Premium Norway in Depth - 12 Days

Hei! Welcome to Norway. Your adventure begins in Bergen – a coastal city framed by fjords, with colourful wooden buildings lining its UNESCO World Heritage-listed wharf. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, head out for a welcome dinner with your group. If you arrive early, you might like to go for a stroll through Bergen’s historic streets to get a lay of the land – you could even take the Floibanen funicular up to Mt Floyen to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Board a ferry this morning to Smorhamn port, located in Kalvag – a historic fishing village set on the island of Froya. During this scenic journey, take in dramatic views of the coast and fjords. When you arrive, you’ll check into your Feature Stay hotel – Knutholmen. With warm, charmingly decorated rooms and a floating sauna overlooking the bay, these sea houses will be a relaxing base for you to retreat to over the next two days of exploring Kalvag. This afternoon, you’ll go on a cultural tour of the Coastal Heritage Association, led by a local family. The association aims to preserve Kalvag’s fishing history and its traditional boathouses. Learn about daily village life and local history, plus try your hand at a traditional rope-making technique using glass floats. You’ll also taste some local herring and go on a short ride around the harbour in restored wooden boats. After, you’ll have some free time – maybe unwind at the floating sauna at your Feature Stay.

Set sail today for a boat trip to Vaeroya Island, located west of Knutholmen. As you sail, you’ll do some fishing and set up crab pots, led by a local guide who will share stories about life on Norway’s coast. Arrive on Vaeroya, where you’ll go on a guided tour of the island, then join your group for a seafood lunch of boiled crab and soup. If weather permits, you’ll have lunch on the pier, otherwise you’ll eat inside the boathouse. After, sail back to Kalvag and return to your accommodation. There’s the option to go on a hike to Flona with your leader. This hike takes you to one of Kalvag’s most scenic viewpoints. Starting at Knutholmen, you’ll wind through the village before continuing along the trail up to Flona. From the top, you’ll see sweeping views over Floro – Norway’s westernmost town – Kvanhovden lighthouse and the surrounding islands. This is an easy hike that’s suitable for all ages.

Say goodbye to Knutholmen in the morning and make the scenic journey to Alesund. You’ll travel by private vehicle, then take two local ferries, passing through Nordfjordeid along the way. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour of the city. Alesund is known for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture and is considered the cultural centre of the Sunnmore coastal district. You have a free evening – ask your leader for recommendations on the best spots for dinner and maybe try the local specialty of fish soup (typically salted cod cooked in a tomato stew base).

Embark on a cruise through Geirangerfjord and get ready for some of the most picturesque views of the trip. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjord is dotted with waterfalls rushing down steep mountainside. Arrive at the village of Geiranger, then continue to viewpoints at Dalsnibba – Norway’s highest fjord lookout, sitting at 1500 m – and Flydalsjuvet. Then, continue your drive along Trollstigen – a spectacular mountain pass that winds through eleven hairpin turns up through the Romsdalen Valley to reach a panoramic viewpoint at the top. Continue to the village of Andalsnes, where you’ll spend the night. Check into your accommodation, then you'll have some free time to relax and maybe head to a restaurant for dinner.

Board the Golden Train this morning for a round trip on what’s often referred to as one of Europe’s most scenic train routes. This rail journey takes you past some of Norway’s most iconic landmarks including the Troll Wall – Europe’s tallest vertical rock face at more than 1000 m from base to summit – the famous Kylling Bridge and Vermafossen waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Romsdalen Valley, plus plenty more towering mountains, mighty waterfalls and rivers along the way. After you arrive back in Andalsnes, you’ll take a gondola up to Eggen Restaurant, perched 708 m above sea level on Nesaksla mountain. Have lunch while you take in the views of Romsdalsfjord from the restaurant’s 360-degree windows. Then, begin the drive to Trondheim, taking in more views of Norway’s landscapes and making some stops along the way – you might stop at Avdem Gardsysteri, a dairy farm where you can browse a range of cheese, ciders and other local produce. Arrive in Trondheim in the early evening and check into your accommodation, then you'll have a free evening.

Uncover Trondheim’s renowned cuisine and hidden heritage on a food and history tour today. Start by making the scenic drive to Hangran Gard, a farm on the Byneset Peninsula. Join the owner for a tour of the farm and learn about its heritage, then sit down for a tasting of wild salmon and other local produce. Trondheim is considered the food capital of Norway, so this is a great chance to get a taste of how this region earned its title. Next, continue your drive across the Byneset Peninsula, taking in views of stretching farmland, forest and mountains. Stop at Sverresborg to visit the ruins of King Sverre’s Castle, also known as Zion Castle. Built in 1183, this was Norway’s first medieval castle. Hear more about its history from your leader, then continue to Tavern Restaurant – Trondheim’s oldest operating taverna – for lunch. You might try some traditional rakfisk (fermented fish) or lutefisk (dried whitefish). Raise a glass to a trip well-travelled, then return to the Trondheim city centre, where the rest of your afternoon and evening are free.

Today, you’ll transfer to the Trondheim Airport for your flight to Svolvaer. Once there, check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

Today, you’ll take a boat ride to Skrova Island, known as the ‘Hawaii of Lofoten’ for its white-sand beaches, clear water and high number of sunny days compared to the rest of the archipelago. Your local guide will take you on a walking tour of the quiet island, introducing you to the local community. Have some lunch, then return to your hotel. Enjoy some free time before meeting up with your group for dinner.

Today, you’ll trace one of Norway’s most scenic coastal routes to visit several Lofoten fishing villages with a local guide. Your first stop is in A, where iconic red rorbu cabins sit at the edge of the sea – the perfect photo op. Continue to Hamnoy for classic views of jagged peaks and sheltered harbours, then toRamberg Beach – the clear, turquoise waters and white sands here look tropical, but the temperature is purely Arctic! From there, head on to Nusfjord – once an important cod fishery and now one of Norway’s best-preserved and prettiest fishing villages. Finish out the afternoon in Henningsvaer, a lively harbour village spread across small islands and known for its galleries, cafes and working waterfront.

Today, you’ll take the scenic route on your way to Harstad. As you leave Svolvaer, you’ll get your fill of classic Lofoten views, with sharp mountains rising directly from the sea, fishing villages, bridges and fjords. After crossing onto Hinnoya, Norway’s largest island, the landscape transitions to forests, mountains sounds and fjords. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Perhaps visit the Trondenes Historical Centre to learn the story of northern Norway, from the Viking Age through World War II, or the 13th-century Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost surviving medieval stone church. Tonight, head out for one more Norwegian meal – your trip leader will have some good suggestions.

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Norway, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.