Experience the Nordic
Montessori Tours and Travel in collaboration with 50 Degrees North
Traveling in a small group from Helsinki to Copenhagen during the summer is a journey filled with variety and unforgettable delights.
From the tranquil beauty of Helsinki’s seaside charm to the vibrant cafe culture, enchanting colourful harbours and bike-friendly streets of Copenhagen, each city has its own unique rhythm.
Be amazed at Oslo’s dramatic fjords and contemporary flair whilst in Stockholm, the fusion of medieval alleyways and modern designs creates an atmosphere both historic and stylish.
A small group allows for deeper connections—both with fellow travellers and the places visited— making space for spontaneous detours, local experiences, and shared moments that larger tours often miss. Summer’s long daylight hours and mild temperatures only add to the pleasure, turning every scenic train ride, ferry crossing, and cobblestone stroll into a vivid memory.
FROM / TO THE AIRPORT
Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the city takes around 25 minutes, with fares starting at 40 euros. The taxi stand is located just outside the terminal.
Train: A train also connects the airport to Helsinki city centre. The train station is in the corridor between two terminals. You’ll need a regional ticket, which you can buy from ticket machines near baggage claim. Note that a night fare applies between 2:00 AM and 4:30 AM.
Bus: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is 20 km north of the city centre. The Finnair City Bus runs regularly between the airport and the city, taking about 30 minutes. The bus stop is located outside the terminal, and in the city, it stops at
Elielinaukio, next to Central Railway Station. You can buy tickets on board with cash or card.
Hotel Fabian
Hotel Fabian is a short walk from the Market Square, the beautiful gardens of the Esplanade and the famous Design Museum. During summer time the hotel has a lush, verdant courtyard which is flooded with natural light.
After settling into the Hotel Fabian, and getting your bearings, join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Enjoy the sights of Helsinki with a private guide, who will introduce us to the charming Finnish capital. Visit the iconic Senate Square and admire its Lutheran Cathedral perched above, then head to bustling Market Square and taste some local delicacies at the Old Market Hall. Stroll the scenic Esplanade to the unique Kampii Chapel of Silence, and admire the impressive modern architecture of the Oodi Library and Kansalaistori.
A 15-minute ferry ride will take us to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, part of Unesco’s Heritage since 1991, a well-preserved and remarkable example of military architecture from the 18th century. Its bastions have defended the coast of Finland during three different nations: Sweden in the 18th century, Russia in the 19th century and Finland since 1917. To explore the tunnels and walls of the old fortress offers a unique experience for everyone. We will also explore the main courtyard and world’s oldest dry dock still in use, and enjoy a walk through Piper’s park to the Russian sandbanks. Suomenlinna today is a home for over 800 people and a popular destination for local and foreign visitors.
To be able to comfortably do this tour, you should be able to walk 5 km / 3 miles with some steps and uneven surfaces.
Fiskars Village, is a charming historic village known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. Originally founded in 1649, it gained fame as the birthplace of the iconic Fiskars brand. Today, the village is a vibrant hub for artists, designers, and craftsmen, with galleries, shops, and workshops scattered throughout. Surrounded by beautiful nature, including forests and rivers, Fiskars Village is a place to experience Finnish history, creativity, and tranquility.
Today, the village is home to more than 500 people. A local English speaking guide will tell us about the history and traditions of the village, showing us the key sights and providing us with a glimpse of Fiskars today as a village of artists, artisans and designers.
Photo (below) Credit: Fiskars Village
Kakola was once known as Finland's largest and most dangerous prison. It has a colorful history behind it as a home for bad boys. Today, Kakolanmäki in Turku offers many experiences including a private hotel.
The monumental Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral date back to medieval times and are the largest surviving medieval buildings in Finland. On this morning tour, we get to visit both buildings with an experienced guide and also see more of this beautiful town by the River Aura. The tour starts at the Turku Cathedral, which has been standing since the end of the 1200s and has significant stories to tell. We will then walk to the Great Old Square with its old medieval street where we further explore Old Turku.
Travelling on a local bus we head towards the river mouth where the Turku Castle is located. We will visit the 13th century Castle and hear how it has been linked to Finnish history over the centuries.
The Medieval Castle Tour has a lot of steps and narrow corridors.
Your spacious cabins (11-14 m2) for 2 persons are located on decks 8 and 9. Each cabin has a double bed (beds cannot be separated), WC, shower, hair dryer, LCD-TV, telephone and refrigerator.
Freys Hotel is a 'green key eco labelled hotel in the heart of Stockholm, a two minute walk from Central Station. Facilities include a gym and sauna.
Experience an enchanting evening in Stockholm's picturesque forests, where we'll encounter the fascinating local wildlife! Look out for moose, deer, foxes, hares, and wild boar.
With an English speaking guide, traverse through rural landscapes adorned with traditional red cottages, stately manor houses, and ancient forests, with historical landmarks such as Viking-age rune stones dotting the scenery.
End the evening with a traditional Swedish midsummer meal.
Stockholm might be the most popular capital city in Scandinavia and with its gorgeous archipelago surrounding the city there’s no secret that it’s also one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. With a vibrant atmosphere, world-class museums, beautiful architecture and a 750-year history, this city has got plenty to explore and to experience.
Visit highlights such as Old Town, Djurgården, Skansen, the Vasa Ship and ABBA Museum or check out hidden gems such as the viewpoint Monteliusvägen on Södermalm and the street art at Snösätra.
The day and evening are yours to wander and wonder...
Travelling first-class by train includes: free coffee, tea, additional legroom, wide seats, access to Lounge, reserved seats and WiFi.
* Please note - Track and maintenance work is done in Summer and you may have bus replacements on certain sectors.
The Clarion Hotel Oslo is located in one of Oslo's newest and most exciting districts, Bjørvika. Art is reflected in the hotel's design and decor.
There is an outdoor terrace facing Dronning Eufemias Gate for relaxing. The hotel has a permanent art collection that is complemented by exhibitions held in collaboration with Oslo's cultural institutions.
Discover the must-sees of beautiful Oslo including the Royal Palace and Vigeland Park on a private walking tour with an English speaking Guide. Get a taste of the life in this vibrant capital through its famous sights, and enjoy its architectural and cultural diversity. See the Royal Palace, the Norwegian Parliament, and the University of Oslo. Stroll the bustling Karl Johan pedestrian shopping area. Take the tram to the iconic Vigeland Park and explore the incredible and unique works of sculptor Gustav Vigeland. A perfect introduction to the Norwegian capital!
Ekebergparken Sculpture Park is a national heritage park with a panoramic view of the city of Oslo.
The park is located in a wooded area of 25.5 acres (about 10 hectares), and holds 47 sculptures by 43 different artists.
Our tour starts with a welcome drink at Lund's House (an 1891 white villa), followed by information about the park and museum. We will then walk through the park, looking at a selection of the modern and traditional artworks placed in the beautiful landscape. We will also stop at James Turrell's magical light installation under the reflecting pool.
After touring the park, a five course Chef's Menu follows. The cuisine at the Ekebergrestauranten is a blend of modern and classic. The Chef's Menu changes daily depending on available ingredients. Ekebergrestauranten offers a stunning view of the city, the inner Oslo Fjord and the Opera House.
*Please note - drinks at dinner are additional.
Today we travel by private transport to visit the Drøbak Montessori School.
Our visit starts at 0900 with students guiding us on a school tour. There will be time for observations and opportunities to learn more about the school's vision to assist adolescents develop a strong sense of identity and self worth, as well as a clear understanding of their role in society.
We will stay to enjoy a warm lunch prepared by the students before saying goodbye.
The daily ferries between Oslo and Copenhagen are a great way to take in the differing cultures of Denmark and Norway while spending a night on a comfortable, modern cruise ferry. You can indulge in tax-free shopping, swim in one of the pools, relax in a jacuzzi, or dance the night away in the disco or nightclub.
• Please note - all prices on board are in DKK. Cash withdrawals in DKK and NOK can be made from the ship's ATM on Deck 7. You can pay with regular currency and debit cards anywhere on the ship.
• You need to be able to safely handle all luggage yourself.
• Passports are required at time of boarding.
Nestled in the dynamic Vesterbro district, Hotel Absalon enjoys a prime location within walking distance of Copenhagen Central Station. This hotel offers a charming courtyard, the inviting Absalon Bar, and a restaurant serving delectable organic breakfast dishes.
Copenhagen is big enough to be a metropolis with shopping, culture, nightlife and restaurants par excellence, yet small enough to be intimate, safe and easy to navigate. Overlooking the Øresund Strait, it is a cultural and geographic link between mainland Europe and Scandinavia. This is where old fairy tales blend with flashy new architecture and world-class design. Innovative design, green oases and clean waters make Copenhagen a sublime place to live and visit all year round.
The day and evening are yours to wander and wonder...
Today you will visit the 'School in the Woods' - a beautiful school located not far from Copenhagen. See how children learn in the forest and experience for yourself 'natural' learning.
There will be much to see as we travel around North Zealand and end our day in the Kokkedal Castle.
Kokkedal Castle
Set on a stunning stretch of coastline, just north of Copenhagen, Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen is one of Denmark’s most exclusive castle hotels. For more than 250 years, Kokkedal Castle has lent its stately salons and verdant parkland to aristocratic country life – a manor home with soul and history.
The old castle lodge has been rebuilt in the original style. The bright and contemporary rooms offer views of either the gardens or the tree-lined castle avenue and are featured with fabrics inspired by the colours of nature.
Photo credit: Kokkedal Castle
Your tour ends after breakfast.
Make your own way to the Hotel Marienlyst in Helsingør for the Nordic Montessori Conference 28 to 30 August 2026. The Hotel Marienlyst is where Dr Montessori lived during the 1929 World Fellowship Congress and where the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) began.
Every second year the four Nordic countries take turns to host the Nordic Montessori Conference.
In 2026 it will be Denmark’s turn. This Nordic Conference will be a very special occasion as three years later in 2029 AMI will celebrate being one hundred years.
The title of the Nordic Montessori Conference is "Where it all began, a Pre- Celebration".
Whilst in Helsingør, a maritime city since 1100, there are many wonderful things to do, such as visiting the new Maritime Museum. This museum was designed by BIG the Bjarke Ingels Group (a famous architect in Denmark) and it is situated in the old docks.
The Nordic Montessori Conference will have a fabulous line up of speakers. Consider staying for this conference.
Alternatively, make your own way to your next destination and please, travel safely.
Please note the following:
Prices quoted are based on current applicable fuel prices, tax structure, air fares, hotel rates, rate of exchange at time of publication, etc. Should there be increases in any of these elements, the quoted price is subject to change.
This itinerary will be a work in progress and what we end up doing on some days may be different to what is stated here. All will be done to ensure the tour proceeds as per the itinerary whilst maintaining the integrity of the tour. Should this happen your understanding and cooperation will be appreciated.
This tour will be conducted in English with local guides and local drivers.
To be able to comfortably do this tour, you should be able to walk. 5km/3miles with some steps and uneven surfaces.
Luggage space is limited. Please ensure you bring a small to medium suitcase and only one carry on per person maximum.
Price:
AUD 14,646 per person - Twin Share / Double
Single supplement - + AUD 3,680
Minimum 4 participants
Inclusions:
Accommodation in specified hotels or similar
Meals as per itinerary:
Daily breakfast (not on arrival day)
Welcome dinner and meals as mentioned
Program and entrances as per itinerary
Transfers as per itinerary
24-hour emergency service
Taxes and service fees
Exclusions:
International or domestic flights
Airport transfers
Beverages, snack, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted
Room outside of normal check-in/check-out times
Porterage at airport and hotels unless otherwise noted
Optional excursions, activities, museums or pre and post trips not mentioned
Any service not specifically listed under "included” – such as any optional excursions
Comprehensive Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Unforeseen admission to nature sites is not included in the price
Other items of a personal nature
Other items not mentioned under Inclusions
Payment
Deposit (non-refundable): 30% required on booking
Balance payment: 90 days prior to commencement of Tour