Denmark and Sweden – Cities, Castles and Vikings

Depart the UK

Travel to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais or Dunkerque.  Continue through France and into Belgium for an overnight stop near Antwerp, Belgium.  Dinner is included at the hotel.

Travel to Germany

Depart after breakfast for the onward journey travelling into Holland and then on to Germany, heading north towards the Hamburg area for a second overnight stop.  Dinner is included at the hotel.

Travel to Denmark

Continue travelling north through Germany to the port of Puttgarden where we take a short ferry crossing over to Rødby in Denmark, before continuing  to the island of Sealand and on to Copenhagen our base for the next 5 nights.  Check-in and relax before enjoying dinner together in the hotel this evening.

Copenhagen Sightseeing – Walking Tour and Canal Cruise (drivers rest day)

Meet up with local guide for a 2 hour “Introduction to Copenhagen” walking tour to hear about its history whilst admiring such landmarks as the Royal Palace of Amalienborg, the Royal Theatre, the Parliament, Nyhavn, and Christiansborg Slot.  After the tour, enjoy a 1 hour boat trip along the picturesque canals where you can see the iconic Little Mermaid Statue and the stunning Opera House.

The rest of the day is free to explore at leisure.  Maybe visit the world-famous Tivoli Gardens historical fairground or the Carlsberg brewery for a taste of Denmark.  There is also the option to purchase a ticket for the Hop-on/Hop-off City tour bus to take a panoramic tour of the city.

Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

“Hamlet’s” Castle and Frederiksborg Castle

Depart after breakfast and drive north to the Baltic gateway port of Helsingør, the location of Denmark’s famous and UNESCO listed Kronborg Castle, immortalised as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s epic Elizabethan drama, Hamlet.  Step into the past as you explore the grand halls, opulent chambers and dark dungeons of this 16th-century Renaissance castle and admire the intricate tapestries, antique furniture, and stunning architectural details that reflect its rich history. Walk along the massive ramparts and enjoy breathtaking views of the Øresund Strait, which has played a crucial role in Denmark’s maritime history and stand in awe of the statue of Holger Danske, the legendary Danish hero, who according to myth, will rise to defend Denmark in times of need.

In the afternoon we visit the picturesque 17th century Frederiksborg Castle, one of Europe’s grandest Renaissance castles and the largest in Scandinavia. Built across three islands surrounded by a lake and beautiful gardens with more than 70 richly decorated rooms including the impressive Marble Gallery of the King’s Wing and, in the gardens, Neptune’s Fountain.  This castle also houses the Danish Museum of National History which presents 500 years of Danish history with a collection of portraits, history paintings, furniture and applied art. The Museum was established by the founder of Carlsberg, brewer J. C. Jacobsen.

Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.

Sweden: Malmö and Lund

Travel to Malmö in Sweden via the impressive 10 miles long **Øresund Bridge, the longest combined  road and rail bridge in Europe (and ‘star’ of the popular TV series ‘The Bridge’).  First stop is the 13^th century city of Malmö, Sweden’s gateway port to Europe, with its attractive old town where we shall meet up with a local guide for a guided tour which includes Stortorget, the oldest and largest square surrounded by beautiful architecture.  The city is split into two parts – the Gamla Vaster district in the west, filled with historical buildings, and the eastern district which was revitalised in the 1960’s.

After some free time, continue to Lund, a charming but little known university town where an astronomical clock strikes twice a day in the cathedral. Explore the impressive Cathedral and stroll around the cobblestone streets with half-timbered houses or the Botanical Gardens.  An optional visit could be made to ‘Kulturen’, a fascinating open-air museum with a collection of original Swedish rural houses.

Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.

(**Note:  A bridge toll will be required to be paid locally)

Roskilde, Viking Ship Museum and Old Fisherman’s Village

The Viking town of Roskilde is home to a remarkable UNESCO listed Gothic medieval cathedral where almost all Danish kings and queens are buried.  It is located on the Island of Zealand on a small hilltop overlooking the Roskilde Fjord the Cathedral is a very significant landmark.

After the visit, we delve into the fascinating seafaring life of the Vikings at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde – a unique museum showcasing five original 11th century Viking ships from the 11th century, dramatically displayed against the backdrop of Roskilde Fjord. The museum combines archaeology, authentic craftsmanship and vibrant storytelling to offer deep insight into Viking life, trade, warfare, and voyages to distant lands.

Later, drive to the pretty 18^th century fishing village of Dragør and enjoy some sea air on the harbour side. A walk among the half-timbered thatched cottages with their postage stamp-sized gardens offers a vivid impression of what life was like a couple of centuries ago.

Return to the hotel for a final dinner and evening in Copenhagen.

Depart Copenhagen

It’s time to leave Copenhagen and return to the UK retracing our steps across Denmark, taking the short ferry crossing over to Germany and stopping overnight again in the Hamburg area.  Dinner is included at the hotel.

Travel to Belgium

Depart after breakfast on our homeward journey, through Germany and Holland and into Belgium for a final overnight stop in the Antwerp area.  Dinner is included at the hotel.

Travel to the UK

The final leg of the journey takes us across Belgium and into France and the port of Calais or Dunkerque where we take the ferry across to the UK, and home.