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Stay Informed COVID & Travel in Scandinavia

Norwegian Fjords for Travelers – The Stuff that Matters

December 17, 2020

by Marcelo Guimaraes – Founder & Owner of Discover Scandinavia Tours

Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock

If someone were to ask me: “Marcelo, what are the top-three Scandinavian attractions that your clients want to experience?” my answer certainly would include the Norwegian fjords. The other two would be the Northern Lights and a tie among Viking sites, castles and natural scenery (I know… that’s more than three. Yes, I cheated.)

Instead of trying to answer how many fjords exist in Norway, or what the 17 prettiest ones are, or any such nonsensical questions typical of many blogs out there, I will focus on my experience. It’s what I always do when I write these pieces: I describe what I have personally experienced or what our clients share with us. I like to talk about what, I believe, matters to travelers. So, let’s dive into some Norwegian fjords. Pun. Intended. (more…)

ALL the Answers You Need on Scandinavian Ice Hotels (3 “Hidden” Gems)

September 25, 2020

Filed under: Scandinavian Attractions — Tags: , , — Marcelo Guimaraes @ 2:50 pm

by Marcelo Guimaraes – Founder & Owner of Discover Scandinavia Tours

INTRODUCTION – Is an Ice Hotel Stay for Me?

Marcelo at the Snow Igloo in Alta

The Snow Igloo was melting when I got there…

Great news: you have decided to go on an awesome winter vacation in Lapland! Now you are thinking about all the fun things you will see and experience there, so these questions are inevitable: how about those hotels made of ice? Should I try that?

The answer is: YES! Well, perhaps if you are like my mother, who strongly despises the cold more than anything, you should rethink the whole trip… but otherwise, the experience is something you should not miss. There are several candidates (hotels made entirely of ice, that is) all over northern Scandinavia, so let’s get to know some of hotels and answer some of the most common questions that travelers have about them.

Also, chances are that you have heard of the original Ice Hotel, near Kiruna (Sweden). It was the first ice hotel built, back in 1989. They are great and consistently deliver an outstanding experience, but every single blog out there already mentions them. Therefore, I want to shine the spotlight on three other ice hotels which you should also consider visiting. (more…)

How to Set Up A Glacier Vacation in Iceland or Norway

September 22, 2020

Filed under: Awesome Itineraries,Scandinavian Attractions — Tags: , , , — Marcelo Guimaraes @ 4:16 pm

by Marcelo Guimaraes – Founder & Owner of Discover Scandinavia Tours

INTRODUCTION – What Can I Do on a Glacier?

Marcelo & guides on Vatnajokull

Marcelo and 2 guides during a hike on Vatnajokull (March 2014).

To most people, the idea of walking on a glacier is pretty exotic and seemingly out of reach. Seeing the inside of a glacier may even sound impossible… but it isn’t, fortunately! If you know how to get to a glacier and how to safely explore it, the adventure becomes accessible and realizable. That is what I intend on doing here: to cut through all the confusing information out there and give you just what you need: 1) a list of a few highly accessible glaciers; 2) information on how to get to them, and 3) how to best explore them. Specifically, I will be discussing glaciers in Iceland and Norway, since the glacier tourism infrastructure in those countries is quite developed. (more…)

Want a Fantastic Winter Vacation? Visit Lapland!

September 4, 2020

by Marcelo Guimaraes – Founder & Owner of Discover Scandinavia Tours

INTRODUCTION – Vacationing at the Top of the World

group tour in the norwegian lapland

Marcelo’s first visit to Lapland – Modern explorers in action!

Lapland is an adventure.

I am not talking about dangling from a cliff, jumping from an airplane or searching long-lost treasures in some subterranean metropolis of millennia ago. By “adventure” I mean: inherently and delightfully unique experiences. Regardless of where you come from, when you travel to Lapland you will feel like you are in a place different from all other places. Cliché ahead… but there is a certain magic to it, especially in the winter time.

You have heard about it, you have wanted to explore it, but you have questions. This is my humble attempt to address them. My focus on this document will be on winter Lapland vacations, but I am sure that other seasons will be covered in future articles. Let’s get to your questions, shall we? (more…)

A Practical Guide For A Wonderful Northern Lights Vacation

August 28, 2020

by Marcelo Guimaraes – Founder & Owner of Discover Scandinavia Tours

INTRODUCTION – WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM READING THIS

multi color northern lights show

An incredibly beautiful Northern Lights show

In the last few years, I have created many Northern Lights vacations for hundreds of clients. Often the interactions are initiated with the following request: “We want to go on a Northern Lights trip with the ultimate goal of viewing them. That’s the most important thing for us, since it has been on our ‘bucket list’ for a long time. Can you help us with that?”

It happens all the time. ALL the time. (more…)

Packing List for Your Norway Summer Vacation

May 13, 2019

Filed under: Awesome Itineraries,Scandinavian Attractions — discoverscandinaviatours @ 5:17 am

Your Norway vacation is booked, and you are starting to plan for your exciting adventure. Knowing what to pack and bring can be a little overwhelming, so we put together a list for you with items we think are helpful to bring on your Norway trip.

Some of these items might not apply to you depending on what you have planned on your vacation. If you are spending a week in Oslo or hiking the mountains, different activities will require different apparel and items.

Here are a few of the things we think are worth bringing on your Norway vacation.

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UNESCO Sites to Visit in Norway

March 20, 2019

Filed under: Scandinavian Attractions — discoverscandinaviatours @ 12:58 pm

Norway is a beautiful country filled with natural beauty, maybe best known for its fjords and mountains.

Norway also has a lot of cultural and historical value to it. UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has eight sites in Norway on their World Heritage list. Interesting places to visit and explore.

The eight sites in Norway on the UNESCO World Heritage list are:

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5 Highlights on the “Norway in a Nutshell” Oslo Bergen Tour

February 13, 2019

Filed under: Scandinavian Attractions — discoverscandinaviatours @ 8:10 am

Norway in a nutshell, Oslo – Bergen Tour is an unforgettable nature experience. You will enjoy the beautiful landscape, traveling comfortably with train, ferry, and coach. You will be on the fjord but also be able to admire the water flow from aside.

The trip can be completed in a day but to be able to enjoy all the beauty to its fullest and to travel comfortably we suggest that you make an overnight stop on the way.

Don’t miss our “expert travel tip” suggestion at the end of this article.

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3 Family Activities in Denmark

February 6, 2019

Filed under: Scandinavian Attractions,Travel Info — discoverscandinaviatours @ 8:16 am

Are you planning a trip to Denmark and Scandinavia? Are you looking for fun family activities in Denmark? Denmark is a great country for all ages. From small kids to adults there is something for everybody. Here we will be talking about 3 great activities that the whole family can enjoy.

3 Fun Family Activities in Denmark

1. Legoland Billund

One of my absolute favorites, maybe because I have two “brick crazy” kids at home, is Legoland, Billund. This is the original Legoland park, and it opened its doors in 1968. A lot has happened since that. Today the park is a combination of Lego, adventures, rides, shows and water fun.

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Honeymoon in Norway – Consider These 3 Honeymoon Suggestions

January 30, 2019

Filed under: Scandinavian Attractions — discoverscandinaviatours @ 6:12 am

Congratulations, you are getting married! Are you thinking of spending your honeymoon in Norway?

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever been somewhere by yourself and got the feeling that you wanted to share that experience with somebody? Maybe your future husband or wife?

Norway is one of those countries that you want to experience with a loved one. To discover amazing natural beauty, and to go on fun exciting activities with. To eat tasty Nordic cuisine and to wake up in amazing hotels taken from fairytale settings. Side note: Norway is where the popular Disney movie Frozen got their inspiration from. Norway is not only filled with excitement and adventure, but it is also indeed a place to relax and to be able to breathe.

There are many reasons to why you would want to spend your honeymoon in Norway, but let’s focus on 3 different honeymoon suggestions.

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