Scandinavia is an area of lakes, mountains, rivers, canals and deep blue fjords. It includes Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. This is an area rich in natural beauty. Denmark is the flattest, Finland has the most lakes, Norway has the fjords and Sweden has its forests. All the capital cities are unique and interesting places to spend a few days. But it is in the countryside where the truly spectacular scenery can be found. There the power and beauty of nature dominate.

DAY 1 – Arrive in Copenhagen. Stroll down the Stroget, have lunch in Nyhavn and maybe visit the National Museum or the Ny Carlsberg Glypotek. In the evening, visit the Tivoli Gardens.

DAY 2 – Go down to the waterfront to admire Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, gazing across the harbour. Then visit Christiansborg and see the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces, and Renaissance Stock Exchange. Later, the the coastal road to the Frederiksborg castle, built by King Christian IV in the early 17th Century. It now houses the Museum of Natural History with its many treasures of paintings, tapestries, porcelain, silver and furniture.

DAY 3 – Cross from Zealand to the Island of Fyn, over the new bridge, to visit the home of Hans Christian Andersen in the lovely old town of Odense, with its picturesque half-timbered buildings. Then head to the peninsula of Jutland and your destination the port of Frederikshavn.

DAY 4 – Today leave Denmark crossing over the waters of the Kattegat to Gothenburg, major port and second city of Sweden. Next pass through fertile fields with neat farmhouses and along the shores of Lake Vattern, before reaching Stockholm.

DAY 5 – With a local guide visit the City Hall's 'Gold Room' where the Nobel Prize banquets are held, then continue into the medieval island heart of the city. View the cathedral, walk through the Old Town and see the Royal Palace. Now visit one of Europe's greatest attractions, the Wasa Galleon - a marvellous impression of life on board a 17C naval vessel. Perhaps take a harbour cruise or visit one of the city's many museums.

DAY 6 - Travel via Lake Malaren to tiny Sigtuna, once the Viking capital and now boasting Sweden's smallest City Hall. Then to Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia's oldest university. Visit the Cathedral where the Swedish kings were crowned and the botanist Linnaeus is buried. Later, travel northwards through rural Dalecarlia to the ski resort of Falun. Then either visit the old copper mine or visit the home of one of Sweden's most loved artists, Carl Larsson.

DAY 7 – A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Siljan in the Dalarna region, brings you to Nusnas, where the famous wooden horses are made. Continue deep into the forested heart of Sweden, passing Salen, the starting point for the annual cross country skiing marathon. Crossing into Norway, journey to Hamar and see the Olympic ice skating rink called the 'Viking Ship' on your way to Lillehammer.

DAY 8 – Lillehammer hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994 and here enjoy a visit to the Maihaugen open-air museum to see old Norway's rural life come alive. Now drive to the Norwegian Fjordland - a wonderful world of soaring mountains, icy glaciers and rivers which cascade thousands of feet into green valleys below. Follow Peer Gynt's valley and continue among vistas of waterfalls, lakes and snow-capped peaks to Lom and its 12th century Stave Church. Now to the remote village of Geiranger, a superb setting overlooking fjords & mountains.

DAY 9 – A day for relaxation in beautiful surroundings, with the most breath taking scenery. Or take a trip along the amazing Trolls' Road? It's a chance for some outstanding photographs of Geirangerfjord and the stunning Seven Sisters waterfall.

DAY 10 – Begin the day with a spectacular highlight cruise on the Geirangerfjord with its mirror-smooth waters beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls. Then continue onwards, through glacier country and enjoy a beautiful drive along the Sognefjord, before crossing by ferry to the town of Laerdal at the head of the magnificent fjord.

DAY 11 – Majestic Sognefjord is Norway's longest and deepest fjord, and today cruise upon its magnificent waters. Then embark on a spectacular journey on the Flam Railway, taking you from sea level to 3,000 feet, with views of mountain scenery and roaring waterfalls. Travel now to the colourful and historic port of Bergen.

DAY 12 – The ancient Hanseatic port of Bergen still largely looks to the sea for its living, as can be seen from the lively, bustling fish market, the largest in Scandinavia. Visit the 13C Haakon's Hall, take the funicular railway to the top of the mountain and go for a hike or visit Troldhaugen, the former home and now museum of the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, .

DAY 13 – This morning drive over scenic mountains and through ski-resorts on your way to the Norwegian capital Oslo.

DAY 14 –Your guided sightseeing tour today includes the Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Also visit Frogner Park and view the controversial Vigeland Sculptures, then a special visit to the Viking Long Ship Museum. Stay longer on this peninsular and visit the Kon-Tiki, the Fram and also an outdoor museum.

DAY 15 – The tour finishes here.

There are also coach tours that take in Finland and the Arctic Circle. Cruises of the Baltic Sea is another way to see this beautiful area and normally includes Russia and/or the Baltic States. If you want to concentrate on Norway, then consider taking a cruise along the entire length of its stunning coastline.

Scandinavia is also a winter destination whether you want to go alpine or cross-country skiing, husky dog-sledding or perhaps visit Santa Claus.

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