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The Exclusive Grand Tour of Norway

Amazing Northern Norway by Frank Andreassen, Nordnorsk Reiseliv

An extensive Cruise round trip in Norway – 11 nights

The Exclusive Grand Tour of Norway takes you from Oslo in the east to Fjord Norway & the west coast, followed by a 6-night cruise going north to the Arctic town of Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. Return to Oslo by flight.
Enjoy the scenic Bergen Line, the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises & overnight stays in Balestrand fjord village, picturesque Bergen and in Oslo, the capital of Norway.
Experience the breathtaking Trollstigen hairpin road (June-August) and the spectacular North Cape cliff.
Highlights: Train ride on the Bergen Line & the Flåm Railway. Cruises on the Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord. 6 nights on board a Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages ship from Bergen northbound to Kirkenes. Excursions to Trollstigen hairpin road (June-August) or Hjørundfjord (September) & the North Cape. Extensive city sightseeing in Oslo.

If you have a clear preference for which supplier you would like to travel with (Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten), please contact us as they sail on different days.

• This is an independent tour (you do not travel with a group), based on travel by public transport where some activities include a guide
• You can add extra nights, activities & excursions en route in the booking process
Prices:  From NOK 90130 per person

Day to day itinerary:

Parliament building, Oslo Norway. Photo by Rita de Lange, Fjord Travel Norway

See the Oslo Parliament Building

DAY 1

First night in Oslo

Check in at the centrally located, classic Hotel Continental, with excellent restaurants. This family owned hotel is a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”.
Oslo is beautifully located by the Oslofjord, surrounded by forested hills. Oslo offers an extensive waterfront, like the Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen pedestrian areas.
Spend 1 night in Oslo (included in the tour price)
Read about Oslo – Norway’s capital

Mountain scenery along the Bergen rail line. Photo by Rita de Lange, Fjord Travel Norway

Beautiful mountain scenery along the Bergen Line!

Waterfall along the Flam railway by Sverre Hjornevik, Flam AS

Spectacular waterfall along Flåm Railway!

Beautiful Sognefjord by Robin Strand, Visit Bergen

Enjoy a cruise on the scenic Sognefjord!

DAY 2

Oslo to Balestrand

Bergen Line
Morning departure by the scenic Bergen mountain train line through the scenic Hallingdal valley and across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau to the tiny Myrdal Station.
Read about the Bergen Line

Flåm Railway
Disembark at Myrdal Station, walk across the platform and board the famous Flåm Railway; an unforgettable descend from mountain to fjord through the spectacular Flåm Valley, with mountain peaks, the beautiful Flåm River, cascading waterfalls, a spectacular bridge & tiny farms.
Read about the Flåm Railway

Fjord cruise
In Flåm you board an express boat for a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord branch & the main Sognefjord to the beautifully located Balestrand village. Overnight at the Kviknes Hotel. Room with fjord view in the historic wing & buffet dinner included.
Spend 1 night in Balestrand
Read about the Sognefjord

Sailboats by Bryggen in Bergen by Bob Andre Engelsen

See the UNESCO Bryggen wharf in Bergen!

DAY 3

Cruise to Bergen

A 4-hour cruise to the mouth of the Sognefjord, then along the scenic coast with islands & local fjords, narrow straits & tiny settlements. The boat takes you to the very heart of Bergen, close to the Fish Market. Check in at the centrally located Hotel Opus XVI or similar. Deluxe room with breakfast.
Spend 1 night in Bergen
Read about Bergen

View from Mount Floyen in Bergen by Sverre Hjornevik, Fjord Norway

View from Mt Fløyen

DAY 4

Bergen & Cruise departure

A relaxing day in Bergen before the Hurtigruten or Havila cruise departure in the evening.
Make sure to visit the authentic areas with tiny wooden houses and narrow streets in Bergen!
Evening meal on board.
Spend 6 nights on board
Read about Hurtigruten
Read about Havila
General cruise information & facilities on board Hurtigruten

Cruise to Mostraumen by Rodne Fjordcruise

Amazing narrow Mostraumen strait!

Optional add-on in Bergen

3-hour fjord cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen
This spectacular tour from Bergen takes you up the 27-km-long Osterfjord in Vestland province. Underway, the fjord narrows between the steep mountains as you are brought safely through the strong currents of the shallow and narrow Mostraumen strait.

This add-on with prices will appear during the tour booking process.

View of the Geirangerfjord. Photo by Fred Jonny Hammero/More og Romsdal fylke

Spectacular Geirangerfjord view from the Eagle's Road!

DAY 5

UNESCO Geirangerfjord cruise*

Morning arrival to the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, followed by a full day cruise to the famous, UNESCO Geirangerfjord, with the “Seven Sisters” waterfalls cascading down the steep mountain sides.
*Please note: The ship sails into the Geirangerfjord from June to August, and the Hjørundfjord from September to October. In May you can enjoy 10 hours at leisure in picturesque Ålesund.
Read about the UNESCO Geirangerfjord

View of Trollstigen Road by Agurtxane Concellon, Hurtigruten

Experience a breathtaking view!

Trollstigen excursion (Jun 2-Sep 1)

Disembark in Geiranger village (in tender boats) before you join the exciting excursion by coach across the Golden route mountain roads & fjords, before meeting the ship again.
Starting with the Eagle’s Road, offering an unforgettable view of the Geirangerfjord, then on to the breathtaking, steep Trollstigen hairpin road.

Urke ferry quay with views of Mount Slogen - Photo by Bob Engelsen

Urke ferry quay with views of Mount Slogen

Norangsdalen Valley Blue Lake Photo Bob Andre Engelsen

Norangsdalen valley

Hjørundfjord excursion (September)

A Taste of Norway by Hurtigruten
As the ship sails into the Hjørundfjord, you will board a tender boat taking you to the village of Urke. Continuing by coach, you will explore the narrow Norangsdalen valley, and visit sights like Lyngstølvatnet lake and the historic Hotel Union Øye.

A guided cultural walk in the fjords by Havila Voyages
Join a guided walk through the small village of Urke, hear about the present and historic way of life and admire the scenic surroundings.

Possible to upgrade to the Hjørundfjord Havila excursion – Electric bike adventure in Hjørundfjorden

Colourful Trondheim by Morten Sage, Visit Trondheim

See authentic wooden houses in Trondheim!

DAY 6

Historic Trondheim

Through the wide Trondheimsfjord to the picturesque, historic city of Trondheim. Spend 3 hours at leisure in the city, or take an optional sightseeing tour.
Make sure to visit the authentic areas with tiny well-preserved wooden houses at Bakklandet, the old bridge “Gamle Bybro” & the Nidaros Cathedral.
Departing Trondheim the ship passes by the tiny, historic Munkholmen island, and continues along the scenic Trøndelag coast.
Read about historic Trondheim

Saltstraumen Bodo by Tommy Andreassen, www.nordnorge.com

The amazing Saltstraumen maelstrom!

DAY 7

Arctic Bodø

Passing the Arctic Circle before calling at the beautifully located Arctic town of Bodø, surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks & islands.
Time to visit the town, or you can join an optional excursion to
Saltstraumen – the world’s strongest maelstrom. Its impressive strength is caused by the world’s strongest tide occurring in the same location.

Beautiful Lofoten Islands by Shutterstock, Hurtigruten

Beautiful Lofoten Islands!

Lofoten Islands

Departing Bodø, the ship continues across the Vestfjord towards the impressive Lofoten Wall & the unforgettable Lofoten Islands – the most spectacular archipelago!
Calls at the villages of Stamsund & Svolvær in the evening.
You can join a real Viking feast at Lofotr Museum (optional excursion)
Read about the Lofoten Islands

Midnight Sun Norway by Reiner Schaufler, Nordnorsk Reiseliv

Amazing midnight sun on the Arctic coast of Norway!

DAY 8

Arctic Tromsø

Along the spectacular Arctic coast and through a marvellous archipelago before arriving Tromsø – Europe’s northernmost university town. Time to visit the town, or join the sightseeing excursion, “The Arctic capital”, before the cruise sets off towards the north.
Tromsø is beautifully located, surrounded by Arctic fjords, islands & alpine mountain peaks. The amazing Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen) is a famous landmark in Tromsø.

The North Cape cliff, Norway. Photo by Filip Hoel, Hurtigruten

The spectacular North Cape cliff

DAY 9

The North Cape

In today’s main port Honningsvåg, you join the amazing North Cape excursion by coach across Magerøya island – Norway’s northernmost island. Then on to the North Cape cliff – an impressive, 307-m (1007 ft) high cliff with a large flat plateau on top.
Then cruise along Finnmark’s barren coast, passing the  unbelievable rock formation of Finnkirka.
Read about the Hurtigruten excursion to the North Cape
• Read about the Havila excursion to the North Cape

Arctic Summer by Reiner Schaufler, Nordnorsk Reiseliv

Enjoy the Arctic summer!

DAY 10

Kirkenes & Oslo

Continue along the Finnmark coast before the ship sails to the south-east into the Bøkfjord and on to the Arctic town of Kirkenes, close to the Russian border.
Disembark after breakfast on board. You can take the scheduled airport bus (20 mins), or ask the reception desk on board to order a taxi for you.
Flight to Oslo and check in at the same hotel as per day 1.
Spend 2 nights in Oslo (included in the tour price)

Kirkenes Snowhotel

Experience the magical Snow Hotel in Kirkenes!

Optional add-on in Kirkenes

Overnight in Kirkenes Snow Hotel & King Crab safari
The Snow hotel
is open all year, and you can now experience this winter wonderland even in summer. Stay overnight in a beautiful snow suite with art made of ice and snow.
You will also experience a 3-hour king crab safari by RIB boat! Cruise along the fjord to the catching area, where you join in lifting the big cages with king crabs. Then on to a renovated boat house by the fjord, to be served a king crab meal.

This add-on with prices will appear during the tour booking process.

Angry boy in Vigeland Sculpture Park by Thomas Johannessen, Visit Oslo

See "The angry boy" in Vigeland Park, Oslo!

DAY 11

Main sights of Oslo

Enjoy the 6-hour City sightseeing tour including Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Fram Museum, Norsk Folkemuseum (the Norwegian Folk Museum – The Open Air Museum with the Stave Church).
In the evening you can join the very popular evening cruise on the Oslofjord on an electric boat, including an Arctic tapas dinner (optional/additional costs).
Add City sightseeing or Fjord cruises in Oslo

The trip finishes after breakfast on day 12

Sognefjord cruise, leaving Aurland village. Photo by Rita de Lange, Fjord Travel Norway

Sognefjord cruise leaving Aurland village

This trip includes:

Accommodation
4* Hotels, upgraded rooms w. breakfast buffet (+dinner in Balestrand)
in Oslo, Balestrand & Bergen

Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages cruise
6 nights in Arctic Superior or Seaview Deluxe, outside cabin w. separate beds or double bed (depending on ship) & private facilities
All meals on board (excl. drinks) – breakfast, lunch & 3-course dinner

Transport
Sognefjord in a Nutshell combination ticket:
Train Oslo-Myrdal
Flåm Railway Myrdal-Flåm
Express boat Flåm-Balestrand-Bergen

Flight Kirkenes-Oslo

Activities & Excursions
Geiranger & Trollstigen Pass excursion (in September: Hjørundfjord excursion)
North Cape excursion
Oslo City sightseeing

All taxes & VAT
Detailed itinerary & directions

NOT INCLUDED:
• International flights to/from Norway
• Airport transfers
• Personal travel insurance

 

Munch Museum Oslo by Tord Baklund, Visit Oslo

See original Edvard Munch paintings in Oslo!

PRICES & BOOKING

Choose a start date, room & number of persons, whereupon the prices will appear in the tour summary box.

Booking & payment procedures
Our travel arrangements
General terms & conditions

Book safely with Fjord Travel Norway– a local, Norwegian travel company. We have been in business for more than 20 years, offering tours based on our goal of sustainable tourism.


 

Questions about this trip?

Contact us:
 Use our contact form
 By e-mail to [email protected], or
 Call us on +47 (55) 131-310
(Mon-Fri 09:00 to 15:30 local time)

What our customers say:

  • I wanted to thank everybody. We had a wonderful trip. Everything went well and fortunately we had the chance to see the lights while on the cruise. All my friends in Turkey would like to go on a similar trip. So I will be in touch with you. Thanks again and best wishes to all of you.

    Candan, Turkey

  • On behalf of the group I would like to thank you and your colleagues for organizing our wonderful tour of Norway. Everything went very well including the weather, which was spectacular. We enjoyed all the hotels, the central locations you chose and the amenities, especially the lavish breakfasts. Three extra days in Oslo allowed us to tour the city at our leisure and to enjoy more of the important sights including the newly opened National Museum. The Norway in a Nutshell tour was amazing and made much easier by using your recommended porterage service between hotels in Oslo and Bergen. Both the train journeys and the boat trip were spectacular, and combined with a night in the beautiful Kviknes Hotel made for an unforgettable two days. We were very impressed by the Hurtigruten cruise, particularly the way they combined a working ship with a cruise ship, the comfortable accommodations, the food and service. It was fascinating to visit all the various ports, islands and fjords and the two included tours were excellent and informative. In the end we were glad to have the extra night in Kirkenes, to visit their lovely museum and take a trip to the Russian border. It was a good way to end the tour. Again, thank for staying with us through 2 years of pandemic postponements and changes. We certainly will recommend Fjord Travel in the future.

    Marilyn, United States

  • We just recently completed the Tromso, Northern Lights & Arctic Coast tour. I am writing to say what an amazing tour we had. Everything ran smoothly without an issue, the accommodation was fantastic and the tours were brilliant. We cannot fault the package at all. I would also like to thank Franziska and Lene, they both were fantastic in answering all my questions promptly, whilst booking the tour. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable holiday!

    Robert, Australia