Scandinavia tours

This Scandinavian hot spot offers something for everyone at different times of the year. For travelers looking to take part in local festivities, the best time to visit Sweden is in December. Christmas markets are in full swing during the holiday season.

Summer is also a fantastic time to visit Sweden, when temperatures are comfortable and days stretch longer and conditions are perfect for outside exploration. During June through early July, Stockholm sees about 18 hours of sunlight daily!

Sweden is nestled within the Nordic region, which makes it an excellent place to visit on a trip that includes the neighboring Nordic destinations. Our 10-day tour, Highlights of Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway & Denmark, gives you an introduction to each country. If you have two weeks to spare, our Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords tour may be right for you.

Here are some of our favorite places to visit in Sweden:

• Stockholm: The winding medieval streets and beautiful buildings of the Old Town, locally known as Gamla Stan, are just a few of the capital city’s unique appeals.
• Uppsala: This ancient city holds the tombs of the first Swedish kings, Scandinavia’s oldest university, and an 800-year-old Gothic cathedral.
• Lovön Island: This island is just a short ferry ride from Stockholm and is home of the 16th-century Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO-listed royal residence.

Need some help deciding which of our Sweden tours is right for you? Give us a call to talk to a Tour Consultant who specializes in this region.

Our Sweden vacation packages give you the opportunity to taste traditional cuisine at included meals. A few things you’ll come across here? Smoked salmon and pickled herring served with crisp bread often act as the centerpiece for a smörgåsbord, or Scandinavian buffet. Meatballs accompanied by lingonberry jam are a typical dish, as are open-faced sandwiches.

Another cultural experience you may take part in while on one of our tours to Sweden is fika. This mid-morning and mid-afternoon gathering is a social hour, coffee break, and chance to nibble on pastries or bread, all rolled into one.

Packing light is always a good idea when traveling—that’s our recommendation when going on group tours to Sweden, too. One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person is the ideal amount of luggage to aim for. That should be enough to hold everything you need and still allow you to go from place to place with ease.

When it comes to packing clothing for your trip, be sure to check the weather forecast as temperatures vary throughout the year. Layers and comfortable walking sneakers are always a good idea. Don’t worry if you have questions about what to bring on tour—one you’ve reserved one of our trips to Sweden, we’ll send you detailed information about your itinerary, including a packing list!

There’s really no bad time to take escorted tours of Norway—the country is stunning year-round. However, if you’re hoping for warmer temperatures and a possible glimpse at the renowned midnight sun, summertime is a great season to take Norway group tours. Just keep in mind that it's a popular time to visit, so prices are higher and crowds are bigger.

The off-seasons, spring and fall, are great times to book Norway tour packages if you’re looking for fewer crowds and (hopefully) more sunny days. Snowmelt in the spring means waterfalls and rivers will be at their peak, which makes cruising along the fjords even more spectacular.

The famous northern lights can be seen when Norway’s skies are at their darkest, which is during the winter months. However, the snow, rainfall, and cloudy skies from December through February make this a less-than-ideal time to take Norway group tours. Instead, opt for Norway tour packages that depart in March or from September through October, when the skies are still relatively dark, to seek out the aurora borealis.

Of all the beautiful things to see on trips to Norway, the fjord region is one of the most spectacular. Set off on our Highlights of Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway & Denmark tour to see just what we mean! Cruising through the narrow waterways while admiring soaring mountains, cascading waterfalls, and cliffside villages like Flåm is the best way to explore this otherworldly landscape. Embark on one of our fjord region tours to get an up-close look at Norway's spectacular scenery alongside local experts.

Go beyond the fjord region to discover stunning, historic cities on Norway tours. The capital of Bergen is home a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen district and city center, and you can learn about Viking history inside Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum.

One of the best things about going on Norway guided tours is digging into the cuisine. Typical meals often incorporate grains, locally-produced cheeses, fresh produce, and wild berries. Plus, thanks to an extensive coastline, there are plenty of seafood dishes for travelers to enjoy on Norway tours. Here are some of the varied dishes you can try on trips to Norway.

• Everything from smoked salmon and shellfish to pickled herring and scrod
• Lamb is the most traditional meat, but other classic Norwegian dishes also feature goose and deer
• Polse, which are boiled Norwegian hotdogs served in a thin tortilla with vegetables and sauces (they are a relatively cheap snack and are readily available in Oslo on Norway tours!)
• Open-faced sandwiches called smørbrød are also popular, and feature favorites like smoked fish, shrimp, or cheese
• Potato dumplings called kumla
• Lefse, a sweetened flatbread topped with butter, sugar, and cinnamon

No matter the season, you’re likely to experience all types of weather on escorted tours of Norway, so packing the essentials is important. Rain is not uncommon, so bringing layers is a sure way to be prepared in case the temperature changes or it starts to rain. A waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes are a must, and scarves comes in handy.

Scandinavians typically wear laid-back, functional clothing, and one favorite material is wool. Fit in with the locals on Norway guided tours and be ready while you're out exploring by packing a wool sweater. Norwegians also enjoy sitting outside even on chilly days; layer up and take in the local scene at outdoor cafes and beyond while on Norway small group tours.