North Zealand Day Trip from Copenhagen

Spend a day in North Zealand, Denmark's magical castle-laden region, on a day trip from Copenhagen! After traveling through a landscape where sandy beaches meet emerald hills, stop in the town of Elsinore to see Denmark's premier UNESCO-listed attraction, Kronborg Castle. Hear how it was used as the setting of Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet,' and then continue to Fredensborg Castle, the summer home of Denmark's royal family. Finish up with a stroll through Frederiksborg Castle's gardens before returning to Copenhagen.

Board your luxury coach near Copenhagen City Hall and then sit back and relax on the drive out of the city, following the coastline into the region of Zealand. The first destination of your day is Elsinore (known locally as Helsingør), and as you travel north along the sea-fringed roads, you'll take in some of Denmark's most spectacular countryside. Tear your eyes away from the golden-sand beaches to see stretches of soft green hills with pretty wooden houses breaking up the countryside.

In Elsinore, stop for a walk around the outside of Kronborg Castle -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and hear about its formidable history from your guide. Once a tollhouse that was designed to terrify outsiders, the castle now has a romantic appeal, having been the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Stroll around Kronborg Castle's swan-filled moats, and head into Elsinore itself to admire its historical half-timbered houses and streets on a walking tour with your guide. Take a break for lunch (own expense) and then meet your guide to continue your tour by coach to Fredensborg Castle - the summer residence of the Danish royal family. Stop for photos in front of the castle with Lake Esrum as your backdrop, and then hop back on board your coach.

Nearby is the small market town of Hillerød, and you'll visit it next to see magnificent Frederiksborg Castle. The building gives the town an undeniable wow factor, with many a visitor referring to it as the 'Nordic Versailles.' Explore the castle's different gardens - one designed in French Baroque style and another in the form of a quintessential English garden - while learning about the castle's history from your guide.

Head back to Copenhagen in the late afternoon, finishing your tour at the start point.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking