Scandinavia & Lapland

Scandinavia is a region where nature and design are cared for in equal measure. In Norway, waterfalls pour down the steep walls of the fjords, Bergen's colourful wooden wharf houses line the harbour and scenic railways cross the mountains; in Sweden, Stockholm spreads across its islands around the narrow lanes of Gamla Stan; and in Denmark, Copenhagen's colourful Nyhavn canal and easy-going city life await.

In winter the route turns north to Finnish Lapland. Around Rovaniemi you cross the Arctic Circle, glide through snowy forests by husky and reindeer sled and chase the northern lights on clear nights. As the aurora is a natural phenomenon, sightings depend on the weather, and staying several nights improves your chances.

Long summer days stretch your sightseeing hours, while in winter daylight can shrink to just a few hours. Layering is important in both seasons, and on Lapland programmes thermal outerwear is often provided for activities. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in the Nordic countries.