City Hopping in Scandinavia

Trip Highlights:

Travel from London to Stockholm by land
Enjoy discovering some fascinating but lesser visited cities en-route
Visit two of the most eco-friendly capitals in the world - Copenhagen and Stockholm
Experience travelling overnight with your very own cozy cabin
Book additional activities to delve beyond the surface in each location

Trip Overview:

Start your journey in London (or another city in the UK), first up visiting the city of Utrecht. Often known as Amsterdam in miniature, this pretty canal-side city is far less crowded than the capital, but provides everything you need for a classic Dutch experience. Overnight in your hotel near the station, and enjoy a quaint pitstop before your next day of adventure.

From Utrecht, you'll spend day 2 travelling toward the first of your Scandinavian capitals. Start mid-morning and you'll have the afternoon and evening to explore the German port city of Hamburg before your night train to Stockholm leaves. Like many Port cities, Hamburg has often been known for its rakish reputation... but these days the city rivals Berlin when it comes to culture and gastronomy. Its location, sat astride the Elbe estuary, makes for an impressive architectural web, with striking warehouses and modern constructions piled up against canals and waterways.

Close to the central station, you can pop into Hamburger Kunsthalle, which houses two impressive permanent collections (both classical and modern) as well as special exhibitions. Alternatively, head to the impressive Maritime museum before a spot of dinner at one of the city's many great eateries around Jungfernstieg promenade. A wander through the much-photographed Speicherstadt (or City of Warehouses) takes you to the port - if you're a music lover, you'd even have time to catch a concert at the phenomenal waterside Elbphilharmonie concert hall before hopping on your overnight train, which leaves around 11.30pm.

You'll be treated to morning views of the train weaving its way through the waterways and mountains of Denmark and Southern Sweden. There's plenty of time for a leisurely brunch at the on-board pub - don't forget to book a table - before you arrive just in time to check in at your hotel.

Culture fans will be spoilt for choice: Stockholm's compact centre is packed with galleries, museums and attractions. Some of the most famous include the "Moderna museet" gallery and the Vasa Museum, along with the Royal Palace and Nobel Prize museum - but there are a number of small, quirky museums which are worth a visit too. The Toy Museum is great for kids, the Carl Eldhs Ateliermuseet is a wonderfully tranquil spot for art lovers, just outside the centre... and of course the ABBA museum does hold undeniable appeal....

Next up, it's an easy hop onto your second capital city of the trip. What Copenhagen lacks in outward glitz, it more than makes up for in understated style. Make the most of your visit (and minimise your emissions) by renting a bike and cruising the many miles of smooth cycle roads in fine Danish tradition.

It is, of course, home to picturesque cobbled streets and those famous colourful facades at Nyhavn, but also to hundreds of celebrated restaurants, design ateliers and independent shops to browse. For those inclined towards the counter-cultural, a respectful visit to Freetown Christiania is fascinating - though always keep in mind that this is home for residents. Splendid architecture abounds, with Rosenborg Castle, The Botanical Gardens and charming Jægersborggade all worth an explore - but some of the city's most interesting spots lie in less famous locales. The previously sketchy meat-packing district of Vesterbro is a great example of how gentrification changes the character of a place. Taking a tour with a local guide can be a great way to understand the positives and controversies of the situation, while also spotting some of the interesting developments which have taken root as a result.

Embarking on your return journey, you'll head back to Hamburg - during the day this time - with an overnight stop to pickup on all the things you didn't manage to see on your way out. In the morning, head to your final stop before you're homeward bound.

Rotterdam is the largest port city in the world - and you'd be forgiven for thinking on arrival that this is all it has to offer. The city, almost flattened during the second world war, was reinvented in a sea of 1950s concrete and brutalist design. But while it might not be the most classically beautiful, Rotterdam is in transformation. World class architects are working their magic on its skyline - from the Erasmus Bridge, to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen to the incomprehensible "Cube houses". Just walking around the newer sections of the city is an impressive activity in itself.

As the Netherlands' second largest city, it is a cultural melting pot - a great place to feast on incredible Japanese or Korean food, or explore various cuisines at the impressive new market hall. It's also home to 4 major art galleries showing collections from the 13th Century to modern day, a photographic museum, a large concert hall and an impressive town hall, giving you plenty of options to relax into the final evening of your trip.

Location: Stockholm - Stockholm, Sweden

Itinerary

Day 1

London - Utrecht

Travel from London to Utrecht*. Hop on your morning Eurostar to Rotterdam, followed by a quick hop over to Utrecht.

** Arrangements can also be made for return travel by ferry from Hull to Hook of Holland, or from Newcastle to Ijmuiden. From both destinations you can pick up public transport to your onward train connection - contact us for more details.

Day 2: Utrecht to Hamburg

Day 2 is a day of travel adventures. After breakfast in Utrecht, hop on the train to start your adventure Northwards.

Day 3: Hamburg - Stockholm

Leave Hamburg late in the evening and settle into your cozy private cabin, arriving early afternoon in the Swedish capital.

Day 3-6: Stockholm

You'll have 2 full days to explore the Swedish capital, famous for its many islets and array of gilded buildings.

Available to add:

Additional guiding and excursion options

Day 6: Stockholm to Copenhagen

Depart mid-morning from Stockholm and travel onwards to the Danish capital

Day 6-9: Copenhagen:

Enjoy 3 full days in one of the happiest cities in Europe. Why not rent a bike while you're here to see the city in style?

Day 9: Copenhagen to Hamburg

A travel day awaits today as you head back towards the UK. Set off in the morning and arrive mid afternoon in Hamburg - after a quick taste of this city on your way out, it's time to revisit your to-do list and explore what you didn't get chance to see last time!

Day 10: Hamburg to Rotterdam

Day 11: Return to the UK

Depart Rotterdam/Ijmuiden either by Eurostar or ferry and return to the UK. Enjoy a smooth direct return to the UK - either in around 3 hours by Eurostar to London, or overnight if you're travelling back to Hull or Newcastle.

Pickup

Start your journey from the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras, or from your nearest train station. Alternatively, take the ferry from Hull or Newcastle.

Things To Bring

Pack lightly if possible - you'll need to carry or store your luggage while transferring.
Bring good, comfortable boots or shoes for walking.
Mallorca's climate is generally warm and sunny, however in off-season there is the chance for colder, rainy or stormy weather. Check the forecast ahead and pack accordingly.

Trip Notes:

This experience is well suited towards families, and we are happy to adapt activities should you prefer something different (for example, we can swap aperitivo for another activity which is more suited to children).
Some of the activities optional on this itinerary assume a good level of physical fitness, for example tours involving walking.
Due to extensive public transport taken, this itinerary may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited site. Please contact us if you're unsure.

Inclusions

All rail transport from London (or ferry from Hull/Newcastle - extra fees may apply)
All accommodation
Breakfast each morning
Optional extras: activities to book