Magical Winter Escape to Norway and Sweden

Sitting at the head of a fjord, with the forests behind it, the Norwegian Capital is gifted with a unique combination of vibrant city life and easy access to the outdoors. Although the most populous city in Norway, Oslo is the perfect size for exploring on foot. You'll be drawn in by an eclectic mix of old and new architecture, world-class museums, animated nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities. The trading roots of this ancient Viking city are reflected in the importance of the buildings surrounding its harbours. It's here that you'll find the Town Hall, The Nobel Peace Centre, the medieval Akershus Fortress and the National Opera House.

This privately guided tour of Norway's capital will be structured with your interests in mind. Your local guide will introduce you to some of the city's most important and interesting sites. You could take a tour of the Viking Ship Museum and learn all about the Scandinavians who explored Europe by its seas and rivers. Stop in at the open-air Norwegian Folk Museum, the country's largest museum of cultural history, where there are a variety of exhibitions of folk art, costumes, toys and Sami culture. Or spend some time in the Vigeland Sculpture Park which boasts more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron, all crafted by Gustav Vigeland. You can also take a turn past Holmenkollen ski jump hill and the Ski Museum below it. The museum's exhibitions outline 4000 years of ski history.

Take a ride on a horse sled through the historic centre of town, Bergstaden. The small village dates back to around 1644 when copper ore was first found in the area.

Take a guided walk through the old town centre Bergstaden and visit the Røros Museum and an old church. This private tour will allow you to explore the world heritage site and learn about historic and contemporary Røros. At the museum, you'll get special insight into the town's copper mining days, and a visit to the copper mines themselves can be arranged if you're interested. It was during the copper era that the majestic Bergstadens Ziir was built.

Røros is known as home to one of the southernmost Sami communities in Norway. On this visit with a Sami family, you will learn about reindeer herding and Sami culture. Meet and feed the friendly reindeer, and enjoy coffee and sausages made specially by your Sami hosts over a fire.

Dog sledding is very popular in Røros, which has large mountain plateaus perfect for the activity. On this trip you'll get a better understanding of huskies and have the chance to mush your own team of four to six dogs across the plateau. If you prefer, you can sit on a sledge instead of driving.

You'll be driven in a private luxury vehicle to Trondheim, formerly known as Nidaros, which was Norway's capital from 1030 to 1217. An important part of the country's history, Trondheim is today a lively city that hosts around 30,000 students who contribute to the vibrant cultural energy of the town. Built in 1070, the Nidaros Cathedral is not only a former important pilgrimage site, but it is also significant to the Norwegian monarchy. Since mid-1400, all nine kings have been crowned and blessed in the medieval cathedral.

Experience the magic feeling of walking across a frozen lake, as your guides tell you about the best spots for ice fishing. Then you will get a chance to fish for trout and Arctic char through a hole in the ice. There will be snacks and coffee provided.

Strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out with a guide to some of the locals' favourite places and sample some of the region's delicious food. This snowshoe hike combines unique food and nature into an enjoyable experience.

Enjoy your days exploring Stockholm, Sweden's beautiful capital. Set over 14 islands, it's a place of water and greenery as much as the urban, a place where centuries of history meet the constant forward thinking nature of its near 1 million inhabitants. As well as fine museums, trend-setting restaurants and vibrant nightclubs, a short cruise out of the city will find you among the thousands of beautiful islands that make up the Stockholm archipelago, making this a city that feels surprisingly outdoorsy.

On this tour, you'll get to see some of the city's most popular highlights, including the Vasa Museum, the Royal Palace and the City Hall. At the Vasa Museum, you'll get to marvel at the remnants of a wreck, which lay at the bottom of the ocean for some 333 years. Next, you'll breathe in the fresh air as you wander down hidden alleyways between medieval buildings in Gamla Stan (the old town). Pop into the Royal Palace of Stockholm and see the state apartments, pass by the cathedral, and discover the historic Stortorget and Mårten Trotzigs Gränd alleyways. Then you'll end the tour with glimpses of some of Stockholm's city districts, like Södermalm, Djurgården, Norrmalm and Östermalm.