22 Day Grand Scandinavia With Deluxe Norway Coastal Cruise
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Cruise along the scenic coast and fjords of Norway has often been praised as being one of the most beautiful voyages in the world. Each day of your voyage will yield unforgettable memories of natural beauty as you discover a coastline with an ever changing personality with a new revelation around every headland.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including Finland’s buzzing capital Helsinki, vast landscapes above the Arctic Circle, an incredible opportunity to witness the North Cape’s Midnight Sun, a visit to the historic Nyhavn district in Copenhagen, and a deluxe cruise experience alongside the most scenic of the Norwegian fjords
✓ 13 nights in quality 3 & 4-star accommodation
✓ Overnight ferry ride from Oslo to Copenhagen, including private cabin
✓ 7 nights on board the new MSC Euribia in a deluxe inside stateroom (further upgrade options available)
✓ Breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide from day 1 - 15
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ Entry fees to Helsinki’s Temppeliaukion Church, the Arktikum Centre in Rovaniemi and Alta Museum
✓ Visit to North Cape Hall with a glass of sparkling wine
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to the White City of the North, Helsinki! Finland’s buzzing capital city is best-known for its art and culture, and innovative architecture.
From Helsinki airport, make your own way to the hotel, meet the tour director and spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.
This morning after breakfast you’ll be met by your guide and fellow travellers where you’ll explore the highlights of Helsinki. Senate Square, our start point, is home to Helsinki Cathedral, originally built as a tribute to Grand Duke Nicholas I, Tsar of Russia. We’ll move onto the Temppeliaukio Church, a Lutheran church which opened in 1969 and is built directly into solid rock (also known as the Church of the Rock and Rock Church) and is frequently used as a concert venue due to its amazing acoustics.
After touring the city, we’ll travel to Kuopio, around a four hour drive away.
Today we set off on a picturesque drive to our next destination in northern Finland, Rovaniemi (around six hours). We'll be driving through the scenic Finnish Lakeland region where there will be refreshment stops along the way, including a break at a lakeside cafe.
We’ll arrive at tonight’s hotel where we’ll check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Today we’ll explore the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, including a visit to the Arktikum centre which is a science centre and museum, with its major exhibition, Arctic in Change, a highlight. You’ll learn more about this fascinating region and experience the coldness of the Arctic and the magic of blue ice in the cold room and more.
Afterwards, stroll along the scenic banks of the Kemijoki River.
After breakfast, we’ll set off for a scenic drive (approximately three hours) from Rovaniemi to Ivalo, a town deep in the Arctic Circle and home to around 3,000 people, via Saariselkä. This Finnish municipality is famous for its vast landscapes, fresh air and nature. There are over 200 km of cross-country ski trails, some of which pass through the Urho Kekkonen National Park. The park, a 15-minute drive from Saariselkä, is Finland’s second largest and is known for its superior hiking and trekking, and of course, skiing and snowboarding pursuits.
We say goodbye to Finland this morning and head to Honningsvåg in Norway, the northernmost point in mainland Europe.
This quaint little town is a gateway for amazing Arctic experiences—one will take place this evening at the North Cape where you’ll witness the midnight sun with a glass of sparkling wine. An incredible evening you won’t forget!
After a leisurely morning we’ll depart the hotel around noon, and head for Alta. A town on Norway’s northern coast at the head of Alta Fjord, it’s known for views of the Northern Lights, and the hotel that melts away in spring, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel.
On the three-hour drive, we’ll pass by the beautiful scenery of Finnmark County, including scenic viewpoints along the 129 km-long E69 highway, known as the last road of Earth because it’s the last road that connects Norway with the North Pole.
Today will be spent exploring fascinating Alta.
Our first stop is The World Heritage Rock Art Centre at Alta Museum, where around 6,000 UNESCO-listed rock art paintings and engravings await. Some of the works here are 7,000 years old.
We’ll stop for a walk around the Alta Fjord to take in the breathtaking Arctic landscapes.
This morning we’ll continue along the E6, heading for Narvik which is dominated by an impressive 900-metre-deep fjord. We’ll continue taking in the incredible coastal views, including Tysfjord and Ballangen.
Today we’re travelling from Narvik to Mo i Rana, the third largest city in northern Norway which sits just outside Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park. The town’s history spans from a bustling trading post to its present role as a modern metropolis.
Along the drive, look out for the scenic beauty of Saltdal, a national park municipality. The included ferry crossing from Skarberget to Bognes provides a scenic vantage point and is sure to be a highlight.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Trondheim, enjoying the picturesque Norwegian landscapes.
Today we visit Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine which is built over the tomb of St. Olav, the Viking king who converted Norway to Christianity and became ‘Norway's Eternal King’. Norwegian monarchs are still crowned here today.
We’ll then move onto a tour of the charming old town of Trondheim—expect cobbled streets and colourful painted wooden buildings.
After check-out and breakfast, we’ll drive to Lillehammer today (around five hours), a ski resort town known for its stunning surroundings and love of winter sports, including hosting the 1994 Winter Olympic Games.
Take a leisurely stroll by the scenic Lake Mjosa to stretch your legs and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
We’ll drive two hours today to Oslo, Norway's capital, passing through the beautiful Gudbrandsdalen, nicknamed ‘the king of the valleys’ because of its size (250 km from Lillehammer) and offering: mountains, rivers, forests and rich cultural heritage that has inspired artists, chefs, and outdoor enthusiasts for centuries. We’ll explore notable landmarks such as the Vigeland Park and Aker Brygge neighbourhood.
On the drive, look out for farms with ancient wooden buildings attached—some of these have a history dating back to the Middle Ages.
Today we’ll explore Oslo on a city tour, including a walk around the Royal Palace and its beautiful park, the Oslo Opera House, an architectural masterpiece known for its stunning exterior and panoramic views from the roof.
In the afternoon, transfer to the DFDS port for your overnight sailing to Copenhagen.
Welcome to beautiful Copenhagen! This morning we’ll enjoy a city tour visiting the historic Nyhavn district, known for its colourful buildings and picturesque harbour. Look out for the The Little Mermaid statue, a famous Copenhagen landmark.
After the tour, check into your deluxe cabin on board the new MSC Euribia! Named after the ancient goddess of the seas, the ship now has striking new features including state-of-the-art sustainable technologies which protect and preserve the precious marine ecosystem. Keep a look out for the original works of art throughout, and for the first time, the hull is a visual masterpiece isn’t she? What do you think?
Today, take the time to relax and explore the ship as we sail towards Norway. There are five pools, the Aurea Spa, a contemporary Balinese Spa including a thermal area with sauna, steam bath, and a menu of massages and beauty treatments. After dinner, head to the Delphi Theatre.
Hellesylt is a small, pretty village at the western end of the entrance of the famous Geiranger Fjord, famously known as ‘the jewel in Norway's crown of fjords.’ This UNESCO-listed fjord is an impressive 15 kilometres long and 260 metres deep. Hellesylt welcomes cruise ship visitors but enjoys a more relaxed atmosphere than Geiranger, even when the population increases in the summertime. A must-see is Hellesylt waterfall, located between two bridges and one of the most spectacular in the area. It’s a short walk from the port, right in the centre of the village.
Molde Fjord is in Møre og Romsdal and is a 20-kilometre long branch off of Romsdal Fjord, beginning at the Julsundet Strait, along the northern side of the Molde archipelago and ends at the entrance to the Fannefjorden. Molde is a small town that has been an active port since the 15th century. It’s been rebuilt many times and is accustomed to reinventing itself; the last time was after World War II and in 1940 was even the temporary home of the Norwegian government. Nicknamed the ‘Town of Roses due to the many flowering rose gardens here. The town’s breathtaking viewpoint, Varden, is the place to head to enjoy views of the city, fjords, archipelagos and 222 snow peaks.
Flåm is a small village in the Flåmsdalen valley, located at the inner end of the Aurlands Fjord and means ‘little place between steep mountains’ - there couldn’t be a more apt name for this beautiful part of the world. At the end of the 1800's many cruise ships carrying English and German adventurers found their way to Flåm to experience the fjords, mountains and waterfalls. And little has changed. Flåm welcomes ship loads of visitors from all over the world every season, and is best known for its spectacular mountain-to-fjord railway journey, the Rallarvegen hiking and cycle path runs down the valley, and Huldra, a seductive forest creature from Scandinavian folklore who uses song to tempt men to their fate!
Today take the time to relax and explore your floating hotel as we sail towards Germany. There are five pools, the Aurea Spa, a contemporary Balinese Spa including a thermal area with sauna, steam bath, and a menu of massages and beauty treatments. After dinner, head to the Delphi Theatre.
Welcome to Germany! Kiel is the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and the port is on either side of the Kiel Fjord, an inlet of the western Baltic Sea. Founded in 1233 and is known for its bustling port, it has a rich maritime heritage and is often referred to as the “Sailing City.”
Back to Denmark and beautiful Copenhagen! Today marks the end of your unforgettable tour through Scandinavia. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring land and cruise experience.
At the appropriate time please make your way to the airport for your onward journey. Safe travels!
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has a rich history rooted in a deep love for the sea, spanning across multiple generations. The company is committed to sharing this passion with future generations, making each cruise a remarkable journey of exploration and unforgettable experiences for every guest. With a focus on enrichment and immersion, MSC Cruises provides a safe and enjoyable cruise experience. Guests can indulge in international dining options, delight in world-class entertainment, partake in award-winning family programs, and experience the latest user-friendly technology available onboard. MSC Cruises strives to create cherished memories and ensure that each guest's voyage is filled with discovery, excitement, and lasting emotions.
MSC Euribia Cabin Inclusions & Upgrades
Please note, MSC will assign your cabin number. Cabin will be attributed 40 days before your cruise and can change at any time up until embarkation.
Deluxe Interior (IR2) - Included. 17m2 on decks 11-14.
Deluxe Ocean View (OR1) - From $313 per person. Single price on application. 16m2 on deck 5.
Deluxe Balcony (BR1) - From $593 per person. Single price on application. 17m2 and 6m2 balcony on decks 8-10.
Please click HERE to learn more about the cruise ship.
Please note your upgrade request in the 'Special Request' field whilst making your booking. Once your upgrade has been confirmed, the additional amount will be added to your invoice and payable with your final payment.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorized as a ”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Some areas in Norway are known for their cozy accommodations, and this may mean that rooms are smaller than what you're accustomed to. Rest assured, our chosen hotels prioritise comfort and convenience.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $3,122.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
In order to keep our Single Supplement at a reduced cost, some hotels may allocate solo travellers with a dedicated Single Room. At times this may mean a single bed will be provided.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Up to 40 on the land portion. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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