It's time to step back, and trace the steps of the

Vikings in Denmark, because we are celebrating the

1000th anniversary of the Vikings arriving in England!

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 to the Viking Ship Museum. This museum is filled with original ships and replicas to help you imagine what life on the ships for these sea masters would have been like. Another interesting place on your journey is Ribe – Denmark’s oldest town, and here you’ll be able to walk around a reconstructed life-size Viking estate.

Between these two places is Odense, a beautiful quaint city with cobbled streets where you will spend a night. It is the birth place of famous author - Hans Christian Andersen – the genius behind such stories as The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina and The Little Mermaid. Odense is the perfect introduction into the world of Nordic fantasy and literature. 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!

Day 1 - Copenhagen to Roskilde (41 kms)

Arrive in Copenhagen and collect your car hire 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 - Hotel Prindsen *** (BB)

NB. For information regarding Viking attractions please see the Excursions tab

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.

1 night ODENSE - First Hotel Grand **** (BB)

Day 4 - 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 5 - Explore Ribe

Today is your chance to get to know Denmark's oldest town more in-depth.

Day 6 - 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.

1 night Århus - City Hotel Oasia *** (BB)

Day 7 - 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 - Absalon Hotel *** (BB)

Day 8 - Departure

Transfer (not included) to Copenhagen Airport for your return flight to UK.

By Air: Daily from Heathrow (alternative departure airports available)
Departure Dates: May to September
Duraration: 7 nights

March of the Vikings

Explore Viking History

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.vikingeborgen-trelleborg.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 VikingeCenter
Brings the Viking era to life. Ribe VikingCenter reconstructs and revitalies the culture which formed the based 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 see the light of day for a thousand years. For more information visit www.vikingmuseet.dk