Scandinavia

Positive Psychology in Scandinavia: Exploring By Land, Air and Sea

Emily Hause & Makenzie O’Neil

May 25 - June 5, 2023 (optional excursion to Iceland from June 5 - 8)

$4,500 for double occupancy, +$999 for single occupancy

Scandinavian countries are consistently ranked as the happiest countries in the world. The focus of this trip will be to discover what it is about these societies that lead their citizens to be so happy. In examining the food, culture, natural beauty, architecture, and daily life in these countries, we will explore the basis for their very high life satisfaction ratings.

We will begin in Copenhagen where proposed activities will include an exploration of “Hygge,” the Danish concept of “coziness/contentment” as well as a cooking course on Danish pastry. We will then journey to Bergen and Oslo and explore “arbejdsglæde” (the Scandinavian concept of happiness at work) and "lagom" (Norwegian concept of "finding balance"). We will experience awe through an exploration of the abundant natural beauty and architecture of these countries.

There is an optional additional four days and three nights in Iceland, exploring Reykjavik and the cultural and natural beauty surrounding it.

Info Sessions

Learn more about the trip by joining a Zoom info session. All sessions begin at 6 p.m. PT. Join the Zoom session.

Mon. March 6 at 6 p.m.

Registration

$4,500 for double occupancy, +$999 for single occupancy. Registration is open now through April 1, on a first come first served basis.

Optional Iceland add-on excursion $2,200. Does not include airfare between Copenhagen and Reykjavik

March 8, 2023: $1,000 non-refundable deposit for all trips due. In the event that the trip does not meet its minimum number of travelers, deposits will be refunded.

April 12, 2023: Final payment due

Begin your Registration

Itinerary

Scandinavia 2023 Itinerary

May 26	Land in Copenhagen; Check-in to hotel Tivoli Garden (for those who arrive early to walk around/explore) Group welcome dinner
May 27	Walking tour of Copenhagen Group lunch: Hygge and Happiness Afternoon self-guided Hygge Exploration/museums - emphasis on art or design Dinner on your own
May 28	Danish Baking class Lunch on your own Afternoon: Self-guided Hygge Exploration - emphasis on human performance/differences Group dinner
May 29	Morning free Fly to Stavanger, Check into hotel Group dinner
May 30	Hike 3 miles up to Preikestolen cliff overlooking the fjord Group lunch Zodiac boat ride through the fjord Dinner on your own
May 31	Kjeragboltn hike (all-day; bring packed lunch and plenty of water) Group Dinner
June 1	Ferry from Stavanger to Bergen (5.5 hours) Check into hotel Group dinner
June 2	Kayak in a fjord ~OR~or visit to Viking town of Flåm Lunch on your own Afternoon free Group dinner
June 3	Gondola Ride to Above Bergen Group lunch Exploring in Bergen on your own
June 4	Check out of hotel in morning Take the train from Bergen to Oslo on what has been described as one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe Check into hotel Farewell dinner in Oslo
June 5	Depart Oslo
	Optional Iceland add-on excursion Depending on interest, this add-on could be expanded to be longer or include more/different activities Note: Icelandair offers options for “extended layovers” in Iceland; wherein, if you book a return flight from (for instance) Oslo to SFO stopping in Reykjavik, you can extend your layover for up to 7 days with no extra charge.
June 5	Arrive in Iceland mid-day Relax in the soothing natural hot springs of the famous Blue Lagoon Check-in to hotel Group dinner in downtown Reykjavik
June 6	Tour of the “Golden Circle” outside Reykjavik to some of Iceland’s most beautiful and well-known attractions
June 7	“Free play” day with potential options to include: Touring Reykjavik Hiking Day trips to waterfalls Ice cave exploring Traverse on a glacier Ice climbing Search for puffins
June 8	Depart Iceland
	Trip Ends