Norwegian Fjord Explorer
You’ll fall in love with Norway’s beauty, culture, and history on your escorted Norwegian tour. Norway’s magic will stay with you long after your travel adventure.
Tour Description
Your guided tour of Norway focuses on the country’s natural beauty with its glistening mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers. Your tour starts in Oslo and explores the idyllic Norwegian landscapes and harbor towns – rich in the folklore of pirates, Vikings, and smugglers through the Napoleonic Wars. You’ll follow the southern coast of the country by coach and ferry to fascinating Bergen where you will spend two nights with plenty time to discover the bustling harbor and taste salmon at the fish market. The highlights of the tour will be the fascinating Flam Train journey through the world’s most breathtaking scenery, followed by a cruise across the legendary Sognefjord to Loen – home to some of Norway’s oldest farms. Ascend 5,000 feet to the Dalsnibba Lookout to survey some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Spend time in the stunning village of Geiranger, where you’ll have an opportunity to cruise its spectacular fjord or just relax taking in the beauty of the landscapes. Travel to Lillehammer, home to the 1994 Winter Olympics, and also known for its exciting arts scene. Visit the town of Hamar on the shores of Lake Mjøsa – one of the deepest lakes in Europe. You’ll also visit a spectacular museum and the remains of a 950-year-old cathedral. Upon your return to Oslo, your guided sightseeing tour includes a medieval castle, royal palace, and the outdoor exhibition of the sculptures of famed artist Gustav Vigeland.
Highlights and Inclusions
- Flåm Scenic Train Ride
- Sognefjord cruise
- Buffet breakfasts daily, 4 dinners
- Visits to Arendal, Kristiansand, Mandal, Lyngdal, Flekkefjord, Farsund, Stavanger, Bergen, Loen, Dalsnibba, Skywalk, Geiranger, Lillehammer, and Hamar
- Local Guides for sightseeing in Oslo
- Professional Tour Director while touring
- Individual headsets
Itinerary
Day 1 - International Flight to Oslo
Embark on a transatlantic flight from your U.S. gateway to Oslo. (International flight is not included)
Day 2 - Arrive in Oslo Norway
Check into your hotel. The rest of your day is free to start exploring Oslo, bustling capital of this land of fjords, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day 3 - Oslo - Arendal - Kristiansand
Today, travel along the fantastic “Norwegian Riviera”—the Sørlandet (South Land) and the Skagerrak (a strait between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark)—and visit the idyllic harbor town of Arendal. A port since the 14th century, it is known for its timber exports and its old Town Hall, the tallest wooden structure in the country. Overnight in Kristiansand, founded in 1641 and today an important industrial center. Here, you will enjoy time at the lively Fiskebrygga (fish market), the perfect place to watch the entertaining fishmongers or relax at one of the numerous sidewalk cafés. (B, D)
Day 4 - Kristiansand - Stavanger
More ruggedly beautiful coastal scenery awaits this morning as you head into the Lista region, noted for its skirmishes against piracy during the 1800s. Head to Mandal, the southernmost town in Norway and a popular holiday resort; Lyngdal, site of Viking-era burial mounds; gorgeous Flekkefjord, which was twice sentenced to extinction by royal decree but survived as a smugglers port during the Napoleonic Wars; and Farsund, home to large Soviet prison camps during WWII. Overnight in Stavanger, where you could stroll through the Old Town to see a 12th-century cathedral and captivating collection of 18th- and 19th-century wooden buildings. (B)
Day 5 - Stavanger - Hardangerfjord Ferry Crossing - Bergen
Travel via Haugesund to board the ferry that takes you across Hardangerfjord. Have your camera ready to capture the incredible scenic vistas before arriving in pretty Bergen, the “Green Meadow Among the Mountains.” During your free time here, why not walk down to the harbor to browse the seafood stalls and sample the various salmon dishes? (B)
Day 6 - Bergen
Today is yours to explore Bergen at your own pace. You could spend time at Bryggen with its collection of colorful 14th-century Hanseatic buildings lining the harbor; or consider joining the optional sightseeing excursion that includes the Hanseatic Museum, one of the landmarks of Bergen’s bayside. (B)
Day 7 - Bergen - Flåm Train - Sognefjord Area
A special treat today! Ride on the renowned Flåm train and see some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery—graceful waterfalls, towering mountains, and verdant valleys. Later, cruise across Norway’s legendary Sognefjord. (B, D)
Day 8 - Sognefjord Area - Loen - Dalsnibba - Geiranger
Reach the Nordfjorden region today and take a break in enchanting Loen, home to some of the country’s oldest farms. Ascend above the tree line to 5,000 feet and marvel at the panoramic views of the fjord from the DALSNIBBA LOOKOUT. Spend the next two overnights in the village of Geiranger, site of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. (B, D)
Day 9 - Geiranger
A whole day to enjoy the beauty of Geiranger. An optional fjord cruise is available into this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, or maybe just relax with a glass of traditional mjød (honey mead) or akvavit (clear Scandinavian liquor flavored with caraway) and bask in Geiranger’s unforgettable ambiance. (B, D)
Day 10 - Geiranger - Lom - Lillehammer
This morning, travel on the narrow, winding Trollstigen (Troll’s Road). Along the way, stop in Lom to see its iconic wooden stave church, which dates back to the 12th century. Continue to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics and home today to a lively arts scene. (B)
Day 11 - Lillehammer - Hamar - Oslo
Located on the eastern shore of Mjøsa, the largest lake in Norway and one of the deepest lakes in Europe, is the dynamic city of Hamar. Visit the fascinating open-air Ethnological Museum, an active archaeological site that includes ruins of a 950-year-old cathedral. Later, return to Oslo, where a guided tour shows you the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbor, the soaring City Hall, National Theater, Parliament, Royal Palace, Broadcasting House, and Frogner Park with more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. (B)
Day 12 - Oslo
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Train and Hotel Accommodations
Hotel accommodations include: Scandic Solli Oslo, Comfort Borsparken or Scandic Vulkan (Oslo); Scandic Sorlandet (Kristiansand); Scandic Forum (Stavanger); Thon Bristol (Bergen); Hotel Geiranger (Geiranger); and Clarion Collection Hammer or First Breiseth (Lillehammer).
Dates & Prices
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