Copenhagen To Helsinki
Copenhagen To Helsinki
$3315
Copenhagen To Helsinki
13 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Copenhagen
Visiting: Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus, Hirtshals, Bergen, Gudvangen, Flam, Borgund, Oslo, Karlstad, Sigtuna, Stockholm, Lidingö island, Helsinki, Helsinki
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ESH
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Experience the best of Scandinavian travel, from awe-inspiring natural landscapes to bustling cities and Viking villages. Collect memorable experiences across Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Visit the vibrant capital cities Oslo and Stockholm, take in the stunning island views in Helsinki and admire the Norwegian fjords. Explore the ancient towns, take in the majestic scenery on two overnight cruises and tuck into traditional local meals. Traverse the scenic Scandinavian hinterland on the way from Copenhagen to Finland. See Northern Europe's top attractions and marvel at sensational Scandinavia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Copenhagen
Location: Copenhagen
This exhilarating Scandinavian tour kicks off today! After arriving in Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, head over to the hotel this morning to join your tour leader and group. Discover the Danish capital's top attractions on a walking tour with an expert local guide. End the first day on tour with a delicious included dinner and time to mingle with your new travel companions. This is just the start of a 13-day adventure through the best of Scandinavia!
Enjoy a guided tour of Copenhagen; Denmark's capital city
Day 2: Copenhagen: Free Day
Location: Copenhagen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Experience incredible Copenhagen at leisure with a free day! Choose to discover the rich history of Copenhagen on today's optional excursion, including a canal cruise and a visit to Reffen Market for lunch. Otherwise, venture on your own discovery. Be sure to stop by the renowned amusement park Tivoli Gardens and marvel at the world-famous Rundetaarn observatory with its unmatched city views and a staircase suitable to guide a horse and carriage all the way to the top of the tower. Freetown Christiania is also a must-visit. Located in the city's east, this commune started in 1971 and still attracts individualists from across the globe to this day.
Day 3: Copenhagen - Odense - Aarhus - Hirtshals (Ferry Port)
Location: Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus, Hirtshals
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
As the tour approaches the seaside town of Hirtshals, take in the splendour of Denmark's landscapes. This morning, say farewell to Copenhagen and journey towards Odense, the first stop of the day. This city is the birthplace of acclaimed fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen and the third-largest in Denmark! Explore on your own after embarking on an orientation tour of the city. Thereafter, it's time to discover the open-air museum, contemporary artwork and Viking museums in Denmark's second-largest city, Aarhus. Take in the top sights on an orientation tour, after which the coach continues to Hirtshals. All aboard the overnight ferry to Bergen and arrive there tomorrow.
Explore Odense; hometown of Hans Christian Anderson
Visit Aarhus; a captivating Danish city
Catch an overnight ferry to Norway
Day 4: Overnight Ferry - Bergen
Location: Bergen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Norway is up next! After arriving in Bergen, get acquainted with the city on an orientation drive. Referred to as “the city among the seven mountains”, Bergen – Norway's second-biggest city – is also the entryway to the spectacular Norwegian fjords. Bryggen Quay is not only one of the city's top attractions but also a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The renowned Norwegian fjords are a short trip away, and seeing them is considered one of the top experiences on a Norway tour! Uncover this destination's splendour at leisure with free time after an orientation tour. Otherwise, join the optional excursion that explores historic Norwegian fishing towns and ends with a delicious traditional dinner.
Cruise through Norway’s magnificent fjords
Explore Bergen; known as “the city among the seven mountains”
Day 5: Bergen: Free Day
Location: Bergen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover the captivating Norwegian city of Bergen and explore the region at leisure on today's free day! For the ultimate Bergen experience, choose to join the Bergen+ optional excursion for an orientation tour, a guided tour of Bryggen, a visit to Mount Fløyen's very top, and a refreshment at the Magic Ice Bar. What a way to spend a day in Bergen! Another option is to discover Bergen at your own pace, marvelling at the classic medieval architecture and exploring local shops and markets. Either way, today is full of adventure!
Day 6: Bergen - Gudvangen - Flam - Borgund - Oslo
Location: Bergen, Gudvangen, Flam, Borgund, Oslo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover the picturesque heart of Norway! Leave Bergen behind en route to the village of Gudvangen, situated at the end of what's considered one of Norway's most renowned fjords. Choose to join the optional excursion to a Viking village and enjoy a scenic cruise to Flam along the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords. Join back up with the tour group in Flam, where steep cliffs and picturesque waterfalls frame the undisturbed blue waters. Scandinavian tours are known for stunning landscapes! Stop at the well-known Stave Church in Borgund before journeying on to Oslo. Upon arrival in the evening, tuck into a delicious included dinner at tonight's accommodation.
Marvel at Norway’s spectacular natural scenery
Visit Gudvangen near Norway’s most famous fjord
Enjoy a photo stop at Borgund’s Stave Church
Day 7: Oslo - Karlstad
Location: Oslo, Karlstad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, discover Norway's capital and home to the Norwegian royal family on a guided walking tour. Look forward to top sights like the Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Then, feel the heartbeat of the city as you explore during your free time, or choose to join the Oslo+ optional excursion that showcases some of the top museums and green spaces in the city. The journey continues towards Karlstad this afternoon where the tour group can rest this evening. Located in Sweden between Oslo and Stockholm on the shores of Lake Vänern, this destination is home to exciting outdoor activities and provides an opportunity to experience Swedish culture and local cuisine.
See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide
Day 8: Karlstad - Sigtuna - Stockholm
Location: Karlstad, Sigtuna, Stockholm
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Swedish exploration continues today! First up is the scenic medieval town of Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town founded in the 900s. Embark on a city orientation tour before enjoying free time to roam or find a lunch spot. Next, journey to the next Scandinavian highlight – Stockholm, Sweden's vibrant capital city. Enjoy a guided walking and driving tour of the city upon arrival, and tick highlights like the Royal Palace and the AF Chapman ship off your bucket list. Take a scenic walk through the old town of Gamla Stan before checking in and enjoying an included dinner in the city centre this evening.
Visit Sigtuna; Sweden’s oldest town
Explore Stockholm with a local guide
Tuck into Swedish meatballs in Stockholm
Day 9: Stockholm: Free Day
Location: Stockholm
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Stockholm even more on this free day! The old town of Gamla Stan is an incredible destination marked by bright, warm-coloured buildings and slim cobbled streets. Traverse the multiple islands that form the old town and pique your fascination with walks through the Djurgården, home to the open-air Swedish history museum of Skansen. Alternatively, choose to join the Royal Sweden & Vasa Museum optional excursion for a picturesque drive, sightings of the stunning Drottningholm Palace and a stop at the renowned Vasa Museum. Today is sure to be packed with exciting experiences!
Day 10: Lidingö Island - Overnight Ferry To Helsinki
Location: Lidingö island, Helsinki
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to Helsinki, Finland today! In the late morning, enjoy a drive to Lidingö Island en route and take advantage of free time to check out the area. Marvel at the sculptures as you meander through the Millesgården before journeying on to the port for an overnight ferry to Helsinki. Enjoy the fabulous entertainment onboard and choose to tuck into the optional buffet dinner, including a variety of local Swedish cuisine!
Explore Lidingö Island
Catch an overnight ferry to Helsinki, Finland
Day 11: Arrive In Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Finland welcomes you! Helsinki, Finland's capital, is a dynamic coastal city revered for stunning scenery across its islands and parks. Embark on a driving tour of the city upon arrival. Before settling in at this evening's accommodation, enjoy a walking tour with a local guide and discover Helsinki's top attractions. Explore the likes of Havis Amanda, Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral and Kauppatori Market! After experiencing the city's best, sit down this evening for an included dinner.
See the sights on a driving tour of Helsinki; Finland’s capital city
Join a local guide for a walking tour of Helsinki
Day 12: Helsinki: Free Day
Location: Helsinki
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is a free day to enjoy Helsinki at leisure! This unconventional capital city is home to incredible innovations across design and architecture as well as a rich cultural history and delectable local cuisine. Be sure to experience this city's dynamism and diversity today! Join the optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress for a guided tour and entrance into the museum. Or why not see the Seurasaari open-air museum or peruse Kiasma Contemporary's modern art? This evening's optional excursion showcases Helsinki's top attractions with visits to the Amos Rex art museum, Temppeliaukio Church and Sibelius Monument. Admire the incredible views and architecture before enjoying some local cuisine.
Day 13: End Of Tour In Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, the tour concludes after almost two weeks of incredible Scandinavian exploration. Get set to go back home after the final breakfast with your new travel companions. This is the perfect opportunity to exchange contact information with new friends. Also, be sure to share your travel highlights with us on social media using #TravelMadePossible and #BetterTogether. We hope to see you back on tour soon!
What's Included
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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
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with 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.
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.
Health and Fitness
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.
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
Cruise through 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
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.
In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
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 customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, As detailed in the itinerary
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.