Essence of Norway

(7 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Oslo, Bergen & Sognefjord, Alesund & Geirangerfjord

On this private Norway tour, experience the best of Oslo, Bergen, Alesund and the Norwegian fjords, including Naeroyfjord and Geirangerfjord.

Begin in Oslo, the attractive seaside capital of Norway. During flexible private touring, see cultural highlights, top museums, beautiful parks, charming neighborhoods, and historic and contemporary architecture. Take in panoramic views of the harbor from the Akershus Fortress, walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House, see iconic Vigeland Park, learn about Norwegian history inside the Oslo City Hall, and explore masterpieces of Norwegian art, architecture and design at the National Gallery. Other options include visiting the Munch Museum, touring the Nobel Peace Center, learning about rural traditions at the Norwegian Folk Museum, touring the Royal Palace or Oscarshall, delving into the life of one of Norway's most renowned playwrights at the Ibsen Museum, seeing Norwegian modernist architecture at Villa Stenersen, learning about the World War II history of Norway at the Holocaust Museum or Resistance Museum, visiting Holmenkollen ski jump and the Ski Museum, and biking along the Akerselva River. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange tickets to performances at the Oslo Opera House and other venues around the city.

Next, fly to Bergen, a historic port city and the gateway to Fjord Norway. During private touring, explore the picturesque Bryggen wharf district, a former Hanseatic trading post that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the bustling fish market, and tour the Hanseatic Museum and Schotstuene to learn about life in medieval Bergen. Walk through the pretty backstreets of the town, and venture up the Floibanen funicular for panoramic views of Bergen and the harbor from the top of Mount Floyen. Other options include delving deeper into the city's history at Rosenkrantz Tower and the Bryggens Museum and shopping for local handicrafts. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange optional excursions to Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg's home), Old Bergen or the Bergen Aquarium. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange tickets to performances at Grieg Hall and other venues around Bergen.

One day, enjoy a full-day excursion with your private guide through some of Norway's most spectacular mountain and fjord scenery. Ride the renowned Flamsbana train on one of the world's most scenic rail journeys through a glacier-carved valley past small farms, tumbling waterfalls and high peaks. Cruise the most dramatic sections of beautiful Sognefjord, including impressive Aurlandsfjord and breathtaking Naeroyfjord, the narrowest fjord in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to Alesund, a beautiful port town built on islands along the coast. During private touring, explore the historic center—a showcase of Art Nouveau architecture—and visit small museums such as the Jugendstilsenteret to learn more about the history and culture of the region. If desired, also learn about Viking history, visit popular cafes and small boutiques, and venture up Aksla viewpoint for panoramas of the city and surrounding archipelago.

One day, enjoy a full-day excursion with your private driver-guide through spectacular Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the surrounding region. Cruise by ferry through the beautiful fjord, admiring waterfalls streaming hundreds of feet down high rock walls, and looking for farm buildings perched on precipitous cliffs. Also drive along the famous Eagle Road, a winding route with overhead views of Geirangerfjord, and through other classic Norwegian scenery of fjords and hills.

Upon request, we can also arrange additional activities and services such as reservations at restaurants on islands or family farms; a visit to the island of Runde to see puffins and other seabirds (in season); excursions to the Alnes Lighthouse or the famed Atlantic Road; and private boat charters, sea kayaking and fishing.

This private Norway tour can be further customized with additional time or destinations in Norway or in neighboring countries such as Sweden and Denmark. Contact one of our Scandinavia specialists to start planning.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Oslo Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Oslo Full-day private tour Day 3 Oslo – Bergen Private transfer to airport for flight to Bergen. Private arrival transfer to hotel 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 4 Bergen, Flamsbana & Sognefjord Full-day privately guided excursion on Flamsbana train and cruise on Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord Day 5 Bergen – Alesund Private transfer to airport for flight to Alesund. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 6 Alesund & Geiranger Privately guided excursion through Geirangerfjord and region by ferry and private vehicle Day 7 Depart Alesund Private airport transfer

Hotels

Oslo: Hotel Continental Bergen: Opus XVI or Solstrand Hotel & Bad Alesund: Storfjord Hotel or Hotel Brosundet

Cost

$12,075 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) $17,510 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)