Overview

Although most of us may be aware of Norway’s remarkably spectacular fjords, few appreciate that this oddly-shaped country on the edge of Europe offers so much more.

Sophisticated and cosmopolitan Oslo is superbly located at the head of its own fjord and seems surrounded by water. From its amazing new Opera House—built to resemble a glacier at the water’s edge—to its Royal Palace, art galleries, and Maritime museums, this is a city that will surely surprise and delight you.

We also enjoy two of Europe’s most breathtaking rail journeys: the Oslo to Bergen railway and the celebrated Flåm railway—one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways, operating without cogs or cables.

Who could forget the world’s most outstandingly majestic fjords? Stunning, beautiful, and enchanting, we enjoy boat trips on two of the finest. And finally, there’s typically Nordic Bergen—a member of the medieval Hanseatic League, crammed with charming cobbled streets and colorful buildings lining its delightful quayside.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo

You will take your flight to Oslo, where you will be met and transferred by coach to the hotel.

Day 2: Oslo

After breakfast, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Oslo. Norway’s relatively small capital city is a beguiling mix of old and new, featuring world-class museums, cutting-edge contemporary architecture, and beautiful open spaces.

We’ll visit:

• The National Gallery – home to Edvard Munch’s The Scream.
• The imposing Royal Palace and nearby Ibsen Museum.
• Vigeland Sculpture Park.
• The Viking Ship Museum, housing two incredibly well-preserved, 1000-year-old oak Viking longships.
• Kon-Tiki Museum, which contains the actual reed and balsa wood crafts used by Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl.
• Polar Exploration Ship Fram, used by Roald Amundsen on his journey to Antarctica.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming city with the Oslo Pass, allowing free entry to main museums, galleries, and unlimited public transport.

Day 3: Telemark

Today, we travel west to the picturesque Telemark region, famous for the Norwegian resistance’s heroic actions during WWII.

We will visit:

• Rjukan – site of the “heavy water” processing plant destroyed by Norwegian saboteurs in 1943.
• Lake Tinnsjø – where the resistance sank a steam ferry carrying heavy water to Germany.
• Heddal Stave Church – Norway’s largest stave church, a spectacular 13th-century wooden structure that looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

We return to our hotel in Oslo in the evening.

Day 4: Bergen Railway

After breakfast, we depart from Oslo on the fabled Bergen Railway—often cited as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys.

• The railway peaks at 1,222m, offering stunning views of lakes, forests, and the barren Hardangervidda plateau, where snow lingers into July.
• After five hours, we arrive at the mountain resort of Voss.

We check into the historic four-star Fleischer’s Hotel for two nights with breakfast and dinner. The 19th-century hotel, still owned by the Fleischer family, features:

• A warm, wood-paneled reception area.
• Elegant dining and a cozy bar.
• Stunning lake and mountain views from the terrace.
• An indoor pool.

Day 5: Flåm Railway & Fjord Cruise

Today, we embark on the world-famous Flåm Railway:

• From Myrdal to Flåm, we descend 865m on one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways.
• This 20-kilometer journey takes us through 20 tunnels, offering breathtaking views of sheer cliffs and waterfalls.

Upon arrival in Flåm, we board a two-hour ferry across the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen, a fjord known for its jaw-dropping vistas.

From Gudvangen, we return to Voss by coach.

Day 6: Vøringfoss & Fjord Cruise

We leave Voss for the picturesque village of Eidfjord, nestled on the banks of Hardangerfjord (Norway’s second-longest fjord).

Highlights of the day:

• Crossing Norway’s longest suspension bridge.
• Visiting Vøringfossen, Norway’s most famous waterfall, cascading 182 meters into a sheer gorge.
• A scenic Hardangerfjord cruise, passing charming villages.

We then transfer to Bergen for two nights at the historic Grand Hotel Terminus, a classic art deco hotel dating back to 1928.

In the evening, we dine at a local restaurant, enjoying authentic Norwegian cuisine.

Day 7: Bergen

After breakfast, we take a morning walking tour of this beautiful coastal city.

Highlights include:

• The famous fish market.
• The UNESCO-listed Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, with its colorful wooden buildings.

The afternoon is at your leisure:

• Visit the house of composer Edvard Grieg.
• Take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen for a breathtaking city view.
• Stroll the cobbled streets and enjoy fresh seafood at a café or restaurant.

Day 8: Return Flight

Transfer to Bergen Airport for your return flight home.