Norwegian Fjords
Day 1 ARRIVE IN OSLO, NORWAY 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. The CosmosGO app will provide you with precious information. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
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Day 2 OSLO–ARENDAL–KRISTIANSAND 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 harbor 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 cafés.
Today’s Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km (B)
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Day 3 KRISTIANSAND–STAVANGER 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)
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Day 4 STAVANGER–HARDANGERFJORD FERRY CROSSING–BERGEN 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)
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Day 5 BERGEN The day 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 harbor 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)
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Day 6 BERGEN–SOGNEFJORD CRUISE–FLÅM TRAIN–SOGNEFJORD AREA A special treat today! Cruise across Norway’s legendary Sognefjord Nærøyfjord, the narrowest, wildest, and most famous of the fjord arms, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding mountains rise steeply to reach towering heights and create a unique magical atmosphere. Later, another highlight, as you ride on the renowned Flåm train. See some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery—graceful waterfalls, towering mountains, and verdant valleys.
Today’s Distance: 181 mi/ 292 km (B,D)
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Day 7 SOGNEFJORD AREA–LOEN FJORD Reach the Nordfjorden region today and take a break in enchanting Loen Fjord, 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)
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Day 8 LOEN FJORD Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Loen Fjord 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, UNESCO World Heritage site, for one of the very best and most dramatic fjord scenery anywhere in Norway. Take a closer look on the famous waterfalls, named The Seven Sisters, The Bridal Veil, and The Suitor. Sharpen your photography skills amid picture-perfect and majestic fjord cliffs and abandoned mountain farms. (B,D)
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Day 9 LOEN FJORD–LOM–LILLEHAMMER–HAMAR Stop in Lom to see its iconic wooden stave church, dating back to the 12th century. Visit Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics and home today to a lively art scene. Overnight in Hamar, located on the eastern shore of Mjøsa, the largest lake in Norway.
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)
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Day 10 LILLEHAMMER–HAMAR–OSLO 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 harbor, 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: 79 mi/ 127 km (B)
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Day 11 OSLO Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Oslo
Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. The city displays a mixture of several architectural styles. A full range of activities includes art galleries, museums, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs. Other points of interest include Royal Palace; Frogner Park, known for its famous Vigeland sculptures; Holmenkollen, where international skiing events take place; imposing Åkershus Castle; and Bygdøy Peninsula, home to some of Oslo’s most important museums. Many attractions can be explored on foot. Oslo's City Hall ranks as the most distinctive part of Oslo’s waterfront. The art portrays the country's different historical and domestic phases. Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the life work of Norway’s famous painter, contains more than 5,000 drawings and paintings. National Gallery has the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and some of Munch’s best-known works. Åkershus Fortress & Castle, transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 17th century, houses Norway’s Resistance Museum.
Excursions
Oslo City Tour - 4 hours
Oslo City Tour - 4 hours
Drive through the center of Oslo, passing all of the main sights and highlights, including the Royal Palace and the Nobel Institute. View the City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900-year jubilee. Akershus Fortress, sitting boldly on the waterfront is today partly a museum and a military area.
Pass the Parliament Building before entering Karl Johan Street, named after the Swedish-Norwegian king in the early part of the 19th century. The oldest part of Oslo University, dating back to 1813, lines this street. It is famous for its interior decoration by the painter Edvard Munch.
You will also pass through attractive villa areas on the way to Vigeland Park. This enormous open-space was laid out in the first half of the 20th century by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Over a period of 30 years, he created his own world of human beings and animals from stone, iron and bronze. There are about 200 statue groups in all, which describe the course of human life from birth to death. The monolith, a 56-foot high granite block carved with 121 figures stands as the unequivocal centerpiece of this well-planned park.
On the Bygdøy Peninsula you will visit the Viking Ship Museum. It houses three authentic longboats dating from the Viking Age, around AD 900-1000, which were excavated from the mudbanks along Oslo fjord. The museum also holds a large collection of items found on board the ships, such as household goods, tools, jewelry and clothing.
Basis: |
Private tour. |
Duration: |
4 hours. |
Start / End: |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances: |
Viking Ship Museum. |
Meals: |
None. |
Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Chocolate delights tour in Freialand – 3 hours
Oslo Chocolate delights tour in Freialand – 3 hours
On Rodeløkka in Oslo is the Freia chocolate factory, here they produce chocolate since 1889. We take a look at the chocolate production. We will see modern technology that, in combination with tradition and skilled workers, produces "Norway's best chocolate".
The tour to the includes a history lesson on Freia, cocoa and chocolate, a chance to make your own milk chocolate, a visit to the factory canteen which has 12 paintings by Edvard Munch on the wall, and a view of the production facilities.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Freialand chocolate Factory
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours
Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours
Discover an alternative Oslo, full of street art, hip cafés, surprising waterfalls, great food and award winning coffee.
During this approximately 3-hour bike tour, you will ride the path along the Akerselva River, with a stop at the heart of Oslo’s food scene, the indoor food market “Mathallen”. Mathallen is closed on Mondays.
Be amazed by rushing waterfalls in the middle of the city, just blocks from the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.
And an absolute must is a stop at the modern Opera and the exciting urban development around it, including a stop at Oslo's newest urban beach.
Basis |
Private tour |
Duration |
3 hours |
Start / End |
Bicycle rental shop. |
Vehicle |
None |
Inclusions |
Bicycle and Helmet. |
Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances |
None |
Meals |
None |
Difficulty |
Grade Easy/Medium. Guests must be in good health and be comfortable riding a bicycle with hand brakes. The tour includes about 2½ hours of cycling, all at a leisurely pace. |
Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours
Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours
We start with Vulkan - The area is a fusion of culture and creative industry with schools, hotels, food hall, restaurants and exciting tenants. It is the diversity and composition of the players that make Vulkan exciting.
Mathallen Oslo is inspired by the great European food courts. Here you’ll find specialty shops, cafés and great places to eat. The food court will also put on a number of food-related activities like conferences, courses, fairs and competitions. Mathallen Oslo is the place to go for everyone who appreciates high quality food and bevergages and something unique. There will be time for light lunch at Mathallen during the tour.
On the east side of the river Akerselva, behind the old industrial buildings, lies Grünerløkka. Here you will discover numerous little cafés, restaurants and bars. Grünerløkka is also a popular shopping district, with original design shops and many vintage and second-hand stores.
During the tour we will have an outside visit to the Opera House. Officially opened in April 2008, the Oslo Opera House was designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. The Opera House, which took five years to complete, sits on the bank of the Bjørvika district, near the stock exchange and the central station.
A visit to Oslo is not complete without a brief wal through Vigeland´s Sculpture Park .The sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron. It was installed mainly in the period 1940-1949, but is nevertheless a result of over 40 years of work. It is located in a beuatiful park and natural setting in the city.
Edvard Munch was one of Modernism's most significant artists and the other great Norgwian artist. The New Edvard Munch Museum will open at the end of 2020.
Basis |
Private tour |
Duration |
5 hours |
Start / End |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
Vehicle |
1st Class. |
Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances |
Edvard Munch Museum when it opens at the end 2020 |
Meals |
None |
Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours
Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours
Are you ready for a walking tour in beautiful surroundings?
You will be taken to the real alternative side of Oslo and experience underground culture like never before and, at the same time having the opportunity to get a taste of Oslo's culinary highlights.
Your guides will take you to a variety of different locations where you will be able to taste a variety of Norwegian treats - from typical Norwegian cured delicacies, amazing waffles with brown cheese and special Oslo soda to Norwegian hot dog.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: Approx. 2,5 hours (2h Food Tour + transfers).
Start / End: City center Hotel, address or pier.
Vehicle: 1st Class
Guide: English-speaking.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Food tastings equivalent to a full meal.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Short walking required.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours
Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours
Over the last ten years, urban artists of international standing and local art enthusiasts have turned the streets of Oslo into one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant art scenes.
Join our experienced guides and discover some of the best examples of street art and graffiti in Oslo - from large-scale murals to tiny sculptures, and everything in-between.
The tour starts with a transfer to Rodeløkka kolonihager, Norway's oldest allotment gardens, and ends in downtown Grünerløkka in the heart of alternative Oslo. It covers historical artworks in the district as well as those produced as part of the annual Løkka-lykke street art festival, which takes place each summer in the last week of June.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.