Get Social: Scandi Express (Winter)

Quirky cities filled with delish food, fascinating culture and the most attractive people you’ve ever seen – welcome to Scandinavia! Touch down in uber-cool Copenhagen, dump your stuff and meet the gang. We may be a mixed bunch, but we’re all in it together. Tonight: dinner’s on us. Skål (read: cheers) to that!

We’ll kick off today with a walking tour, swinging by Tivoli Gardens, City Hall, Nyhavn and the National Musuem of Denmark before strolling along the canal to see the bright townhouses. Then? Choice is yours. Take a dip in the harbour baths (clothing optional, turning Smurf-blue from cold obligatory). Discover the city’s thriving craft beer scene. Or strap on some skates and show off your best Bambi impression at one of the city’s seasonal ice rinks. For dinner tonight, gather the fam and head to Gasoline Grill – the definition of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

No lies, today is an early start. So, settle in, bust the tunes and get to know your trip mates better. Oh, and make sure you snag a window seat – the views from Øresund Bridge are once-in-a-lifetime. When we roll into Oslo we’ll get our bearings on a walking tour – ticking off the likes of The Royal Palace, Parliament, Oslo Cathedral and the National Theatre. Then? We know this place is pretty exxy, so quiz your Trip Leader on where the cheap eats are at. Hot dogs, grilled cheese, falafels – one of each pls. Gotta keep warm, right?

There’s a reason you came in winter – and today’s your chance to experience alllll the glittering-snow-dusted-magic of a Norway ski resort. Sign up for a full day on the slopes and get shredding. Staying in town? No worries. History buffs should check out Akershus Fortress. Culture fiends can hunt down a local sauna (they’re everywhere). Art lovers can’t miss Vigeland Park. And the foodies? Head to trendy Grünerløkka and eat your heart out. If it’s been snowing, tick ‘ski on top of an Opera House’ off your bucket list. Or head to Spikersuppa for a spot of night ice skating. This is the winter vibe you’ve been chasing.

Topdeckers to mission control, requesting more time to explore. Permission granted. Today is 100% up to you. But if you need some suggestions, jump on board an optional trip out to Bygdøy (aka Museum Island). We’re talking the Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Polar Ship and the Norsk Folkemuseum. Get the ferry back to Oslo port in your own time – then round up the group and head to a local haunt for some pølse. Or hunt down Illegal Burger for the best one you’ve ever had. Period. And tonight? Spice up your life with a glass of aquavit (the local tipple) at uber-cool Himkok bar. Think gin, but herbier.

More than just meatballs and ABBA (though there’s plenty of both) – we’re making tracks to the iconic Scandi city of Stockholm. Fun fact: this place is built on an archipelago of fourteen islands where the Lake Mälaren flows out to the Baltic Sea. Cool, right? Check off Gamla Stan, Parliament House, Riddarholmen Church and The Royal Palace on a walking tour – then the rest is up to you. If your budget will allow it, Restaurant Pelikan boasts some seriously drool-worthy traditional food. Or head to Meatballs for the People – ‘nuff said.

Quick maths: this is your last full day. So don’t F-about, get exploring! Get yourself a kanebullar for the road and swing by the boutique stores in Gamla Stan. Snap a pic at Stortorget and watch the changing of the guard at The Palace. Take the ferry across to Djurgården and hit up the Vasa Museum (a must), Skansen Museum and the ABBA Museum. Or head to ultra-hip Södermalm for a local vibe and trendy cafes. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re back in time for tonight’s group dinner – we’re going to give this Scandi adventure the send-off it deserves!

Wave goodbye to Sweden – after one final group brekkie we’re taking the scenic route back to Denmark. Cue: frosted lakes and snow-capped forests for days. Time to swap those socials and say those goodbyes (no crying). But who said the adventure has to end here? Western Europe is just a stone’s throw away...