Norwegian Wonders - Cities, Fjords and Mountains

Make your own way to the airport for your flight to Oslo. On arrival in Norway’s capital, we'll transfer you to your hotel in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax and unwind or start exploring your new surroundings. Oslo, nestled at the head of the Oslo Fjord, offers a captivating blend of architectural wonders, museums brimming with history, and countless attractions. Wander through the new central city district of Bjørvika, where modern marvels like the Deichman Library and Munch Museum stand tall, or venture to Aker Brygge a bustling waterfront district offering stunning views across Oslo Fjord.

Start the day by exploring the city in the company of an expert local guide. Enjoy panoramic views of the Opera house and ‘She Lies’ floating sculpture, Karl Johans gate – Oslo’s main shopping street, the imposing Akershus Castle and Fortress, and the spectacular Royal Palace. We'll then take a picturesque ride through some of Oslo’s prettiest neighbourhoods to Vigeland Park. Step through the wrought-iron gates to explore the park home to more than two hundred sculptures. Walk across the Monumental Bridge, around the Fountain and up to the Monolith sitting at the highest point of the park. This afternoon is free for you to make your own discoveries in this delightful city.

After breakfast we'll make our way to Oslo station for a journey along the Bergen Railway, one of the world's most scenic train rides. As you leave the city behind and venture to the mountain station of Myrdal, you’ll watch as the landscape transforms into a stunning tapestry of lush greenery, meandering rivers, and cascading waterfalls.
Myrdal station, located 866 metres above sea level, connects with the spectacular Flåm Railway, our next journey. The famous Flåm Railway is one of the most beautiful and steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world. The train runs through spectacular scenery and provides an unforgettable experience as the train traverses steep mountainsides and venturing through twenty tunnels before arriving in Flåm. Our journey continues as we board a ship to sail through steep mountains flanking the beautiful Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord to Balestrand. This historic village sits on the northern shore of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Its famous arm, the Nærøyfjord, has World Heritage status. We'll check in to our hotel and gather for dinner this evening.

Today you are free to explore the captivating village of Balestrand at leisure or relax at your hotel which overlooks the fjord. If you’re feeling active, there are a number of popular, well-marked hiking trails from Balestrand suitable for experienced hikers and novices alike.


This afternoon why not take the opportunity to join our optional excursion to witness even more of the magnificent Norwegian landscapes. We’ll take a cruise on the Fjaerlandsfjord, a narrow branch from Sognefjord, lined with steep and forested mountainscapes that lead to the edge of the majestic Jostedalen Glacier, the largest in continental Europe. On arrival at Fjærland, you'll visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum before continuing up to the Bøyabreen glacier – a branch of Jostedalsbreen glacier. Here you can take some photos and see how the glacier presses itself into the landscape. The return trip on the sightseeing boat back to Balestrand gives you the chance to reflect on the fact that these fjords were shaped several thousand years ago by the glaciers you've seen today.

Today we will leave Balestrand behind and take a ferry crossing between Vangsnes and Dragsvik before descending into the lush valley of Hardanger. As you wind your way along the snaking roads, you’ll be greeted by towering mountains with occasional snow-capped peaks, charming villages, and picturesque fjords before arriving in Ulvik, a cosy village on the shores of Hardanger Fjord where we'll stay overnight. In this region you will find many fruit orchards and farms that produce their own cider from the region's apples and we'll try some of the local produce this afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore the mesmerizing countryside in Hardanger.

After breakfast we bid farewell to Ulvik and enjoy a scenic drive to Bergen. Cradled between majestic mountains and the shimmering waters of the North Sea, Bergen captivates with its old-world charm. Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, is known as the gateway to the fjords and is a UNESCO world heritage city. The Bryggen area one of its finest attractions – take a stroll here and be transported back to the middle ages with its characteristic wooden buildings.

This morning we will take in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breath-taking natural surroundings of Bergan on a sightseeing tour with an expert local guide. We'll visit the fish and flower market and Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf.

There will be free time in the afternoon for you to explore further at leisure. Why not board the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its beautiful coast.

After breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK