Day 1 : Fly to Norway

We board our flight for a relaxing overnight journey across the Atlantic.

Day 2 : Welcome to Oslo

Upon arriving in Norway’s capital, we meet our English-speaking local guide and check in to our hotel for a two-night stay in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to explore or relax before our adventurous days ahead. This evening, we get to know fellow travelers at a wonderful Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : City Tour & Museums

Each morning begins with a lovely included breakfast. Today, our local guide joins us for an intriguing tour of Oslo that features sights of the Royal Palace, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Akershus Fortress, the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and Bygdoy. Afterwards, we visit the Fram Museum to dive into Norway’s history of polar exploration and see the strongest wooden ship ever built, which holds records for the farthest sailings north and south. Our journey through history continues next door at the Kon-Tiki Museum, home to the original balsa wood raft Thor Heyerdahl famously used to cross the Pacific Ocean in 1951. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Day 4 : Lillehammer

Our day begins with a drive to Lillehammer, a picturesque ski resort town that overlooks the northern end of Lake Mjosa. We explore Maihaugen, one of Northern Europe’s largest open-air museums, and learn what life was like from the Middle Ages to the present. Marvel at this recreation of a small inland village with hundreds of authentic buildings, including turf-topped houses, a railway station, a school, fishing cabins, barns, and historic Garmo Stave Church, built over 800 years ago. While there, enjoy an included lunch with delicious traditional food. After checking in to our hotel in the nearby city of Oyer, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.

Day 5 : Hardanger

Today, our travels take us through spectacular scenery as we head to Eidfjord in Western Norway, where the world’s highest concentration of fjords can be found. This afternoon, we reach our destination and see Voringsfossen Waterfall, Norway’s most famous waterfall. Watch how the powerful water cascades nearly 600 feet off the Hardangervidda Plateau into the Mabodalen Valley! Next, we venture into Hardangervidda National Park and visit Norsk Natursenter – Hardanger to browse state-of-the-art exhibits that showcase Norwegian natural and cultural history. View a panoramic film called Norway My Country - Fjord, Mountain, Waterfall, and Hardangervidda in the theater, then explore three floors of interactive stations, fossils, aquariums, illustrations, and more. Later, we cross the iconic Hardanger Bridgeand take a scenic route along the Hardangerfjord to Ulvik. We check in to our accommodations and gather for a delicious dinner.

Day 6 : The Hardangerfjord & Utne

Our morning begins with a visit to Hardanger Juice and Cider Factory. Embark on a guided tour of the farm to see how they make their famous apple cider, juice, dessert wine, and brandy, then indulge in a taste of each! Afterwards, we board a ferry in Kvanndal and soak up breathtaking sights on the spellbinding Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most impressive fjords. Upon reaching the charming village of Utne, we enjoy lunch on our own before exploring the Hardanger Folk Museum. Become immersed in the region’s culture as we browse exhibits on traditional embroidery and costumes, old buildings that depict life in the 1800s, the largest collection of authentic Hardanger fiddles, and more. We then ferry back to Ulvik for dinner together and have a night of relaxation.

Day 7 : Norheimsund

We depart our hotel this morning for another ferry ride on Norway’s enchanting Hardangerfjord to the village of Norheimsund, a lesser-known gem with a stunning waterfront. Our first stop is Hardanger Akvasenter, where we learn about Norway’s important salmon fishing industry and engage with aquaculture exhibits. We then travel westward to Bergen, our home for the final two nights. Nicknamed the City of Seven Mountains, it’s renowned for vistas of towering mountains, deep fjords, and colorful wooden houses.

Day 8 : Bergen

Today, a local guide joins us to explore Norway’s second-largest city. Enjoy views of Bergen’s most notable attractions, like Bergenhus Fortress and Rosenkrantz Tower, then stroll through Bryggen, the city’s historic harbor district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, we discover the life of famous composer Edvard Grieg at Troldhaugen, a living museum and his former home that was described as his “best opus so far.” We celebrate our travel adventures with a Farewell Lunch at Ovre-Eide Farm, family-owned since the 16th century. Embark on a tour of this beautiful homestead, then savor a variety of regional delicacies as we learn more about the farm and Norwegian national costumes. Our day concludes with a ride on the Floibanen funicular to the top of Mount Floyen for outstanding views of the city, fjord, and mountains.

Day 9 : Fly Home

We board our flight home today, returning with wonderful memories and photos from our time in Norway.