Scandinavia Tour
 

What are my best options? Going it alone or going with a tour company? What are some good ones? I'm kind of lost when it comes to Scandinavia and tourism despite visiting Copenhagen last August.

Ideally I want to visit Norway and Sweden more than anywhere else.

Thanks for the help.

Several years ago the two of us enjoyed Grand Circle tour of the four Scandinavian countries you mention. Flight to Helsinki, then over to Copenhagen, overnight ship to Oslo, train-boat to Bergen, flight to Stockholm, then back to Helsinki. We felt it was a very good over all coverage allowing some free time. Just now looking at 2015 catalogue I don't see that offered. Hmm. Instead a Norwegian coastal voyalge with extensions to Oslo or Copenhagen or Stockhom if desired.
www.gct.com 800 221 2610

It's easy to do on your own - everyone it seems speaks fluent English and trains and ferries are easy to figure out - A ScanRailpass valid in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland can be a great deal if taking more than a few trains. For lots of info on Scandinavian trains and passes chekc these IMO superb sources: www.ricksteves.com; www.seat61.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com - download the latter's free and supurb IMO European Planning & Rail Guide's chapter on Scandinavia for suggested rail itineraries and places to go.

IMO the Norway fjords are the highlight of Norway - go to Bergen and do the Norway in a Nutshell loop - on your own easily done. Oslo is interesting and Stockholm awesome.

Another option is to baord a Hurtigruten ship from Bergen north for part of your trip, then fly south to Oslo, Stockholm.

I haven't been to Norway yet, but found it VERY easy to visit other parts of Scandinavia on my own. I recommend that you get some good guidebooks (or spend some time with a few in your local library). It's a beautiful part of the world!

When are you thinking of going - makes a big difference - to me anything but summer is dicey - days get really short half the year - August is perfect time - May thru August - September I've had rain several times in Copenhagen.

There are some nice night trains in Norway and Sweden, including one between Oslo and Stockholm - a long distance in the daytime with so-so scrub scenery.

I am thinking of going towards the end of June. Thanks all for your help! It seems I'm better off doing everything on my own.