The growth in its European portfolio comes in a year when the operator will also be marking its 25th anniversary.   

Trips to Norway, Denmark and Sweden will now be available in a move which head of product Alex Bentley said proved it was continuing to respond to client expectations.

“We pride ourselves on the connections we have with clients and the understanding we have developed over the last 25 years of their needs and expectations for their trips,” he said. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary we are delighted to be able to continue respond to their demands and expand our portfolio this way.”

Audley, which traditionally had more of a direct-sell approach in the past, has been increasingly keen to work with the trade, with Greg Thurston having been in the role of trade sales manager for the past year.  

Moves have so far included the targeting of its new magazine, Adventures & Escapes, for agents, offering it to them in a trade-facing format.

Within the new Scandinavia portfolio, trips to Norway will initially focus on Oslo, Bergen and the Norwegian fjords. 

Highlights of the excursion programme there include a gastronomic tour of Bergen; kayaking in the fjords; exploring Sognefjord and Næroyfjord by Zodiac; and a Hardangerfjord cider and farm experience.  

At launch, Audley’s offering in Denmark focuses around Copenhagen, with day trips to Roskilde, north Zealand and southern Sweden.  

Excursion highlights there include a Smorrebrod cooking class – learning to make the traditional Danish open sandwich – a bike tour or a kayak trip through Copenhagen, and a day trip to Roskilde with its Unesco-listed cathedral.

The range of trips to Sweden will initially be around Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo and Swedish Lapland.  

Excursion highlights in Stockholm include sailing through the city’s archipelago or exploring by kayak, or from Gothenburg, clients can take a shrimp and salmon cruise. In Lapland, excursions include a Sami experience, where clients can help feed the reindeer and learn about their importance in the Sami culture. Other options include a sleigh ride, a snowmobile safari through pine forests and a moose safari through the forest with a Sami guide in a 4x4.  

Multi-country trips can also be created around a theme, such as a nine-day Active Scandinavia itinerary, which costs from £4,490 per person.