Day 1
OSLO, NORWAY
Welcome to Oslo, the capital city of Norway. Arrive and check in to your pre-booked hotel. We take you to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump next. It is famous for hosting events for the 1952 Winter Olympics. Absorb 4,000 years of Nordic and downhill skiing history at the Ski Museum, a popular attraction; and, from the observation deck on top, enjoy spectacular views of Oslo and its gorgeous fjord. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight and relax in an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel Oslo.
(Dinner)
Day 2
OSLO
After breakfast, the tour proceeds to explore Norway's cosmopolitan capital, Oslo. The city is situated at the head of a more than 60-mile-long fjord. Wander through Vigeland Park, famous for the sculpture that depicts 121 human figures clinging and floating together designed by native artist Gustav Vigeland. We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before going to the Bygdøy Peninsula. This is a peninsula near the city centre with some of Oslo's most popular museums, hiking trails and beaches. We then see some of the world’s best-preserved Viking longships at the famous Viking Ship Museum. Ever since the museum opened in 1926, the Viking Ship Museum has been a national symbol and gathering place for Norway's most important cultural heritage. At the Kon-Tiki Museum, enjoy a specially arranged meeting with a family member or biographer of Thor Heyerdahl and learn about his family’s scientific seafaring adventures, chronicled in the pages of magazine. It houses vessels and maps from the Kon-Tiki expedition. We view the famous Kon-Tiki raft, the papyrus boat Ra II, and other artefacts of famous seafaring history.
Stay the night in the comfortable Grand Hotel Oslo.
(Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 3
FLÅM
Today after breakfast we catch a train to Myrdal and then board the Flåm Railway. It is named by Traveler as one of the top ten train journeys in Europe. It offers views of spectacular nature, historical-cultural landscapes and extreme engineering skills. Take an unforgettable ride along one of the steepest normal-gauge railroads in the world. Descend a steep valley through 20 tunnels and past thundering waterfalls to the fjord village of Flåm on the incredible train ride.
Settle into your hotel overlooking Aurlandsfjord, which was formed by a glacier. We then visit a shoe factory in Aurland village which is the birthplace of the penny loafer. Get awesome views of Aurlandsfjord from the nearby Stegastein’s viewing platform, which floats 2,000 feet above the fjord. We then this evening, sample beers at a local brewery before dinner.
Overnight stay at the Fretheim Hotel.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 4
UNDREDAL - GUDVANGEN - FLÅM
Begin the day with breakfast and proceed on a stroll through the picturesque village of Undredal. Sample the town’s world-famous brown goat cheese and visit Scandinavia’s smallest stave church. The church is only 12 by 4 metres (39 by 13 ft) and has only 40 seats, making it the smallest stave church. Meet with members of a local choir and enjoy a performance before returning to Flåm for lunch.
Get aboard a boat for a cruise across two spectacular fjords—Aurlandsfjord and Naerøyfjord, which together with Geirangerfjorden is a World Heritage site. Embrace the beauty of magnificent views of towering cliff faces sprinkled with waterfalls. We then disembark in charming Gudvangen before returning to our hotel in Flåm.
Overnight stay at the Fretheim Hotel.
(Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 5
GEIRANGER
After a delicious breakfast, the tour travels overland to Geiranger, winding through the mountains and stopping en route at the Norwegian Glacier Museum and at the newly opened Geiranger Skywalk. Perched 4,900 feet above sea level, breathe the fresh mountain air and the lookout is the highest scenic viewpoint overlooking a fjord in Europe. From here, you get to see spectacular views of Geirangerfjorden and the surrounding mountain peaks where you spot the Blåbreen glacier. Upon arrival in Geiranger, settle into your pre-booked hotel overlooking Geirangerfjorden.
Overnight stay at the Hotel Union.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 6
GEIRANGERFJORDEN - TROLLSTIGEN
This morning, we enjoy breakfast and head out on the tour to enjoy a special visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre before it opens to the public. Explore exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history, and learn how the dramatic fjord landscape was created. Peruse how people came to inhabit the extreme terrain. The tour then sets out by ferry on an unforgettable cruise on the World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjorden. The iconic Geirangerfjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, a ten-mile passage lined with sheer rock walls and known for its beautiful waterfalls. Disembark at Hellesylt for a drive along the famed Trollstigen known as the Troll’s Footpath. The exciting winding journey through the mountains along 11 hairpin turns is a thrill. Look out for troll statues inspired by Norwegian fairytales.
Stay the night at the Hotel Union.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 7
RAUMA RAILWAY - TRONDHEIM
After a tasty breakfast, transfer to Andalsnes and board the Rauma Railway. The Rauma Railway takes you through some of the most dramatic of Norway's landscapes. Take in stunning scenery through panoramic windows on a journey past craggy alpine peaks, glacier-fed waterfalls, and the emerald waters of the Rauma River. This is a unique opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular scenic areas in Norway. Cross the historic Kylling Bridge and marvel at the 3300-foot Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face. In Dombås, switch trains for the ride to Trondheim, a city and municipality in Trøndelag county. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at the Britannia Hotel.
(Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 8
TRONDHEIM
Savour breakfast at the hotel in Trondheim that once served as Norway’s capital until the early 1200s. Said to have been founded in the tenth century by Viking King Olaf I Tryggvason, today, the hybrid high-tech culture mingles with medieval architecture in this university town. We take you on a city tour, to visit the Nidaros Cathedral, the world's northernmost medieval cathedral and Norway's national sanctuary. This is a cherished landmark built on the gravesite of Norway’s patron saint with beautiful stained glass windows. Take a “secret tour” of the cathedral's concealed chambers, hidden rooms, and medieval tombstones. The tour continues across the Nidelva River to Bakklandet, where you enjoy lunch in this charming neighbourhood filled with colourful wooden houses. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, then gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay a restful night at the Britannia Hotel.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 9
BERGEN
After breakfast and check out the tour flies you to the coastal city of Bergen. It was once an important trading centre of the Hanseatic League, and a commercial hub in northern Europe in the Late Middle Ages. Discover the city’s maritime history on a tour of Bryggen, a historic harbour district and a designated World Heritage site. Dine on your own tonight.
Overnight stay at the Hotel Havnekontoret.
(Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 10
BERGEN
Today following breakfast we delve deeper into Bergen on a city tour. We visit the former home of celebrated Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg which is nestled in the hills above Bergen. Stroll the villa’s exquisite gardens and visit the studio where many of Grieg’s most famous works were composed. Next, the tour visits the Fantoft Stave Church, a blackened stave church that is almost a millennium years old. This was originally constructed in the Middle Ages and was reconstructed following a suspicious 1992 fire. Spend your final afternoon at leisure and then gather for a festive farewell dinner at a restaurant serving traditional Norwegian dishes.
Overnight stay at the Hotel Havnekontoret.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 11
BERGEN
After breakfast, transfer to the Bergen airport and catch your flight home. Take with you cherishable memories of a lifetime.
(Breakfast)