Cruise & Tour: 25 Day Ultimate Scandinavia & European River Cruise: Helsinki to the Swiss Alps

Welcome to Helsinki! On arrival make your own way to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to discover Helsinki's charms on your own. Finland's buzzing capital city is best-known for its art and culture, and innovative architecture. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. If you arrive before the standard check-in time of 3 PM local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with the hotel reception and explore the surroundings until your room is ready. Early check-in may be possible, but it is subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

Experience the best of Helsinki with a Panorama Sightseeing tour, allowing you to explore the city's top attractions at your own leisure. This convenient sightseeing tour offers a carefully curated route with 19 stops at key landmarks, providing the flexibility to hop on and off as often as you like. The full tour takes approximately 90 minutes and covers Helsinki's most iconic sites, including Senate Square, the striking Temppeliaukio Church (also known as the Rock Church), and the Sibelius Monument, a tribute to Finland's renowned composer Jean Sibelius. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the historic Olympic Stadium, among many other must-see locations. Enjoy panoramic views from the comfort of your seat as you traverse the city's vibrant streets, or step off to immerse yourself in Helsinki's rich culture, architecture, and history at your own pace. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Senate Square Temppeliaukio Church (entry fee not included) Sibelius Monument Olympic Stadium Special Information The Hop-On Hop-Off bus service in Helsinki operates from Senate Square, adjacent to Helsinki Cathedral. From May to September, buses run every 30 to 40 minutes between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. During the October to April season, departures occur daily at 11:00 AM, with additional departures at 1:30 PM during peak periods and weekends. Please note that the service does not operate on December 24th.

After breakfast, you will need to make your way to the station to jump on a full-day train journey to Rovaniemi, the ‘official' home of Santa Claus. Upon arrival, make your own way to your centrally located hotel upon arrival in the early evening. Discover this beautiful northern city at your own pace. Rovaniemi boasts sparkling clear days in spring, near-constant sunlight in summer, and blazing colors in autumn. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours. Rail travel will be in 2nd Class. Transfers between the railway stations and hotels are not included.

The day is at leisure to discover the capital of Finnish Lapland. Rovaniemi was once a powerful salmon and fur exporter, however, was completely destroyed during World War II. The city has since been rebuilt and now boasts some impressive modern sights like the Arktikum Museum. Perhaps participate in one of many optional nature activities. For those that still believe in Santa Claus, then why not make a visit to Santa's Village, which can be easily accessed from the city center by public transport or a short taxi journey.

After breakfast this morning you travel further north into Lapland by coach from Rovaniemi to Levi, a small skiing village in the heart of Finnish Lapland. There are 12,000 reindeer in the Kittilä municipality, which is double the number of its population. All reindeer in Finland are protected by the Sami people. There are many reindeer in the forests as well as in the farms near Levi. In summer the reindeer wander freely in the forests, but you can spot them on the fells, along the roads in Levi itself, or cooling down in the shades by the petrol stations and hotel yards! Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Transfers between the bus stations and hotels are not included.

This afternoon, your journey goes west, travelling across Finnish Lapland before crossing the border into mighty Norway. Your coach journey will take you from Levi to the small township of Kilpisjärvi, where you change coaches. You will enjoy a breathtaking drive through the Lyngen Alps, before ending the day's journey in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Transfers between the bus stations and hotels are not included.

After breakfast, you will enjoy an unforgettable Polar Fjord Cruise. This five-hour cruise explores the incredible nature around Tromsø. Cruising through the neighbouring fjords, there will be a chance to see the local wildlife including sea eagles and maybe even dolphins. Your journey will cruise around in a charming, classic wooden boat. You can enjoy delicious snacks, polar soup, and hot drinks. This is a perfect opportunity to experience the Arctic Sea. You can either settle inside in the warm main cabin of the ship, or brave the wilderness on deck as you admire the view. Special Information Make your way to the Polar Adventures Office (Front Pier, Killengreens gate 7-11, Tromsø) by 09:45 am to join your cruise.

After breakfast your journey now heads South, travelling by local bus from Tromsø to Narvik, a popular city with those who enjoy mountaineering and skiing. The city's flagship ski resort, Narvikfjellet, is famed for its extreme alpine landscapes. Narvik was also a strategically important city during World War II, due to its nearby location and abundance of natural resources. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not visit the War Museum, or perhaps take the Narvik Fjellheisen (Cable Car) that will take you up to 656 meters above sea level and offers incredible views. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Transfers between the bus stations and hotels are not included.

You will have an early start today to board a local coach and continue your journey southbound along the coast of Norway. Change coaches in Storfjord, before reaching Bodø, a vibrant city on the edge of the Norwegian Sea, encapsulating magnificent nature. Here you may like to visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum, the largest such museum in Scandinavia, or perhaps just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this picturesque Arctic city. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours. Transfers between the bus stations and hotels are not included.

This morning is at leisure until you embark on your tour to the famous Saltstraumen, the world's strongest maelstrom (aka whirlpool). Before you arrive at this natural wonder, your tour will take you on a sightseeing tour through the city of Bodø to learn about the local history and sites. Upon arrival at the maelstrom, you can go to the waterfront and have a close look at this fascinating natural phenomenon and watch the major natural forces at play where every six hours, almost 400 million cubic metres of water passes through a narrow 150-metre wide passage with phenomenal speed. You will also experience a typical northern Norwegian activity – the bus driver will beat a dried cod on the rocks for you to taste a local delicacy. Afterwards, you can walk around on natural paths in silence, and try to observe the majestic sea eagle which is living in this area. Inspiring Highlights Bodø Saltstraumen Special Information Make your way to Bodø Tourist Information in Dronningens gate to join your tour at 12 noon.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Bodø before making your own way to the railway station to catch your lunchtime train to Trondheim, also known as The Nordland Railway - Norway's longest rail journey taking you through fertile farmland, massive forests, and alongside arctic rivers. Upon arrival in Trondheim, make your own way to your hotel. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours. Rail travel will be in 2nd Class. Transfers between the railway stations and hotels are not included.

Today is free time to explore the historical city of Trondheim. Founded in 997 and served as Norway's capital until 1217. Today, it is the third-largest city in Norway with an excellent collection of museums, heritage sites and outdoor pursuits. An absolute highlight is the gothic Nidaros Cathedral, built in the beginning of 1070 to memorialise the burial place of Olav II of Norway, the king who was killed in battle in 1030. Compact in size, Trondheim is easily explored on foot.

After breakfast, embark on another scenic rail journey today as we travel from Trondheim to Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for check-in, followed by an evening at leisure. Oslo offers a dynamic atmosphere with a wide array of restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences. Whether you choose to explore the city's lively waterfront, dine at a local bistro, or simply unwind, a summer evening in Oslo is sure to be an enjoyable experience. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours. Rail travel will be in 2nd Class. Transfers between the railway stations and hotels are not included.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a morning panoramic sightseeing tour of Oslo. Learn about the city's history and culture from knowledgeable guides, admire the main attractions in the city center and spectacular views from Holmenkollen ski jump, and experience a fascinating insight into the art of the most prolific Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, as you walk through the unique Sculpture Park comprising more than 200 sculptures in bronze and granite. Afternoon is at leisure to further explore Oslo, and why not visit one of the many museums including the Munch Museum, or just relax in one of the many restaurants or cafés Inspiring Highlights Holmenkollen ski jump Vigeland Sculpture park Special Information Make your way to Haakon VIIs gate 1, Oslo - H M Kristiansens Automobilbyrå AS (HMK) by 09:45 am to join your tour.

From one magnificent capital to another, today you leave beautiful Norway to catch a train to the vibrant and colorful Swedish Capital, Stockholm. Called ‘Beauty on water' by the locals, Stockholm has an enormous array of sights, and we highly recommend visiting the City Hall building, the famous Vasa Museum, and if you are interested, the Abba Museum! A walk in the historical old town, Gamla Stan, is also a must alongside experiencing the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants and cafés. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Rail travel will be in 2nd Class. Transfers between the railway stations and hotels are not included.

Today you will enjoy the Under the Bridges tour of Stockholm. Known as the ‘beauty on the water', there is no better way to experience the sights of Stockholm than cruising its stunning waterways that pierce through this vibrant city. You will travel under twelve bridges and even pass through the lock that connects the Baltic Sea to Lake Mälaren. You will also see the inner city, Gamla Stan, Södermalm, Lilla, and Stora Essingen, the new area of Hammarby Sjöstad, and the green parks of Djurgården. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Skeppsbron bridge Skanstullsbron bridge Essingeleden bridge Special Information Make your way to Stromkajen, Stockholm - Stromma Tourism & Sjöfart by 10:45 am to join your tour.

After breakfast, we embark on the final rail journey on your Scandinavian adventure, as you take the train from Stockholm to the Danish capital, Copenhagen. Located on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen is one of Scandinavia's most dynamic cities and features an incredible historic centre, colourful heritage architecture, vibrant streetscapes and pleasant waterfront promenades. After disembarkation, make your own way to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon make your way to Nyhavn, the world-famous harbour of Copenhagen to enjoy your Copenhagen Canal Tour. The classic tour takes you around Copenhagen's harbour and its idyllic canals. You will hear about the beautiful churches, castles and heritage-listed houses scattered throughout the city. In the evening, you will enjoy entrance tickets to the famous Tivoli Gardens, where you might like to dine or at least take in the atmosphere of the world's oldest amusement park and its stunning gardens. Inspiring Highlights Copenhagen Canal Tivoli Gardens Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Rail travel will be in 2nd Class. Transfers between the railway stations and hotels are not included.

After breakfast our Scandinavian journey gives way to the river. This morning we fly from Copenhagen to Amsterdam, where we are met and transferred to the pier to board our AmaWaterways ship.We settle into our stateroom as our Rhine voyage begins, meeting our fellow travellers over dinner on board.

This morning we cruise the canals of Amsterdam, beneath the bridges of the UNESCO-listed ring of waterways. The ship sails later in the day as we begin our journey up the Rhine.Inspiring HighlightsAmsterdam canal cruise

We arrive in Cologne, home to one of Germany’s great Gothic cathedrals. We explore the Old Town and the riverside landmarks, with a taste of the local Kolsch beer.Inspiring HighlightsCologne Old Town

We reach Rudesheim in the Rhine wine country, at the foot of the vineyards. We might ride the gondola above the vines or visit the town’s small museums, with the castles of the Rhine Gorge along the way.Inspiring HighlightsRudesheim and the Rhine wine country

From Ludwigshafen we visit Heidelberg, with its castle above the Neckar, and Speyer, with its Romanesque imperial cathedral.Inspiring HighlightsHeidelbergSpeyer

We arrive in Strasbourg, the Franco-German city on the Ill, with its cathedral and the canals and timber houses of the Petite France quarter.Inspiring HighlightsStrasbourg and Petite France

We reach Basel, on the Rhine where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, with its medieval old town and market square and views towards the Swiss Alps.Inspiring HighlightsBasel old town

This morning we disembark in Basel and begin our journey home.Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable journey.Special InformationThe ship-to-airport transfer in Basel, and international airfares home, are not included