Denmark/Norway/Sweden/Finland
Four Nordic Capitals
Program No. 3332RJ
Discover the secrets of Europe’s most northern cities, diving deep into culture, art and the traditions of Scandinavian design.
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800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Activity Level:
Keep the Pace (9)
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Activity Level:
Keep the Pace (9)
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 1 - Jun 18, 2025
Starting at
11,569Jul 20 - Aug 6, 2025
Starting at
11,349Aug 17 - Sep 3, 2025
Starting at
11,649Oct 5 - Oct 22, 2025
Starting at
11,349Activity Level:
On Your Feet (2)
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Activity Level:
On Your Feet (2)
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 15 - Jul 2, 2025
Starting at
11,749Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
18 days
17 nights
44 meals
16B 14L 14D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Rosenborg Castle, Christmas Dinner
Copenhagen
5
Denmark's Golden Age, Nyhavn
Copenhagen
6
Kronborg Castle
Cruise ship
9
Oslo Museums
Oslo
10
Transfer to Stockholm
Stockholm
11
Vasa Ship Museum
Stockholm
13
Drottningholm Palace
Stockholm
16
Musiikkitalo
Helsinki
At a Glance
With a midsummer sunrise at 3 a.m. and winter days lit by thousands of candles, Scandinavia keeps its own time and seasons. Experience the unique pace of the Nordic lifestyle in the four capital cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki. Learn about their distinct histories, languages, cuisines and artistic traditions as you study alongside local experts in museums, palaces and energetic neighborhoods.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Walking up to 3 miles daily.
Please note that the Activity Level for this program varies by date. Please make sure that you are attending a departure date that best fits your activity level.
On Your Feet departures will include additional coach transfers to and from some meals and activities. Please see itinerary for details.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Embark on two overnight voyages of Scandinavia.
- Taste a traditional Danish Christmas dinner of pork, potatoes, cabbage and rice pudding.
- Enjoy musicians playing the Finnish kantele.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Mia Lindström
Mia Lindström received her degree in cultural management in 1996 and has been involved in folk high school work since then. She is an administrator and teacher at a folk high school in Karjaa and her fields of interest and lecture subjects include folklore, culture, the educational system and the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland. Mia received her master’s in folklore from Åbo Akademi University in 2011, and she has been leading Road Scholar groups since 1998.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Mia Lindström
View biography
Mia Lindström received her degree in cultural management in 1996 and has been involved in folk high school work since then. She is an administrator and teacher at a folk high school in Karjaa and her fields of interest and lecture subjects include folklore, culture, the educational system and the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland. Mia received her master’s in folklore from Åbo Akademi University in 2011, and she has been leading Road Scholar groups since 1998.
Ann Mari Blom
View biography
Ann-Mari Blom teaches Danish, English, German, History and Latin at junior and middle schools. She studied art history at the University of Copenhagen and spent two years lecturing on modern art for the local council for adult education. She has keen insight and a passion for lecturing on Hans Christian Andersen, Soren Kierkegaard and N.F.S. Grundtvig.
Jan Hallstein Lie
View biography
Jan holds degrees in engineering, teaching, English and Friluftsliv – the Norwegian term for the nation’s outdoor way of life. He has been a folk school teacher since 1980, and, as an accomplished athlete and outdoorsman, Jan focuses his energies on teaching about the environment and Friluftsliv. Hallstein has been leading Road Scholar programs to Norway for over 20 years. Together with Mai-Evy, his partner for over 25 years, he has two children, Skjalg and Hanna. His enjoys sports, outdoor activities, politics, people, traveling and reading.
Suggested Reading List
(19 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Four Nordic Capitals
Program Number: 3332
Helsinki, A Cultural and Literary History
A literary guide to Helsinki, its history and culture, organized into three sections: city of architects and engineers; city of music and arts; and city of hospitality. With maps and black-and-white illustrations.
The Summer Book
A modern Scandinavian classic, Jansson's sweet, slender novel follows a young girl and her grandmother as they while away a summer on a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland.
The Northmen, The Viking Saga
Viking historian John Haywood delves into the Vikings’ age of expansion (793 CE -1241 CE). His magisterial chronicle answers myriad questions about the Vikings, their technology, their society and why it went into decline.
We Die Alone
Howarth's riveting account of determination and valor in Nazi-occupied Norway follows Jan Baalrud's extraordinary escape by ski across the Lyngen Alps.
Letters on Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
Groundbreaking feminist Wollstonecraft records her observations of a late 18th-century journey through Scandinavia in this small masterpiece, rich in detail of people and place.
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
Why are the Danes so happy? Some contribute it to the emphasis on the sense of comfort and community known as Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). Wiking teaches readers about this national philosophy with practical, attainable suggestions of how to incorporate hygge into everyday life.
The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life
An emigrant to America from Finland, Anu Partanen compares and contrasts America with Scandinavia, debunking myths about socialism as she compellingly argues that the US would benefit from the Nordic approach.
The Vikings, Lords of the Seas
An indispensable reference that fits in your pocket, this slim volume is packed with maps, archival photos and illustrations.
Scandinavia Map
With an index, area maps and a table of driving times and distances, this handy, frequently updated map covers all of Scandinavia, including Finland, at a scale of 1:1.5 million on one side of the sheet.
Growth of the Soil
The epic tale of a homesteader in the mountainous Norwegian interior, which helped win Hamsun a Nobel Prize in 1920.
Cross and Scepter
From the Vikings to the Reformation, Sverre Bagge spends little time with myths in his scholarly Scandinavian history, instead focusing on the development of northern European societies and their rise from the Dark Ages.
Vikings, The North Atlantic Saga
An extensively illustrated volume of Viking culture, history and exploration that focuses especially on voyages to North America. Published in conjunction with a Smithsonian exhibit, it features essays and 400 color photographs.
Stockholm, A Cultural History
A literary, cultural guide to the art, architecture, traditions and history of Stockholm.
Norwegian Folk Tales
This rich collection of stories, interpreted by a leading scholar on ancient traditions and tales, will delight both adults and children.
Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
This history of the Vikings tells their story through a series of innovative maps and excellent photographs. It traces the routes of 9th-century Viking merchants and explorers throughout Europe and the New World.
A History of Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland
The story of Scandinavia from prehistory to the present with chapters on the Viking and Lutheran kingdoms, medieval times, monarchies, the World Wars and modern period, emphasizing the common cultural, political and social backgrounds.
Insight Guide Scandinavia
From Denmark to Sweden, Norway and Finland, this guide introduces the region with outstanding color maps and photographs.
The Naked Shore, Of the North Sea
Journalist Blass travels by ferry, tram and airplane to the borderlands of the North Sea, seeking out the men and women who have devoted their lives to studying the mysteries of the inclement sea.
The Almost Nearly Perfect People, Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia
Guardian journalist Booth writes with laugh-out-loud humor and brutal candor about the Scandinavians, mixing history and his own experiences in Nordic regions in this searing cultural portrait.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
18 days
Program Begins
Copenhagen
Program Concludes
Helsinki
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
44
| 16B |
14L |
14D |
Activity Level
With a midsummer sunrise at 3 a.m. and winter days lit by thousands of candles, Scandinavia keeps its own time and seasons. Experience the unique pace of the Nordic lifestyle in the four capital cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki. Learn about their distinct histories, languages, cuisines and artistic traditions as you study alongside local experts in museums, palaces and energetic neighborhoods.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Embark on two overnight voyages of Scandinavia.
- Taste a traditional Danish Christmas dinner of pork, potatoes, cabbage and rice pudding.
- Enjoy musicians playing the Finnish kantele.
Featured Expert
Mia Lindström
Mia Lindström received her degree in cultural management in 1996 and has been involved in folk high school work since then. She is an administrator and teacher at a folk high school in Karjaa and her fields of interest and lecture subjects include folklore, culture, the educational system and the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland. Mia received her master’s in folklore from Åbo Akademi University in 2011, and she has been leading Road Scholar groups since 1998.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Ann Mari Blom
Ann-Mari Blom teaches Danish, English, German, History and Latin at junior and middle schools. She studied art history at the University of Copenhagen and spent two years lecturing on modern art for the local council for adult education. She has keen insight and a passion for lecturing on Hans Christian Andersen, Soren Kierkegaard and N.F.S. Grundtvig.
Jan Hallstein Lie
Jan holds degrees in engineering, teaching, English and Friluftsliv – the Norwegian term for the nation’s outdoor way of life. He has been a folk school teacher since 1980, and, as an accomplished athlete and outdoorsman, Jan focuses his energies on teaching about the environment and Friluftsliv. Hallstein has been leading Road Scholar programs to Norway for over 20 years. Together with Mai-Evy, his partner for over 25 years, he has two children, Skjalg and Hanna. His enjoys sports, outdoor activities, politics, people, traveling and reading.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Varies by date
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(19 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
18 days
17 nights
What's Included
44 meals | 16B | 14L | 14D |
10 expert-led lectures
21 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
16 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Copenhagen, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Copenhagen
Meals:
D
Stay:
Imperial Copenhagen
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously). See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel, we’ll have some time to relax and settle in to our rooms before meeting in the lobby at 5:30 p.m. ahead of our welcome dinner and Orientation meeting.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After our Orientation meeting, the rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day
3
Rosenborg Castle, Christmas Dinner
Location:
Copenhagen
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Imperial Copenhagen
Activity Note
Walking about 3 miles, and walking/standing at the castle. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving under 1.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles, under 1 hour.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We’ll begin the morning with a lecture at the hotel on Copenhagen’s past and present, followed by a walking field trip through Copenhagen’s medieval quarters. After the lecture, we’ll take a short panoramic motorcoach ride to familiarize ourselves with more of central Copenhagen followed by field trip through Copenhagen’s medieval quarters. We’ll walk through a maze of narrow streets to admire this bustling neighborhood’s charming old houses, unique shops, cafes and delis.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll begin our afternoon activities with an expert-led field trip on foot to Rosenborg Castle. Rosenborg Castle was built by King Christian IV, in the 17th century. The castle contains royal treasures, and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Christiansborg Castle, Harbor Exploration, Tivoli
Location:
Copenhagen
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Imperial Copenhagen
Activity Note
Walking up to 2.5 miles. Getting on/off a boat, cruising under an hour. Getting on/off a train/metro.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will attend a lecture hosted by the Group Leader. “Denmark, Danes and Democracy” will enlighten us about the country's social welfare system, politics, and the Danes as a people. We’ll then set out on foot to explore more of Copenhagen with our Group Leader. We’ll then head out on foot to visit Christiansborg Palace, the home of Denmark's three supreme powers: the executive power, the legislative power, and the judicial power. Christiansborg Castle is the only building in the world that houses all of the supreme powers of a nation. Here we will visit the Royal Representation rooms.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, do as the Danes, boat the water bus and take enjoy a tour along the harbour front to explore historic buildings, new quarters and the vivid waterlife. End at the new urban area of Nordhavn and return to your hotel by the driverfree metro.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Denmark's Golden Age, Nyhavn
Location:
Copenhagen
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Imperial Copenhagen
Activity Note
Getting on/off metro/train. Extent/duration of walking and other activities during independent time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Denmark’s Golden Age for art, literature and architecture took place from 1800 to 1850. Our morning lecture by a local expert will introduce us to two famous Danes, Soren Kirkegaard and Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s literary giants in the Golden Age.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Kronborg Castle
Location:
Cruise ship
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DFDS cruise ship
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving approximately 4.5 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles, and walking/standing at sites. Due to limited space in the cabin on the overnight ferry to Oslo, your luggage will be kept in storage. Therefore, please bring a smaller bag to pack your essentials in for the ferry overnight.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach for a field trip to Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is perhaps better known as Elsinore, the setting for much of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’ From the UNESCO inscription: “Located on a strategically important site commanding the Sund, the stretch of water between Denmark and Sweden, the Royal castle of Kronborg at Helsingør (Elsinore) is of immense symbolic value to the Danish people and played a key role in the history of northern Europe in the 16th to 18th centuries. Work began on the construction of this outstanding Renaissance castle in 1574, and its defences were reinforced according to the canons of the period's military architecture in the late 17th century. It has remained intact to the present day.” After our field trip to Kronborg Castle, we’ll board the ferry for our journey to Oslo.
Lunch:
Onboard the ferry.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the ferry’s facilities.
Dinner:
In the ship’s dining room.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for arrival to Oslo in the morning.
Day
7
Frognerparken, National Opera House
Location:
Oslo
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving approximately 5 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles.
Breakfast:
In the cruise ship’s dining room.
Morning:
Welcome to Oslo! Once ashore, we’ll board a motorcoach for a panoramic field trip through the city, including a stop at the recently built Opera House. We’ll then have an introduction to Norway's great sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, contemplating this artist's talents as we view the Vigeland sculpture park, Frognerparken. This wonderful park’s architect was Vigeland himself, and it is home to 212 sculptures that depict the life of man from birth to death. We’ll take a walk through the entire park.
Lunch:
We’ll delight in lunch with a view as we dine at the Frognerseteren restaurant. This destination will afford us a great vista of the city.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our transfer by motorcoach to the hotel, stopping at the Holmenkollen ski jump arena for another great viewpoint across the city. Once we arrive at the hotel, we’ll check in and have some time to relax and unpack before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we’ll convene for a short welcome session with information about the Oslo portion of our journey, and the rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day
8
National Museum of Art, City Hall
Location:
Oslo
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; walking/standing at sites.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll begin the morning with a short lecture at the hotel on Norway’s past and present. After the lecture, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the Nobel Peace Prize Museum, where we’ll hone our artistic eyes during an expert-led field trip. Depending on local conditions, we may continue to the City Hall and go inside.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll walk along Aker Brygge to the National Gallery to see the world famous Edvard Munch painting, “The Scream.” Afterwards, feel free to explore independently, or return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Oslo Museums
Location:
Oslo
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Getting on/off boat. Walking up to 2 miles with some uneven terrain, and walking/standing at the museums. Extent and duration of afternoon museum activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll begin the day with a short briefing at the hotel about today’s program, followed by a lecture on Norwegian literature, with an emphasis on modern works. We’ll then board a motorcoach for a field trip to Bygdøy. The Bygdøy peninsula hosts several great museums, and our field trip will take us to see some of the most important ones. We’ll pay a visit to the Open Air Folk Museum to learn about living in Norway during the last 200 years.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll make a short ferry journey (approximately 3 minutes) to the Bygdøynes pier. Here we will visit the Fram Museum, a museum dedicated to the late 19th-century polar exploration ship Fram. We’ll then have some time to independently explore the nearby museums, including the Kon-Tiki Museum centered around Thor Heyerdahl’s famous raft, the Norwegian Maritime Museum. We’ll return to central Oslo at the end of the afternoon on another ferry.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
10
Transfer to Stockholm
Location:
Stockholm
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Radisson Blu Royal Viking Stockholm
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 330 miles, approximately 8 hours total riding time, not including breaks.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach for our transfer to Stockholm, Sweden.
Lunch:
We’ll stop for lunch in Karlstad en route.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our motorcoach transfer to Stockholm, stopping en route at the city of Örebro. Upon arrival in Stockholm, we’ll check in to our hotel and have some time to relax and unpack before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we’ll have a brief orientation session to prepare us for our time in Stockholm. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day
11
Vasa Ship Museum
Location:
Stockholm
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Radisson Blu Royal Viking Stockholm
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation. Walking about 1.5 miles.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we’ll begin the day with a lecture teaching us about the unique qualities of Swedish culture and the economy today in light of its historical roots. After the lecture, we’ll enjoy a panoramic orientation field trip including Fjällgatan with the breathtaking view over the Stockholm skyline ending at the island of Djurgården to have lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll visit the Vasa Ship Museum. This outstanding museum features the full body and ornamentation of a warship that sunk on its maiden voyage in Stockholm in 1628 and was salvaged 333 years later. The prime condition of this ship has made it internationally unique. An expert-led excursion through the museum will include a 30-minute film showing the complex salvage operation of the ship. After this, free time to visit other museums on Djurgården.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Stockholm’s Old Town, City Hall, Free Time
Location:
Stockholm
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Radisson Blu Royal Viking Stockholm
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation. Walking about 2 miles, plus standing/walking at museums, uneven and steep ground in Gamla Stan.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we’ll gather for a lecture on “Sweden Today,” in which an overview of the political and cultural landscape of Sweden will give us an understanding of a system which has given the Swedish citizens an exceptionally high standard of living across the board. Today the "Swedish model" is rapidly changing. After the lecture, we’ll set out on foot to stop at the Stockholm City Hall. This remarkable building, inaugurated in 1923, combines many architectural and ornamental styles into a unique structure that is the pride of Stockholm. Many people worldwide have seen the magnificent Nobel Prize gala dinner taking place in the “Blue Hall” of City Hall. explore Stockholm’s Old Town.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll start exploring on foot the narrow and cobblestoned streets of Gamal Stan. After the walk, the rest of the afternoon is free time for independent exploration. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Choices include The Nordic Museum, The History Museum, The National Gallery, The Modern Museum of Art, and the Museum of Photography.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
We'll attend a cultural event. The date and time are tentative, until further details are available. These will be confirmed during the program.
Day
13
Drottningholm Palace
Location:
Stockholm
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Radisson Blu Royal Viking Stockholm
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation. Getting on/off a boat; cruising 1 hour back to the city. Walking about 2 miles, walking/standing at sites.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach for a field trip to the UNESCO site, Drottningholm Palace. We’ll enjoy an expert-led exploration of most of the Palace, as despite being the permanent home residence of the King and Queen of Sweden much of it is open to the public. The portrait gallery and exquisite furniture are prime examples of Swedish craft and art from the 18th and 19th centuries. Stockholm was built on water and its waterways offer a convenient means of transportation. The journey by boat from the present residence of the royal family takes an hour as we pass residential communities along the way back to the city.
Lunch:
Aboard the boat from Drottningholm.
Afternoon:
Once we return to central Stockholm, we’ll have some time to explore and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out in the morning.
Day
14
Skansen Open Air Museum, Millesgården Statue Park
Location:
Cruise ship
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Tallink Silja Line
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles, walking/standing at field trip sites. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Due to limited space in the cabins on the overnight ferry to Helsinki, your luggage will be transported via bus to the hotel in Helsinki. Therefore, please bring a smaller bag to pack your essentials in for the ferry overnight. You will receive your luggage at 3:00 p.m. on Day 15, after our visit to the National Art Gallery of Finland.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach for a field trip to Skansen Open Air Museum to enjoy an expert-led walk through the world’s oldest open-air museum. Skansen is comprised of historical buildings from different social and geographical areas of Sweden, including farmland, herb gardens, and both domestic and wild animals.
Lunch:
Explore local fare on your own at one of the cozy restaurants and cafés at Skansen.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll proceed to the spectacular Millesgården Sculpture Park. This was once the home of the most important 20th-century Swedish sculptor, Carl Milles. Today it displays replicas of his most famous sculptures in an attractive setting in the inlet to the city. Milles was a longtime U.S. resident who is represented in many major American cities. After our field trip, we’ll proceed by motorcoach to the Silja Line Terminal, and board our cruise ship destined for Helsinki. Hours after our departure, we will pass through one of the densest and richest archipelagos in the world.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship, we’ll enjoy a traditional smörgåsbord in the dining room.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for arrival to Helsinki in the morning.
Day
15
Ateneum: The National Art Gallery of Finland
Location:
Helsinki
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sokos Hotel Presidentti
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 6.5 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time during panoramic field trips. Walking about 1.5 miles, and walking/standing at the gallery.
Breakfast:
In the cruise ship's dining room.
Morning:
Once we arrive in Helsinki, we’ll board a motorcoach for a panoramic field trip with our Group Leader to familiarize ourselves with some of the city’s key landmarks, including Sibelius Monument and Senate Square, finishing at our hotel.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll take an expert-led field trip to the Ateneum, the National Art Gallery of Finland. We’ll contemplate some of the Ateneum’s most famous and interesting paintings, followed by time to explore the Ateneum independently. We’ll return independently to the hotel, three blocks away from the Ateneum.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
Musiikkitalo
Location:
Helsinki
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Sokos Hotel Presidentti
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile; walking/standing at the music hall.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we’ll gather for a lecture from a local expert who will provide us with a short history of Finland. We’ll follow the country’s story from the early years to the present as we focus on Finland’s relations with the world and especially with the United States. We’ll then learn about daily life in Finland with a glimpse into the everyday life of a typical Finnish citizen. After the lecture, we will board a motorcoach for a visit to the Temppeliaukio Rock Church.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll walk over to explore the Musiikkitalo Music Hall on an expert-led field trip. This music center is Finland’s most modern, and is home to the Sibelius Academy, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. We’ll then have some free time for independent exploration. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
Explore local fare on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
17
Lotta Museum, Ainola: Jean Sibelius' Home Museum,
Location:
Helsinki
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sokos Hotel Presidentti
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 45 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking at sites.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the Lotta Museum in Tuusula, where a musician will give us insight into Finnish music and delight us with the sounds of a kantele, a traditional Finnish instrument. We’ll then take a field trip to Ainola, Jean Sibelius’ home and museum. Here we will see the composer’s home as it was while he lived there with his family, as well as the graves of the composer and his wife.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free time for independent exploration. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
18
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
Helsinki
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 12 miles, approximately 0.5 hours riding time. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll transfer by motorcoach to the Helsinki airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys.
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MEALS
44 Meals
16 Breakfasts
14 Lunches
14 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
- Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Jun 15, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Aug 17, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Sep 14, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025 (Copenhagen to Helsinki)
Participant Reviews
Based on 27 Reviews
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Once again, an excellent vibrant tour learning from our leaders, instructors & fellow travlers. Maintained Road Scholars' high standard for international travel & understanding. We are looking forward to our next Road Scholar tour.
— Review left October 26, 2024
This is a challenging program with a good bit of travel getting from capital to capital. I learned an enormous amount about each country, similarities and differences, found the program will-organized, the tour guides well-informed and approachable, the educational content excellent, and appreciated the access we had to local transportation options during free time and as part of the program. The ferry rides were interesting and challenging; I loved being able to travel through the archipelagos, the nocturnal noise level of partying young people not so much. But, I would repeat the trip again in a heartbeat.
— Review left October 7, 2024
4 Nordic Capitals...a must take for those who have not been to that part of the world.
— Review left October 5, 2024
I highly recommend the RS tour "Four Nordic Capitals". went this June/July and had a wonderful time learning about each country. Our tour leader, Leonardo, was so helpful and pleasant. Each country guide was great -- so knowledgeable & nice, too. The hotels, food & experiences were exceptional.
— Review left August 5, 2024
Wow! With the Nordic temperament as a background, an excellent tour leader and local guides taking us along the way, lecturers bringing details of each country alive (history, governance, economics, music, literature, and the arts), and wide-ranging activities getting us in touch with both the past and the present of these countries, we were given so much to experience, incorporate, and consider. Not a day goes by since our return that something we learned or experienced has not come to mind or enliven our conversations.
It was a pleasure to have so much of the planning, from comfortable (and quiet!) hotel to enjoyable Ferry overnights to local transportation) taken care of so we could focus on what we were learning and experiencing.
As advertised, this was an active trip, and including tour walking and our own leisure walking, some days ended up at about 4 miles total. However, the pace was never so brisk as to be abusive. All along the way appropriate stops for rest-breaks, photo ops, longer views of panoramas, etc., were included.
Highpoints? Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen; all of Oslo, and especially the Vigeland Sculpture Garden; Froling's home in western Sweden; the allotments (small garden areas) in Stockholm; Sibelius' home in Tuusula. But this is only a tip of the many highlights.
If you have not been to Scandinavia or Finland, we suggest you get moving and go on this tour. You will hold it as a special memory for your life.
— Review left August 2, 2024
Overall, I found this trip enjoyable and educational. I enjoyed each of the four Nordic capitals, unique in their own ways.Our trip leader, Patrick Clocough was excellent. He kept up with all the things we needed to know and do regarding the overall trip, while traveling with us to all four sites. Our individual guides were all quite informative regarding each city. Lotte (Copenhagen), Kjersti (Oslo), Cecilia (Stockholm) and Mia (Finland). I also enjoyed the guest lecturers who spoke on various topics, led walks, etc. I have only one criticism to share. In Copenhagen we had a talk by Elin Line regarding Danish literature. While the talk was very informative, her speech pattern made listening very hard. On practically every word she said "and-uh" and this pattern continued throughout the entire presentation. I would recommend that someone work with her regarding this problem. Otherwise, I was able to enjoy and learn from all the other presenters.
Again, thanks to all of the group leaders in each city, who along with Patrick made this a fun, learning adventure.
— Review left July 27, 2024
A wonderful trip! Truly a learning experience. I heard history, current lifestyles, as well as experienced the art, food and treasures of each country.
— Review left July 13, 2024
You want to see all four countries in one trip, you learn about the simularities and the differences that make each country so interesting. Well worth exploring this part of the world!
— Review left October 22, 2023
The trip to Four Nordic Capitals was absolutely fantastic!! I learned a lot about Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland and had a wonderful time exploring each capital city as a group and by myself. We leaned about the culture, history, language, literature, music, art and food and more of each country and could ask endless questions to our warm and knowledgeable group leaders. I can very highly recommend this trip to others. Our group was made up of friendly and curious fellow travelers, and we all very much enjoyed each others' company.
— Review left October 19, 2023
The Four Nordic Capitals was a great trip. I highly recommend it. I really enjoyed learning about the history they share but also the differences between countries. The guides were fantastic, and the activities were very varied and the lectures were informative. . The Gustav Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo was a favorite.
— Review left October 9, 2023
This was a wonderful trip to the four Nordic countries, with a great mix of sights, emphasizing the differences and similarities between the countries. I particularly enjoyed the time in Stockholm and Copenhagen, loved the Rosenborg Castle, the various art museums, the striking architecture, etc.
Elisabetta was the leader throughout the program. She was outstanding, always looking out for us and so helpful. The individual country leaders were generally very good; however, the Oslo program needs some improvements in my view. The Vasa Ship Museum in Oslo was excellent, but some of the other choices could be improved.
I was on the "On Your Feet" (the less active) program. Based on the other programs I've done with RS (over 50), I believe the description was fairly accurate for Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. However, the Oslo portion was much more active than many of the "Active" programs, with too much walking to restaurants, etc. RS needs to increase the use of coaches.
Having said that, I would definitely recommend this program. It was a wonderful experience. Loved the two overnight ferry rides and the other boat rides. Hotel was nice and conveniently located. Food was very good, but it definitely helps if you enjoy seafood.
— Review left September 9, 2023
This program is way more physically strenuous than its activity level indicated. Activity was listed as walking 2 to 3 miles per day but acutely all most every day was way more strenuous than that. Walking was more like 5 and 6 miles per day. Activity level on this program should be reevaluated.
— Review left September 8, 2023
We enjoyed the trip very much although it was a bit taxing for us. We visited great places and the trip was very well planned.
Leonardo was our guide and he was EXCELENT.
— Review left August 25, 2023
This was one of my favorite trips. I was in the “On Your Feet” level group. That didn’t mean that it was easy. I think we walked several miles each day. One complaint I had was that no information was given ahead of time as to just what ‘On Your Feet” meant for this trip. The group was very congenial as are most Road Scholar groups. Leonardo, the leader throughout the entire trip, did a terrific job making sure that we were all doing okay and helping us when needed. I gave him top marks. The local guides were all good too. There were interesting activities in each country and I liked the lectures giving us more information each time. A problem for me was the unexpected heat everywhere except for Helsinki. I think we were all unprepared for that. The hotels were good, the food was good. The first overnight ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo was better than the one going from Stockholm to Helsinki. The one from Stockholm was so crowded and the food was not as good. The scenery on both was beautiful. I also enjoyed the bus ride through Sweden and the interesting stops that we made.
— Review left July 29, 2023
Overall this was a great trip, and the group was unusually congenial. I would like to single out Jenna Woodbury for being a fantastic assistant leader - she was always available, always helpful, and of great good humor.
Rating the local guides; Annette - A+; Therese B-; Caroline A; Sonja A.
The hotels were very good. No complaints.
The detailed daily schedules were excellent, as were the introductory lectures..
The first ferry ride to Oslo was very pleasant; the second was unpleasant, mainly because it is high vacation season, the boat was crowded, the buffet was a nightmare, and getting off both times seems to be poorly organized. - but far better than deplaning & reentry in Boston!!!
In Oslo we had a much-too-long day - 5 miles - & hot. That was on Sunday July 9th. Even those with no problems walking complained.
Free time choices good.
Site visits in Stockholm were interesting but maybe too prolonged at the City Hall.
Personally I am not fond of tours of castles etc. with a local guide. They are usually crowded & not that interesting - just a personal opinion.
My serious complaint is that Road Scholar seems to have trouble putting enough people on phones & computer for email. I wanted to arrange assistance getting to a connecting flight in Amsterdam on the way home after experiencing difficulties on the way to Copenhagen. I received one email but nothing else. I called KLM and received erroneous information. Finally Sonja (can't find her info anywhere) told me the night before that she had hopes arrangements for assistance had been made - so kudos for her if she was the one who succeeded! I want her to know that.
This was a reach for me physically due to foot surgery 2 months before, but I am v very glad I stuck it out.
— Review left July 22, 2023
We like Road Scholar because of the learning opportunity. Contracting Covid was unfortunate. Thanks to Hanna Thompsen for her care and concern during our isolation.
In general our instructors were excellent. Notable was Hallstein in Oslo. He seemed to care that we had the best experience possible. He led extra walks for those interested. On my first day of Covid, when I was feeling quite I’ll, I had to take a private taxi to the bus station and a public bus to Stockholm. At the bus station, at a moment when the bus driver was challenging my ticket and I couldn’t understand what he wanted, Hallstein showed up! He straightened it out.
My husband and I were isolated in our room in Stockholm. We missed all lectures, meals with the group, and tours. I asked if it might be possible for some of us to sit apart from the group, perhaps outside of the meeting room, and listen to the lectures using the “Whispers”. No, not possible. I asked for handouts for the lectures. Not forthcoming. There were adequate handouts for the other lectures that we did attend.
Covid is not new! I believe that, by now, Road Scholar should, be able to provide a minimum level of learning opportunity for those unable to join the group. There were 7 of us!
In addition to handouts, a separate, short van tour of the (in this case) city would have been so helpful - to have some idea of the “lay of the land”.
Mia in Helsinki was very good.
— Review left November 8, 2022
Great guides in each country and learned so much about the history, demographics, and culture of the four countries. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 21, 2022
A wonderful and insightful experience. I really had fun.
— Review left October 8, 2022
Lots to learn and knowledgeable guides. Really loved lectures on Finnish history and music. Almost half of the participants tested positive for COVID, and were excluded from some portions of the trip. I think that anyone who decided to take this trip and knew that they would be dining without masks indoors with many others, were taking a calculated risk. I do not agree with the Road Scholar policy that the folks who tested positive must be excluded from the group activities, and must find their own way from one city to another. There were too many other portions of the trip that were as risky or more so, so the exclusion just seemed mean-spirited. And that is not something I like to experience on a Road Scholar trip.
— Review left October 2, 2022
This trip is a great way to get a taste of the Nordic countries and what makes them all so special. You’ll learn a lot & eat some great food! Our group leader Heidi was great!
If you like to use a wash cloth, pack your own. Three of the four hotels do not supply them.
— Review left September 3, 2022
If you are looking for an education experience and the joy of touring Road Scholar gives you both. I was impressed with our guide and presenters, and the unique access we had to places that the normal public tours would not provide. It was a great experience.
— Review left August 29, 2022
GREAT itinerary!!
— Review left August 21, 2022
Loved this trip. Extremely interesting and informative.
— Review left July 30, 2022
Five stars!! This is actually four separate programs back-to-back. If you think the price is little steep, consider what you get for the money: excellent group leaders and guides at each location, quality lecturers who provide an indepth study of the history, politics, and social services in each city, entrance fees to all the important museums, etc., consistently wonderful food, two awesome overnight ferry trips with nice rooms and extravagant buffets, and upscale hotels in convenient locations for walking to interesting sites. Heidi, in Copenhagen, managed to meld the group into a family before we left for Oslo, so this trip was the most personable one I've ever been on. There is a lot of walking, but the pace is such that no participant lagged behind. Many of the sidewalks in each city are cobblestones, so wear appropriate shoes. A rain jacket and umbrella are recommended because of sudden, short showers that soon turn back into sunshine. In July the days are very long and bright: don't forget your sunscreen!
— Review left July 29, 2022
This trip is a great way to see a part of the world that has a different feel from the rest of Europe. I especially liked Copenhagen and Stockholm, but all of the cities were very nice and clean and interesting. It is a very active trip and you visit many different and varied places, so many that it's hard to pick my favorite. Getting to see the countryside in Finland when we went out to the Lotta Museum in Tuusula and saw Ainola and Hvitträsk was great. Tivoli Gardens was neat to visit and seeing Kronborg Castle up close and then from the sea as we passed it on the cruise ship was awesome! Our group leader, Lotte, and all four of our local city leaders were terrific. Lots to see and do on this trip.
— Review left July 21, 2022
We completely enjoyed our Four Nordic Capitals trip, and recommend it to others.
— Review left July 11, 2022
I fulfilled a lifetime dream of visiting Scandinavia. Although each aspect of the trip was perfect (not even rain interfered with the trip's quality), sharing a lifetime experience with 23 fellow-travelers, our excellent group leader Carole, and our local guides was the absolute highlight. I will travel with no other group. Road Scholar is the best!
— Review left September 15, 2019