Duration: 11 Days
Your affordable guided tour of Norway focuses on the country’s natural beauty with its glistening mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers. Your budget travel tour of Norway 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.
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 affordable travel adventure.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the 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 travellers.
Today, travel along the scenic "Norwegian Riviera"-the Sørlandet (South Land) and the Skagerrak (a strait between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark)-and visit the idyllic harbour 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 centre. 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)
More ruggedly beautiful coastal scenery awaits this morning as you head into the Lista region, popular holiday area for the Norwegians and hot spot for surfers. Stop to visit some of the pristine coastal villages of whitewashed timber and lighthouses such as Mandal, Lyngdal, Flekkejord and Farsund. 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)
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 harbour to browse the seafood stalls and sample the various salmon dishes? (B)
Today is yours to explore Bergen at your own pace. You could spend time at Bryggen with its collection of colourful 14th-century Hanseatic buildings lining the harbour protected as UNESCO World Heritage Site; or consider joining one of our optional excursion. (B)
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)
Reach the Nordfjorden region today and take a break in enchanting Loen, gateway to some of Norway's glaciers and home to some of the country's oldest farms. (B,D)
Today, ascend above the tree line to 5,000 feet (1524 metres) and marvel at the panoramic views of the fjord from the DALSNIBBA SKYWALK LOOKOUT. Then, reach the Geiranger fjord, one of the most spectacular sceneries in the world. Enjoy this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, or maybe relax with a glass of traditional mjød (honey mead) or akvavit (Scandinavian liquor flavoured with caraway) and bask in Geiranger's unforgettable ambiance. (B,D)
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 art scene. (B)
The dynamic city of Hamar is located on the eastern shore of Miøsa, the largest lake in Norway and one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Visit the fascinating OPEN-AIR ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM, an active archaeological site that includes ruins of a 950-year-old cathedral enclosed in a protective glass and steel structure. Later, return to Oslo for a guided tour of the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbour, the soaring City Hall, National Theatre, Parliament, Royal Palace, Broadcasting House, and Frogner Park with more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
