Fjords of Norway: Oslo, Flam & Bergen

Norway's vibrant capital city welcomes you to Scandinavia. Arrive in Oslo and transfer independently to your hotel, or upgrade your experience to include a private transfer by a sedan. After settling into your accommodations, the rest of the day is at leisure in this harbor city. The varied architecture demonstrates the juxtaposition of the modern era versus the region's deep history, and the cuisine, much of which comes from the surrounding ocean, weaves a tale as old as time. Find yourself immersed in Viking history, art, and culture as you discover the city's diverse neighborhoods and exciting attractions. Overnight Oslo.

Dive right into Oslo's most fascinating sites on this morning's guided sightseeing tour. Join a comfortable motorcoach to explore the city center and all its offerings with an expert guide leading the way. A highlight of the tour comes as your coach approaches Holmenkollen Hill, home to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, used in the 1952 Olympics. The views over Oslo from this hill are terrific and showcase how unique the city's skyline has grown to be. Your three-hour tour also includes a visit to Vigeland Sculpture Park. There are over 200 bronze, iron, and granite pieces throughout the greenspace, all of which were created by beloved Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Following your city tour, the remainder of the day is at leisure to continue sightseeing as you please. Points of interest that you may wish to enjoy independently include the Viking Ship Museum, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the Royal Palace, and the Akershus Fortress.

For a more structured afternoon, consider joining an Oslo Fjord boat tour. After weaving through the city by bus, you will cherish the alternate perspective Oslo's waters bring. Join a boat in Oslo's harbor, and sail past beloved city sites, including the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet House in Bjørvika, the Maritime Museum, and the Fram Museum. But this is not all you will see; the two-hour cruise also showcases the natural beauty found on the region's small islands, sheltered inlets, pristine bays, and beautiful beaches, including Huk Bay. Overnight Oslo.

• Breakfast

Breakfast is served at your hotel this morning ahead of the day's adventure toward the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Check out of your hotel and transfer on your own to Oslo's train station to board your train bound for Myrdal. There are nearly 200 miles between the two destinations - one all modern buildings and metropolitan luxuries and the other a small, remote village in Norway's "rooftop." This first leg of the day's travels takes about 4 1/2 hours to complete.

On arrival in Myrdal, board your second rail line of the day: the beloved Flam Railway. This railway is regarded as one of the most scenic globally and follows some of the world's steepest standard-gauge tracks. The two-hour route showcases the dramatic scenery of Western Norway as you descend through snow-covered mountains, past plunging waterfalls, and through majestic fjord landscapes that are rife with natural beauty. Over twenty tunnels further punctuate the course to Flam, making the mountain descent one of ease.

Arrive in Flam this afternoon with time to get settled into your accommodations ahead of tonight's gastronomic adventure at Aegir Brewery. The flavors of Norway are brought to life through five unique beers and five dishes, which are elegantly paired to complement each flavor profile. Overnight Flam.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a relaxing morning, transfer to the waterfront for a cruise through the region's breathtaking fjords. Your fjord safari takes place aboard a small boat that holds no more than 12 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience with a front-row seat to all the panoramic vistas you could desire. Further, the smaller boat can more easily navigate the fjords and their coastlines, offering up-close views of the quaint villages that line these remote stretches of water and the marine life, including seals and porpoises, living in them. At a leisurely speed, venture into Aurlandsfjord and past tumbling waterfalls, including Sagfossen, which flows 1,200 feet down the side of a plateau. At Sagfossen, your boat enters the UNESCO World Heritage Naeroyfjord, one of the most impressive branches of Sognefjord.

From June through August we go ashore in Undredal, a small village squeezed in between tall mountains. Famous for its goat cheese production, a local host will introduce you to these traditions, tasting different types of local cheese served with flatbread and jam.

Return to dry land after your 90-minute cruise with the remainder of the day at leisure in Flam. Perhaps wander down to Flam's traditional wooden church, constructed in 1670, or make your way to Stegastein Lookout to capture the beauty of Aurlandsfjord from an overhead perspective. The Flam Railway Museum and the Flam Visitors Center are valuable places to learn more about the region's history, should you desire. Overnight Flam.

• Breakfast

Today's journey takes you toward Norway's southwest coast to the vibrant destination of Bergen. This big city is a haven for artists and those seeking a heavy dose of culture, yet somehow retains the quaint charms of a Norwegian village. Departing Flam, follow the Sognefjord - either by boat from spring until winter or by motorcoach during the winter months - for another look at the dramatic scenery. Arrive early this afternoon and enjoy a transfer to your downtown hotel in a private car.

Bergen's unique mixture of rich history and modern amenities make it a wonder to discover, with points of interest to draw your attention around every corner. Perhaps spend your day at one of the museums, such as the Bergen Maritime Museum, Bryggens Museum, or the Bergen Art Museum. The ornate detail of the Fantoft Stave Church from the 12th century is astounding, while the Bergenhus Fortress' stone facade shows a different, tougher side to this Viking tradepost city. Overnight Bergen.

• Breakfast

Immerse yourself in Bergen's lore, traditions, and culture today as you embark on a walking tour alongside an expert guide. Spend three hours wandering through some of the city's most historic and significant areas, including Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Weave through narrow alleys and along the waterfront with your local tour guide, unveiling hidden gems as your tour unfolds. Colorful wooden buildings line ancient wooden and cobblestone streets. Other points of interest on your excursion may include St. Mary's Church, the oldest building in Bergen, dating to 1130, and Vågen Harbor, boasting a more modern feel. Your tour wraps up as you arrive at Bergen's beloved fish market, one of the country's largest outdoor marketplaces. The selection of freshly caught seafood, produce, and prepared foods is mind-blowing, and for lunch today, you are treated to a tasting of some of the most popular offerings.

You are free to continue exploring independently this afternoon, or for another adventure, you may join an optional railway excursion aboard the Floibanen Funicular Railway. This 100-year-old mountain train connects Bergen with the top of Mount Floyen in less than 10 minutes. Hiking trails for all abilities and magnificent views over Bergen and the surrounding water beckon at the summit. Overnight Bergen.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel this morning before a private car transfer takes you from your hotel to Bergen's train station. Your destination for the day's travels is Oslo, where your journey began. This all-day route ventures east past lakes and through beautiful national parklands, with the final stretch skirting the Inner Oslofjord. Transfer to your hotel in the city center as you arrive, then take the remainder of the day to explore any sights you may have missed during your first visit. Overnight Oslo. 

• Breakfast

Norway's fjordlands have played an incredible host for the last week, but this morning after breakfast, your expedition concludes. Transfer on your own to Oslo's international airport or upgrade your experience to include a private escort by a sedan. Look over the mountains and fjords one last time as your flight takes off over Oslo. 

• Breakfast