Tag Archives: Copenhagen

Scandinavian Summer Exclusive Faroe Islands

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An exclusive visit to the Faroe Islands to explore villages, cliffside hikes and mountain bike riding in one of Europe’s most remote locations. You won’t find crowds in the remote islands tucked in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Norway and Iceland, politically part of Denmark. The volcanic islands are self-governed and becoming known for music festivals, steep cliffs, dramatic waterfalls and remote hiking and mountain biking. Our bike guide shares the best routes guaranteeing phenomenal views of jaw dropping cliffs and stunning waterfalls.

Wild ponies, puffins, sheep and sod roof homes contribute to the charm. Years ago, a popular Faroese crime thriller series set in the Faroe Islands, showcased the landscapes and authentic Faronese fashion including traditional hand knitted wool sweaters and mittens. Discover mittens and almost anything associated with wool from their abundant flocks of sheep, the Faroese have a multitude of phrases to describe sheep wool. We found a local knitter to specially knit the charming cat face pattern on comfy mittens for our client and her daughter. With a diet of mostly mutton, the locals have created a myriad of methods of preparing, and drying the meat and then using the skins for rugs, furnishings and clothing. The charming Coat of Arms depicts a silver ram passant with golden hooves and horns on an azure shield.

To begin, we welcome you to Copenhagen! VIP arrival and transfer to our favorite Leading Hotel, Hotel d’Angleterre. The d’Angleterre, Copenhagen’s premier hotel, traces its origins to a mid-18th-century love story. In 1755, Jean Marchal, a servant at the royal court, and Maria Coppy, daughter of the royal chef, combined their talents to establish a restaurant on Kongens Nytorv. This venture laid the foundation for what would become the d’Angleterre. Over the centuries, the hotel has evolved into a symbol of luxury and elegance. Following a significant renovation in 2013, the d’Angleterre now boasts 30 rooms and 60 suites, seamlessly blending its historic Victorian architecture with contemporary Nordic design.

Also known for their Spa & Wellness at Hotel D’Angleterre — A Sanctuary of Calm. A serene retreat in the heart of Copenhagen where timeless elegance meets holistic well-being. Designed as a peaceful escape from city life, the wellness space features a relaxing pool, sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym for those who wish to maintain their fitness routine on the road. Indulge in bespoke treatments, from deep-tissue massages to restorative facials and signature rituals, all thoughtfully designed to renew body and mind. Whether stretching out with a workout or closing your eyes amidst calming therapy, the spa experience here offers a perfect moment of luxury and restoration within your journey.

Copenhagen – Neighborhood Exploring & Royal Cruise. Your guide will lead you through Copenhagen’s most captivating neighborhoods, revealing cultural and architectural treasures while offering a clear sense of the city’s layout. Explore vibrant streets, soak in the atmosphere, and gain deep insights into the city’s social fabric and rich historical tapestry. Continue with a private cruise aboard a legendary vessel steeped in regal history. Glide through Copenhagen’s harbor and canals, tracing the transformation from industrial hub to cultural hotspot. Admire architectural masterpieces such as the striking Opera House and the ‘Black Diamond’ Royal Library, alongside iconic landmarks including the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace, all from the comfort of an uninterrupted, curated perspective.

Day 3 Faroe Islands Welcome to The Faroe Islands. VIP arrival and transfer to Hotel Føroyar. Set high above Tórshavn, Hotel Føroyar is beautifully integrated into the dramatic Faroese landscape, its turf-roofed architecture blending seamlessly with the surrounding hills.

From this elevated position, the hotel offers sweeping views over the capital, Nólsoy Island, and the vast North Atlantic. With 200 rooms and suites, many featuring panoramic sea views and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a Nordic Spa & gym – the hotel combines contemporary Nordic design with a deep connection to nature. Surrounded by open skies, rugged terrain, and walking paths leading directly into the landscape, it provides a peaceful yet well-connected base for exploring the Faroe Islands. A place where comfort, scenery, and silence come together in effortless harmony.

Wellness at Hotel Føroyar – Ress Spa Overlooking Tórshavn and the North Atlantic, the spa at Hotel Føroyar offers a peaceful sanctuary inspired by the surrounding Faroese landscape. Designed in a calm Nordic style, the wellness area features treatment rooms, sauna, tranquil relaxation spaces, and a modern fitness centre for those wishing to maintain their routine while travelling. A selection of restorative massages and therapies provides the perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the islands — a moment of quiet luxury framed by sea views and open skies.

Evening Dinner – at Áarstova (Old Town). Located in the old part of Tórshavn, Áarstova is a grass-roofed historic building with a charming soul dating back to 1640. Before it became a restaurant, it was the first hotel in the town, and in 1836 was granted the first license to serve alcohol in the Faroe Islands. The characteristic building also used to be the home of the Áarstova-brothers, beloved poets Janus and Hans Andrias Djurhuus and was named Áarstova, which means “The house by the brook”. The house is wedged between “Havnará” (the Tórshavn brook) and Áarvegur, the main street in old Tórshavn. The impeccable service at Áarstova is only matched by the food and wine menu, which includes fabulous, braised Faroese lamb and carefully chosen wine and Scottish ales.

Day 4  A Day Exploring Vágar and Stóra Dímun. An Exclusive Boat Tour to Drangarnir Sea Stacks. Embark on an exclusive boat adventure from Sørvágur, offering an intimate experience of the Faroe Islands’ untamed beauty. Cruise through pristine waters towards the iconic Drangarnir Sea Stacks,

where the dramatic archway stands as a natural masterpiece. Weather and tides permitting, you’ll pass through the arch for an unforgettable close-up. Continue your journey along the wild coastlines, with vistas of Tindhólmur Islet and its distinctive peaks, and discover the remote islet of Mykines. Here, you’ll explore its cliffs, alive with seabird colonies, including puffins during the summer months.This extraordinary expedition showcases the Faroes’ raw landscapes and marine wildlife, delivering a truly unforgettable day in one of the North Atlantic’s most awe- inspiring settings.

A Journey to Stóra Dímun – The Most Remote Inhabited Island in the Faroes  One of the most isolated places in the archipelago, Stóra Dímun is home to just a single farming family– Eva and Jógvan Jón – who represent the eighth generation living off the land here. With no roads, no harbor, and access only by helicopter, arriving is an adventure in itself. As you fly in, take in breathtaking aerial views over neighboring islands such as Koltur, Hestur, and Sandoy – a prelude to the magic awaiting on the ground.

Once landed, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your hosts and taken on a guided walk across the island’s dramatic landscape. Along the way, you’ll learn about their life with 500 sheep, countless seabirds, and stories stretching back over a thousand years. Highlights include views of Suðuroy and Lítla Dímun, and a visit to Kleivin – the once-perilous cliffside path that was the only connection to the outside world. Before your departure, enjoy a cozy farmhouse refreshment, with homemade treats and, if you’re lucky, a taste of their local wine. This is a true off-the-beaten-track experience – remote, rugged, and utterly unforgettable.

Relax and Reconnect at Leynar Spa. End the excursion by discovering tranquility at Leynar Spa, where Faroese tradition meets natural wellness. Start with an invigorating cold-water sea dip, followed by a soak in a wood- fired hot tub overlooking the dramatic Atlantic coastline. Unwind in a herbal sauna infused with native plants, and sip locally brewed tea in the cozy lounge. This unique spa experience blends the raw beauty of the Faroe Islands with serene indulgence, leaving you refreshed and renewed. Voted best place to go by Conde Nast Traveler 2025.

EVENING Dinner at RÆST A Journey into Faroese Fermentation Dinner Reservation & Tasting Menu. RÆST, located in the heart of Tórshavn, offers a truly unique dining experience, steeped in Faroese tradition. The restaurant is devoted to the ancient art of fermentation — known locally as ræst — a preservation method shaped by the island climate and history.

The menu celebrates the Faroese terroir, featuring fermented lamb, fish, and seasonal local ingredients prepared with both respect and creativity. Each dish reflects the depth of flavor and texture developed through time-honored techniques, interpreted through a contemporary Nordic lens. The setting is as intimate and rustic as the cuisine it serves. Housed in a traditional wooden building, the warm atmosphere evokes a sense of connection to the past. Dining here is not just a meal; it’s an exploration of Faroese culture and culinary history. Every course is accompanied by stories of how these ancient preservation techniques sustained generations of islanders. For those looking to experience the raw and distinct flavors of the Faroe Islands, RÆST offers a one-of-a-kind journey that leaves a lasting impression on the palate and the soul.

Day 5  Faroese Fishing & Dining Adventure in Árnafjørður – Experience the beauty of the Faroe Islands with a day of fishing, local hospitality, and cultural discovery. Begin with a scenic boat tour from Árnafjørður on a traditional Faroese boat, sailing past ravines, grottoes, and possibly seals. Cast your fishing line near Lisshøvdi for species like haddock and Atlantic cod, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

After returning to the marina, you’ll be welcomed into Kristianna’s cozy 1950s-style home for a delicious meal featuring your fresh catch. Relax as she shares stories of village life and Faroese traditions. Following the meal, Kristianna will guide you to key village landmarks, including the 1904 school, a 1932 self-service grocery shop, and the 1937 church, offering insights into Faroese culture, history, and religion. A perfect blend of nature, tradition, and hospitality awaits!

Day 6  Exploring the Northern Islands. A Private Voyage to Kalsoy on a Vintage Schooner. Set sail aboard, a vintage schooner, for a private journey from Klaksvík to the dramatic Kalsoy Island. Glide through fjords, with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls as your backdrop, while the crew shares Faroese tales. Stop to admire the legendary Kópakonan statue in Mikladalur, where folklore and rugged beauty meet.

Cruise along Kalsoy’s dramatic coastline, spotting wildlife and soaking in the island’s wild charm. This exclusive sailing tour blends adventure, serenity, and authentic Faroese culture into an unforgettable experience.

An Exclusive Evening with a Faroese Culinary Chef. Tonight, immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind culinary journey crafted by one of our most celebrated local chefs. With expertise honed in the best Faroese kitchens, your chef will bring the vibrant flavors of the Faroese culinary tradition to life before your eyes. This exclusive dining experience is tailored to your tastes, with a flexible menu showcasing the freshest local ingredients. Prepare for an evening of bold, unforgettable flavors that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.

Day 7 Depart Faroes Islands Check Out & Transfer to the Airport Enjoy your final morning before checking out from your accommodation.

Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam

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Besides London, Mallorca, France, Spain and Italy ( always Italy!), we have four families traveling to Stockholm, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Experience a Nordic world of fjords, castles, glaciers, and the legacy of the Vikings.  Enjoy the rides at Tivoli Gardens, discover the capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Amsterdam. View the Danish Crown Jewels, royal Viking ships, the warship Vasa, rescued after more than 300 years on the bottom of Stockholm harbor and well-preserved medieval ports. Western Europe’s most prosperous, pristine and progressive corner, many options for historic castles including Kalmar Castle, and Copenhagen’s fun-loving pedestrian center, biking and kayaking, innovative shopping and gourmet dining.

Generally, we aim to balance city and country life as we explore three important cities, it is  important not to move around too much when choosing three cities, so balance is critical, and at the same time provide an adventure without exhausting the family.

Three locations in 2 weeks translates approx 3-5 days in each city. Stockholm (city and archipelago), then Copenhagen (mostly country near the Fredriksborg castle & the Hamlet castle), and Amsterdam, city.

Starting at the top of the globe, arrive Stockholm in Northern Europe, then travel further  south to Copenhagen and then move south towards Amsterdam. Depart Amsterdam to home.

Stockholm will give teens that balance of cool city and country life but the country life part will be set in the Archipelago, very true to Swedish summers, being in the archipelago near to water and nature, they can learn about the relationship between the two countries of Sweden and Denmark.

Stockholm Hotel and a Glamping Option.

City Hotel http://www.grandhotel.se Grand Hotel and an Archipelago Hotel http://www.sandhamn.com *Extra option* Island luxury camp style hotel – http://www.islandlodge.se (This is very unique place in the middle of the Stockholm archipelago you arrive here by boat and stay in luxury tents, with Mille Notte linen and outdoor showers  – 1 night stay would do fine if the family/teens want to ‘camp’ out for some adventure, could be fun, the website does not look like much but it is a very humble style site and hotel).

A combination of city and island life. Here we can organize culture and cool in the city with biking activity and rafting. Stockholm is where innovation is key, the start of many great companies such as Ikea, H&M, Spotify, Skype, many of the world’s music producers and song writers come from Sweden too.  Then in the archipelago, it is a more humble, sailing environment, small town built on an island, hiking and nature can be the focus here.

Copenhagen Hotels Country http://www.kokkedalslotcopenhagen.dk/en/welcome (here you would be close to the castles which are perfect cycling spots and roads to ride on) Falsled Kro https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/denmark/falsled-fionie-millinge

City – http://www.dangleterre.com The D’Angleterre

Activity Options – Copenhagen.  Here you will get more of the countryside living among castles type of environment near the water, biking and walking is key and the best place to bike in the world is actually Copenhagen.

A cooking class on how to make smörrebröd could be fun, takes a few hours and the pace is fast. There is time for relaxation and leisure.

Amsterdam Hotels (city only)
Hotel L’Europe http://www.leurope.nl/ Overlooking the River Amstel, Hotel de l’Europe blends classic design—the building dates from 1896—with contemporary amenities in its 111 guestrooms and 42 suites. The recently opened Dutch Masters wing features replicas of paintings found in the Rijksmuseum.

Activity Options – Amsterdam. Lots of things to see in Amsterdam – hours of cool shopping, art museums: Van Gogh and Rijks museum, antiques, the Red Light district, the Anne Frank Museum, biking is very common here, the city life is more rife and alive here.

Stockholm Hotel: The Grand Hotel www.grandhotel.se which includes a gorgeous Nordic Spa (included in rate) – located nicely in the middle of the city overlooking the Royal Palace.

Activity Options – Stockholm (city/countryside/). Great thing about Stockholm, it is a blue and green city, surrounded by parks, water and beautiful islands with lots to do – day trips out to islands and the countryside. Teens will have bikes for their entire stay at the hotels, take it with wherever you may go and whatever transport we may use. If the idea is of interest, we could ask a local Swedish family to host a Swedish Midsummer celebration at their humble summer house where you would be able to join them at their home, making flower garlands and eating local Swedish food over midsummer. You can also go berry or mushroom picking together on an island.

Will mix in nature, sports, fun, activity and culture keeping the whole family in mind with a fun/ relaxed balance. Kayaking or paddle boarding in the lake Mälaren or in the beautiful canals of the Royal island of Djurgården. Create a map of Djurgården and meet up with parents somewhere on the island either for a luxury picnic or lunch in a park. A boat trip into the archipelago for island hopping exploring islands, hiking or little quaint towns for shopping. Kite surfing? We know the place on a small island!  The island of Vaxholm has a fortress which is  interesting, great for exploring by bike or just having lunch.  Shopping in the Bohemian style area SOFO for vintage shopping, cool music stores and cafes, where Greta Garbo lived. The old Town is  lovely and a must, for so many reasons, historical perfect in the day & evenings – some say a little haunted as well. Would be fun doing a ghost walk in the Old Town in the evening – teeny cliché perhaps, but fun. The Royal island of Djurgården – is a great spot for both kayaking and cycling it is the perfect spot for these activities as it is so peaceful with many great paths here; there are lovely cafes and restaurants The Rosendahl’s Garden near the Rosendal Castle is a perfect spot for cycling to for teens and the parents can meet the teens there for lunch. It is an open greenhouse and garden with the freshest of produce and flowers, here you can have lunch or coffees and cakes. On the island of Djurgården there is a theme park called Gröna Lund where there are lots of other teenagers as well, it is very close to the Abba Museum and some other lovely restaurants.

If anyone is into photography, there is a museum dedicated to just photography – Fotografiska Museum.

Day trips to beautiful Swedish palaces around the lake Mälaren for a culture experience and have your bikes ready or kayaks nearby at the same spots while the parents explore further and the teens can adventure on.

An underground art tour, the underground system is great in Sweden and we have had some amazing artists paint the walls of the underground – great photo ops.

Adventurous & different options?  Then perhaps a rooftop tour, you will get harnessed up and taken on a climbing tour on top of a building where you get to learn a bit about Stockholm from above and see all the other rooftops over the city, a different view while the parents can come along or wait for the kids at the café down by the water, watching the stunning views & explore the rest of Riddarholmen island.

Will look into some any summer musical concerts outdoors.

The Vasa Museum is quite amazing to visit and has a great but tragic story about the magnificent ship, I could look into a ‘behind the scenes’ experience where you can touch the remaining findings that were found on the ship in the 1600’s – this is in a special vault under the museum and everyone would need gloves before entering.

Beautiful museums abound in locations where there are great paths for riding bikes etc.
Private guides for all tours + bike guide to start the teens off with their bearings & knowledge.

Sunbathing on the feather islands. Take a boat out to the feather islands a quaint little island with small cafés and bathing spots.

I recommend a sail into the archipelago on a private boat and perhaps a stay for the night out if you like. A Swedish barbecue either on an island called Grinda, where you can cycle as well as just relax, kayak, swim and sauna if you wish.

Interested in novels and films like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, we can do an exclusive tour, where this movie was written, filmed and inspired by in the book and the movie.

So much – pace yourself or add a few extra days and see it all!