We offer three different tour categories – Silver, Gold and Platinum.
The difference between the tour categories are the hotels and/or room types included, as well as the comfort level on the trains and overnight cruises.
In our tours we use the 3 and 4 star descriptions just as an estimate of the standard and services of the hotels. The star estimate is meant to give our international travellers a rough idea of the level of quality. However, the hotel, room standard and service level in Scandinavia might be experienced as lower than expected, based on the general price level. Kindly note that the standard may vary from location to location due to the available options.
Please refer to the listed accommodation and the services included for each tour for a full overview of the services included. Unique accommodations are described in more detail in the tour itineraries.
Important: In some locations, different hotel categories are not possible. In these cases, we have included the same hotel in all categories. Sometimes different room types are included.
Some tours might only be bookable in Silver and/or Gold.
When booking a double room for two persons you have the option to choose between a twin and a double. A twin room includes two separate single beds, while the double includes one double bed (often queen size). Although we always strive to book the requested room type, this cannot always be accommodated due to the availability. Some hotels also charge an additional cost for a twin bedded room.
Single rooms are generally smaller than doubles, but more and more hotels only offer double rooms for single use. This is then reflected in the single room supplement.
Purpose-built triple or family rooms are unusual in Scandinavian hotels. Whilst it is often possible for 3 persons to share a room, this will normally consist of a double room with an extra bed (roll-away bed). As a result, space may be restricted.
It is not possible to book triple or family rooms when choosing our Platinum category.
Unless otherwise specified all rooms have private bathroom facilities, which are often equipped with a shower instead of a bathtub.
Any unique accommodation that differ from the above is described in more detail in our day-by-day itinerary.
Trains in Norway offer standard seats and Comfort Plus seats on long distance trains (standard seats are included in tour categories Silver and Gold, and for all categories on local trains). Kindly note that the difference between standard seats and Comfort Plus seats is not very big; Comfort seats includes a bit more space, complimentary tea/coffee, power outlets and table tray for all seats
Trains in Sweden offer 1st and 2nd class seats on all long-distance trains (2nd class is included in tour category Silver only). Onboard the overnight trains, a shared compartment is included in category Silver, while a private compartment is included in category Gold and Platinum. Kindly note however that the standard of the overnight trains is basic regardless of category.
Trains in Finland offer standard seats only. On board the overnight trains a private compartment with shared toilet and shower facilities is included in category Silver (shared compartment when booking a single but upgrade to private possible), while a private compartment with private facilities is included in category Gold and Platinum (also when booking a single).
The overnight cruise ferries offer a unique travel experience by combining the functionality of a car ferry and the amenities of a cruise ship (although the standard is lower than your average cruise ship). Onboard you will find different cabin types, restaurants, tax free shops, lounges and even entertainment.
Our category Silver includes an overnight in a standard inside cabin; these are cabins without any windows.
Our category Gold includes an overnight in a standard outside cabin; there are seaside cabins with either a port hole or a window. None of the windows can be opened.
Our category Platinum includes an overnight in an upgraded outside cabin.
A closer description of the different cabin categories can be found in our day-by-day itinerary of each tour.