Scandinavia is not merely a winter destination; throughout the summer months the snow melts away to reveal forests in bloom, sparkling waterways and an abundance of native wildlife. Our summer collection features everything from active outdoor exploration to classic self-drives and rail journeys, alongside some brand new itineraries for 2020. We've featured some of our favourite brochure highlights below, both old and new, but also well worth a mention is our Swedish Design Icons break, including the brand-new Arctic Bath, as well as our autumn itineraries; including the Levi Glass Igloo Autumn Break, Autumn at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel and Autumn Auroras at Wilderness Hotel Inari.
Summer Adventure in Finnish Lakeland
For a sun-soaked escape into nature, look no further than the new Summer Adventure in Finnish Lakeland. You’re free to be as adventurous or laid-back as you like, with lake swimming, bike rides and fishing trips available alongside invigorating Finnish sauna sessions and traditional massages. Log cabin accommodation by Lake Vesijärvi or Lake Paijanne provides a home base for everything from forest foraging to visits to local wineries and reindeer farms. There’s also an included boat trip to a private island for sunbathing and swimming before a rustic fireside lunch. This self-drive journey continues on to visit Kuusa, Jyvaskyla and Tampere, staying in stylish villas and contemporary hotels with the option of whitewater rafting, lake cruises and museum hunting in some of Finland’s most scenic lakeside towns. This is an itinerary designed to maximise summer in one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Summer Adventure in Finnish Lakeland
Under the Midnight Sun: Treehotel & ICEHOTEL
The Midnight Sun is one of nature’s true wonders and, when paired with iconic accommodation in Sweden, makes for an unforgettable holiday experience. Under The Midnight Sun: Treehotel & ICEHOTEL makes the most of the natural beauty of the Scandinavian forests to capture the magic of Sweden in summertime. After collecting your hire car, you’ll arrive first at Brändön Lodge, located on the shoreline with picturesque sea views, from where you’ll take a kayak tour to spot native wildlife, or perhaps a scenic hike. Then it’s on to the distinctive Treehotel, where seven unique treehouses (including one inspired by a UFO) rise above the timbertops overlooking a sweeping river valley. You'll finish your trip in one of the ice-laden Art Suites at ICEHOTEL 365, powered by solar energy and open year-round. This hotel is an engineering marvel and an architectural masterpiece all-in-one; the perfect base for activities such as river rafting and bike riding in Sweden's fresh countryside.
Under the Midnight Sun: Treehotel & ICEHOTEL
Iceland's Arctic Coast Way
If you’re a fan of spectacular coastal drives, Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way, brand new for this brochure, is a gem. A little off the beaten track, this route was one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 destinations for 2019, a well-deserved accolade. From start to finish this road trip is all shimmering waterways, high mountain passes and rugged coastline; punctuated by stays in chic hotels with subtle Scandi accents. Soak in hot-spring pools and stroll through quaint towns and villages, tasting fresh, local food at each stop. Among the many possible excursions along the way, a highlight is sure to be whale-spotting in Húsavík, known as the Whale-Watching Capital of Iceland. Finish your drive with a stay in Reykjavik or extend your trip for a dip in the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
Fjord Escape to Bergen & Balestrand
One of our most popular summer itineraries is the classic Fjord Escape to Bergen & Balestrand. If you’ve never experienced the drama of Norway’s coastline, this is the perfect way to do it, with two fjord cruises and two scenic rail journeys included. You’ll start your journey among the brightly-coloured timber houses of Bergen, before taking an express boat to Sognefjord, Norway’s longest, deepest fjord and one of nature’s most breathtaking sights. From your 19th-century hotel in Balestrand, you’ll be free to explore the surrounding waterways by kayak or boat, or take in the countryside on a gentle hike. Your second fjord cruise will take you to the storybook village of Flåm, where you’ll experience a scenic rail journey past waterfalls and valleys before ending your holiday with a final night in Bergen. It’s no wonder that this tailor-made break is one of our most popular, showcasing Norway’s iconic fjords in absolute style.
Fjord Escape to Bergen & Balestrand
Bear Watching in Sweden
New for this year’s brochure is Bear Watching in Sweden. A mere two hour’s drive from Stockholm is the country’s highest concentration of bears, hiding among the wilds of the Gävleborg region. This tailor-made break gives you the best chance of spotting these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, as well as enjoying hikes and kayak paddles through forests and waterways. From Stockholm, take a train or collect your hire car to transfer to your accommodation, a boutique farmhouse complete with floating sauna and outdoor jacuzzi on the shores of a forested lake. Your bear watching tour is centred around a night in a private timber hide in the wilderness, with an expert guide to give you tips and bring you dinner before leaving you to an evening of excited expectation. This is truly a unique experience and an exciting addition to the summer brochure.
Fjords to Arctic: Bergen, Tromso & Svalbard
The Norwegian Arctic is not only a winter destination, and our Fjords to Arctic itinerary embraces a totally different side of Norway under the Midnight Sun. This tailor-made trip begins with the historic delights of Bergen – gateway to Norway's western fjords – before you head north to Tromso, where optional hikes and an included cable car ride will showcase its dramatic beauty. It's then on to Norway’s further flung outpost – Svalbard, home of the elusive polar bear. Arriving into Longyearbyen, you'll stay in the stylish Funken Lodge, close to the Lars glacier, with a champagne cellar and restaurant onsite. Then, from wilderness safaris to an included boat trip, you'll have plenty of time to uncover Svalbard's rugged terrain as well as Longyearbyen's local history. This is a firm favourite for those looking for a unique Scandinavian escape.
Fjord to Arctic: Bergen, Tromso & Svalbard
Ordering a Brochure
To order a copy of our Summer & Autumn 2020 Brochure, fill in a request form at the link below. There are journeys far beyond the selection we've highlighted here, designed with the beauty of a Scandinavian summer in mind. We're ready and waiting to help you find the perfect tailor-made trip.
