Journey Through Norway

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

This comprehensive private tour features the best of Norway’s spectacular scenery and cultural highlights.

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.

Fly to the Lofoten Islands, a spectacular landscape of dramatic stone mountains and rocky coastlines surrounded by the Norwegian Sea. Stay three nights in a boutique hotel composed of rorbuer (traditional waterfront cabins). During touring with a private guide, visit fishing villages, meet local artisans, see contemporary art at the KaviarFactory, and learn about local history at Lofotr Viking Museum, a reconstructed Viking longhouse. Also enjoy outdoor activities according to your interests, such as scenic hikes, a crab safari aboard a RIB boat, sea kayaking and a boat cruise to Trollfjord in search of sea eagles.

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 – Lofoten Islands Private transfer to airport for flights to Lofoten Islands. Private arrival transfer to rorbuer cabin hotel for 3 nights Day 4 Lofoten Islands Private touring of local villages and scenic landscapes Day 5 Lofoten Islands Private touring and activities such as scenic hikes, a crab safari aboard a RIB boat, sea kayaking or a wildlife boat cruise Day 6 Lofoten Islands – Alesund – Storfjord Private transfer to airport for flights to Alesund. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with city touring en route Day 7 Storfjord Morning private fjord farm visit, including lunch. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel grounds Day 8 Storfjord – Geirangerfjord – Norangsfjord Privately guided excursion through Geirangerfjord and region by ferry and private vehicle en route to hotel for 1 night Day 9 Norangsfjord – Solvorn Private transfer to hotel for 1 night, with scenic touring en route Day 10 Solvorn – Naeroyfjord – Bergen Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with cruise on Naeroyfjord and Flamsbana en route Day 11 Bergen Half-day private city tour Day 12 Depart Bergen Private airport transfer

Hotels

Oslo: Hotel Continental Lofoten Islands: Nusfjord Arctic Resort or Nyvagar Rorbuhotell Storfjord: Storfjord Hotel Norangsfjord: Hotel Union Oye Solvorn: Walaker Hotel Bergen: Opus XVI or Solstrand Hotel & Bad

Cost

upon request