Get ready for an unforgettable 12-day adventure through Denmark and Sweden, where castles, coastlines, and charming towns are around every corner. This private tour takes you from the royal palaces of Copenhagen to peaceful island villages, dramatic seaside cliffs, and fairytale castles in the countryside. You’ll travel at a relaxed pace with a private driver-guide for your travel group. Whether you’re walking the cobbled streets of Ystad or exploring ancient castles, this trip is all about enjoying the beauty, history, and culture of Scandinavia in comfort and style.
Castles & Coastline Private Tour Itinerary
For this 12-day private tour, you’ll spend the first 6 days enjoying the best castles and coastlines in Denmark and the final 6 days doing the same in Sweden. The tour starts in Copenhagen and concludes in Stockholm, but this route can be customized if it’s easier for you to start or finish elsewhere.
Day 1-3: Copenhagen & Helsingør
Day 1-3: Copenhagen & Helsingør
The first 2 days of your private tour will be spent in the Danish capital, Copenhagen. Your private guide can meet you at the airport and transport you in a luxury vehicle into the heart of the city. Start in Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s picturesque harborfront district. Take a private boat cruise across the network of canals and get a view of the capital city from the water.
Enjoy a guided tour of Rosenborg Castle, a Renaissance palace that feels like it belongs in a fairytale! Walk through the elegant, learning the history of the castle from your guide, and you’ll even have a chance to see the Danish Crown Jewels.
Your private guide can take you to Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Danish Royal family, and time the visit so you can witness the Changing of the Guard. Marvel at the palace’s breathtaking architecture and finish with a tour of the palace museum.
Finish at Christiansborg Palace on Slotsholmen Island, where you’ll find Denmark’s parliament, Supreme Court, and royal reception rooms. Your guide will lead you through the grand halls while sharing with you the history of the palace, once home to kings and queens.
On your 3rd day, you’ll embark on an exciting day trip to Helsingør, where you’ll explore the magnificent Kronborg Castle, forever known as Hamlet’s Castle, for its role as Elsinore in the Shakespearean play. A guided tour of the castle allows you to walk through the grand halls and underground tunnels, hearing stories of Hamlet and the sleeping warrior Holger Danske.
Days 4-5: Odense & Ærø Island
Depart Copenhagen on your 4th day, crossing the Great Belt Bridge with sweeping sea views. Your first stop is Egeskov Castle, probably our favorite castle on this itinerary! It’s simply breathtaking, the majestic castle surrounded by a moat and lush gardens. Your private guide will lead you through the castle, exploring the lavishly furnished rooms, the knight’s hall, and an impressive collection of vintage cars. As we mentioned, the castle’s surroundings are beautiful, so your guide will take time to walk you through the sculptured gardens.
Continue onto Odense, where, after a walk through the historic quarter, you’ll visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum to learn about the life and legacy of the author of “The Little Mermaid.”
On day 5, you’ll head on an exciting day trip to Ærø Island, starting with a ferry bound for Ærøskøbing, which many argue is Denmark’s most beautiful village. Spend the day exploring the island, eating fresh seafood, and walking or cycling around the island’s coastal paths. You’ll take the ferry back to the mainland in the afternoon to return to Odense.
Day 6: Ystad
On day 6, you’ll cross the Öresund Bridge that connects Denmark to Sweden, and a great chance to get photos of this engineering feat and the surrounding sea.
Stop in Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, and enjoy a guided tour of Malmöhus Castle. This 16th-century Renaissance fortress houses several museums, including the Malmö Art Museum and the City Museum.
Finish the day in Ystad, a picturesque town known for its half-timbered houses and the setting for the Wallander detective novels. Your guide will help you explore the quaint town and visit landmarks such as St. Mary’s Church and Greyfriars Abbey, one of the oldest monasteries in Sweden.
Day 7: Österlen
On your 7th day, you’ll travel through the beautiful Skåne County to the Österlen region.
Begin with a guided tour of Glimminghus, widely regarded as the best-preserved medieval fortress in Scandinavia. On a guided tour, you’ll walk through the castle’s chambers and see the historic spyholes and secret staircases while your guide brings the castle to life with tales and legends from its past.
Your next stop is the breathtaking Stenshuvud National Park, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk to the summit to enjoy panoramic views across the meadows and the Baltic Sea.
Continue through Österlen, stopping for wine tasting at a local vineyard before checking into a boutique countryside inn.
Day 8: Kalmar
Your 8th day will be spent in the city of Kalmar, starting with a guided tour of Kalmar Castle, a 12th-century Renaissance fortress that King Gustav Vasa rebuilt in the 16th century.
The guide will bring the castle to life, taking you on a journey through its fascinating history. Explore Kalmar’s charming old town, with time to walk through the cobbled streets, visit local galleries, and enjoy Fika before finishing with a walk along the waterfront promenade before dinner.
Day 9: Vadstena
Depart Kalmar, enjoying a scenic journey through Sweden’s rolling countryside on your way to Vadstena, a historic town on the shores of Lake Vättern. Take a guided tour of Vadstena Castle, walking through its grand halls and round rowers and enjoying panoramic lake views while your guide tells you of the castle’s history as a defensive fortress.
Next, you’ll visit Abbey Church, a beautiful Gothic church that remains a significant pilgrimage site.
Finish the day exploring the town’s medieval streets, and your private guide can even take you to a lakeside resort for a relaxing spa experience.
Day 10: Uppsala
Your 10th day will be spent in the historic city of Uppsala, one of Sweden’s oldest cities. Start at Uppsala Castle, built by King Gustav Vasa. Walk through the grand ceremonial rooms and enjoy the Renaissance architecture and city views while your guide tells you how the castle played a central role in Sweden’s political history.
Head to the nearby Uppsala Cathedral, Scandinavia’s largest church. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture before walking inside the church to marvel at the breathtaking stained glass.
Finish at the historic Gamla Uppsala, where Viking kings were buried under the massive royal burial mounds.
Days 11-12: Stockholm
Enjoy the scenic drive to Stockholm, where you’ll spend the remaining time of your tour. Stockholm is built across q4 islands, linked by bridges and waterways, making it the perfect ending point for your coastline tour.
Visit the nearby Drottningholm Palace, a residence of the royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour of the palace, you’ll wander through the staterooms, Chinese Pavilion, and 18th-century court theatre.
Back in Stockholm, some highlights include:
The Royal Palace – Guided tour of one of Europe’s largest palaces, seeing the ceremonial halls and the Royal Treasury
Stortorget – Walk through the oldest square in Stockholm, surrounded by brightly colored merchant houses and quaint cafés.
Stockholm Cathedral – Admire its Gothic architecture and notable artworks, including the dramatic sculpture of St. George and the Dragon.
Your private guide will drop you off at the airport for your flight home after 12 action-filled days seeing Denmark and Sweden’s castles and coastlines.
