Duration: 11 Days
Your affordable guided tour of Norway focuses on the country’s intact natural beauty with its glistening mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers. Your value-minded tour of Norway starts in Oslo and explores the idyllic Norwegian landscapes and harbour towns—rich in the folklore of pirates, Vikings, and smugglers through the Napoleonic Wars. 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 harbour and roam around the fish market.
Highlights of your holiday include a fascinating Flåm 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. Travel to Lillehammer, where the 1994 Winter Olympics took place, and known for its exciting art scene. Stop in Hamar on the shores of Lake Mjøsa—one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Here, you’ll also visit a spectacular open-air museum and the remains of a 950-year-old cathedral. Upon your return to Oslo, your guided sightseeing tour includes 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.
Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, multiple short ferry crossings, a ride on the epic Flåm train and a cruise on the Sognefjord. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
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 travel companions.
Today, travel along the scenic "Norwegian Riviera"-the Sorlandet (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 district. Here, you can enjoy some free time at the lively fiskebrygga (fish market), the perfect place to watch the entertaining fishmongers or relax at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes. Today's Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km (B)
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 Flekkefjord and Farsund. Overnight in Stavanger, where you can stroll through the Old Town to see a 12th-century cathedral and captivating collection of 18th- and 19th-century wooden buildings. Today's Distance: 146 mi/ 235 km (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 Bergen, the "Green Meadow Among the Mountains." Today's Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B)
Today is yours to explore Bergen at your own pace. You may wish to spend some time at Bryggen with its collection of multi-hued 14th-century Hanseatic buildings lining the harbour protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consider joining our optional excursion to discover the history, traditions, and breathtaking views of this beautiful port city. (B)
A special treat today! Ride on the Bergen railway from Voss to Myrdal and then on the renowned Flam train from Myrdal to Flam. See some of the world's most breathtaking scenery-graceful waterfalls, towering mountains, and verdant valleys. Later, another highlight: a cruise across Norway's legendary Sognefjord Naeroyfjord. Today's Distance: 181 mi/ 292 km (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. Today's Distance: 106 mi/ 170 km (B,D)
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Loen and take advantage of some of the many available outdoor activities. Alternatively, sign up for an optional excursion including an unforgettable cruise on the Geiranger Fjord. (B,D)
Stop in Lom to see its iconic wooden stave church, which dates back to the 12th century. Visit Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics and home today to a lively art scene. Today's Distance: 190 mi/ 305 km (B)
The dynamic city of Hamar is known for 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. See the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbour, National Theater, Parliament, Royal Palace, Broadcasting House, and visit Frogner Park with more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. Today's Distance: 118 mi/ 190 km (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
