Scandinavia

Good afternoon globe-roamers and welcome to your first stop of memory-making magic.

After a bit of a mingle with the new squad we'll getting into the spirit of our imminent adventures in Copenhagen. We've got all day tomorrow to suss out the city, so after an orientation tour of the city, today can stay reserved for Contiki hangs if you're feeling social. (D) Stay: Scandic Sydhaven (or similar)

Constantly named amongst the most liveable cities in the world, Copenhagen is an artwork of locals on bicycles, Danish pastries in cute café windows, & Renaissance architecture. Being a bustling university town and home to the hippie hood of Freetown Christiania, nightlife and unique culture can be found at every turn. (B)

Before you go bursting out of your travel clothes thanks to your new-found pastry dependency, we're bailing on Denmark.

Next stop: Norway! To the call of castles, fresh seafood, & pretty parks, we respond! Today we're taking on Norway. We'll be surrounded by 200 bronze statues eating Krumkaker pastries before we can say "jeg elsker Norge! " (that's "I love Norway," folks). (B) Stay: Scandic Helsfyr (or similar)

Oslo, both the capital and biggest city of Norway, is a riverside metropolis back-dropped by mountains of greenery and filled with easy-going culture. Pottering around museums and pretty buildings will keep us busy by day, while taking a stroll through the city should keep you busy by night. (B)

Though you'll feel like you know Norway inside out by now, you can't really grasp the country until you've witnessed its great open plains & small country towns... Before we arrive in our overnight hub, we'll coast through the rugged river and rock landscapes of Telemark and Hardangervidda regions, with nature worthy of an Instagram or two...

Tonight's stop, Voss is the adventure capital of Norway. We'll take the chilled out approach here, with a night of relaxing and getting to know the crew in our lakefront lodge, it's like waking up in a movie. (B/D) Stay: Scandic Voss (or similar)

The adventure capital of Norway is ours to explore today! We recommend getting the endorphins pumping with a good ol' hike. There's also white water rafting for the hardcore adventurers, plus the option to visit the legendary Voss Gondola.

After a breathless day of adventure, you'll have the chance to explore the local area tonight - with lots of delicious eateries to choose from. (B)

The outdoor vibes don't end today, we'll be getting back to nature from sun up 'til sun down. Wild animals and spectacular scenery are on the cards so keep that camera of yours charged to full. Norwegian countryside and pretty waterfalls will highlight our journey to the 200km long Sognefjord, a sight set to take your breath away.

After lunch at Boyabreen glacier - which will see you pondering more rural life goals - we'll continue our journey to Geiranger Fjord, where we'll head out for a spot of kayaking and then spend the night surrounded by some of mother nature's finest. (B/D) Stay: Grotli Høyfjellshotell (or similar)

We've got more spectacular natural beauty to check out today. First we'll take a cruise the stunning Geiranger Fjord, a UNESCO listed fairy tale of a place with wild waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and vibrant green foliage. After managing to close our jaws again, we'll stop at the famous alpine ski resort of Lillehammer. Upon arrival we could take a stroll through the city or hop on the Lillehammer Olympic Track bobsleigh, Northern Europe's only artificially frozen bob. All done for the day? We've got more epic surprises tomorrow, so make sure to rest up. (B) Stay: Thon Hotel Elgstua (or similar)

Rise and shine! More adventures await. Today we're crossing the border from Norway to Sweden, so keep an eye out for the famous Vasaloppet start line. Dalarna is set to take our breath away upon arrival. The centerpiece is the shimmering lake, so we'll let you enjoy this for a few hours (kayaking or maybe just a sauna, depending on your vibe).

Want to experience more of the area's natural beauty? You'll have the chance to take a short hike through the forest with fika and huskies in between. Bask in your surroundings and learn all about Swedish history and folklore from a local guide. (B/D) Stay: Torgåsgården (or similar)

Leaving Dalarna behind and bidding farewell to the orange Dala horse (Sweden's national symbol), we're headed to the capital today. Stockholm, here we come! After checking into our stylish Generator accommodation, it's off for a historical sightseeing tour before dinner. (B) Stay: Generator Stockholm (Stockholm, Sweden)

Wander the quaint medieval streets of Gamla Stan & try to catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. All that ground covered will earn you some Swedish salmon & an Absolut on the rocks – but don't forget to save room for your evening meatballs…. (B)

Our trip finishes after breakfast today but Scandinavia will live on in our memories for years to come. Swap contact details and start planning your next adventure! (B)