12 Day Independent Summer Tour of Norway
Scenic Norway LUXE
Embark on a beautiful, independent journey to experience the highlights and hidden gems of Central Norway.
Journey Overview
- 12 days
- May - September
- From $5,859 USD Per Person
- Independent Journey
- Oslo, Fredrikstad, Flåm, Balestrand, Bergen, Ålesund, Geiranger
- 12 days
- May - September
- From $5,859 USD Per Person
- Independent Journey
- Oslo, Fredrikstad, Flåm, Balestrand, Bergen, Ålesund, Geiranger
- Live like a local on a bike tour (or walking tour) passing by Oslo’s medieval fortresses, 17th-18th century landmarks, and Nordic architecture of old and new.
- Walk the cobblestone streets of Europe’s best-preserved fortress town in Fredrikstad.
- Witness breathtaking scenery from the Flam Railway.
- Adventure on a RIB boat excursion through the beauty of Sognefjord, Norway’s King of the Fjords, passing the Kvinnefossen waterfall and many other sights.
- Cruise the Norwegian coast overnight, on your way to Art-Nouveau Alesund.
- Explore the archipelago region around Alesund, home to Viking settlements and incredible nature.
Included in the Luxe Experience
10 nights at centrally-located, high-end hotels
1 night onboard an overnight cruise
11 delicious Icelandic breakfasts and 2 dinners
Flight from Alesund to Oslo
7 guided tours led by local experts
Private airport transfers in Alesund and Oslo
Private city transfers as needed
Luggage handling between Oslo and Bergen
Train and Boat tickets on the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour
All of our services to plan and implement your trip, and support while traveling
Interactive Map
Itinerary
Your arrival at the hip and vibrant Norwegian capital is the start of your tour of Norway. On your first full day in the country, join a local guide on a tour of Oslo and see the most fascinating corners of this elegant, clean and chic capital, including the amazing Vigeland Sculpture Park. The next day you will embark on a day trip to Fredrikstad, a true gem of a town located a short train ride from the capital. In the cafes, galleries and cobblestone streets of Fredrikstad you will be leaving the tourist crowd behind and experiencing Norway as Norwegians do. The Flåm Railway, a highlight in the famous Sognefjord / Norway in a Nutshell®, is coming up next!
A tour of Norway would be incomplete without exposure to the Norwegian fjords! The Sognefjord in a Nutshell® tour (which is another flavor of the more well-known Norway in a Nutshell® tour) takes you through some of Norway’s most beautiful fjord scenery. Leave Oslo toward Myrdal, where you will switch trains and enjoy the breathtaking Flåm Railway (Flamsbana). Upon your arrival in Flåm, a delightful and serene ferry ride will take you to picturesque Balestrand, in the heart of fjord country (and not nearly as crowded as Flåm), where you will spend two nights. There you will taste local ciders, ride a fast boat on the fjord and take in the peace and tranquility of your scenic surroundings.
You will continue the Sognefjord in a Nutshell® tour, on your way to Bergen, where you will spend two nights. Explore this magnificent town, affectionately known as “the Gateway to the Fjords,” which is beautiful however you look at it. There you can eat lunch at the Fish Market, admire the entire city atop Mount Fløyen and soak in the local art at the KODE museums. Our program also includes a walking tour of Bergen followed by a visit to the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most famous composer.
Depart from Bergen aboard a cruise ship on an overnight journey to Ålesund and enjoy some free time to explore this charming Art Noveau city. On your way there, admire the beauty of the Norwegian coast from the ship and cruise the waters of the famous Geirangerfjord. With its characteristic “S” shape, high waterfalls and abandoned mountain farms, the fjord landscape is included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. The following day takes you on an unforgettable day trip to explore the Ålesund archipelago. Art Nouveau Ålesund and its surrounding areas are among the most visited sites by tourists in Norway. You will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful city and go for hikes along some of its many trails. On your last full day in Norway, return to Oslo for a night at a hotel by the airport, making your return home convenient and stress-free.
Click on the blue bars above to read about all you will experience in this journey.
2023 & 2024 PRICING
Prices are in USD, per person, for an independent journey based on the number of travelers in your party
| # of Travelers in Your Party | LUXE Tour (USD per person) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | from $7,342 |
| 3 people | from $6,791 |
| 4 to 6 people | from $6,333 |
| 7+ people | from $5,859 |
TIMELINE
Day 1
Arrive in Norway & Relax
Welcome to hip, modern and vibrant Oslo, Norway’s capital. Cheers to the start of your Norwegian adventure!
Today's Experiences
Private transfer from the airport
Meals Included
None
Accommodation
The Thief Hotel
Day 2
Sightseeing Tour of Oslo
Discover the hip and elegant city of Oslo on a walking (or bike) tour with a local guide.
Today's Experiences
Oslo Opera House, City Hall, Akershus Fortress, Royal Palace, Vigeland Sculpture Park
Meals Included
Breakfast
Accommodation
The Thief Hotel
Day 3
Fredrikstad: a Gem near Oslo
Today’s guided day trip, a favorite among locals, will lead you the cobblestone streets, cafes and galleries of Fredrikstad, Europe’s best preserved fortress town.
Today's Experiences
Guided day trip of Fredrikstad
Meals Included
Breakfast
Accommodation
The Thief Hotel
Day 4
Sognefjord in a Nutshell ®
The Sognefjord in a Nutshell® trip takes you through some of Norway’s most beautiful fjord scenery. Enjoy the breathtaking Flåm Railway.
Today's Experiences
Flåm Railway, Ferry ride to Balestrand
Meals Included
Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation
Kviknes Hotel Balestrand
Day 5
Spend time in the King of the Fjords
Experience a thrilling RIB boat ride on the Sognefjord as you pass by quiet fishing villages. Then, explore beautiful Balestrand.
Today's Experiences
Several waterfalls (including the Kvinnafossen) and stunning, local fauna and flora
Meals Included
Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation
Kviknes Hotel Balestrand
Day 6
From Balestrand to Bergen
Enjoy a delicious lunch and taste several local ciders in Balestrand. Then, your Sognefjord in a Nutshell® trip continues with a ferry ride, on the fjords, to take you to Bergen.
Today's Experiences
Balestrand Cider House
Meals Included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Opus XVI
Day 7
Discover the “Gateway to the Fjords”
A walking tour of Bergen will expose you to colorful wooden buildings by the water and offer you a view of the city atop Mount Floyen. Visit Norway’s most famous composer’s home and listen to his work.
Today's Experiences
Bryggen (wharf), Mount Floyen funicular, Bergen Fortress, Edvard Grieg’s home
Meals Included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Opus XVI
Day 8
Cruising to Ålesund
Enjoy some open time in Bergen to discover the city at your own pace, then board an overnight cruise. Art-Nouveau Ålesund awaits you!
Today's Experiences
Open time in Bergen, overnight cruise
Meals Included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Outside cabin on Hurtigruten or Havila cruises
Day 9
Majestic Geirangefjord
Your day will be spend admiring the beauty of the Norwegian coast from the ship, as you make your way to Ålesund. As a bonus, you will also cruise along the famous Geirangefjord.
Today's Experiences
Geirangerfjord and panoramic viewpoints
Meals Included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Boutique Hotel Brosundet
Day 10
Around the Ålesund Archipelago
Discover, on today’s guided tour, Ålesund, possibly Norway’s most beautiful town. Visit several Viking sites, see other islands in the archipelago and climb atop an impressive lighthouse.
Today's Experiences
Islands of Giske and Godoy, Village of Alnes, Sunnmore Museum, Mount Aksla
Meals Included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Boutique Hotel Brosundet
Day 11
Open Day & Return To Oslo
Enjoy some open time in Ålesund and fly back to Oslo. Your hotel for tonight is near the airport, to ensure maximum convenience for your return home.
Today's Experiences
Open time in Ålesund
Meals Included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel
Day 12
Journey Conclusion
Conclude your journey with a great breakfast and short walk to the airport.
Today's Experiences
Open time in Ålesund
Meals Included
Breakfast
Gallery
Vacation Reviews
This is how our awesome clients described their experience on this independent journey.
FAQs
After landing at Keflavík Airport, you will travel to your hotel in Reykjavík. Located in the heart of Iceland’s capital city, Hotel Borg offers the best in both style and comfort. Following check-in, connect with your Tour Director before a visit to the Sky Lagoon. Relax in the warm waters of the geothermal lagoon and soak off your jet lag as your gaze upon incredible views of the North Atlantic. End your day with a gourmet kickoff dinner where you will get to know your fellow travelers and taste delicious Icelandic dishes. Your group tour of Iceland has officially started!
After breakfast, join a driving tour of Iceland’s capital. Notable sights include the famous Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall and the unique Sun Voyager sculpture. Following your tour, you will have free time to experience the city on your own. End your day with a delectable dinner and a drive to view the Northern Lights, if the skies are clear that night. If they are not, don’t worry. We will have many other opportunities!
Day 3 is dedicated to Iceland’s Golden Circle, which is made up of three must-see sights: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park. Nearby, at Fridheimar, you will enjoy a beautiful show with Icelanic horses and some organic, tomato-based delicacies as well. Following your guided tour of the Golden Circle, we will drive to Landeyjahöfn harbor and board a ferry to the Westman Islands. The short 45-minute boat ride will give you a new perspective of Iceland’s south coast. When the ferry docks on the main island, Heimaey, you might even spot a brave sheep grazing on the rocky cliffs surrounding you! Enjoy a delectable dinner at Hotel Vestmannaeyjar, your cozy accommodation for the evening.
Our private tours allow travelers to explore Scandinavian destinations with programs offering a great balance between pre-arranged activities and free time to explore. When implementing one of our private programs for you, we handle all the logistics involved, including: hotels, airport transfers, transportation from city to city and all guided activities and excursions. You will not be with a Tour Director throughout the program, but you will enjoy a number of sightseeing experiences led by experienced local guides. We can work with your desired dates, provided that availability exists at the many services involved in your program.
This option is ideal for travelers who enjoy traveling independently and with a higher degree of flexibility to explore each location on their own.
Technically, Scandinavia refers primarily to Norway, Denmark and Sweden. When thinking of Nordic Countries, add to the list Finland and Iceland as well. Discover Scandinavia Tours can take you to any location in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Currently we also offer extensions in Estonia, which is of particularly convenient access when visiting Finland, given that Tallinn – Estonia’s beautiful capital – can be reached by a short ferry ride from Helsinki.
Simple: just call us at 800-936-2814 and talk to one of our Scandinavia specialists. Alternatively, you can email us at
[email protected]
If you are interested in a group tour, you can book any departure as long as there are seats available (but remember: we have a maximum of 12 seats per departure, so booking early is recommendable). If you want a private tour, you can book as far as 2 years in advance. For last-minute travelers, please keep in mind that we need a minimum of 30 days to implement a private program.
With our group tours of Scandinavia you can choose from a number of fixed departures throughout the year. If you need more flexible dates, our private tours allow us to work with any dates you have in mind, provided that we find adequate availability at all hotels and other services included in your particular program.
Yes, we do. For details regarding commissions, please visit our TRAVEL AGENT portal.
You will find our cancellation policy, along with all our terms and conditions, RIGHT HERE.
In short, you can typically view the Northern Lights between September and March. But if you really want a memorable Northern Lights vacation, we created an entire blog post dedicated to this question, which you can read RIGHT HERE.
You most certainly can! Just email us ([email protected]) or call us (800-936-2814) and we will start your dream Scandinavian vacation with a free consultation.
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