Our 14-day14-day Scandinavian itinerary has been designed to deliver as many highlights from the region as possible in just two weeks.
Our carefully crafted itinerary will see you join your private driver guide to experience Iceland’s volcanic fury, Denmark’s historic Copenhagen for royal palaces, Tivoli Gardens, and canal cruises before arriving at Sweden’s beautiful west coast.
Destinations on Our 14-Day Iceland, Denmark, & Sweden Itinerary
Days 1–3: Reykjavík & the South Shore, Iceland
Days 4–5: Glacial Frontiers & Eastfjords, Iceland
Days 6–7: Northern Marvels, Iceland
Day 8: Reykjavík to Copenhagen, Denmark
Days 9–10: Copenhagen & Gothenburg, Sweden
Days 11–12: Stockholm & Archipelago, Sweden
Days 13–14: Countryside Castles & Farewell, Sweden
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík
Ease into Iceland’s capital with a relaxed afternoon and an enchanting evening welcome.
City Orientation & Hallgrímskirkja Visit
Meet your private guide at Keflavík Airport and transfer to your Reykjavík hotel.
After taking some time to acclimatize to your new environment, meet your guide in the lobby for a walking tour to explore the city’s vibrant heart. Admire the soaring, church-steeple lines of Hallgrímskirkja, pop into colorful boutiques, and wander laneways splashed with street art. Between visits to waterfront cafés and hidden courtyards, you’ll gain a feel for Reykjavík’s blend of design-forward creativity and cozy neighborhood charm.
Old Harbour Walk & Welcome Dinner
As daylight fades, head to the Old Harbour for a stroll among modern sculptures and fishing boats.
Stop for a gourmet seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant, where panoramic views of Faxaflói Bay set the scene.
Day 2: Golden Circle Wonders
Discover the geology and history that forge Iceland’s iconic interior.
Þingvellir Rift Valley Exploration
Depart Reykjavík for Þingvellir National Park, where two tectonic plates pull apart beneath your feet.
Wander the Rift Valley trails, peer into the Silfra fissure’s crystal-clear waters, and stand where Vikings founded the world’s oldest parliament at Alþingi. Your guide will illuminate the interplay of seismic forces and human ambition that shaped this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geysir & Gullfoss Discovery
Continue to Haukadalur’s bubbling geothermal theater, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes in a dramatic steam plume.
Feel the ground tremble at each burst and learn how early scientists harnessed this power. Then, at Gullfoss, stand before the two-tiered waterfall’s thunderous roar, photographing rainbow mists and hearing tales of 19th-century conservationists who saved these falls from industrial fate.
Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls
Experience the raw power and hidden magic of Iceland’s southern cascades.
Seljalandsfoss Behind-the-Falls Experience
Arrive at Seljalandsfoss and follow the winding path behind the falls for an unforgettable perspective.
With your guide’s expert tips, you’ll capture the waterfall’s ethereal beauty from both front and back, discovering secret viewpoints few visitors see.
Skógafoss Panorama & Legends
Next, stand at the base of Skógafoss’s 60-meter drop as its deafening roar echoes across the black-sand plain.
Climb the adjacent staircase to a lofty platform for sweeping vistas of the waterfall and distant coastline. Your guide will recount the Viking-age legend of buried treasure hidden behind the falls, adding a layer of Norse myth to this spectacular natural landmark.
Day 4: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Venture to Iceland’s glacial frontier for an up-close encounter with ancient ice before strolling a shore strewn with crystalline ice fragments.
Jökulsárlón Zodiac Cruise
Board a nimble zodiac and slip quietly among towering icebergs calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier tongue.
As you glide through the mirror-calm waters, your guide will narrate how warming temperatures influence calving rates and reshape the lagoon’s ever-changing icescape. Keep watch for seals bobbing amid the floes and marvel at the deep blue hues forged by centuries of compression, each iceberg a living gallery of natural sculpture.
Diamond Beach Ice-Gem Stroll
Just across the road, step onto the jet-black sands of Diamond Beach, where smaller ice fragments wash ashore like scattered gemstones.
Stroll along the shoreline, pausing to photograph the contrast of translucent ice against volcanic sand.
Day 5: Eastfjords Art & Coast
Explore the tranquil eastern fjords, where seaside villages are alive with a creative spirit, and coastal sculpture greets the horizon.
Seyðisfjörður Village & Galleries
Wander the rainbow-painted streets of Seyðisfjörður, where wooden facades house intimate art studios and cozy cafés.
Meet local painters and potters in their workshops, sampling freshly baked berry pastries as you learn how this remote fjord inspired a thriving arts community.
Pause by the blue church at the river’s edge, framed by dramatic mountain peaks, and absorb the town’s blend of historic charm and contemporary creativity.
Djúpivogur Sculpture & Bird Cliff
Continue to Djúpivogur’s serene harbor to admire Eggin í Gleðivík, a sequence of 34 granite eggs representing the region’s bird species.
Then, journey to nearby Hellnar cliffs, where fulmars and kittiwakes wheel above crashing waves.
Your guide will point out nesting habits and explain how local conservation efforts protect these seabird colonies..
Day 6: North Iceland’s Charms
Return to the north for lush gardens and the thrill of ocean giants roaming Arctic waters.
Akureyri Botanical Garden & Boutiques
Explore Akureyri’s famed botanical garden, where Arctic poppies and lupines bloom against a backdrop of fjord-framed mountains.
Your guide will highlight rare subarctic species thriving in this sheltered microclimate. Afterward, stroll through downtown boutique shops, where Icelandic woolens and handcrafted jewelry reflect the region’s design ethos, perfect for picking up a distinctive Nordic keepsake.
Húsavík Whale Museum & Cruise
Head to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, for a private tour of the Whale Museum’s life-sized skeletons and interactive exhibits.
Then, embark on a small-group boat whale watching cruise in Skjálfandi Bay, a popular spot for pods of humpbacks and minkes.
With binoculars at the ready, you’ll learn to identify each species’ distinctive spout and tail-fluke pattern.
Day 7: Mývatn’s Geothermal Landscapes
Discover the otherworldly heat of North Iceland’s volcanic heart before unwinding in steamy, mineral-rich waters.
Hverir Mud Pots & Fumaroles Trek
Set out on raised boardwalks through Hverir’s simmering expanse, where bubbling mud pots churn in hues of ochre and rust.
Your guide will explain how superheated groundwater rises through fissures to create dramatic steam bursts and point out the mineral deposits that color the soil in vivid patterns. Along the way, feel the ground tremble beneath your feet and inhale the sulfur-tinged air—an immersive lesson in the raw forces shaping Iceland’s crust.
Continue to explore hidden vents where volcanic gases escape in rhythmic puffs, photographing steam plumes against a stark, lava-streaked backdrop.
Mývatn Nature Baths Relaxation
After the high-temperature spectacle, retreat to the Mývatn Nature Baths for a soothing soak in milky-blue waters with uninterrupted views of sprawling lava fields and volcanic ridges beyond.
Slip into the warm, silica-rich waters and feel stress melt away as steam rises in gentle columns around you. Between dips, relax on the terrace as you enjoy the soothing panoramic vistas..
Day 8: Reykjavík to Copenhagen
Trade Iceland’s stark landscapes for Danish charm on a scenic flight to Copenhagen, then step into a city where historic canals and modern design intertwine.
Flight to Copenhagen & City Transfer
Depart Akureyri (or Reykjavík) on a short flight that traces Iceland’s coastal fjords before landing in Copenhagen.
Your private transfer will whisk you to the iconic Nyhavn district, where pastel townhouses line a lively canal. As you stroll its quay, your guide will explain how 17th-century merchant ships once docked here and point out hidden courtyards now brimming with cafés and art galleries.
Take in the waterfront’s vibrant atmosphere, perhaps pausing for a Danish pastry accompanied by a locally roasted coffee. Learn how Copenhagen’s maritime roots shaped its culture, where every small side street holds a story of trade, art, and community.
Tivoli Gardens Evening Visit
As dusk falls, enter the enchanting Tivoli Gardens—one of the world’s oldest amusement parks—illuminated by thousands of glowing lanterns. Wander manicured pathways flanked by ornate flowerbeds, relax on a classic carousel, or feel the thrill of wooden roller coasters.
Your guide will reveal Tivoli’s storied past, from its 19th-century origins to its influence on Hans Christian Andersen and modern Danish design.
Day 9: Copenhagen’s Cultural Gems
Delve into Denmark’s royal heritage and architectural innovation, then glide through the city’s waterways for a unique urban perspective.
Amalienborg & Little Mermaid
Begin at Amalienborg Palace to witness the Royal Guard’s ceremonial changing of the guard in the cobblestone courtyard.
Next, stroll to the nearby Little Mermaid statue—a bronze icon inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale—and learn how its quiet presence on a granite rock has become a symbol of Copenhagen’s poetic soul.
Pause at a harbor-side kiosk for a savory smørrebrød open-faced sandwich, sampling rye bread topped with pickled herring or roast beef as you watch fishing vessels bob in the water.
Christiansborg Palace & Canal Tour
Venture to Christiansborg Palace, the seat of Denmark’s Parliament and Supreme Court. Tour the opulent Royal Reception Rooms—resplendent with tapestries and gilded mirrors—then explore the palace’s medieval ruins beneath the courtyard.
In the afternoon, embark on a private canal boat tour departing from Slotsholmen. Glide past historic merchant houses, under arched bridges, and alongside trendy waterfront districts.
Your guide will narrate Copenhagen’s transformation from Hanseatic port to modern metropolis, highlighting waterfront renewal projects and the city’s pioneering balance of heritage and sustainability.
Day 10: Copenhagen to Stockholm via Gothenburg
Transition from Denmark’s maritime charm to Sweden’s cultural heart with a scenic overland journey.
Drive to Gothenburg & Fika Break
Depart Copenhagen by private car and cross the Øresund Bridge into Sweden, watching the strait’s blue waters slip beneath you.
Midway, pause at a traditional café for “fika”—a coffee ritual accompanied by cinnamon buns or cardamom pastries.
Haga Quarter & Avenue Stroll
Arrive in Gothenburg’s Haga district, where cobblestone streets and lovingly restored wooden houses evoke 19th-century charm.
Wander past quaint shops filled with handmade crafts, sample fresh “köttbullar” meatballs at a cozy bistro, and browse narrow lanes of antique stores. Your guide will share tales of how Haga survived urban renewal and became a beloved enclave for locals and visitors alike.
Day 11: Stockholm’s Old Town & Museums
Delve into Sweden’s regal past and maritime prowess with a day in Stockholm’s historic core and island museums.
Gamla Stan Walking Tour
Step into Gamla Stan’s maze of medieval alleyways, where ochre-painted buildings lean over narrow streets paved in cobblestone.
Visit Storkyrkan Cathedral to admire its Gothic wood sculptures, then stroll to the Royal Palace to witness the changing of the guard. Your guide will recount centuries of royal ceremonies and urban legends—like the ghost of Princess Salome—bringing these ancient stones to life.
Vasa Museum & Djurgården Island
Cross to Djurgården Island for the world-renowned Vasa Museum, home to a fully reconstructed 17th-century warship salvaged from Stockholm Harbor.
Explore its ornate carvings and learn about the ill-fated maiden voyage that sank the Vasa in 1628. Afterward, wander the island’s leafy park paths to spot peacocks and sculptural art installations before returning to your central Stockholm hotel.
Day 12: Stockholm Archipelago Excursion
Escape the city for a day on Sweden’s vast archipelago, dotted with rocky islets and hidden coves.
Private Boat Tour of Islands
Board a comfortable private vessel and weave through the Stockholm Archipelago’s maze of granite skerries.
Stop at remote anchorages to dip your toes in crystalline waters and explore silent coves accessible only by boat. Your guide will explain how islanders adapted to this maritime landscape, pointing out centuries-old red cabins and fishing huts that cling to the rocky shores.
Moored at a rustic archipelago guesthouse, enjoy a leisurely lunch of freshly caught seafood—perhaps smoked salmon or locally foraged mushrooms—served family-style in a cozy dining room overlooking the bay. As you dine, learn how the region’s seasonal rhythms shape both livelihoods and culinary traditions, rounding out your Scandinavian journey with the flavors of salt-kissed islands.
Day 13: Countryside Castles & Culinary Delights
Venture beyond Stockholm’s urban center into the lush Swedish countryside for royal grandeur and artisanal flavors.
Drottningholm Palace & Gardens
Your private guide will lead you through Drottningholm’s opulent royal residence, home to Sweden’s monarch since the 17th century. Explore the lavish State Apartments, with gilded ceilings and period furnishings, before stepping into the meticulously manicured Baroque gardens.
A visit to the intimate Court Theatre, preserved in its original Rococo splendor, offers a rare glimpse into performances that entertained royalty centuries ago.
Swedish Fika & Design Workshop
After palace exploration, pause for a classic Swedish “fika” at a nearby manor-house café.
Savor strong coffee paired with cinnamon-swirl buns or cardamom cake as your guide explains the cultural significance of this daily ritual. Then, step into a local design studio to craft your own Scandinavian keepsake—perhaps weaving a minimalist textile or stamping leather goods—under the tutelage of a master artisan.
Day 14: Departure from Stockholm
Settle into a private vehicle for the drive to Stockholm Arlanda Airport. As you depart, reflect on a journey woven from volcanic landscapes, royal castles, and Nordic hospitality—memories to carry wherever your travels lead next.
