Sweden

From Plate to Palette - a Scandinavian Culinary & Design Adventure

Join us as we explore the design and culinary scene in Scandinavia

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Overview

This trip combines everything we love about Scandinavia: the design, clothing, food, history, colorful buildings, and, of course, the sea. To add a touch of magic to the itinerary, we've also included a foraging gastronomic experience on a small Swedish island. Copenhagen is a vibrant center of culture, modern design, and diversity. It is also considered one of the happiest cities in the world. The citizens of this charming city enjoy a balanced lifestyle and breathe clean air. Together, we'll explore the city and learn how to incorporate Danish hygge into our lives. Hygge is an essential aspect of Danish culture that captures the essence of the Danish spirit and involves creating a warm atmosphere to appreciate life's simple pleasures in good company. Our travels continue to Stockholm, sometimes called the Venice of the North, because it is built on 14 islands connected by ferries and bridges. It has many beautiful waterfront promenades and harbors, making it a city you'll never forget. Not to be eclipsed by these iconic Nordic cities, we'll make a pitstop for an exclusive, extraordinary 24 hours on a tiny Swedish island. We'll soak in nature and enjoy a hands-on culinary experience outside in the wilderness. Will you join us?

Highlights

Rest and relax in our design forward, 4-star hotels

Rest and relax in our design forward, 4-star hotels

Forage for food with a chef on a Swedish Island

Forage for food with a chef on a Swedish Island

Sail through the canals of Stockholm

Sail through the canals of Stockholm

Visit the stunning Finn Juhl House - designer home of the famous Danish architect and designer

Visit the stunning Finn Juhl House - designer home of the famous Danish architect and designer

Explore the royal reception rooms at the Christianborg Palace

Explore the royal reception rooms at the Christianborg Palace

Discover the awe-inspiring street art

Discover the awe-inspiring street art

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.

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Welcome to Copenhagen

Day 1: Sunday, August 23, 2026

Fly into Copenhagen International airport (CPH). If you're flying overnight to get to Denmark, you may want to consider arriving a day early so you have time to rest, relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. You can purchase an Arrive 1 Day Early option in the Add-ons section.

When you arrive in Copenhagen, take a taxi to the 4-star Hotel Bella Grande, they're clean, safe and plentiful at the airport. This classic boutique hotel is in the heart of the city and is known for its timeless charm and modern sophistication. We’ll meet in the afternoon, around 4 pm, for a walking tour of Copenhagen.

Later, we'll stroll to dinner at Høst, a Michelin-recommended restaurant known for its elevated contemporary Scandinavian cuisine.

Sleep will come easily after a hearty meal.  

Included

Dinner

Not Included

Airport transfer

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Copenhagen - Christianborg Palace & Design Museum

Day 2: Monday, August 24, 2026

Our first stop after breakfast is Christianborg Palace, where the current monarch, Queen Margrethe II, presides over galas and state visits. We’ll visit the Royal Reception Rooms, the Royal Kitchen, and the Royal Chapel to admire the artwork, tapestries, and authentic antique Danish furniture. The Queen traces her Danish heritage back 1,000 years to the Vikings.

After this inspiring visit, we'll be ready for lunch, so let's head to Schønnemann. The lunch-only restaurant opened in 1877 and is the oldest in Copenhagen.

We'll continue on to visit the Design Museum. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1757, the museum features past, present, and future designs of everything from furniture to industrial concepts and even poster graphics. 

Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping or relaxing. Dinner will be on your own tonight or with new friends. Your trip leader has plenty of recommendations for nearby spots to enjoy a meal. 

Included

Breakfast & Lunch

All activities & tours

Not Included

Dinner

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Copenhagen - Ny Carlsberg Glyptothek & Food Tour

Day 3: Tuesday, August 25, 2026

We’ll wander over to The Ny Carlsberg Glyptothek after breakfast. This museum showcases the private art collection of Carl Jacobsen, son of the notorious Carlsberg brewers. Along with a Danish furniture exhibit, we'll also see the works of many French Masters, including sculptures and paintings.   

We'll stop for lunch at the museum's cafe, Picnic, to dine amongst the trees or on the rooftop, depending on which is available. 

Next, we’ll head over to the Finn Juhl House. Completed in 1942, Finn Juhl was an architect and a famed furniture designer. We'll see the house where he lived and some of his most famous furniture pieces, like the Chieftain Chair, the Poet Sofa, and the silver table.

They say the way to a city's heart is through its food. Tonight, we'll set off on a food tour around Copenhagen, guided by a local expert in the Danish food scene.  

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Ven

Day 4: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

After a leisurely morning, we’ll pack up and depart Copenhagen, heading to a nearby Swedish island for a few days of some serious foodie fun!

We’ll board the ferry to our home for the next two nights, a charming historic island inn, the House of Ven.

We'll stop at the hotel and drop off our bags before lunch at Hven Durum, a popular eatery on Ven Island known for offering a unique culinary experience that blends traditional Turkish flavors with modern dining concepts. 

After lunch, we’ll return to the hotel to check in and relax. The afternoon is yours to explore the island by bike, peruse the local boutiques, or maybe even go try your hand at the "worst mini golf in Sweden". 

We’ll come back together this evening for a lovely two-course meal curated especially for us by the hotel.

Included

All meals

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Ven - Food Tour & Foraging

Day 5: Thursday, August 27, 2026

We'll start our day with breakfast at the hotel, where we'll indulge in a delicious spread featuring local ingredients and flavors.

Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing and exploring at your own pace. Whether you head off on a guided adventure hosted by the hotel, or take a brave dip into the chilly sea, the options are endless. 

For lunch, we'll be treated to a food tour of Ven, savoring the island's unique culinary offerings while discovering its vibrant, unique food culture influenced by Swedish cuisine and the abundance of seafood available.

This evening, we're off on a guided foraging walk. As we go along, we'll learn about the local flora and fauna while collecting ingredients for our meal later. The tour wraps up in a natural kitchen, where we'll help the chef prepare dinner using what we found while enjoying a refreshing drink. 

We'll sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor in the form of a multi-course meal surrounded by breathtaking Swedish nature.

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Stockholm - Walking Tour

Day 6: Friday, August 28, 2026

Our morning starts with one last meal on this beautiful island before we set off for Stockholm.  We’ll catch the ferry back to Malmö, where we’ll be transported to the train station to take the train to Stockholm. 

Upon our arrival in this enchanting city, which spans 14 islands, we'll make our way to the elegant Nobis Hotel. Here, we can unwind and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead. 

We’ll gather in the lobby and take off on a guided walking tour of Stockholm to get our bearings. We’ll spend some time in the Old Town, marveling at the architecture and learning about Swedish history as we walk past the Parliament building and the Royal Palace. 

After a long day of travel and sightseeing, we’ll dine at a Konstnärsbaren, known as the artist's bar. Open since 1931, this classic Swedish bar and restaurant will be a fantastic introduction to this iconic city! 

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Stockholm - Royal Palace Tour & Swedish Meatball-making Class

Day 7: Saturday, August 29, 2026

After a delicious hotel breakfast, we'll gather in the lobby for a guided tour of the Royal Palace in Stockholm. As we wander the halls and marvel at the grandeur of this iconic landmark, we'll learn about the rich history and royal traditions that define Sweden's cultural heritage.

Following our tour, we'll start a Swedish meatball-making class. In this hands-on workshop, we'll learn to create this iconic dish (IKEA has nothing on us). Under the guidance of skilled chefs, we'll mix, season, and cook our very own meatballs, the star of our lunch.

After savoring our homemade meal, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Indulge in some shopping, peruse quaint boutiques, or stroll through the charming streets of Stockholm.

Later, after a rest at the hotel, we'll reconvene in the lobby to transfer to Kouzina for dinner, where we'll relish a thoughtful culinary experience. This restaurant is known for its innovative take on traditional Mediterranean cuisine, the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Stockholm - Art Tour & Scenic Boat Cruise

Day 8: Sunday, August 30, 2026

We'll begin with breakfast at the hotel, enjoying a delightful spread to fuel us for the day ahead. We'll join an engaging art tour of Stockholm, guided by a local expert, that will immerse us in the city's vibrant art scene, showcasing its renowned galleries and thought-provoking installations.

For lunch, we'll dine at a lovely restaurant, where we can savor delicious dishes that highlight the best of Swedish cuisine in a pleasant setting.

In the afternoon, we'll take a scenic boat cruise aboard an open electric boat in Stockholm. This relaxing cruise lets us appreciate the city's beauty from the water, taking in picturesque views of the many islands and waterfront architecture. 

After the cruise, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace—whether it involves shopping, exploring an interesting landmark, or simply soaking in the ambiance of this charming city.

As the day comes to a close, we'll meet in the hotel lobby for our final dinner at Riche, a restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and delectable menu. It promises to be a memorable ending to our wonderful time in Scandinavia. 

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Departure Day

Day 9: Monday, August 31, 2026

After breakfast, it's time to depart. You can take your time and leave when you wish by asking the hotel to call a taxi to the airport. 

Or maybe you'll hang around for a few extra days and soak in the last days of a beautiful Swedish summer... the choice is yours.

Included

Breakfast

Not Included

Airport transfer

You'll Be Staying Here

Hotel Bella Grande

Hotel Bella Grande

The Hotel Bella Grande is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Copenhagen, just a short distance from the bustling City Hall Square. Housed within a historic building, this hotel seamlessly blends nostalgic charm with modern sophistication, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

House of Ven

House of Ven

People visit the House of Ven to escape the urban, high-tech, and modern environment, seeking a different backdrop. Located on an island between Copenhagen and Malmo, Sweden, it offers a peaceful retreat for reflection. 


The farm is centrally located in the heart of Ven and serves as a natural starting point for exploring the island. The hotel rooms at Turistgården, House of Ven, are simple in functionality but charming in decor with historical references. 

Nobis Hotel

Nobis Hotel

The five-star Nobis Hotel in central Stockholm, near the shopping district and the Royal Dramatic Theatre, is a sleek modern hotel with cozy touches inside two historic buildings from the 1800s. Rooms are outfitted in muted colors and feature Egyptian cotton sheets. Restore yourself in the sauna or sip cocktails in the grand lounge. 

Hosts

Katrin Hodapp

Katrin Hodapp

Katrin has turned from a career as an international literary agent to sharing her passion for travel and art. She speaks five languages fluently and, when not guiding visitors is an active translator in the film industry. She's always keen to find the perfect view, the ideal bistro, and the hidden gem to make the trips she leads seamless and memorable. 

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

$9,995

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

$9,135

Add Ons

Arrive one day early in Denmark - Private Room - August 22, 2026

Arrive one day early in Denmark - Private Room - August 22, 2026

Includes one night and breakfast at Hotel Bella Grande

PRICE$450.00

SOLD OUT
Arrive one day early in Denmark - Shared Room - August 22, 2026 - Price is per person. Each guest must book individually.

Arrive one day early in Denmark - Shared Room - August 22, 2026 - Price is per person. Each guest must book individually.

Includes one night and breakfast at Hotel Bella Grande

PRICE$250.00

ADD THIS
Stay one night longer in Stockholm - Private Room - August 31, 2026

Stay one night longer in Stockholm - Private Room - August 31, 2026

Includes one night at the Nobis Hotel

PRICE$395.00

ADD THIS
Stay one day longer in Stockholm - Shared Room - August 31, 2026 - Price is per person. Each guest must book individually.

Stay one day longer in Stockholm - Shared Room - August 31, 2026 - Price is per person. Each guest must book individually.

Includes one night and breakfast at the Nobis Hotel

PRICE$215.00

ADD THIS

Two Design Havens

Nordic Wonderland

A journey through Stockholm and Copenhagen blends sleek Scandinavian design with rich history and coastal charm. In Copenhagen, colorful harborside houses, world-class cuisine, and the laid-back Danish lifestyle create a city as stylish as it is welcoming.

Venture to Ven Island for a taste of intentional island living before continuing to Stockholm, wander cobblestone streets, explore royal palaces, and soak in the city’s effortless balance of tradition and innovation set across its sparkling archipelago. 

Nordic Wonderland

What's Included

What's Included

All meals as indicated, with wine, or beer with dinner (unless otherwise noted)

All in country transport (unless indicated otherwise)

Guided tour of the Carlsberg Glyptotket museum

Accommodation at unique, 4-star or better hotels

Walking tours of Stockholm and Copenhagen

Guided tour of the Design Museum Denmark

Nature foraging and cooking experience

Swedish meatball-making workshop

Guided tour of Christianborg Palace

Guided tour of the Finn Juhl House

Captivating art tour of Stockholm

Scenic Boat cruise in Stockholm

Train to Stockholm

Expert guides and trip leaders

All activity entry fees

Small group experience

Food tour on Ven Island

Additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Any personal souvenirs or purchases

Any spa treatment desired

International Airfare

Airport transfers

FAQs

Plan to fly into Copenhagen's Kastrup International Airport (CPH) to begin our trip on August 23rd. 


Upon departure, you'll fly home from Stockholm Arlanda International Airport (ARN). 

The trip officially begins on August 23rd, 2026. However, if you're flying overnight to arrive in Copenhagen, consider arriving a day early to give yourself time to rest, relax, and adjust to the local time zone. 


You'll find an Arrive 1 Day early option in the Add-ons section of this page, which allows us to book your accommodation and ensure you stay in the same room once the official trip begins. 

In late August, both Copenhagen and Stockholm enjoy the tail end of summer, with mild, pleasant weather that’s ideal for exploring outdoors. Daytime temperatures typically range from about 18–22°C (64–72°F), while evenings can cool down to around 13–15°C (55–59°F), so a light jacket or sweater is useful after sunset. 


Rain is possible, though showers are usually brief, and both cities benefit from long daylight hours, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the waterfront promenades, leafy parks, and open-air cafés. It’s a comfortable and lively time of year, with just a hint of crispness signaling that autumn is on the way.

We'll have a pre-trip Zoom call about 2 months before the trip departs to discuss all of the details, including what to wear and what to pack. If you want some packing tips, check out the Travel Fashion Girls' website.


As long as we know in advance, we can cater to most food allergies or dietary restrictions. 

Beginning in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries- including the U.S., Canada, and Australia - will need an ETIAS permit to visit most of Europe. No action is needed just yet. As we get closer to the launch date, likely several months in advance, we’ll share all the details on how to apply. Feel free to reach out with any questions! 

We require that everyone traveling with Girls' Guide be able to comfortably walk 3–5 miles per day unassisted, and without difficulty, can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience. 


Additionally, some of the 4 and 5-star boutique or historic hotels we stay in do not have elevators and may require climbing stairs to get to your room or access other facilities in the hotel. 

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to see answers to most other questions about traveling with Girls' Guide to the World. 

Inquire about this trip

From Plate to Palette - a Scandinavian Culinary & Design Adventure

Sweden· Departs on August 23, 2026 · 9 Days