Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through September 2008
The deal
Temperatures are finally rising in Scandinavia but so are the costs of visiting. Summer is typically the most popular and priciest time to visit this scenic Northern European region. We found a threesome of packages that will get you to Denmark; Norway; or Sweden and Finland at low cost this season. These deals, all inclusive of airfare and breakfast-inclusive accommodation, now start at only $1,439.
Copenhagen trip for $1,439
To see Denmark’s stylish capital of Copenhagen, we recommend the Virgin Vacations special we found. This summer package, valid for travel between July 1 and July 28, costs $1,439 for a three-night stay, with round-trip airfare from New York and lodging. Accommodation included is at a three-star property (such as Norlandia Star Hotel, a modern spot right at the heart of the city center) and daily continental breakfast. June and August departures cost a bit extra ($1,479) but you can save further by booking a September trip for $1,129.
Oslo getaway for $1,539
Another Scandinavian capital that you can visit for a song this summer is Norway’s Oslo. The three-night special to this friendly city is now priced at $1,539, with lodging; daily continental breakfast; and the transatlantic flight from New York. Good for departures through September 7, this city break allows you to see the Norwegian metropolis during the peak summer season. Accommodation included is at a midrange property such as Thon Hotel Spectrum or Thon Hotel Munch, both centrally located spots. Autumn prices drop to $1,229.
Travel the King’s Road for $2,579
We also spotted a unique Scandinavia summer package. With this tour, you’ll follow the ancient route of the King’s Road through Finland and Sweden, used by kings and their messengers since the 13th century. Valid for June–September departures, this special is priced at $2,579. What may seem like a premium gets you: airfare to Helsinki and back from Stockholm (in itself priced at least $1,200 in summer months); seven night’s lodging with breakfast; and a variety of tours, including an overnight cruise from Turku, Finland’s oldest town, to Stockholm.
The dollars
The rates above are listed per person, based on double occupancy. All the three packages outlined above are great-value due to the inclusion of roundtrip airfare, which is wallet-busting during the peak summer season. In fact, it can top the prices of these airfare and hotel-inclusive deals.
The catch
Count on whopping daily expenses — Scandinavia is notoriously pricey.
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