Compare Norwegian Fjords and Mountains by Indus Travels vs Country Roads of Scandinavia - Small Group Small Group by Insight Vacations

Arrival Oslo Gardermoen Airport, pick up rental car and drive to hotel for check-in. We recommend a visit to the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum where the best preserved Viking ships ever found are on display, the Fram Museum where the entire original Arctic exploration ship Fram is exhibited with its original interior and inventory, the Kon-tiki Museum which contains original vessels and objects from Thor Heyerdal’s many expeditions or one of the many other interesting sights in Oslo.

Overnight in Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast departure from Oslo, driving via Hønefoss along the charming Halling Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. Cross the wild Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 m. Descend the amazing Mabødal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord and along the fjord to the small village of Lofthus.

Overnight in Lofthus

Approx. travel distance: 370 km 

Breakfast at the hotel and ferry crossing Kinsarvik – Utne – Kvanndal. Drive along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord, famous for its many fruit orchards, via the towns of Øystese and Norheimsund to arrive in Bergen around midday. Pick up your Bergen Card, giving you free entrance or discounts at museums, the funicular to Mt. Fløien with the best views of the city and fjords way below, regular city tours etc. We also recommend time to take in the special Bergen charm at the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled packhouses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter.

Overnight in Bergen

Approx. travel distance: 169 km 

After breakfast departure from Bergen and drive via Dale to the town of Voss. Descend the Nærøy Valley, passing the Stalheim Canyon, to the fjordside village of Flam. In Flam board your train for an exhilarating ride on the amazing Flam Railway to Myrdal, a masterpiece of engineering ascending 2.838 feet in less than one hour. The descent from Myrdal to Flam offers opportunities for photo shots of some exciting waterfalls and mountain scenery. After return to Flam, short drive to Gudvangen at the head of the Nærøy Fjord. In Gudvangen board the sightseeing boat for start of approx. 3 hours cruise along the narrow Nærøy Fjord and the famous Sogn Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. From the sun deck or the comfortable lounge you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks, and a variety of wildlife. Arrival Kaupanger and short drive via Sogndal to Leikanger.

Overnight in Sognefjord

Approx. travel distance: 200 km 

After breakfast departure from your hotel along the scenic route. Pass the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village of Skei. Descend to the beautiful Nord Fjord, making a detour at Olden to visit the world-famous Briksdal Glacier. The journey up to the glacier will be made in open cars to give you the best of views. Afterwards continue to Loen where you will have dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Loenfjord

Approx. travel distance: 145 km 

Breakfast at the hotel and continue via Stryn to the picturesque village of Hellesylt. From here you embark the ferry for the mini-cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord, possibly the most impressive of all the Norwegian fjords. During the cruise you will pass some magnificent waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters.

Overnight in Geiranger

Approx. travel distance: 98 km 

Breakfast at the hotel and depart from Geiranger via one of the serpentine roads, offering the opportunity to digest some amazing views of the fjord, before crossing the rugged Grotli Mountains to Lom. Lom is well known for its 14th century stave church. The tour continues via Lake Vaga, before descending the magnificent Gudbrands Valley to the popular tourist town of Lillehammer, Olympic City of 1994. Continuation along Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, back to Oslo and Holmenkollen, home of the world- famous ski jump arena, offering unforgettable views of the city and Oslo fjord way below before arriving back in Oslo again.

Overnight in Oslo

Approx. travel distance: 416 km 

You will enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, then drive to the airport and return the rental car. Make your way to continue with your journey back home.

Day 1: Welcome to Oslo

On arrival at Oslo airport, your transfer will leave for the hotel at 09:30, 12:00 or 14:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 17:30, to enjoy a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start

Sightseeing with a Local Expert includes views of Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Walk around the Opera House and marvel at the stricking contemporary architecture of the new Bjorvika district. Wander through Frogner Park, with its intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the most modern ski jump in the world? Maybe explore City Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony is held, or walk upon the famous architecture of Oslo Opera House.

Day 3: Oslo City to Coastal Bergen

Journey across the Hardanger Plateau, Europe's greatest mountain plateau and the largest national park in the Nordic countries, before arriving at your hotel in the historic port of Bergen. Join your Travel Director for a city orientation and hear about the seafaring traditions of this beautiful harbourside town. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at local restaurant.

Day 4: Ancient Hanseatic Port of Bergen Relaxed Start

A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen with a visit to Bryggen, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Centre. Explore its beautiful wooden houses, see the 14th century Haakon's Hall and stroll through the lively fish market with its many stalls. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps spend a leisurely afternoon on the traditional train of the Flåm Railway?

Day 5: A Coastline Like No Other Relaxed Start

Enjoy the morning at leisure to ascend Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia or alternatively visit the home of composer Edward Grieg, located alongside the beautiful lake Nordås. Afterwards, travel along this incredible coastline and sail across fjords passing an abundance of islands. Arrive in Stavanger, one of Norway’s oldest cities founded almost 900 years ago. The city has continued to evolve with changing times and now the headquarters of the Norwegian oil industry, Stavanger is a fusion of old world charm and cosmopolitan flair.

Day 6: The Wonders of Lysefjord Relaxed Start

Cruise through Lysefjord, one of Norway's most breathtaking fjords and be charmed by its stunning natural beauty. See the Preikestolen plateau and Pulpit Rock, a plunging cliff face and one of the most iconic places in Norway. You will also see the mysterious Vagabond's Cave and enjoy the fjord landscape through panoramic windows or from the sundeck. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or continue exploring Stavanger.

Day 7: Lyngdal and Kristiansand

In Lyngdal, tour the Wild Salmon Centre with a biologist guide, learn about protecting salmon populations and the local ecosystem. Observe the majestic fish in their own environment, via a unique indoor 'staircase' and viewing area. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive around the southern cape of Norway. Upon arrival in Kristiansand, your orientation walk of the city centre will show you the Dom Kirke and the Nupen Fountain. Savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Kristiansand to Aarhus

Say farewell to Norway as you sail across the Skagerrak to Hirtshals, Denmark. Your journey continues to Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city and one of Europe's cultural treasures with world-class museums and modern art. Explore Aarhus with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert and visit Den Gamle By Open-Air Museum, offering a trip through 300 years of Danish culture. Walk among historic houses relocated from all over the country and see traditional workshops. Alternatively, take a walk in the Botanical Gardens with your Local Expert and learn about Danish nature and flora, as well as international plants in the Tropical Houses. Join your fellow travellers for a Farm-to-Table dinner of delicious regional specialties, made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

Day 9: Historic Aarhus Relaxed Start

A vibrant mix of youthful energy and a blast from the past makes Aarhus a city with an energetic beat of the pulse. Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the city centre. See the City Hall, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum — topped with an immense and interactive artwork — and Dokk1, the largest public library in Scandinavia. Walk through the cathedral neighbourhood and visit the new township for splendid views of Aarhus Bay. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.

Day 10: Odense and the Fairytales of Fyn Relaxed Start

Cross the Jutland Peninsula to the town of Odense, on the island of Fyn.Visit the Hans Christian Andersen House and explore the author's creative universe. The newly opened, innovative exhibition is a remarkable homage to one of the most famous Danes. In the evening, visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.

Day 11: Wonderful Copenhagen Relaxed Start

Meet your Local Expert and pay a visit to Hans Christian Andersen's iconic Little Mermaid statue. Later, see Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, the unusual Round Tower and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. The afternoon is at your leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cofoco restaurant and enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of sustainable ingredients, as you toast to the end of your Scandinavian adventure.

Day 12: Depart Copenhagen

Departure transfers arrive at Copenhagen airport at 06:30, 09:00 and 12:00.