight into the Danish way of life from centuries ago.


Overnight ferry to Norway: Arrive in Hirtshals seaport and hop aboard the ferry. Get ready to enjoy an overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway.

Day 4: Overnight Ferry - Bergen

Location: Bergen

Meals Included: Breakfast


It’s time to explore Norway! Arrive in Bergen and enjoy an orientation driving tour of the city. Norway’s second-largest city is known as “the city among the seven mountains” and is the gateway to Norway’s magnificent fjords. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen Quay is a top attraction in the city, while Norway’s famous fjords are just a short journey away - seeing the fjords is a highlight of any Norway tour package! Embark on an orientation tour before enjoying free time to relax or explore on your own. Alternatively, choose to join the optional excursion and experience Norway’s historic fishing villages before digging into a traditional Norwegian dinner!


See Norway’s fjords: Cruise to Norway on the overnight ferry and marvel at views of the country’s famous fjords as you arrive in Bergen. Norway is home to over 1,000 fjords! The striking, winding waterways offer views which are guaranteed to leave you speechless!


Orientation tour of Bergen: Become familiar with this city that is known as “the city among the seven mountains” on an orientation tour with your tour leader. There are great things to see and do in Bergen including an acclaimed aquarium as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed quay.

Day 5: Bergen: Free Day

Location: Bergen

Meals Included: Breakfast


Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful Norwegian city of Bergen and the surrounding area. To explore Bergen in depth, join the Bergen+ excursion which includes an orientation tour, a ferry trip, a guided tour of Bryggen, a trip to the top of Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen, and a drink at Bergen’s Magic Ice Bar. This is how to see the best of Bergen in one day! Alternatively, explore at your own pace and discover more of Bergen’s classic medieval architecture, markets and warehouses. Adventure definitely awaits today!


Day 6: Bergen - Gudvangen - Flam - Borgund - Oslo

Location: Bergen, Gudvangen, Flam, Borgund, Oslo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Explore Norway’s scenic heartland today. Depart Bergen and travel to Gudvangen, a village located at the end of Nærøyfjord, arguably Norway’s most famous fjord. Here, you’ll have the chance to join our optional excursion which visits a Viking village followed by a sightseeing cruise along the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords to Flam, where you will meet up with the coach again. Still blue water is framed by towering cliffs and dramatic waterfalls - making for a truly incredible sight! Scenes like these are a highlight of Scandinavian travel. Next, enjoy a stop at Borgund’s famous Stave Church. Continue on with the journey to Oslo. Arrive in the late evening and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.


Experience Norway’s scenery: Enjoy a scenic trip through the Norwegian countryside. Look forward to views of mountains, forests and fjords!


Visit Gudvangen: Make a stop in Gudvangen, a village nestled at the end of one of the most famous fjords in Norway. When you arrive in Gudvangen, you will have the opportunity to join the Viking Village and Sightseeing Fjord Cruise optional excursion.


See Borgund’s Stave Church: Enjoy a stop at this famous Norwegian church. Have your cameras ready as the striking building offers great opportunities for photos.

Day 7: Oslo - Karlstad

Location: Oslo, Karlstad

Meals Included: Breakfast


Enjoy a morning to explore the Norwegian capital with a local guide on a walking tour. Along with being Norway’s capital city, Oslo is home to Norway’s royal family. See highlights including Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Enjoy some free time after the walking tour to take in the atmosphere of this cultured city or join the Oslo+ optional excursion and visit some of the city’s beautiful green spaces and museums. Later this afternoon, travel onwards to Karlstad in Sweden, which is the destination for this evening. Arrive in the city, which is located exactly between Oslo and Stockholm. Karlstad sits on the shores of Lake Vänern and offers fun outdoor activities plus great Swedish cuisine and culture.



Guided tour of Oslo: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Oslo. On the tour, gain deeper insight into the city and its history. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, Kvadraturen, the Parliament building, Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace.


Day 8: Karlstad - Sigtuna - Stockholm

Location: Karlstad, Sigtuna, Stockholm

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


See more of Sweden today! This first stop is Sigtuna - a picturesque medieval town that was founded in the 900s making it Sweden’s oldest town! Enjoy an orientation tour of the town and free time to explore on your own or find a spot to grab lunch. Afterwards, continue to explore Scandinavia and travel to Stockholm - Sweden’s dynamic capital city! Arrive and enjoy a driving and walking tour of the city with an expert local guide. See the highlights including the Royal Palace and the AF Chapman ship, before enjoying a walk through Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s Old Town). This evening, enjoy an included dinner in the city centre with the group, before checking into the hotel for the night.


Visit Sigtuna: Enjoy a visit to Sweden’s oldest town! Founded by King Erik the Victorious in 970 AD, Sigtuna is home to the oldest Main Street in the country. 


Guided tour of Stockholm: Join a local guide and see the top sights of Sweden’s capital city. Highlights of this cosmopolitan Scandinavian city include the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship as well as the old town Gamla Stan which is the beating heart of the city.


Swedish meatballs for dinner: It’s time to tuck into a Swedish classic - meatballs! Join the group and enjoy this included dinner tonight.

Day 9: Stockholm: Free Day

Location: Stockholm

Meals Included: Breakfast


Enjoy this free day to explore more of Stockholm! Gamla Stan is the old town and this amazing destination is filled with red, orange and terracotta-coloured buildings overlooking narrow cobblestone streets. The numerous islands that make up the town offer fascinating walks, especially through the Djurgården, where you can visit Skansen, the open-air Swedish history museum. Alternatively, join the Royal Sweden & Vasa Museum optional excursion on which you will enjoy a scenic drive, see the spectacular Drottningholm Palace and visit the world-famous Vasa Museum. There is no shortage of incredible things to do today!


Day 10: Lidingö Island - Overnight Ferry To Helsinki

Location: Lidingö island, Helsinki

Meals Included: Breakfast


Today, travel onwards towards Helsinki in Finland. Along the way, take a late morning drive to Lidingö Island and enjoy free time to explore the stunning surroundings. Take time to wander through the Millesgården and admire the sculptures. Next, travel onwards to the port and get ready to catch the overnight ferry to Helsinki. You’ll be treated to some onboard entertainment and an optional buffet dinner featuring delicious Swedish dishes.


Explore Lidingö Island: Visit the island located in the inner Stockholm archipelago and enjoy a driving tour as well as free time to explore. Did you know that Lidingö Island is home to Millesgården - an outdoor sculpture park and museum?


Overnight ferry to Helsinki: Cruise your way to a new country - Finland! Catch an overnight ferry ride from Sweden, to Helsinki in Finland. Enjoy the onboard entertainment plus an optional buffet dinner this evening.

Day 11: Arrive In Helsinki

Location: Helsinki

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Welcome to Finland! The capital Helsinki is a vibrant seaside city known for its beautiful islands and lush green parks. Arrive and enjoy a driving tour of the city. Settle in at your harbourside hotel, and meet up with a local guide this evening for a walking tour. Encounter some of the city's most famous sights including the likes of the Havis Amanda, as well as the Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral. Not to mention Uspenski Cathedral and Kauppatori Market! There is so much to see and experience! Enjoy an included dinner this evening.


Driving tour of Helsinki: Arrive in Finland’s capital city and enjoy a driving tour of the city’s top sights and attractions. 


Guided tour of Helsinki: Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour of Helsinki. Visit the Havis Amanda, the famous art nouveau fountain which is said to symbolise the birth of the city of Helsinki. See Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral; Finland's most photographed building,  Uspenski Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in Western Europe and finish with a walk through Kauppatori Market, the ideal place to pick up some keepsakes and well-priced Finnish crafts!


Helsinki dinner: This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel in Helsinki.

Day 12: Helsinki: Free Day

Location: Helsinki

Meals Included: Breakfast


Enjoy a free day in Helsinki! Today is yours to explore the city as you wish. This quirky capital is a hub for design, culture and architectural innovation, as well as the delicious food that can be found here! Experience this vibrant and diverse city. Helsinki is surrounded by beautiful natural spots - discover the Suomenlinna walking trails and museum. Seek out one of the many saunas around town. Or perhaps you'd like to visit the Seurasaari open-air museum, or take in some modern art at the Kiasma Contemporary? The choice is yours!


Day 13: End Of Tour In Helsinki

Location: Helsinki

Meals Included: Breakfast


After nearly two weeks of exploring the best of Scandinavia, the tour comes to an end this morning. Enjoy a final breakfast with your tour group, and get ready to head back home. Remember to swap contact details with your newly made travel friends and share your travel memories with us on social media using #TravelMadePossible and #BetterTogether. We hope you have had an incredible journey and hope to see you back on an Expat Explore coach again very soon!


What's Included

  • Accommodation

    12 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms/cabins with private bathrooms
    Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability)

  • Transport

    Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
    Two overnight ferries
    Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

  • Meals

    12 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

  • Experiences

    Enjoy a guided tour of Copenhagen; Denmark's capital city
    Explore Odense; hometown of Hans Christian Anderson
    Visit Aarhus; a captivating Danish city 
    Catch an overnight ferry to Norway
    See Norway’s magnificent fjords
    Explore Bergen; known as “the city among the seven mountains”
    Marvel at Norway’s spectacular natural scenery
    Visit Gudvangen near Norway’s most famous fjord
    Enjoy a photo stop at Borgund’s Stave Church
    See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide
    Visit Sigtuna; Sweden’s oldest town
    Explore Stockholm with a local guide
    Tuck into Swedish meatballs in Stockholm
    Explore Lidingo Island
    Catch an overnight ferry to Helsinki, Finland
    See the sights on a driving tour of Helsinki; Finland’s capital city
    Join a local guide for a walking tour of Helsinki

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.


Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. 


All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.

Mode of Transport


  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard

  • Two overnight ferries

  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Accommodation


  • 12 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms/cabins with private bathrooms

  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability)

Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.


Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.


Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.


We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.


For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.


With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.


For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.

  • Children on tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc

Reviews of this Operator

Roger  

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer  

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy  

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma  

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY  

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson   United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo  

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash  

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed  

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

Dates & Availability

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Friday

Jul 21, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024
$3315 $2665 (USD)

Operator discount: -$650 (USD)

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Friday

Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024
$3315 $2371 (USD)

Operator discount: -$944 (USD)

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Friday

Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024
$3315 $2371 (USD)

Operator discount: -$944 (USD)

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025
$3315 $2371 (USD)

Operator discount: -$944 (USD)

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.

    Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.

pts logo

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews