Day 1: Wednesday 13 May 2026 – Departure and travel to Hull
Today we set off on our adventure by a leisurely drive to Hull for our overnight crossing P&O North Sea Ferries to Rotterdam. An en suite lower berth cabin with side-by-side beds has been booked. Enjoy your included buffer dinner before the on-board entertainment. A stop in York will be made over lunch with time for sightseeing.
Day 2: Thursday 14 May 2026 – Arnhem and travel to Germany
After an extensive buffet breakfast, we’ll disembark the ferry in Rotterdam and travel onward to Arnhem for a 2-hour stop, take time to reflect on its “Bridge Too Far” legacy from the Second World War. We continue across the border to Cloppenburg in Germany, a charming old town rich with character. Arrival approx. 4.00pm.
We spend the night at the Parkhotel Cloppenburg, a lovely hotel that has been used on previous tours. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 3: Friday 15 May 2026 – Hamburg and travel to Denmark
We travel north past Bremen to Hamburg, where you’ll have around three hours to explore one of Germany’s most vibrant port cities. Hamburg offers a rich mix of history, culture, and striking waterfront scenery.
We continue across the border into Denmark near Flensburg and to Kolding for dinner and an overnight stay at the Scandic Kolding Hotel.
Day 4: Saturday 16 May 2026 – Travel to Norway and Oslo
After an early breakfast we travel north through Jutland to Hirtshals for an afternoon ferry crossing to Norway.
There will be time to relax on board, sample some refreshments and enjoy the ships facilities.
On arrival in Norway, enjoy a first taste of the pristine scenery for which the country is so rightly famed. Travel to Oslo, Norway’s charming maritime capital. Oslo’s origins are found in the 8th Century, and it grew rapidly during Viking times, when it earned its title of “Viking Capital”. It offers a unique Scandinavian atmosphere and a beautiful city centre with many green spaces as well as a wide range of monuments and historic buildings. Main sites include Parliament, The Royal Palace, the pretty harbour area at Aker Brygge, Karl Johan’s Gate, the stunning Opera House and Arkershus Fortress. Check in to the centrally located Home Hotel Folketeateret, Oslo for a 3-night stay.
Upon arrival in Oslo, we will be met by Iori Roberts. Since it is May there is daylight well after 10pm. Due to the central location of our hotel, we take a gentle walk through the city with Iori before our evening meal.
Afterwards, Iori Roberts will give the first of his lectures. The lecture topic will be The Vikings and Wales.
Day 5: Sunday 17 May 2026 – Oslo for Norwegian National Day
Today, we will be joined by Iori Roberts to celebrate the Norwegian National Day, the most exciting day of the year. We spend the morning and early afternoon taking in the festivities and experiencing how Norwegians mark the occasion. The Norwegian Constitution came out May 17,1814. Since then, except in certain circumstances, it has been celebrated with parades for children. In Oslo on 17 May all the school children and their teachers will walk up the main street up to the Palace. You will see a huge variety of beautiful 'bunader' or national costumes. The parade can be for up to 4-hours. It is a spectacular and unique experience.
Later, we will take an evening walk to see more of the city of Oslo and get a better feel for its atmosphere.
Day 6: Monday 18 May 2026 - Oslo
An exciting day ahead as we spend another day in Oslo with Iori Roberts, enjoying more of what the city has to offer. We will visit Vigeland Park, one of Oslo’s most iconic locations, where we can explore Gustav Vigeland’s remarkable sculptures and enjoy a walk through the beautifully designed grounds.
We will then take a short drive to see the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, another of Oslo’s most famous landmarks, to take in the impressive views and learn more about Norway’s ski‑jumping tradition.
Enjoy the second of Iori Roberts’ lectures this evening. Two shorter talks, one on the background to the work of Edvard Munch, the painter of ‘The Scream’ and the other talk on Scandinavian Scientists, an informal lecture on this part of the world’s contribution to learning.
Day 7: Tuesday 19 May 2026 – Travel to Sweden
Departing the urban charm of Oslo, travel east through rolling hills and vast pine forests to cross the border into Sweden. Travel through the Swedish Lake District passing shimmering lakes, including Lake Vanern, the largest lake in the EU and nearly 8 times larger than the island of Anglesey!
We stop in Orebro, the 7th largest city in Sweden with a small-town feel and known for its beautiful castle for “fika” – Sweden’s coffee break tradition which dates back to the 19th century and is mandatory in some workplaces. Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital city, which encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago.
The cobblestone streets and ochre-coloured buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands. Check in to the centrally located Freys Hotel, Stockholm for a 3-night stay.
Day 8: Wednesday 20 May 2026 - Stockholm
This morning enjoy a walking tour of historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) area*, which is also home to the Royal Palace. The colourful buildings, independent shops, fascinating churches and cafes, make this an interesting area to walk through.
Afterwards, board a classic ship for a cruise in the archipelago, a relaxing way to view the city from a different perspective whilst learning about the history, culture and natural wonders of the area from the onboard English-speaking guide. An included two-course lunch is served during the cruise.
* please note that a reasonable level of mobility and sturdy footwear is required due to the cobbled streets, which do have inclines in places.
Day 9: Thursday 21 May 2026 – At leisure in Stockholm
Free day to enjoy Stockholm at your own pace. For ABBA fans, the official museum is a must; for the seafarers, don’t miss the incredibly preserved 17th-century warship “Vasa” and for an unusual art/culture experience, a journey on the Metro through the world’s longest art gallery is unforgettable. Make sure to stop in one of the many cafes for Swedish meatballs and cinnamon buns.
Day 10: Friday 22 May 2026 – Travel to Denmark
Traveling south on Sweden’s efficient road network, we pass the city of Norrköping, nicknamed “Little Manchester” due to its significant industrial past. We stop for lunch in Jönköping, a tranquil city on the shores of Lake Vättern, known for its long beach and most uniquely, as the centre of the world’s safety match industry since the 1850’s.
A highlight of today is crossing the Øresund Bridge. Opened in 2000 the 16km crossing includes 8km of bridge, 4 km of tunnel and 4km of artificial island – a true triumph of modern engineering that took just 4 years to build. Arrive in Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark. Dating back to the Viking Age, the history and buildings of this city make a fascinating backdrop to the today’s modern culture. Check in to the centrally located Imperial Hotel, Copenhagen for a 2-night stay.
Day 11: Saturday 23 May 2026 – Copenhagen with local guide
Meet a local guide for a tour of the city by coach and on foot, taking in the main sights including the Christianborg Palace, once home to kings and queens but now housing the Danish Parliament and Courts; Tivoli Gardens, which, following a visit in the 1950’s, was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Disneyland, and the small but iconic Little Mermaid statue. From the famous Nyhaven district of cobblestone streets, tall ships and colourful townhouses, sit back and enjoy a guided harbour cruise through the city’s canals and waterways for a different perspective of the city.
Day 12: Sunday 24 May 2026 – Odense & travel to Germany
Departing Copenhagen we travel to Odense. Most famous for being the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the city is a charming blend of fairytale magic, rich history and modern creativity. Explore the cobbled streets of the pretty medieval old town during a 1-hour walking tour with a local guide and then pop into a café for your final opportunity to enjoy a delicious Danish pastry. Continue to Germany for an overnight stay at the Best Western Hotel Prisma, Neumuenster.
Day 13: Monday 25 May 2026 – Journey to Rotterdam
We cross Germany and travel through Holland to Rotterdam for the relaxing crossing back to Hull. Comfortable cabin accommodation awaits on board as well as included buffet dinner and buffet breakfast. There will also be time for shopping and to enjoy the ship’s great facilities.
Day 14: Tuesday 26 May 2026 – Travel home
After a final breakfast on board, we arrive back in Hull and travel back to North Wales.