Fjords in Depth

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Oslo, Storfjord with Alesund & Geirangerfjord, Norangsfjord, Solvorn & Naeroyfjord, Bergen

Enjoy the spectacular scenery as your private driver-guide navigates the most breathtaking parts of the Norwegian fjord region on this extensive private tour. The tour includes stays at historic fjord-side hotels, as well as private touring of the cultural and culinary highlights of Oslo, Bergen and Alesund.

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 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.

Next, drive through stunning landscapes to a luxurious boutique hotel along Storfjord. One day, visit a local farm and enjoy lunch. Also enjoy time at leisure and perhaps go for a hike nearby.

Continue 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. Continue through the spectacular Norang Valley to a historic hotel among the rugged mountains of Norangsfjord.

The next day, drive along the edges of fjords and through U-shaped valleys, taking in views of hulking glaciers, streaming waterfalls and serene lakes en route to Solvorn, a charming fjord-side village, and stay at a historic hotel.

Next, enjoy a scenic drive to beautiful Sognefjord. 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.

Conclude in 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.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Oslo Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Oslo Full-day private tour Day 3 Oslo – Alesund – Storfjord Private transfer to airport for flight to Alesund. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with city touring en route Day 4 Storfjord Morning private fjord farm visit, including lunch. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel grounds Day 5 Storfjord – Geirangerfjord – Norangsfjord Privately guided excursion through Geirangerfjord and region by ferry and private vehicle en route to hotel for 1 night Day 6 Norangsfjord – Solvorn Private transfer to hotel for 1 night, with scenic touring en route Day 7 Solvorn – Naeroyfjord – Bergen Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with cruise on Naeroyfjord and Flamsbana en route Day 8 Bergen Half-day private city tour Day 9 Depart Bergen Private airport transfer

Hotels

Oslo: Hotel Continental Storfjord: Storfjord Hotel Norangsfjord: Hotel Union Oye Solvorn: Walaker Hotel Bergen: Opus XVI or Solstrand Hotel & Bad

Cost

$16,275 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) $24,185 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)