Magic of the Fjords

Once you have arrived in Bergen, make your way to the hotel for check-in. This charming coastal city, surrounded by seven mountains, is known as the gateway to Norway’s fjords. Its colourful harbour, historic wooden houses and lively cultural scene make it one of Scandinavia’s most picturesque destinations.

The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. You might enjoy wandering through the city centre, browsing local shops, or sampling fresh seafood at one of Bergen’s inviting restaurants.

Please note: Arrival transfers are available; please contact us to book an arrival transfer.

This morning, we meet our local guide at 10 AM in the hotel reception before setting out on a walking tour of Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage city and the gateway to Norway’s fjords. Known for its mix of nature, culture and vibrant urban life, Bergen offers a perfect introduction to the beauty of western Norway. We stroll along the colourful wooden buildings of Bryggen Wharf, visit the historic Church of Mary and see Hakon’s Fortress before finishing at the lively Fish Market, where local life and coastal culture come together.

In the afternoon, you may like to join one of two optional experiences. Take part in a Bergen Food Tour & Fish Market tasting, which includes tastings and a return journey on the Floibanen funicular for wonderful views across the city. Alternatively, enjoy our Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen, a scenic fjord cruise to Mostraumen for a closer look at Norway’s dramatic landscapes. The evening is free for you to relax, enjoy dinner or explore the harbour area at your own pace.

Bergen - Balestrand. Today we travel from Bergen to the beautiful village of Balestrand. Depending on the location of our hotel, we either take a short walk or a brief transfer to the port for our morning cruise. As we sail through the spectacular Sognefjord, known as the King of Fjords and the longest in Norway, we can sit back and enjoy views of steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, and small villages nestled along the shore. The cruise departs at 8 AM and arrives in Balestrand around midday, though times may vary slightly.

On arrival, it is a short walk from the pier to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the village at your own pace. Dinner will be served at the hotel at the time advised by our Tour Leader.

Please note: An optional luggage transfer service is available for those who prefer to travel light. Your main luggage can be transported directly from Bergen to Oslo and delivered to you on Day 5. If you choose this option, please leave your bag at the hotel reception before 6:30 AM and pack a small overnight bag for your two nights in Balestrand.

Today is free for you to enjoy Balestrand at your own pace. Alternatively, you may wish to join our optional Half Day Fjaerland Excursion, available from 1 June to 15 September.

You will travel by boat through the beautiful Fjaerlandsfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and lush green scenery, before reaching the village where the glacier meets the fjord. From here, a short coach ride takes you to the Norwegian Glacier Museum to watch Ivo Caprino’s panoramic film about the Jostedalen Glacier and explore its fascinating exhibition. The journey continues by coach to visit the impressive Supphellebreen and Boyabreen glaciers before you return by boat to Balestrand. (Bookable in advance, as availability cannot be guaranteed locally.)

Later, we will enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Balestrand - Flam - Oslo. Our journey along the Sognefjord continues today as we make our way to the beautiful village of Flam. The first part of the journey passes through the Aurlandsfjord, one of the most picturesque arms of the Sognefjord, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and peaceful fjordside villages. After some free time to explore Flam, we join the famous Flamsbana, one of the steepest train lines in the world.

During the ride, we pass awe-inspiring scenery, travel through dramatic mountain landscapes, past the Rallar Road and spectacular waterfalls, and through twenty tunnels before reaching Myrdal, a mountain railway station and junction located about thirteen kilometres from Flam.

From Myrdal, we board another train which takes us to Norway’s capital, Oslo. We arrive late this evening and make our way straight to the hotel.

This morning we meet our guide and embark on a 3-hour sightseeing tour of this vibrant city. Discover Frogner Park, the Royal Palace, City Hall and the medieval fortress of Akershus.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing or perhaps continue exploring this amazing city independently. We recommend you purchase a 24-hour Oslo pass, which grants access to most of the city’s museums and includes free travel to the Bygdog Peninsula.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. We hope you had a wonderful time in Norway with us! If you would like to extend your stay and explore more of this remarkable town, or would like to book a departure airport transfer - please enquire.