A guided sightseeing and walking holiday is an ideal way to explore the fairy-tale city of Copenhagen, which has long been an important trading centre at the entrance to the Baltic. Fresh sea air compliments the relaxed and open-minded atmosphere of Denmark's cultured and historic capital.

The clean and largely pedestrianised city centre is easily explored on foot, with one of our knowledgeable HF Holidays' leaders. Highlights of our stay include the 17th century Rosenborg Castle, the world-famous Tivoli gardens and a canal tour past multi-coloured merchants houses to the Little Mermaid.  

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Dates and prices
	Travel to resort
	Average temperatures
	What the holiday includes

Detailed itinerary

The following is a suggested programme, but your HF Holidays' leader may adjust it at their discretion, according to the wishes of the group. There is clearly no obligation to join in any activity, and you should feel free to spend the time as you wish.

Day 1: Arrival day
Take an evening stroll to the Town Hall and statue of one of Copenhagen's most famous residents, Hans Christian Andersen.

Day 2: The Heart of Copenhagen
Explore the centre of Copenhagen, visiting the cathedral, the beautiful Caritas Fountain and the Round Tower with its superb views across the red-tiled roofs of Copenhagen. In the afternoon, enjoy a canal trip through the city to see Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid, before visiting the stately Christiansborg Palace, now home to the Danish parliament.

Unveiled in 1606, the Caritas Fountain is the oldest fountain in Copenhagen. It is also known as the fountain of the golden apples because during royal and state events golden apples are floated on the water spouts. Caritas means charity and refers to the sculpture on the top of the fountain.

The Round Tower stands 111ft (36m) above the streets of Copenhagen and reputedly offers the best view of the city. Built in 1642, it houses Europe's oldest working observatory.

Canal Tours sail along Copenhagen's waterways, giving a wonderful view of the many churches, castles and colourful merchants' houses. Two of the most memorable sights are the Little Mermaid and the moated palaces of Slotsholmen (the seat of the Danish government).

The Little Mermaid: In 1909 Ellen Price played the lead role in the ballet 'The Little Mermaid'. A local business man, Carl Jacobsen was so impressed by the performance and the beauty of the dancer, that he commissioned a statue to grace Copenhagen's harbour. Over the years the dainty statue has unfortunately been vandalised on several occasions; her head has been severed twice, her right arm sawn off and she has been painted blue.

Day 3: Elsinore
We take the train out along the coast to Elsinore, a pretty town best known for its famous castle. A short walk takes us through the historic quarters of the town to the Sankt Olai Kirke, a 15th century Gothic church, and onwards to the Carmelite monastery, one of Scandinavia's best-preserved medieval monasteries. From here we continue on to the castle.

Kronborg Castle and the legendary Danish hero, Holder, was the inspiration for Shakespeare's Hamlet. The castle was finished in 1583, not as a Royal residence, but as a grandiose toll house wrestling taxes from the many ships passing through the narrow Øresund sound. One of the highlights is the Hall of Knights, the largest in Europe.

Continue on to the beautifully kept Fredensborg Palace Gardens, the Danish Royal family's summer residence, and walk down tree-lined avenues to Esrum Se, Denmark's second largest lake.

Day 4: The Danish Royal Family and Art
Copenhagen is home to the world's oldest monarchy. Situated in the heart of the city is Rosenborg Castle, the royal residence up until 1730. The castle now houses the crown jewels including Christian IV's dazzling crown, Queen Margrethe II's emeralds and pearls and the jewel-studded sword of Christian III. The upper levels have been restored in the decorative style of each of Denmark's ruling monarchs. Surrounding the castle are the King's Gardens. These were laid out during King Christian IV's reign and include the lovely sculpture of Queen Charlotte-Amalie and the famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen, sitting with a book in his hands.

Amalienborg Slot is the official residence of Queen Margreth. The palace features exhibits of the royal apartments faithfully reconstructed in the styles of the different periods. When the Queen is in residence at Amalienborg, a colourful changing of the Royal Guard takes places from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg.

To the west of the square in front of the Palace, is a head-on view of the impressive Marble Church. This magnificent church has a 30m diameter dome and was inspired by St Peter's in Rome. The exterior of the church is ringed by statues of Danish saints and theologians.

Spend the afternoon exploring Copenhagen's museums such as the National Museum or the Ny Carlsberg Glypotek.

The Nationalmuseet houses the national collection of Danish historical artefacts. It is a fascinating insight into the country and its people through the ages. Highlights include impressive Viking weapons, bronze horns and a 3,500 year old chariot. There are also collections devoted to Inuit social history and Danish furniture.

The Ny Carlsberg Glypotek is a world-class museum of art. Originally built as a museum of classical art, the museum expanded to include 19th and 20th century Danish and French art after the museum received a sizeable donation of Gauguin's paintings. Its collections are breathtaking including over 40 works by Gauguin, a complete series of Degas' bronzes, Roman, Etruscan, Greek and Egyptian art.

In the evening, we visit the Tivoli Gardens an extraordinary mix of open-air stage shows, boating lakes, street performers, well-kept flower gardens, amusement rides, concert halls and restaurants. It is a wonderful place to simply stroll and enjoy the atmosphere. Two evenings a week, the gardens usually have a fireworks display.

Day 5: Departure day
Before departing visit Copenhagen's stylish shops and boutiques.

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Dates and prices

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Travel to resort

Guests who have booked their holiday 'with flight' will arrive at Copenhagen International Airport. The journey to the hotel by train takes around 10 minutes.

Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 21/08/07 (provisional)

British Airways
Heathrow - Copenhagen
Out 09:55 - 12:45
Return 14:05-15:00

Scandinavian Airlines
Manchester* - Copenhagen
Out 09:55 - 12:45
Return 17:35 - 18:30

*Manchester flight supplement: £20

Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Making Your Own Travel Arrangements
By air: Copenhagen's International Airport is located a short train ride from the heart of the city. The airport was expanded in 2000 and is now considered to be one of the best airports in Europe. Copenhagen is served by a number of direct scheduled, charter and 'low-cost' flights from the UK. If you are booking your own flights you may wish to consider one of the following options:

www.flybmi.com flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

www.easyjet.com flights from Stansted.

www.britishairways.com flights from Heathrow.

www.scandinavian.net SAS Scandinavian flights from Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham.

www.maersk-air.com flights from Gatwick and Manchester.

To reach the city centre: Trains leave the airport every twenty minutes, direct into Copenhagen and take approximately 10 minutes. The railway station at the airport is located beneath terminal three. A free airport bus connects all the terminals.

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Temperatures

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What the holiday includes

• Return economy class air (with flight).
• 4 nights' accommodation in double or twin-bedded en-suite rooms.
• Bed & Breakfast.
• Services HF of Holidays' leaders.
• Detailed itineraries.

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