Welcome to Berlin! The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you're a bit daunted by the size of the city, there are countless bus tours that operate throughout Berlin and they're an ideal way to find your feet. Alternatively buses 100 and 200 are perfect to reach many of the main tourist sites for just the regular bus fare. There are many unique memorials and sites holding significance in Berlin's more recent history, which are all designed to provoke thought as well as commemorate. These include the J...

After a morning orientation walk of the city, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the cafes, bars and galleries of bohemian Berlin. Find the crumbling remnants of the Berlin Wall that are scattered all over the city. Checkpoint Charlie is also a significant site in German history, as its museum overlooks the former border checkpoint dividing East and West. The city has a unique nightlife that presents delicious food, bars, pubs and clubs (if that's your thing). The Brandenburg Gate, Germany's symbol which is minted on the Euro coins, is a great place to visit at night, as the whole area is completely lit up. Other areas great for night life are the inner-city neighbourhoods of Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, perfect for all-nighters. 24-hour public transport makes venturing around the city a breeze. ...

Travel by train to Hamburg (about 2 hours), leaving in the morning in order to maximise time spent in the port city. Upon arrival enjoy an introductory walk of the city and a cruise of the city harbour aboard a modern barge. The cruise will visit the city centre waterways and canals, travel through two locks and under old bridges to the Town Hall. The views from the barge provide a different way to see the historic Speicherstadt (‘Warehouse City’) and parts of the harbour. The afternoon is free to take at your leisure. Perhaps climb the tower of St Michaelis Church (nick-named "The Michel") for great views over the city, or return to the warehouse city for a closer look at the the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, a brand new glass and steel structure set atop an old brick warehouse from around 1900. Alternatively mingle with the...

Travel by train and ferry via the southern Danish archipelago to Copenhagen (approx 5 hours). Enjoy a first orientation walk around town with a free evening to visit the pastel-coloured waterfront houses in the Nyhavn area. Drop in at an industrial-chic bar for a drink or stroll around the famous Tivoli Gardens which has the the world's oldest rollercoaster. You may also decide to venture into the Freetown of Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood south-east of the city centre. It is regulated by a special law, the Christiania Law of 1989, and has been a source of controversy since 1971 when squatters took over a former military area. Another area worth checking out is Norrebro, a residential area known for it's wide range of restaurants.

When in Copenhagen, do as the locals do and explore the city by bike, undoubtedly the best way to explore the city's many hidden corners. The bike-friendly streets mean cycling to the city's major sites are a breeze. The afternoon is free for you to further explore this Scandinavian city. Stroll along the harbour or head out to the classicist palaces of 18th century Amalienborg, to this day the main residence of the Danish Royal family. Perhaps pay a visit to Frederik's Church, also known as Marble Church, the Court House on Nytorv Square or check out the facade of the red brick town hall. Alternatively the National Museum is not to be missed, as is the Christiansborg Palace in the very centre of Copenhagen.

Travel by train to Gothenburg in Sweden (approx 4 hours) via the famous Øresund Bridge that spans the strait separating Denmark and the Scandinavian peninsula. After a first orientation walk and becoming familiar with the city, enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps visit the Göteborg City Museum, housed in the former East India Company House, built during the time when Gothenburg's role was that of a major maritime trading centre. Take in the architectural ensemble on Gustav Adolfs Torg, go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn, check out the iconic Skansen Kronan, stroll along bohemian Långgatan street or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter, known for its picturesque wooden houses, 19th century atmosphere and the so-called hagabulle, a cinnamon pastry similar to kanelbulle.

Catch yet another train, this time across the border to Norway's capital Oslo (approx 4 hours). After an initial orientation walk explore this quirky, colourful city. Spend the day perusing delicacies at Maschmanns Food Market, admiring the handiwork of glass blowers at the Hadeland Glassverk, or simply strolling along Karl Johans Gate, the main shopping strip of the city. Why not head to the National Gallery of Art to glimpse Edvard Munch's famous 19th century painting, The Scream. In the evening say 'skal' ('cheers') to the group at your last dinner together. Why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare, dinner based around cod and mackerel dishes.

Your trip ends today after breakfast and you can depart your accommodation at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Oslo please speak to your travel agent at the time of booking as we will be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Note: If it's all ending too soon, you can extend your trip by combining it with our Scandinavia Explorer.