Magic of the Fjords Encompassed From Stockholm - 12 Days

Welcome to Stockholm, a city surrounded by nearly 25,000 small islands. After arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure – stroll through the elegant streets of the Swedish capital, home to the royal family. Explore Drottninggatan, or Queen Street, lined with shops, cafés, and bars. Please Note:Please note: This tour is semi-independent in style from days 1-3, you will not be escorted by a tour guide in Stockholm.

Your taxi driver will meet you at reception and take you to the small port to begin your Royal Canal Cruise, offering a wonderful introduction to Stockholm’s long and fascinating history.

Often called the Beauty on Water or the Venice of the North, Stockholm is built across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. The city’s palaces, museums, and grand public buildings beautifully showcase over 700 years of history.

After the cruise, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to continue exploring the city at your own pace. Please note there is no return transfer to the hotel after the cruise.

Transfer independently to the train station for your high-speed train to Oslo. Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey through the Swedish countryside into Norway. Upon arrival in Oslo, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to explore the Norwegian capital. You may wish to stroll through the city centre, visit the harbourfront, or relax in one of Oslo’s inviting cafés.

Meet your Tour Leader either in the afternoon at the hotel or the following morning at breakfast.

Meet your local guide at the hotel reception for a three-hour city sightseeing tour of this vibrant capital, beginning at 11:00 am. Highlights include Frogner Park with its remarkable Vigeland sculptures, the Royal Palace, City Hall, and Akershus Fortress.

If you prefer to travel light, an optional luggage transfer service is available. This service transports your luggage from Oslo to Bergen, delivered on Day 7. As the journey involves two train connections and a ferry, it is advisable to prepare a small overnight bag for the two-night stay in Balestrand. Luggage must be dropped at reception before 06:30.

Today, the journey takes you deep into Norway’s spectacular fjord region. Board the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Myrdal, travelling through dramatic mountain scenery. At Myrdal, change to the Flåmsbana Railway, one of the steepest and most beautiful train lines in the world. This unforgettable ride passes waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and mountain farms as it descends to the fjord village of Flåm.

Enjoy free time in Flåm, nestled at the end of the Aurlandsfjord – an arm of the mighty Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. In the afternoon, embark on a fjord cruise from Flåm to Balestrand, sailing through calm waters framed by towering peaks and dramatic landscapes.

Indicative schedule (subject to change): • 08:25 – Train from Oslo, arriving Myrdal 13:03 • 13:27 – Flåmsbana from Myrdal, arriving Flåm 14:25 • 15:30 – Cruise from Flåm, arriving Balestrand 16:50

Enjoy a morning at leisure in the picturesque village of Balestrand, surrounded by breathtaking fjord scenery. Wander along the waterfront, visit local art galleries, or simply relax and soak in the tranquillity.

Optional Excursion: Fjærland & Glacier Experience Join a round-trip tour from Balestrand to Fjærland, where the glacier meets the fjord. The journey includes a scenic boat ride through the Fjærlandsfjord, a visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum, and a coach trip to the stunning Supphellebreen and Bøyabreen glaciers. Coach transport and museum entrance are included. Pre-booking is recommended as availability is limited.

Take a short walk from your hotel to the pier and board the express boat to Bergen, travelling along the magnificent Sognefjord – the King of the Fjords. Glide past towering cliffs, peaceful villages, and idyllic Nordic landscapes.

• Departure from Balestrand: 07:50 am (subject to change) • Arrival in Bergen: 11:50 am

Upon arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel before meeting your local guide for a walking tour of Bergen. Highlights include the Hanseatic Bryggen Wharf, St. Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall, and the lively Fish Market.

Enjoy a free day to discover Bergen, the UNESCO World Heritage city and gateway to the fjords. With its blend of nature, culture, and history, Bergen offers plenty to explore all year round. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, visit the bustling Fish Market, or take the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views.

Optional activities: • Bergen Food Tour (15:00, approx. 3 hrs) • Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen (14:00, approx. 3 hrs)

Continue your journey south towards Stavanger, Norway’s oil capital. Depart from Bergen pier by ferry, enjoying a 5.5-hour voyage along the scenic coast. Admire the unspoiled nature and picturesque coastal landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival at the Stavanger ferry terminal, transfer independently to your hotel. (Private transfers can be booked in advance.)

Please note: This tour is semi-independent in style from days 9-12, you will not be escorted by a tour guide in Stavanger.

Today, embark on an unforgettable fjord cruise through the Lysefjord aboard a silent, battery-powered boat. Glide into the heart of this spectacular fjord landscape and witness one of Norway’s most iconic sights – Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), towering 604 metres above the water.

Along the way, pass the Lysefjord Bridge and Fantahålå Cave, where legend says vagrants once hid from the sheriff. The cruise also brings you close to the thundering Hengjanefossen Waterfall, and in spring and summer, you may spot mountain goats grazing by the fjord, as well as sea eagles or seals.

Travel along Norway’s southern coast today. Journey first from Stavanger to Kristiansand, then board the train to Oslo. This scenic route, taking around 4.5 to 5 hours, passes forests, lakes, and farmlands. For the best views, sit on the left-hand side facing forward.

Arrive in Oslo in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying a walk through the city or dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a final stroll through Oslo’s charming streets.

We look forward to welcoming you again soon in Scandinavia, Iceland, or the Baltics.