Signature: Norway's Fjords & Mountain Vistas - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the "Signature: Norway's Fjords & Mountain Vistas" tour?

  The main highlights include a pre-opening visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre with a curator, a unique floating sauna experience in Flåm, dinner atop Mount Hoven via the Loen Skylift with panoramic Nordfjord views, a meeting with a relative or biographer of Thor Heyerdahl to learn about his scientific seafaring adventures, and a journey on Europe's steepest railway followed by a cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 22 travelers, with an average group size of 16.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the trip?

  Accommodation throughout the trip consists of stays in hotels for 9 nights.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners.

• What forms of transportation are used throughout the tour?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, public trains (like the scenic Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway), private RIB boats, cable cars, cruise boats, gondolas, and walking tours.

• Are there any age restrictions for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age for participants is 12 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• Who will be leading the group on this expedition?

  The group will be led by a National Geographic Expedition Leader and a National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout the tour.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour.

• What is the policy on tipping for guides and included services?

  Tipping for all included activities, meals, and porterage is already covered. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader, though an appreciation of around $10 per person per day is a guideline. Tipping is not required or expected for the Expedition Expert.

• What currency is recommended for spending money, and are credit cards widely accepted?

  A combination of Norwegian Krone and credit cards is recommended. Visa cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are generally available, though credit card fees may apply. It's advised not to rely solely on cards.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum of USD 200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is also strongly recommended.

• What should I know about visa and entry requirements for Norway?

  All travelers require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Norway is part of the Schengen area, so a Schengen visa may apply depending on your nationality. As of 2025, ETIAS travel authorization will also be introduced for visa-exempt nationals. It is your responsibility to check the most up-to-date requirements with your local embassy or consulate.

• What physical rating does this tour have?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2.

• What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

  Cultural experiences include a guided walk through Bergen's historic Bryggen, a visit to the Flåm Fjord Farm to meet local hosts and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, a special floating sauna session with a local sauna master, viewing the Borgund Stave Church, visiting the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, and learning about urban beekeeping at the Bybi project.

• Are there any optional activities available in Bergen?

  Yes, in Bergen, you can choose to visit the Kode Art Museum or take a funicular ride for scenic views during your free time.

• What is Planeterra and how does this tour contribute?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to connecting underserved local communities to tourism benefits. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor. Travelers can also participate in a 'Dollar-a-day' program to contribute directly to Planeterra projects that empower local communities and protect the environment.

• What health considerations should I be aware of before travelling?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering drugs. You should assess your ability to cope with the travel style and itinerary.

• What rules apply regarding illegal drugs and sex workers on the trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws, risking the group. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also completely contrary to the tour philosophy. Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or utilizing the services of paid sex workers.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving at the tour?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, you should contact your starting point hotel as soon as possible to speak with or leave a message for your Expedition Leader. Emergency contact details are also provided if you cannot reach your leader.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  Please note that health requirements and recommended inoculations vary by destination. To ensure your well-being, it is your responsibility to consult with a specialized travel physician for up-to-date medical guidance well before departure. We highly recommend carrying a personal first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any essential prescription medications. Because our itineraries frequently trace paths through remote regions far from advanced medical facilities, legal regulations prohibit our National Geographic Expedition Leaders from administering any medication, including standard over-the-counter pain relievers. While local pharmacies along our route may stock familiar remedies, they are often produced under regional names, so we advise bringing the generic chemical name of any critical prescription. Before finalising your plans, please carefully review the itinerary and physical requirements to ensure your personal fitness aligns with our style of exploration. To safeguard the well-being of the group, we reserve the right to excuse any traveller from all or part of an itinerary if, in the professional judgment of our Expedition Leader, continuing would pose an undue risk to themselves or their fellow travellers.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Usually included in international air ticket.

• How large will the group be?

  Max 22, Avg. 16.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• How much spending money do I need for my trip?

  Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers. When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage. On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert. For the independent moments on your itinerary, tipping is generally expected across Europe. Should you wish to reward exceptional service during independent dining or activities, a gratuity of 10% is appropriate.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  No optional activities

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Visit the Fjord Centre pre-opening with the curator to learn how the extreme landscape was formed, Embrace Norwegian culture with a guided sauna and cold-water dips in the fjord, Ascend the Loen Skylift for dinner atop Mount Hoven viewing Nordfjord from above, Meet a relative or biographer of Thor Heyerdahl to learn of his scientific seafaring adventures, Travel Europe's steepest railway then cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Private vehicle, public train, private RIB boat, cable car, cruise boat, gondola, walking.

• What are the trip specific safety considerations?

  For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  To ensure your well-being and security throughout our explorations, we recommend consulting your home government's regularly updated international travel advisories prior to departure. For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended. When travelling on a departure, your National Geographic Expedition Leader maintains the authority to modify or adapt any portion of the itinerary should environmental conditions or safety considerations require it. Your Expedition Leader accompanies the group on all scheduled activities, but you will also enjoy unstructured time to pursue personal interests, relax, or discover locales at your leisure. While your leader is delighted to suggest local options for these independent periods, please note that these optional choices do not form part of our curated itinerary, and we make no representations regarding their operating standards; we encourage you to exercise your own discerning judgment. While the destinations we visit are welcoming during the daytime, navigating urban environments at night requires mindfulness. We recommend exploring in small groups and utilizing local taxis when dining out or moving about after dark. Furthermore, should you encounter public demonstrations or political gatherings, please prioritize your safety by leaving the vicinity immediately rather than remaining for photographs, as these situations can evolve rapidly. Water-based experiences carry inherent risks. To ensure your protection, we recommend participating in aquatic activities only when accompanied by professional guides. Our commitment to safety means that our Expedition Leaders are strictly prohibited from facilitating unguided water activities on your behalf. Please note that swimming and snorkelling are always undertaken at your own risk. For further insights on enhancing your personal safety during your voyage, please visit www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’ itineraries globally. the tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. the tour operator Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Our philosophy of travel is rooted in deep respect for the people, cultures, and lands we encounter. To ensure the safety of our travellers, staff, and the communities that welcome us, the possession or use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on all departures. While certain substances may be woven into local traditions in some regions, they are not permitted within our groups. Furthermore, any form of exploitation, including the solicitation of sex workers, directly contradicts our values. To protect the integrity of the experience and the well-being of the group, our National Geographic Expedition Leader retains the right to remove any traveller who violates these standards.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work. Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Krone and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What's Included?

  Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bergen Signature Moment: Floating Sauna Experience, Flåm Signature Moment: Special opening and guided tour of the Norwegian Fjord Center, Geiranger. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Bergen Walking Tour. Scenic Bergen Railway Journey. Private Fjord Cruise. Flåm Fjord Farm Visit. Borgund Stave Church Visit. Bøyabreen Glacier Sightseeing Stop. Loen Skylift Experience. Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba. Fjord Cruise through Geirangerfjord. Trollstigen (Troll’s Road) Travel and Viewpoint. Romsdalen Gondola Experience. Guided Walk of Lingebakken Apple Farm. Lillehammer Visit. Maihaugen Open Air Museum. Oslo Orientation Walk. Bybi Project Visit. Fram Museum Visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Hotels (9 nts)

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  Should you require urgent assistance during your travels, your first point of contact should be our local representative or regional office. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message with your contact information so our team can return your call and assist you as quickly as possible. The numbers can be found below. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS the tour operator Berlin office: +441858378000 In addition, a dedicated toll-free line is available for guests within North America, connecting you directly to our global operations team during regular business hours. For support outside of standard hours, an emergency mobile line is actively monitored day and night to ensure you are never out of reach. In the rare event that your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message along with your contact information so our team can return your call and assist you as swiftly as possible. Toll-free (North America only): 1-800-465-5600 From the United Kingdom: 0870 080 1756 International (Outside North America and the UK): +1 416 260 0999 Emergency Mobile: (416) 305-6139 Your included arrival transfer has been meticulously arranged based on the flight details you provided. If you experience a flight schedule change or cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival, please contact our emergency number immediately with your updated details. Prompt notification ensures we can adjust your transfer; otherwise, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the starting property. Upon arrival, if your transfer representative does not connect with you within 30 minutes of exiting the arrivals area, please take a local taxi directly to the starting property.

• Who will be leading the group?

  National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all. Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement. A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country. As of 2025, various European countries are introducing ETIAS travel authorisation as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals. We highly recommend you checking in advance how your nationality and country/s you are visiting may be affected. Further details can be found here Last updated: January 27th 2025