See some of the world's most spectacular scenery in Norway's enchanting fjord region. In the quaint capital city of Oslo, marvel at the thousand-year-old Viking ships that once ruled the North Sea. You'll also see the Royal Palace; the Holmenkollen Ski Jump; and the Vigeland Park, home to a unique collection of statues and sculptures. Then head to the charming 11th century city of Bergen, the "Gateway to the Fjords." Take some time to stroll along the picturesque harborfront before boarding the renowned Flam Railway for an exciting journey past the mighty waterfalls, towering mountains, and breathtaking valleys that characterize this region. A highlight of this tour is sure to be the two-hour fjord cruise through the narrow Næroy Fjords. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the area, spend two nights at the historic Union Hotel, which has captivated travelers with its magnificent views for more than a century. You'll also visit Alesund, a beautiful island town known for its distinctive architecture, including a myriad of turrets, spires and medieval ornaments. Visit the marble Giske Church in Alesund, constructed in the 12th century, and used as a private chapel for a powerful aristocratic family. At the end of your Norwegian adventure, travel through Gudbrandsdal Valley to Lillehammer where you can view the 1994 Winter Olympic site and picturesque Lake Mjosa, the county's largest lake.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight -
Day #2 Oslo, Norway - Tour Begins - Your tour begins today in Oslo. Oslo is filled with beautiful green parks, interesting architecture and inlet islands. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day #3 Oslo - A guided tour of Oslo features the Viking Ship Museum’s thousand-year-old Viking ships. Continue along Karl Johan Street and view the Royal Palace and City Hall in quaint downtown Oslo. Next, visit the Vigeland Park, home to a unique collection of statues and sculptures. Later this afternoon enjoy leisure time to relax or explore independently.
Day #4 Oslo - Bergen - Behold the picturesque landscape as you travel west to Bergen, the "Gateway to the Fjords". Bergen was founded in 1070 and is known today for its old-world charm and scenic landscape.
Day #5 Bergen - Today you may independently explore this beautiful town. Spend time walking along the harborfront, known as the Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bergen is widely known for the thriving activity from the German Hanseatic merchants that dominated it for 400 years, and their influence is still felt in the city today. You may choose an optional tour to Troldhaugen, which was the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg.
Day #6 Bergen - "Norway in a Nutshell" - Stalheim - This morning you journey along the renowned Flam Railway, witnessing some of the world’s most scenic wilderness as you descend 3,000 feet - passing mighty waterfalls, towering mountains and amazing valleys. Next, embark on a memorable two-hour fjord cruise on the Næroy Fjord, one of the most narrow and spectacular branch of the Sognefjord. Cap off this amazing day in beautiful Stalheim.
Day #7 Stalheim - Geiranger - Spend the day enchanted by the dramatic landscape of the fjord region of Norway. Journey north and cross the mighty Sognefjord, the largest and deepest of Norway's fjords. Later, traverse the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most majestic fjords. Spend two nights at the historic Union Hotel, located on the Geirangerfjord, which has captivated travelers with its magnificent views for more than a century.
Day #8 Geiranger - Today is a day at leisure to relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery this region is so famous for. You may choose to enjoy an optional tour along the "Trollstigen," the "trolls causeway," one of Norway's exceptionally scenic passageways through the mountains.
Day #9 Geiranger - Lillehammer - Today’s drive leaves behind the dramatic fjord lands and takes you through Norway’s Gudbrandsdal Valley to Lillehammer. During a panoramic tour, view the 1994 Winter Olympic site and picturesque Lake Mjosa, the county’s largest lake. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day #10 Lillehammer - Tour Ends - Your tour ends in Lillehammer.