Norway, Sweden and Denmark Norway brochure joomag opt | Page 30

TAILOR-MADE TOUR Scandinavian capitals fly-rail

9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS
With this fly-rail tour you visit the three Scandinavian capitals of Copenhagen , Oslo , and Stockholm . Fly to Copenhagen , travel by rail between the cities , spending three nights in each location , and return by air from Stockholm . Experience the similarities and differences between these three ancient yet modern , very attractive and appealing cities .
DAY-BY-DAY Day 1 Arrive in Copenhagen by air Fly to Copenhagen , and then either take the train from the airport to the city centre or take a taxi to your hotel . Spend three nights in Copenhagen .
Days and 3 In Copenhagen Copenhagen is known both for its canals , created by its location between the two coastal islands of Zealand and Amager , and its laid-back atmosphere . One of its main attractions is the Amalienborg Palace , the historic residence of the Danish royal family . The museum housed within the palace features exhibits on the lives of the monarchy with its well-preserved interiors and also houses the Danish crown jewels . For those more interested in culture , Copenhagen offers a large number of museums , the most famous of which is the SMK National Gallery , which displays a huge range of Danish and foreign art dating from the 14th century to the present day . The Glyptoteket art museum displays ancient and modern artwork in unique surroundings , whilst the National Museum ’ s exhibits stretch back to the Stone Age . Copenhagen is also known for being one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world , and you may want to enjoy a relaxing ride around the friendly streets , made easy by the broad cycle lanes and the city ’ s flat landscapes . Perhaps finish your day with a visit to Nyhavn , the historic harbour with its painted houses and many bars and restaurants .
Day 4 Copenhagen to Oslo by train Today you travel from Copenhagen to Oslo , a journey of roughly eight hours with a change in the Swedish city of Gothenburg . Check into your hotel in Oslo for the next three nights .
Days 5 and 6 In Oslo The capital of Norway , Oslo , sits on the country ’ s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord . Explore the national museums located in the Bygdøy Peninsula : the Fram Museum , the Norwegian Folk Museum , the Norwegian Maritim Museum , the Viking Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum . The Fram Museum displays the strongest wooden ship ever built which still holds the record for sailing farthest south and the farthest north . The Norwegian Folk Museum is an open-air attraction showcasing the diverse wooden architecture and history of the country and its traditions . For a further insight into the history of the city , visit Akershus Castle and Fortress . Completed during the 1300s , this mediaeval castle ’ s strategic location at the end of the headland enabled it to withstand every siege throughout the ages . At the castle is also the poignant Norwegian Resistance Museum . Oslo is also known for its green spaces , the most famous of which is Frogner Park , home to Vigeland Sculpture Park . This features more than 200 sculptures in bronze , granite and iron and is one of Norway ’ s top tourist attractions . Housed in some beautiful gardens of its own , the Royal Palace is the official seat of the Norwegian King and Queen .
Day 6 Oslo to Stockholm by train The third capital on this tour , Stockholm , can be reached by direct train from Oslo . The journey takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes with departures at about 7.30 or 11.40 in the morning . Check-in to your Stockholm hotel for three nights .
Days 8 and 9 In Stockholm Sweden ’ s capital encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago . Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands . Stockholm is home to more excellent museums , in particular the Vasa Museum , which is now the most visited museum in Scandinavia . It displays the only preserved 17th-century ship in the world and a unique art treasure . More than 95 % of the ship is original and it is decorated with hundreds of carved sculptures . It sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged 333 years later in 1961 . Five of the city ’ s other museums can be found within the Royal Palace , official residence of the King of Sweden . This glorious building contains over 600 rooms and was built largely during the 18th century in the Italian Baroque style . As well as Queen Kristina ’ s silver throne you can see Gustav III ’ s Museum of Antiquities , the Tre Kronor Museum and the Treasury . For those interested in architecture , Stockholm ’ s City Hall is one of the country ’ s leading examples of national romanticism architecture . It features three Golden Crowns ( the Swedish national coat of arms ) and its tower offers fantastic views of the city . We also highly recommend spending some of your time in Stockholm exploring the Gamla Stan ( Old Town ) which dates from the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved mediaeval city centres in Europe .
Day 10 Stockholm to London by air On your last day in Scandinavia , transfer to the airport ( train or taxi ) for your flight back to London .
Astrup Fearnley Museum , Oslo , credit Fara Mohri
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