See Norway’s staggeringly beautiful fjords, lakes and mountains, often traveling by train and on wonderfully circuitous roads, with enlightening tours of villages in between and stops at the most historical landmarks.
Note: This program is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions or for guests who are prone to motion sickness or cannot tolerate driving along winding, high mountain roads. Due to the nature of this program, it is not available for guests who require the use of a wheelchair.
DAY 1 – August 30, 2025
Disembark the ship in Oslo, meet your guide and set off for an exploration of the city.
Proceed first to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, an 80-acre green oasis with more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures of the human form in various positions. Commissioned by the city of Oslo, Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland created the sculpture park over a period of 20 years. “The Monolith,” a highly symbolic piece with 121 intertwined human bodies, is the centerpiece and took more than 14 years to create.
Continuing on, you will drive to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, a towering monument of steel and concrete that opened in 2010 for competitive ski jumping. From the top, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Oslo, the fjord and surrounding islands. NOTE: There could be long lines to the viewpoint.
Upon reaching Bygdøy Peninsula, you will find the Fram Museum. Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south (both North pole and Antarctica). At the Fram Museum you can come on board the ship and see how the crew and their dogs managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth.
Later in the afternoon, you will arrive back in the city center to check-in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
As the hotel is in the city center and only a 10-minute walk from the harbor, you may enjoy a leisurely stroll on your own around Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, a popular area with plenty of restaurants.
DAY 2 – August 31, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel and check-out, the group will walk over to the train station which is across the street from your hotel. Take the morning train from Oslo through the breathtaking countryside to Myrdal, where you will hop aboard the Flåm Railway, locally called Flåmsbana.
The scenery will become even more dramatic, as the railway is one of steepest in the world. You can expect to see roaring rivers carving their ways through steep gorges, waterfalls spilling over mountainsides and tiny farms clinging to the slopes. It will be one incredible vista after another. A boxed lunch is included on the train.
After some free time in Flåm for picture taking, board your bus and drive through the tunnel to Gudvangen, located at the end of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Nærøyfjord, the “narrow fjord”. Between the towering mountain walls on both sides, enjoy a coffee break and some time to stretch your legs.
To reach the final destination of the day, it will be necessary to cross the mountains of Vikafjell. Travel from sea-level up to 1067 meters and back down again to Vangsnes. By ferry then, you will cross over Norways longest fjord, Sognefjord, before arriving to Balestrand, where you will have dinner and spend the night at a historic hotel.
Note: Early this morning, your luggage will be collected at the hotel and taken by bus to Flåm. Please refer to the Welcome Letter that you receive for the pick- up time which will be much earlier than your check out time. If guests do not have the luggage ready in time it will have to be carried on the subway and the train (there are no porters to assist so guests will be responsible for carrying their own luggage onto and off of the train).
DAY 3 – September 1, 2025
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will take the ferry back across Sognefjord to the Urnes Stave Church, the oldest of Norway’s stave churches.
This UNESCO World Heritage site church was built around 1130 AD, but the distinctive carvings on the north portal are from an even older church. Samples taken from the base timbers show that the timber was felled between 1129 and 1131.
You will then follow an immensely picturesque route that crosses the Sognefjell mountains between Luster and Lom. This mountain pass is the highest in Northern Europe and has been awarded the status of National Tourist Route because of the spectacular and wild scenery, especially the section in the Jotunheimen National Park.
In time, you will arrive in Lom for a leisurely lunch. Continuing on, you will drive to Geiranger with occasional stops along the way for photos of sights such as Mount Dalsnibba. At the Flydalsjuvet lookout, take in the stunning views of the fjord and Geiranger, where you will spend the night. Dinner will be served at the hotel with the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
DAY 4 – September 2, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will board the ferry from Geiranger to Hellesylt and enjoy a one-hour cruise through the UNESCO world heritage Geirangerfjord, passing the famous waterfalls.
After arriving Hellesylt, make a short detour to the viewpoint Ljøen, from where you can look back into the Geirangerfjord and admire its beauty once again.
While Geirangerfjord is often said to be the most beautiful, many Norwegians think that Hjørundfjord is even more spectacular, and this is where you will visit next. At the end of the fjord there will be another ferry crossing to Sæbø where lunch awaits you at the Sagastad Restaurant.
After lunch, sit back and relax during the two-hour drive which promises more beautiful scenery. Another ferry crossing will bring you to Ålesund. Before checking in to your hotel, pass through the sub-sea-tunnel to the outer islands and the landmark Alnes Lighthouse. The combination of Norwegian coastal nature with the ocean and a beautifully landscaped cultural monument have made this attraction a popular spot for tourists alike.
You will have enough time for a walk, to climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse and to enjoy a coffee break at the nearby Visitor Centre.
Upon arrival to your hotel in Ålesund, your guide will give you a short explanation of what to see and do in the evening as well as tips for where to have dinner.
You may wish to visit the landmark of Ålesund which is Aksla Viewpoint from where you have the most beautiful view over the town and the islands. The walk up and down consists of 418 steps each way but as an alternative you could hire a taxi. Unfortunately, busses are not permitted to drive to the top.
DAY 5 – September 3, 2025
After breakfast the next morning, your guide will take you on a one-hour leisurely walking tour through the center of Ålesund, famous for its Art Noveau Arcitecture before boarding the bus again for the drive to Åndalsnes. En-route stop at the Skodje Bridges where you can take an optional walk over the two old cobblestone bridges which were built between 1916-1919.
In Åndalsnes, hop aboard the Romsdalen Gondola and head up the mountain to 1679 meters above sea level. Here you will enjoy a two-course lunch and time to take in the stunning views. Once you are back down, continue by bus passing through more breathtaking mountain scenery with the winding Rauma River in sight at times.
Once you reach Lillehammer, site of the 1994 Winter Olympics, check-in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure with dinner on own. Your guide can share recommendations on where to dine. In fact, there are some lovely restaurants withing a five-minute walk from the hotel, a unique option being “Bryggerikjelleren”.
Note: The hotel is a small and intimate boutique hotel located in the heart of Lillehammer. The hotel was fully renovated in 2021 and although quite comfortable, it is not considered a luxury hotel. The hotel used to be a mill and the hotel rooms were once used for grain storage, in fact they call their rooms grain chambers. At the top of the hotel you will find Toppen Bar, renowned as the best cocktail bar in Lillehammer.
DAY 6 – September 4, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, take an enlightening drive around Lillehammer, passing landmarks such as the Lillehammer Museum of Art and the Norwegian Olympic Museum. Time will also be included to browse the open-air museum Maihaugen, which boasts a collection of nearly 200 historical buildings from different eras.
Continuing into the countryside, you will pass beautiful Lake Mjøsa on the way to Hadeland Glassworks, where glass is still blown using traditional methods. Merchandise ranging from wine glasses to decorative arts is all produced by hand on the premises. Depending on the day, you might be able to try blowing some glass yourself.
Upon reaching Oslo, you will check-in to your hotel for the evening. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own
Day 7 – September 5, 2025
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Check out and transfer (private vehicle) to the airport based on your flight details.
Check out time is at 11:00am. For guests with late flights, you may store your luggage at Reception until your transfer time.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
9:30am Disembark the ship in Oslo
10:00am Depart for a city tour of Oslo including Vigeland Sculpture Park, Holmenkollen Ski Jump and the Fram Museum
2:00pm Approximate arrival time at the hotel
Lunch at leisure, on own
3:00pm Check-in time at the hotel
Remainder of the day is at your leisure
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Amerikalinjen Hotel or similar
Day 2 – timing subject to change based on train and ferry schedules
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Check-out and short walk to the train station
8:25am Ride the train to Oslo-Myrdal
1:00pm Arrive in Myrdal and board the Flåm Railway
1:27pm Ride the Flåm Railway including a boxed-lunch
2:25pm Arrive in Flåm and enjoy free time
3:00pm Board the bus in Flåm and drive through tunnel to Gudvangen
3:20pm Arrive Gudvangen, coffee break
4:00pm Depart Gudvangen and drive over Vikafjell mountains to Vangsnes
5:45pm Ferry-crossing Vagsnes-Dragsvik
6:20pm Arrive Dragsvik – short drive to your hotel
6:40pm Check-in, dinner included
Overnight at Kviknes Hotel or similar
Day 3 – timing subject to change based on ferry schedules
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
7:45am Drive to Urnes Stave Church with ferry crossings
10:00am Visit Urnes Stave Church
10:30am Drive to Lom along the Sognefjellet national tourist road with photo stops
1:30pm Lunch in Lom
3:00pm Drive to Dalsnibba
4:30pm Photo stop in Dalsnibba
4:50pm Transfer to the hotel with a photo stop at Flydalsjuvet
5:45pm Check in and dinner included at the hotel
Overnight at the Union Hotel
DAY 4 – timing subject to change based on ferry schedules
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel
9:10am Depart and short drive to ferry pier
9:30am Cruise by ferry through Geirangerfjord to Hellesylt
10:40am Arrive to Hellesylt, drive to Ljøen viewpoint
10:55am Photostop at Ljøen viewpoint overlooking Geirangerfjord
11:10am Depart and drive towards Hjørundfjord and Lekneset
11:50am Arrive Lekneset, board ferry
12:00pm Ferry-crossing Lekneset – Sæbø
12:15pm Arrive Sæbø – lunch at Sagafjord Restaurant or similar venue
2:00pm Depart and drive towards Ålesund – ferry-crossing Festøya-Solavågen en route
4:30pm Arrive to Alnes Lighthouse – visit and coffee break as well as free time
5:45pm Depart and return drive to Ålesund
6:15pm Arrive to Ålesund and check in at your hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at Brosundet Hotel or similar
Day 5
7:30am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Enjoy a short, guided walk through the city center of Ålesund
9:30am Depart Ålesund and drive to Skodje bridges
10:00am Photo stop and walk over Skodje brdiges
10:45am Depart and continue to Åndalsnes
12:00pm Arrive Åndalsnes
12:15pm Take the Romsdalen gondola and enjoy a two-course lunch at the top
2:00pm Drive to Lillehammer, photo stop at Trollwall and several comfort and photo stops en-route
6:30pm Arrive in Lillehammer
Check in at your hotel, dinner on your own
Overnight at Aksjemøllen Hotel or similar
DAY 6
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am City sightseeing including the ski Jump en-route to Maihaugen
10:00am Visit Maihaugen
11:00am Drive to Hadeland
1:00pm Arrive at Hadeland and enjoy lunch
2:00pm Visit the glass factory
3:00pm Depart for Oslo
4:30pm Arrive at your hotel
Remainder of the day at your leisure
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Amerikalinjen Hotel or similar
DAY 7
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out time at the hotel
Private transfer to the Airport based on your flight time. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel.
Extra Nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 7 of your program.
Transfers:
•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Hotels and Luggage
Please note that at the Aksjemøllen Hotel in Lillehammer, guests may be required to carry their own luggage to their rooms depending on availability of porters. As there is no storage available at the hotel in Oslo, all luggage will be taken on the coach for the duration of the program; however, we suggest that you pack items required for the program in one suitcase to be used throughout while any excess luggage can be stored and locked in the baggage compartment of the coach. The coach will remain with the group throughout. Please keep any valuables, medications and documents in the luggage you will use during the program.
Expected Weather
As the tour covers mountain areas as well as the fjords, the temperature can vary from 5? to 30? degrees Celsius (41? to 86? Fahrenheit). Weather conditions can be sunny, windy, rainy and foggy.
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate warm clothing is recommended, including a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and flat comfortable walking shoes.
Local Currency
Norwegian Kroner. U.S. dollars are only accepted in souvenir shops, while credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Electricity
European standard plugs. Bring an international travel adaptor if you have electronic devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Accommodations:
Oslo: Amerikalinjen Hotel
Jernbarnetorget 2, Oslo Norway
Phone: +47 21 40 59 00
Balestrand: Kviknes Hotel
Kviknevegen 8, 6899 Balestrand, Norway
Phone: +47 57 69 42 00
Geiranger: Union Hotel
Geirangervegen 100, 6216
Phone: +47 70 26 83 00
Ålesund: Brosundet Hotel
Apotekergata 1-5, Ålesund
Phone: +47 70 10 33 00
Lillehammer: Aksjemøllen Hotel
Elvegata 12, 2609 Lillehammer, Norway
Phone: +47 61 05 70 80
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests
•2 nights in Oslo at the Amerikalinjen Hotel or similar, superior room
•1 night in Balestrand at the Kviknes Hotel, room in modern building with fjord view
•1 night in Geiranger at the Union Hotel, deluxe room with fjordview
•1 night in Ålesund at Brosundet Hotel, superior room
•1 night in Lillehammer at the Aksjemøllen Hotel or similar, superior room or large double with superior amenities
•6 breakfasts, 5 lunches including soft drinks, 2 coffee breaks and 2 dinners including soft drinks
•All entrances and transportation in the above itinerary
•Private airport transfer on Day 7
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals not listed above
•Beverages with alcohol
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry and room service
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $5,299 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
