Winter Scandi Express

When in doubt, do as the locals do – hire a bike and explore this chilled-out Scandi city on two wheels. Wander along the waterfront in Nyhavn. Tuck into a smorgasbord of Nordic cuisine. Take a dip in the clean canals (clothing optional). Discover the city’s thriving craft beer scene. Or spend the day at one of the many museums. Tivoli Gardens is not only the 2nd oldest theme park in the world, it’s also the most beautiful (according to us). Time it right, and you can take in the sunset from the top of the giant chair swing. Cue: goosebumps. For dinner tonight, 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, get to know your trip mates better and allow your expert Trip Leader to fill your head with alllll the Scandi fun-facts. Oh, and make sure you snag a window seat – the views from Øresund Bridge are once-in-a-lifetime. Get your 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 ain’t cheap, so dinner is on us tonight. Thank us later.

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, Norsk Folkemuseum and the Viking Ship Museum (obvs). Get the ferry back to Oslo port in your own time – then head to a local haunt for some pølse or hunt down Illegal Burgers for the best one you’ve ever had. Period.

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 take a wander around 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. There’s even a guided tour of City Hall on offer, if you want it. Whatever you choose to do, 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 – 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 no one said the adventure has to end – Western Europe is just a stone’s-throw away...