Best of Norway

Day 1  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 travellers at 17:30 for a light supper to kick-start your journey.

Day 2  Oslo to 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. This afternoon join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at a charming cheese factory nestled in the picturesque town of Øystese. 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.

Day 3  Hardangerfjord to Bergen      
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 colourful 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.

Day 4  Bergen to Sognefjord    
Delving straight back into Norway's inspiring natural landscapes, we continue to the 'King of Fjords', travelling 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.

Day 5  Sognefjord 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.

Day 6  Geirangerfjord        
The Geirangerfjord takes centre 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.

Day 7  Geirangerfjord to Lillehammer      
Enjoy a scenic drive to Lom, gateway to the Jotunheimen Mountains. In the village, stop to view a 12th-century stave church, decorated with runic inscriptions, painted panels and carved dragon figures believed to guard against evil. Continue through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley before reaching Lillehammer, proud host of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Day 8  Lillehammer 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 harbour, 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.

Day 9  Oslo        
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.