Compare Norwegian Fjords & Coastal Treasures - Westbound 2022 by Tauck vs Country Roads of Scandinavia - Small Group Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 Welcome to Oslo

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Grand Hotel Oslo or Hotel Bristol Oslo. A transfer is included upon arrival from Oslo Airport to Grand Hotel Oslo or Hotel Bristol Oslo. Please join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Grand Hotel Oslo

PORTOFCALL : Oslo, Norway

Day 2 Adventurers & Visionaries

Set off to discover some of Norway's greatest heroes – from Arctic exploration to the arts. An Oslo city tour brings you to the Fram Museum, a reminder that Norway is an Arctic nation; more than 40% of it lies north of the Arctic Circle, and naturally Norwegians have undertaken many important polar expeditions over the centuries. The museum chronicles some of the most famous, and its centerpiece is the wooden polar ship Fram, used on three historic expeditions, including Roald Amundsen's voyage to Antarctica. Go onboard and take a look around her cabins, lounges, cargo hold and engine room. A guided walk around Frogner Park introduces you to the work of Norway's most beloved sculptor, Gustav Vigeland; more than 200 of his granite and bronze human figures fill the palatial and popular park with life and emotion, capturing the free-spirited sensibility of the Norwegians, their strong connection to nature, and their willingness to embrace the totality of human experience. And at the Kon-Tiki Museum, discover objects from Thor Heyerdahl's world famous expeditions including the original Kon-Tiki raft and the papyrus boat Ra II. Lunch is at a local restaurant. This afternoon, embark your vessel in Oslo and settle in. Your yacht sails for Göteborg, Sweden tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Dumont d'Urville

PORTOFCALL : Oslo, Norway

Day 3 Sweden for a Day

Spend a relaxing morning at sea cruising south along Sweden's craggy west coast in the Skagerrak Strait en route to Göteborg. Your Tauck Director team shares insights and information about the region's geography, marine life, history, economics, politics, and more. After lunch onboard ship, disembark for an afternoon in clean, green Göteborg, Sweden's second largest city, laced with canals and dotted with parks. On both choices of sightseeing here, you'll explore the lively Långgatorna neighborhood, a hive of homegrown fashion labels, indie bands, and craft beer bars – and for contrast, see Kungsportsavenyn, the city's elegant main avenue inspired by the Champs Élysées. But you'll also choose between a tour of Göteborg's Volvo Museum, taking you on a trip through a unique piece of Swedish 20th- and 21st-century history and design; and a visit to Botaniska, Goteborg's Botanical Garden, one of the largest in Europe. This evening aboard ship, join us for the captain's welcome reception and dinner as you sail across the Skagerrak Strait to Arendal, Norway.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Dumont d'Urville

PORTOFCALL : Göteborg, Sweden

Day 4 The seaport town of Arendal

This morning your ship arrives in Arendal, a popular seaport town on Norway's southern coast. Established in the mid-1500s, Arendal's historic center contains an area called Tyholmen, containing a number of wooden houses dating back to the 17th century; the inner harbor area, Pollen; and the beautiful 19th-century Trinity Church. Discover the town on a guided walking tour and during some free time to explore on your own. All aboard early this afternoon, as your yacht sails north along the North Sea coast for Stavanger.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 5 Stavanger Old and New

Welcome to the port city of Stavanger, Norway's oil capital on the oil-rich North Sea and a lively university town, for a choice of sightseeing. You may choose an overview tour of the city, on which you'll visit massive Swords in Rock, a powerful symbol of unity and peace that commemorates the battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, when Harald Fairhair united Norway as one kingdom. You'll also step even farther back in time on a guided visit at the Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug, an archaeological site where you'll see how the prehistoric people of the Iron Age lived – in long buildings of rock and sod, with animals housed at one end and their owners at the other! Then it's on to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, a Stavanger Port landmark, to learn just about everything you ever wanted to know about oil and gas. Or, you can choose a Stavenger walking tour that includes the city's harborfront and Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger), a settlement of small white wooden houses from the 1800s set on narrow streets paved by ballast blocks, used long ago as ballast on the ships that sailed in and out of port. After lunch, your yacht sets sail through Lysefjord; keep your eyes peeled for Prekeistolen, a mammoth flat-topped cliff overlooking the water. Later, chart a course for Ålesund.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Dumont d'Urville

PORTOFCALL : Stavanger, Norway

Day 6 Morning Cruising to Ålesund

Enjoy a relaxing morning at sea taking advantage of the amenities onboard your ship and hearing a talk by our Tauck Exclusive lecturer. This afternoon disembark in picturesque Ålesund, the most important fishing harbor in Norway, situated on seven islands on the Atlantic coast where you'll have four choices to choose from. Join our local expert for a walking tour of the city's Art Nouveau – Jugenstil – architecture; nearly all the historic buildings went up between 1904 and 1907 after a fire had destroyed the town, making Ålesund a leading example of Jugenstil today. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic sightseeing tour of Ålesund, hopping from island to island to take in the amazing views; you'll drive through an intricate network of tunnels, carved out of granite, that link this maritime community. Head out on a guided kayaking tour around Ålesund. Or embark on a bicycle tour through town. Sail on to the village of Hellesylt, on famously scenic Geirangerfjord, this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 7 Geirangerfjord & the Mountains

Today may be the most beautiful day of touring and sightseeing anywhere! Disembark first thing in Hellesylt in the stunning valley at one end of the deep blue Geirangerfjord for a choice of activities. On one, head off for a full day's touring with a local expert around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. All day the views just keep getting better – as you ride a gondola up to the Sunmore "Alps" and drive through the mountains surrounding Geirangerfjord, and through Fjord og Fjell. Have lunch at a local fjord-side restaurant en route. Or you can stay aboard ship this morning and visit the charming hamlet of Geiranger on your own, perhaps visiting the Norwegian Fjord Center. Another choice is a shorter trip from Geiranger up to Dalsnibba, rising from sea level to nearly a mile high. And a third alternative is a kayaking trip on the Geirangerfjord. Reboard the ship early evening and sail out of Geirangerfjord and south for Olden and Nordfjord tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 8 Lake Loen & Kjenndalen Glacier

Awaken in Nordfjord and disembark early in Olden, a village on the shore of Nordfjord, where you'll take a quick trip to the summit of Mt. Hoven aboard the Sky-Lift cable car, prior to a choice of activities. From Mt. Hoven, you can choose an excursion into the scenic Loen valley for a short boat ride and a walk for views of the blue and white Kjenndalsbreen, an arm of Jostedal glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. The sight is definitely worth the walk! Or you can choose a drive from Mt. Hoven to Briksdalbre, where a ride on a "Troll Car" and a short hike to the foot of Briksdal Glacier lead to stunning views of one of Norway's most inspiring natural wonders, in a setting of roaring waterfalls and mountain peaks at the end of one of the Nordfjord's three branches. Return to Olden to board your yacht and continue sailing toward Bergen. This evening, enjoy a farewell reception and dinner onboard.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 9 Disembark – Bryggen & Edvard Grieg

Disembark your yacht in cosmopolitan Bergen, one of Northern Europe's oldest port cities, and join our local guide for a walking tour of the historic Bryggen harbor district lined with well-preserved brightly colored houses. This afternoon, continue getting to know Bergen on a city tour, and visit a traditional stave church before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway's greatest composer. Following your guided tour, enjoy a brief reception and a private piano concert featuring Grieg's music. After settling in at your hotel late afternoon, please join us this evening for a funicular ride up Mt. Floyen and a special farewell reception and dinner on the mountain featuring spectacular views of the harbor – an ideal finishing touch for your Norway cruise adventure.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret

PORTOFCALL : Bergen, Norway

Day 10 Journey Home

Tour ends: Bergen. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included today to Bergen Airport from the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bryggen or Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret. Allow three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Bergen, Norway

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.