13D10N Best of SCANDINAVIA+ FJORD BAY

Set on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most charming and idiosyncratic capital cities, largely due to its unique geographical location on a group of peculiarly shaped islands and peninsulas projecting out into the Baltic Sea. The majority of attractions are conveniently clustered on a central peninsula which, while not exactly an ancient ‘Old Town’, boasts some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. The city springs to life in summer when the sun continues to shine long after midnight. Winding streets play host to an array of tempting sidewalk cafes and bistros serving bizarre Finnish delicacies such as beaver sausage and dried reindeer. If that proves a little too exotic, check out the legendary Design Museum or try the saunas at the famous Yrjonkatu Swimming Hall, known for its spectacular architecture and unique atmosphere.

Sweden’s ever-evolving capital city of Stockholm is built on an archipelago of islands at the meeting of Lake Malar and Salt Bay, and two-thirds of its area is comprised of water, parks and woodland. The medieval ‘Old Town’ contains old-world houses; a magnificent gothic cathedral; and countless other historic buildings lining its cobbled streets. Some of the best historic sites in Stockholm include the Vasamuseet, which houses the enormous 1628 worship, Vasa; the spectacular Kungliga Slottet palace; and the incredible open-air museum, Skansen, which offers insight into traditional historic Swedish life. The city is also a high-tech, futuristic metropolis at the forefront of international design and technology. Party the night away at the famous outdoor club Tradgarden; sip rose at a floating bar at Strandvagen, the city’s most glamorous street; or immerse yourself in the gaming world at basement venue Ugglan.

Spreading over the banks of the Klaralven River, close to the northern edge of Lake Vanern in Sweden’s Varmland County, Karlstad is known for its spectacular natural scenery and its rich cultural scene. The city attracts outdoor types with its idyllic riverside picnic spots, canals, and sunny, warm weather, and active travellers can enjoy many opportunities for hiking, cycling, swimming, boating, and fishing. Explore the fascinating interactive multimedia displays at the prestigious Varmlands Museum, and visit historic sites like the exquisite Karlstad Cathedral. Art and literature enthusiasts will be delighted in tracing the steps and ties between the city and renowned figures such as painter Lars Lerin (visit Sandgrund Lars Lerin), 19th-century poet Gustaf Froding (visit Alsters Herrgard), and Nobel Prize-winning author Selma Lagerlof (visit Marbacka).

Set on Norway’s breathtaking southern coast, and surrounded by the lush, rolling hills of the Marka region and the rippling waters of the Oslofjord, Oslo is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of both winter and summer activities. However, mother nature is not the only artist at work in this vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Norway’s capital is also home to a rich and prolific arts community and is filled with world-class galleries such as the astounding National Gallery Norway and the intriguing Munch Museum. Other popular attractions include the Viking Ship Museum, home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, and The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Europe’s largest open-air museum. Throw in a thriving nightlife and a unique culinary tradition and you get a smorgasbord of Nordic delights.

The lovely little lakeside town of Voss is known world-wide as the adrenaline capital of Norway. The surrounding landscape is characterised by snow-capped mountains, lush valleys and forests, fast flowing rivers, breathtaking waterfalls and crystal clear lakes. This exquisite terrain forms an ideal playground in which to indulge in a remarkable range of adventure-sports. Summertime outdoor activities, include hiking, mountain biking, horseriding, kayaking, canyoning, bungy jumping, skydiving, paragliding, white water rafting and more. In winter the town transforms into a winter wonderland featuring two renowned ski centres, over 55 kilometres of pristine alpine runs and around 20 ski lifts. The town also boasts an impressive food heritage which visitors can experience at a local farmhouse restaurant dating from the 1700s. The farmhouse serves hearty portions of Norwegian specialities including traditional style lamb meat, sour cream porridge, as well as cured and seasoned meat. If you are seeking thrilling adventures, extreme surrounding and some local culinary delights, Voss won’t fail to impress.

Known as the ‘gateway to the fjords’, Bergen is a delightful, picturesque city surrounded by the fjords of Norway's western coast and seven spectacular forested mountains. The landscapes offer an incredible wonderland for outdoor sports; however, for many visitors the highlight is simply wandering along the narrow, cobbled streets, strolling in and out of bustling cafes, nibbling on some of the excellent local dishes and mingling with the friendly locals. There is plenty to thrill history buffs with an abundance of museums and rows beautifully preserved tiny wooden Hanseatic houses painted in an array of cheerful colours. With its dynamic cultural life, excellent range of restaurants, impressive art galleries and booming nightlife, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with this enchanting ‘trebyen’ (wooden city).

Set at the outlet of the Gota River on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg is the second largest city in the country, but it often preferred for its slower-paced, laidback atmosphere. Once a gritty industrial seaport, Gothenburg is now making a name for itself as an international, modern city complete with a grand opera house, a flourishing botanical garden, and a large amusement park with a vintage rollercoaster. It is also home to some of Sweden’s best museums and art galleries housing eminent artworks of Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet. Much like the city itself, many of the best bars, boutiques, and bistros have managed to remain under the radar, making its enviable array of urban treasures enjoyable without the intrusion of hordes of tourists. Equally underrated is the city’s growing alternative arts, fashion and design scene.

Set on Denmark’s coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen, the country’s capital, is no ordinary city. Despite its size, it is home to many areas with a distinctly village-like quality. It has all that one would expect from a modern city, including state-of-the-art architecture and cutting-edge infrastructure. At the same time, its modernity is juxtaposed with a host of Danish cliches and a historic city centre. Rows of sherbert-hued townhouses adorned with flower boxes and lace curtains line ancient canals playing host to fleets of quaint, rickety houseboats. Add an incredibly innovative design scene, a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly road system and culture, and a slew of stylish bars, clubs, and galleries. It is easy to see why so many visitors are seduced by the charms of this atmospheric seaside city.

Perched at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is a captivating city-state where modernity meets tradition across 640 square kilometres of mainland and islands. A melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences, the city offers an extraordinary blend of cultures, cuisines, and architectural marvels. Wander through Chinatown with its ornate temples and vibrant marigold garlands, explore the colorful streets of Little India, or marvel at the colonial and Art Deco heritage of the Civic District—all juxtaposed against the gleaming skyline of futuristic skyscrapers and high-end shopping precincts. Beyond the urban sophistication, Singapore is a haven of meticulously curated gardens, rooftop retreats, and gastronomic adventures, earning its place as one of the world’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan destinations.