Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Protection:
Authentic Scandinavia is a member of the Norwegian Tour Guarantee fund (RGF), which guarantees for all package travel in Norway. Norwegian tour operators are required by law to be a member of RGF. Read more about the Norwegian Tour Guarantee fund
Travel Insurance:
We recommend that each customer has adequate travel insurance; also to include cancellation cover (should be arranged in your home country).
Flights to Scandinavia:
Flights are not included in our package tours - Since our customers come from all over the world we have only included the ground services within Scandinavia.
Below is a selection of airlines with flight connections to Scandinavia:
- Scandinavian Airlines (Worldwide)
- Norwegian Air Shuttle (from Europe)
- Continental Airlines (from USA)
- US Airways (from USA)
- KLM (worldwide)
- British Airways (Worldwide)
- Brussels Airlines (Worldwide)
- Lufthansa (Worldwide)
- Ryanair (from Europe)
- Finnair (Worldwide)
Flights within Scandinavia:
Flights within Scandinavia are not included in our package tours and must be booked by yourself. This will give you the freedom to choose any departure, based on your own requirements (price and departure time).
The following airlines offer flights within Scandinavia:
Both Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle offer a wide selection of flights all across Norway and Sweden, as well as between the Scandinavian capitals (SAS also offers flights between Helsinki and the Scandinavian capitals).
Finnair offers a wide selection of flights all across Finland, as well as between Helsinki and the Scandinavian capitals.
Please be aware that the airlines generally have a 1 suitcase per person limitation.
Independent Rail Tours:
Our Independent Rail Tours are a selection of eco-friendly package tours, where travel is by public transport, including train, boat and/or bus. Several tours also include overnight cruises, scenic railways and fjord cruises. Please note that all Independent Rail Tours are non-escorted, and you will not be travelleing as part of a group (unless otherwise specified).
Independent tours – finding your way:
If booking an independent tour we will provide you with a detailed step-by-step travel itinerary, including information on how to get from the airports, how to find your hotels, train stations etc. Please note that airport- and hotel transfer is not included in the price.
Public transportation (train/boat/bus):
The public transportation in Scandinavia is highly dependable. In case of close connections please rest assured that we have included departure times that correspond with the connecting transportation. However, we always recommend that you inform the driver/conductor of your connecting transport. If you have booked a tour including a combination tour ticket (i.e. Norway in a Nutshell) please note that this is an independent, yet scheduled, excursion and the transportation always corresponds.
Selecting a travel date:
Under "Price Details" for each specific tour you will find the travel periods for the tours. If a longer date range is specified this means that you can start the tour every day of the week during that period. If only one date is specified this means that the tour can only start on this specific date (unless you would like to add additional nights before the start of the tour). The price for the different travel periods or dates is specified.
Child rates:
Due to the fact that the Escorted Coach Tours are unsuitable for younger children, children under the age of 12 will not be accepted. Children between 12 and 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
The following child rates apply for our independent tours:
- Infants 0-4 years: Free of charge in parents' bed
- Infants 0-4 years: EUR 15,- per baby cot per night
- Children 4-15 years: 50% reduction on the adult rate.
For children older than 15 years the standard triple room price applies.
Please note that the child rates above are valid when one child is staying in an extra bed in a room with two adults. Most hotels do not have large enough rooms for two extra beds. Please contact us for a quote if you are traveling with more than one child.
Language:
Please note that most Scandinavians speak very well English. German is also widely spoken by persons working in the travel industry.
Local currencies:
- Norway = Norwegian kroner (NOK)
- Sweden = Swedish kronor (SEK)
- Denmark = Danish kroner (DKK)
- Finland = Euro (EUR)
You can get local currency from ATMs all across Scandinavia, but please be aware that your bank will charge you a service fee and exchange rate fee for the transaction. The fee is however likely to be less than if you exchange money in your home country.
Most restaurants and shops will take credit cards, but it is always a good idea to ask beforehand. Many places will not accept AMEX.
Passport and visa requirements:
On arrival in Norway, you must show a valid passport or other official document that satisfactorily establishes your identity and nationality.
For some nationals a visa is required as well. A visitor's visa is valid for a maximum of three months. Entry clearance follows strict rules and procedures. For full details about visa requirements and application procedures, visit your nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate.