MARCH OF THE VIKINGS

MARCH OF THE VIKINGS
Although Denmark is a small nation, their impact on European history is very profound - one time
ruling much of Scandinavia.
Skilled seafarers, traders and feared warriors are brought to life whilst travelling through the
landscapes of these great sagas. The Danes have done a magnificent job in preserving their Viking
roots through some of the world’s most interesting and interactive museums.
The past is really brought into the present as you visit Roskilde, the burial place of King Harald
Bluetooth, and location of the Viking Ship Museum. Onwards to Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town, here
you have the opportunity to walk around a reconstructed life-size Viking estate. And Odense, a
beautiful quaint city of cobbled streets and birth place of famous author Hans Christian Andersen.
Odense is the perfect introduction into the world of Nordic fantasy and Viking history. Finally, as your
holiday comes to a close, you will spend your last night in Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city, and
Scandinavia's culinary capital - the perfect place to feast like a Viking!
This holiday makes you feel like you are re-reading the pages of history, especially as you have the
opportunity to sail down the fjord in a replica Viking vessel, the closest thing to a true Viking voyage!
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - COPENHAGEN TO ROSKILDE (41 KMS)
Arrive in Copenhagen and collect your hire car from the airport. You have the opportunity to do
some sightseeing in Copenhagen, or alternatively you can drive straight to Roskilde where you will be
spending the next two nights.
2 nights ROSKILDE - Comwell Hotel *** (BB)
DAY 2 - EXPLORE ROSKILDE
Roskilde is a lively and scenic town, which was founded by the Vikings in a strategic position
overlooking Roskilde Fjord. You will find plenty to do, including a visit to Roskilde Cathedral - a key
local landmark in which the Viking King Harald Bluetooth is buried. We also suggest a guided tour
with a local expert who will bestow their knowledge on the town's Viking past.
DAY 3 - ROSKILDE TO ODENSE (133 KMS)
You will be able to explore the areas of Roskilde which you didn't manage to squeeze in yesterday.
We recommend the Viking Ship Museum, the centrepieces of its collection are the well-preserved
remains of five Viking ships, excavated from nearby Roskilde Fjord in the late 1960s. At your own
leisure, make your way to Odense, a quaint and historical city famous for being the birth place of
author Hans Christian Andersen.
2 night ODENSE - First Hotel Grand **** (BB)
DAY 5 - ODENSE TO RIBE (120 KMS)
After you have explored Odense make your way to Ribe, Denmark's oldest town. During the Viking
Age, Ribe was an important trading place. This is a significant stop on your viking themed journey
through Denmark as you will find Ribe Viking Museum and Ribe Viking Centre where you can walk
around a reconstructed life-size estate.
2 nights RIBE - Hotel Dagmar **** (BB)
DAY 6 - EXPLORE RIBE
Today is your chance to get to know Denmark's oldest town more in-depth.
DAY 7 - RIBE TO ÅRHUS (177 KMS)
You should start your journey to Århus in the morning to make the most your full day in Denmark's
second largest city. On your arrival we recommend a visit to the Botanical Garden, this enables you
to enjoy the surroundings of the city’s oldest and largest park. But if you’re looking to be off the
beaten track; the locals favour the parks, woodlands and beaches on the city’s outskirts. Simply
inhale the atmosphere, and let yourself get carried away in the shops, galleries, restaurants and bars.
This city epitomises indulgence and that is the perfect way to finish your perfect holiday.
2 nights ÅRHUS - Comwell Hotel *** (BB)
DAY 9 - ÅRHUS TO COPENHAGEN (188 KMS PLUS 1 CAR FERRY)
With your car, take the ferry from Jutland across to Zealand, it is then a short drive to Copenhagen
where you can spend the last day and night exploring this very exciting city. Drop car off in
Copenhagen. This capital city will be your last taste of Danish culture, where you will be welcomed by
a modern melting pot of cosy cafes, amazing architecture and interesting history. Be sure to visit the
National Gallery which contains art work that spans seven centuries and boasts the likes of Rubens,
Rembrandt and Titian. Finally, no trip to Copenhagen is complete without walking along its bright
and colourful harbour area.
1 night COPENHAGEN - 71 Nyhavn **** (BB)
DAY 10 - DEPARTURE
Transfer to Copenhagen Airport for your return flight to UK.
DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES
Departure Day: Daily from Heathrow. Alternative departure airports available, please ask for
schedules and prices.
Departure Dates: 1 May - 30 Sep 2017
Duration: 9 nights
Price: Price is based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room including
breakfast. Single supplement on request.
Departure Dates
1 May - 30 September 2017
Price per person
£1680
Price Includes:
Scheduled return flights with SAS in SAS Go class from London Heathrow Airport to
Copenhagen including taxes. 23kgs of checked luggage and one piece of hand-luggage per
person.
Car Hire with Europcar for a period of 9 days based on a VW Golf 1.6 or similar. Rental
includes unlimited mileage, theft protection, CDW, airport/city surcharge and tax.
9 nights' hotel accommodation as detailed based on a double/twin room with shower and
WC for two people including breakfast.
Motoring itinerary and map.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
The Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde
The Danish museum for ships, seafaring and boatbuilding culture in ancient and medieval times. The
Viking Ship Hall, the oldest part of the museum, was designed by Erik Christian Sørensen and built as
a big display case around the five viking ships from Skuldelev. For more information
visit www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk
Land of Legends
A 106 acre archaeological open-air museum located in the Lejre Municipality, a few kms west of
Roskilde. Land of Legends comprises reconstructions of an Iron Age village and sacrificial bog, a
Viking market place, a Stone Age camp-site, an 18th Century farmstead and various grave
monuments. For more information visit www.sagnlandet.dk
Lejre Museum
Located about 10 kms southwest of Roskilde in the middle of an historically unique landscape, which
has been protected by law since 1992. The historic landscape shows overwhelming evidence of
prehistoric settlements of the Iron Age and the Viking Age. The area is also linked to some of the
most famous legends about Danish kings in prehistoric times. For more information
visit www.roskildemuseum.dk
Roskilde Cathedral
Roskilde Cathedral is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is a unique and beautiful
medieval cathedral. The Viking kings Harold Bluetooth and his son, Sweyn Forkbeard conqueror of
England is buried here. Almost 40 kings and queens of Denmark are buried here. For more
information visit www.roskildedomkirke.dk
Trelleborg - Museum of the Viking Age
Trelleborg- monument, museum and centre of experience. Just to the west of Slagelse, enroute to
Odense, you will find one of Denmark's most important and very beautifully situated monuments
from the Viking age. Harold Bluetooth's gigantic circular fortress from around AD900 is the most well
preserved castle of its kind, and together with the museum and the many activities offered in the
summer, Trelleborg is definitely worth a visit. For more information visit www.vikingeborgentrelleborg.dk
The Vikingmuseum Ladby, Kerteminde
A short distance from Odense this is Denmark's only ship grave from the Viking period. Around 925
AD, the king of Ladby was buried in his ship, which was 21.5 metres long and 3 metres wide. A burial
mound was raised above the ship. His grave was furnished with all his fine possessions, including 11
horses and 3 or 4 dogs. In the bow of the ship lies the original anchor and anchor chain. For more
information visit www.vikingemuseetladby.dk
Bytoften
An archaelogical area situated in the southern part of Langeskov, which has been populated for more
than 2000 years. Archaeologists have found remains of houses from different ages in the area, and
one of the houses has been reconstructed. For more information
visit http://www.ribevikingecenter.dk
Ribe Viking Center
Brings the Viking era to life. Ribe VikingCenter reconstructs and revitalies the culture which formed
the base of the Viking eras grandeur. Follow the city planners as they are building Ribe as it was in
the Year 825 AD. See the falconers flying show and participate yourself; offer the buzzard your arm,
try a long-bow, bake your own bread, and hammer a dowel - truly a feat of strength! For more
information visit www.ribevikingecenter.dk
Museum Ribe's Vikings
Museum Ribe's Vkings is beautifully situated in central Ribe overlooking the river A. Experience the
Viking era and the Middle Ages. Thousands of artifacts found during archeological excavations tell
the interesting history of Ribe from the year 700 to the year 1700. For more information
visit www.ribesvikinger.dk
Moesgård Museum, Århus
Some 1200 years ago the Vikings founded Århus - at the very same spot and level where the Viking
Museum is situated in the basement underneath the Nordea Bank in the Skt. Clemens Torv Square.
Moesgård Museum presents a range of artefacts which have not seen the light of day for a thousand
years. For more information visit www.moesgaardmuseum.dk