Trafalgar Tours: Best of Norway
Day 1 - Welcome to Oslo
Prepare for a spellbinding encounter with nature – an untamed landscape of fjords, lakes and dense forests that begins in the understated capital of Oslo, set within beautiful natural surrounds. On arrival, transfer to your hotel with its unique personality and steps from some of Oslo's main sights. Spend the day exploring the city's interesting architecture and exquisite open spaces, before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers at 17:30 for a light supper to kick-start your journey.
Accommodations: Thon Hotel Cecil
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Journey to Scenic Geilo and Hardangerfjord
We journey along the shores of the Tyrifjord to the ski resort of Geilo with its scenic location at the foot of Hallingskarvet, before continuing across the Hardanger Plateau to Voringfoss, a cascade of water that plunges impressively into the Måbødalen Canyon below. We continue to Hardangerfjord – its title as the 'Queen of the Fjords' is well deserved and you'll have an opportunity to admire its deep blue waters as you travel along part of its shoreline to your hotel in Norheimsund where you will dine tonight.
Accommodations: Thon Sandven
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Onwards to Beautiful Bergen Connect with Locals
A scenic drive along lakes and fjords will bring us to the 'Capital of Fjords', Bergen. We’ll learn about the city's Hanseatic heritage, enjoying an orientation tour past the 13th-century Haakon's Hall and bustling fish market. Enjoy some free time to explore this colorful city. This evening, Connect With Locals as the Øvre-Eide family welcome us on their farm for dinner and a very special Be My Guest experience.
Accommodations: Thon Orion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Off to Voss and Stunning Sognefjord
Delving straight back into Norway's inspiring natural landscapes, we continue to the 'King of Fjords', traveling via Voss, the country’s adventure capital. There’s some free time to embark on an Optional Experience on the Flåm Railway, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
Accommodations: Quality Sogndal, Leikanger
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Continue to Geirangerfjord
Journey from Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, to Geiranger. See the impressive Bøyabreen glacier, part of Jostedalsbreen, continental Europe's largest glacier. Your day is filled with pinch-me moments as you skirt past three different fjords. Tonight, we stay on the shores of the fjord at Hotel Havila Geiranger.
Accommodations: Havila
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - A Day at the Breathtaking Geirangerfjord
The Geirangerfjord takes center stage today, and you’ll get to explore it your way. You’ll certainly want to take a scenic cruise past its tumbling waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy soaking up your epic surrounds, or venture further afield by joining an Optional Experience to drive Norway’s most famous road, Trollstigen, with its eleven hairpin bends and jaw-dropping mountain scenery.
Accommodations: Havila
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Venture to Historic Lom and Lillehammer Dive Into Culture
We enjoy a scenic drive to Lom, the gateway to the Jotunheimen Mountains. Here, we will Dive Into Culture and visit a 12th-century stave church, adorned with runic inscriptions, paintings and carved dragon figures that are said to protect it against evil. We continue through the Gudbrandsdal Valley before arriving in Lillehammer, the proud host of the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Accommodations: Scandic Victoria
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Return to Oslo
We return to Oslo where we spend the day exploring several of the city's highlights with a Local Specialist, including views of the medieval fortress of Akershus, overlooking Oslo's beautiful harbor, the Opera and the 19th-century Royal Palace. We finish our tour with a visit to the fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park, proudly displaying the life's work of Gustav Vigeland. After a magnificent encounter with Norway’s epic natural landscapes, we enjoy our last evening together at a Farewell Dinner, toasting to a memorable trip.
Accommodations: Thon Hotel Cecil
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Farewell Norway
Our journey through the fjords, falls and forests of Norway has come to an end. We bid our newfound friends a fond farewell and prepare to return home.
Meals: Breakfast
Bergen
With its spectacular setting among seven hills, Bergen is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable cities in Norway. Most sites are within an easy walk from the harbor. From fine surviving medieval buildings to a series of good museums such as Fishery Museum and Old Bergen open-air museum, Bergen offers a wide variety of attractions. Its scenic beauty can best be appreciated from Mt. Floyen and is captivating. Enjoy this lovely city by taking a stroll to the old part of town, passing impressive 12th-century Bergenhus fortress. Old Hanseatic Wharf, called Bryggen, is where reconstructed gabled buildings house workshops, boutiques and restaurants. St. Mary's Church is Bergen’s oldest building and one of the finest Norman churches in Norway. Rasmus Meyers Collection is a rambling townhouse featuring one of the best collections of Norwegian art, including an upper floor devoted almost entirely to Munch. Bergen boasts numerous historic buildings dating from medieval times: Bergenhus Fortress; Rosenkrantz Tower; Haakon’s Hall.
Excursions
Bergen Walking Tour - 3 hours
Bergen Walking Tour - 3 hours
Bergen may perhaps be a relatively small city (population of 260,000) however it is overflowing with history (the first settlement here were over 900 years ago), culture, incredible nature, gourmet restaurants and cosy cafe’s
Bryggen, the ancient Hanseatic Wharf, which is one of the best known European dwelling places from the Middle Ages, comprises a maze of characteristic wooden buildings with pointed gables facing the harbour.
This unique architectural gem is now listed by UNESCO as one of the world's most significant examples of the history and culture of a medieval settlement. Bryggen thrives today as a honeycomb of painter’s and craftsmen’s workshops, plus access to the interior of some of the buildings themselves where history has been preserved as it was originally.
The Fløibanen funicular in Bergen is one of Norway's best-known attractions. Fløibanen can be found in the heart of Bergen. Fløibanen is a funicular cable car that takes you 320 metres above sea level. In just a few minutes you find yourself on top of a mountain with a perfect view of the city and its surroundings. You have not seen Bergen before you have taken Fløibanen.
Basis: |
Private tour. |
Duration: |
3 hours. |
Start / End: |
City center Hotel or address. |
Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances: |
Fløibanen funicular. |
Meals: |
None. |
Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Bergen and its outskirts tour – 5 Hours
Bergen and its outskirts tour – 5 Hours
Experience the picturesque beauty and historical sights of Bergen during this leisurely 5 hour sightseeing excursion.
We drive out of the city centre to Troldhaugen, the home of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. The home, an unassuming wooden house stands amongst the trees at the Hill of the Trolls (Troldhaugen).
Then it is a short drive to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in Fortun Sogn in 1150, it was relocated to Fantoft in 1883 where it was rebuilt after it was destroyed in a fire in 1992. In the Middle Ages there were approximately 800 stave churches throughout Norway, today only 30 are left standing.
On return back to the city centre of Bergen, explore by foot the famous Bryggen harbour front - the colorful old Hanseatic merchant buildings from the middle Ages. Destroyed by a large fire that wreaked havoc, the area was rebuilt in 1702. Now a protected area and listed on the Unesco World Heritage List, the narrow alleyways that run between the rows of houses made for an enchanting stroll that will take you back in time.
Your next stop is the Mt. Fløien Funicular station. The Fløibanen funicular takes you up to a height of 320 meters above sea level. It is a short journey up, on exit of the funicular a magnificent panorama over the city of Bergen, the surrounding mountains and sea awaits you. Return back to the harbor front district by funicular. Some free time has been set aside for you to peruse the Fish and Flower market at the Marbour front.
Basis: |
Private tour. |
Duration: |
5 hours. |
Start / End: |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances: |
Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen, Fantoft Stave Church, Fløibanen funicular. |
Meals: |
None. |
Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Bergen -Hike to Mount Fløien and lunch at Bergen´s Fish Market – 5 hours
Bergen -Hike to Mount Fløien and lunch at Bergen´s Fish Market – 5 hours
You start this journey by meeting our guide and taking Bergen´s funicular, one of the trademarks of the city.
The funicular railway is one of Norway's most famous attractions. The trip starts in the heart of the city and takes you 320 meters above sea level. In just 6 minutes, you will find yourself on top of Mount Fløyen. After enjoying a panoramic view of Bergen we will start our hike!
Our guide will take you through the beautiful surroundings, enjoying the views of the city, the fjords and mountains while discovering the local nature. You will do this hiking at your own pace.
You may walk down to the city center or take the funicular. The tour ends at Bergen´s Fish Market, a place that has a long history that dates to the 1200s. Since then, the market has been one of the most important places for trade between fishermen, farmers, and the inhabitants of the city. Here you will say goodbye to our guide and enjoy a delicious and traditional Norwegian lunch. You will be served a traditional fish platter that includes local delicacies such as king crab, lobster, langoustines, oysters, and creamy mussels.
Basis: Private hiking/walking tour.
Duration: 5 hours (incl 4 hours for funicular and hike, plus time for lunch on your own).
Start / End: City/Fish Market.
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, Other languages on request, Entrance to Funicular, Lunch at the Fish Market (Luxury platter: King crab, lobster and langoustines in garlic butter, oysters and creamy mussels. Served with salad, bread, aioli and tarragon dip, tap water). Vegetarian option available (Filled spicy portobello mushroom covered in melted local cheese, served on a bed of vegetables and sweet potato purée.)
Not included: Vehicle
Physical Activity Level: Grade Moderate. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Tour can operate: afternoon/evening
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Bring appropriate clothing and shoes.
Bergen Art & Design Walking Tour visiting KODE Art Museum and Arven silver factory – 4 hours
Bergen Art & Design Walking Tour visiting KODE Art Museum and Arven silver factory – 4 hours
You start this walking tour with our guide, visiting two of the main attractions in Bergen for art and design lovers.
We will pay a visit to KODE 3 Museum, which The Rasmus Meyers Collection and a great compilation of works by Edvard Munch, one of the most renowned Norwegian painters.
Among the highlights of the collection are paintings from the Golden Age of Norwegian art, as well as historical interiors from the Bergen area. The presentation includes highlights from the careers of other famous Norwegian artists such as J.C. Dahl, Harriet Backer, Erik Werenskiold and Gerhard Munthe.
We continue our tour by visiting Arven´s workshops. In 1868 Theodor Olsen brought international expertise when he established his own sterling silversmithery and store and quickly became a leader in Bergen’s arts and crafts community. Following his death in 1890, the silver smithery and store continued under the name of Theodore Olsen managed by the Aase family for many generations until 2016 when it became Arven AS. Today, Arven is a modern and innovative factory which is constantly developing new and exciting products through bold design work in cooperation with contemporary designers but preserving traditional techniques and classic design.
During your private visit you will be greeted by your host offering you a special welcome with a drink and a taste of delicious Norwegian local produce cheese and snacks, all served using their beautiful cheese slices and knives we create.
Your visit continues with a presentation about the story of silversmithing in Bergen, about Arven, our history, our products, and our way of working. Afterwards there will time for your questions and participation to “show and tell” how each visitor can make their own stamped pendant!
You are then guided to our workshop and witness where our silver cutlery and jewelries are crafted. There will be a little “ceremony” in the workshop where each visitor gets their own Arven medal.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 4 hours walking tour.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: KODE 3 Museum and Arven Silver Factory.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon. Tour not available on Mondays.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. The tour is not offered on Sunday and Monday.
Bergen Food Tour – 3,5 hours
Bergen Food Tour – 3,5 hours
During your private visit you will visit Bryggen, which is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage. Your guide will take you through the old part of the city and you will have 5 stops with tastes on your experience. Your also visit the famous Fishmarket including a stop for a sweet surprise.
Bergen is a vibrant port city in the heart of the fjords. The second largest city of the country with 275, 000 inhabitants, it has a long history in international trade in seafood, reflected in its traditional and coastal gastronomy. The city’s food culture originating from sea biodiversity is considered the most sustainable in Europe. Deeply linked to healthy nutrition, gastronomy in Bergen thrives on organic food, the production of which is supported by more than 3,000 farmers and 200 artisan food entrepreneurs. In addition to this, another 6,500 people are employed by the aquaculture industry and fisheries.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3,5 hours walking tour.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None
Meals: Tastings of local specialties and 1 beer or soft drink
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. The tour is not offered on Sunday and Monday.
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.
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