Stockholm & Copenhagen

Resort:	Stockholm & Copenhagen
Operator:	Riviera Travel
Destination:	Denmark
Price From:	£1399.00

Overview

Once two of Europe’s strongest nations, rich with the footprints of the Vikings and the Hanseatic League wonderfully contrasted modern ‘Scandinavia’. You will love their ‘civilised’ atmosphere. Think of Sweden and Denmark and a host of unique images immediately spring to your mind. Quaint, historic capitals rich with the architectural legacies of the Hanseatic League; pristine streets, wide-open spaces; a love of nature and respect for the environment; home of the Vikings, modern monarchies; peace-loving and some of the most pleasant people you will ever meet. All this is true but there really is so much more. You may find it surprising that Denmark and Sweden were two of medieval Europe’s most powerful nations. Today both are littered with countless legacies: rich palaces rivalling Europe’s finest burst with art and antiques; sleepy thatched villages with exquisite churches abound plus atmospheric gabled towns with delightful cobbled streets and typically Baltic historical centres everywhere. There are significant Viking remains and a host of museums to visit, indeed Stockholm itself has over 100 including a fascinating one dedicated to the Nobel Prizes.

Both cities have played host to royalty since the Viking age and their palaces and wonderful parks, set against a stunning background of picturesque lakes, canals and natural harbours, create a majestic framework for today’s vibrant modern capitals where queues are rare, graffiti is even rarer and litter is almost unknown. Colourful waterfronts hark back to the great Viking traditions of yesteryear with a host of cultural delights from the Dark Ages to the ultra-modern of today.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1ARRIVAL IN STOCKHOLM

ARRIVAL IN STOCKHOLM

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Stockholm where you will be met and transferred, to your hotel.

DAY 2STOCKHOLM CITY TOUR

STOCKHOLM CITY TOUR

Stockholm is a fascinating city tumbling across an idyllic archipelago on the shores of the Baltic Sea. This morning we have a city tour when history comes to life and you can really appreciate not only its cultural and architectural highlights but the sheer atmosphere, harmony and evident love of life emanating from virtually everywhere. ‘Gamla Stan’ – the medieval Old Town set around some small islands is the city’s heart. Many of the city’s oldest buildings dating from the 13th century are here: Storkyrkan and Riddarholmskyrkan churches; coronation and the burial places of Swedish monarchs with their tall spires dominate the city. We visit the Royal Palace, the king’s official residence and the unmistakable jewel in Stockholm’s crown. This combination of current royal residence, workplace, museums and historic monument is open to the public, making it unique amongst European regal palaces. You will also see the Royal Apartments, great corridors, historic rooms and three separate museums including the treasury’s crown jewels.

After our visit to the palace, there’s time for lunch before we enjoy a guided tour of the Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgarden. The most visited museum in Scandinavia, it is dedicated to the remarkable Vasa, the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship and an art treasure that’s one of a kind. Take a close look at the hundreds of sculptures carved into the vessel – most of the vessel is original!

DAY 3FREE DAY IN STOCKHOLM

FREE DAY IN STOCKHOLM

The day is at leisure for you to explore this wonderful city. Your Stockholm Travelcard gives you unlimited travel on the city’s public transport for a designated period. You could discover Stadshuset (City Hall) where Nobel Prize winners enjoy their banquet. Perhaps return to Djurgarden island, a calm oasis with fine park areas for a relaxing stroll. The island is also home to an amusement park and 22 world-class museums including the Nordic Museum, Sweden’s largest museum of cultural history, and even one dedicated to ABBA! Why not enjoy a boat trip through the canal and waterside views of Stockholm’s most well-known sights?

DAY 4TRAIN TO COPENHAGEN

TRAIN TO COPENHAGEN

Today we take the high-speed train (approximately 5 hours) to Copenhagen. You are whisked in comfort though almost deserted rolling landscapes which characterise rural Sweden. After the sea bridge and tunnel, we arrive in Copenhagen, staying three nights with breakfast at either the four-star Hotel Kong Arthur or four-star Scandic Copenhagen depending on the date travelled.

DAY 5COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN

After breakfast we have a guided tour of Copenhagen, a real revelation, ironically perhaps best known for two iconic landmarks, the Carlsberg Brewery and the Little Mermaid, the statue inspired by the famous Dane – Hans Christian Andersen. You’ll see the Royal Danish Theatre which played a key role in his life. Other sights include the Houses of Parliament, the Christiansborg, the magnificent Amalienborg Palace, winter residence of the Monarchy and the world-famous Tivoli pleasure gardens famous for its street entertainers and music concerts.

The afternoon and evening are free so that you can explore the many wonders of this scrupulously clean, smart yet relaxed city as you wish. The remarkable Royal Library, is worth a visit as are the National Museum and the Ny Carlsberg art collection – another cultural highlight founded by the famous brewer!

On a glorious summer evening there is nowhere more pleasant than one of Copenhagen’s harbour side restaurants to enjoy a leisurely dinner.

DAY 6VIKING MUSEUM & FREDERIKSBERG PALACE

VIKING MUSEUM & FREDERIKSBERG PALACE

Today we explore a little more of Denmark commencing with historic Roskilde, the country’s medieval capital. Firstly we visit the outstanding Cathedral, one of the world’s few brick built gothic structures. Next we visit the extraordinary Viking museum, on the remains of an ancient harbour. It features five 11th century Viking ships in staggering condition after being preserved in mud for centuries. There’s also a vibrant community of craftsmen here perpetuating boatbuilding skills by constructing replica boats including a 30 metre long.

DAY 7RETURN FLIGHT