Norway Tour

8 days - Escorted Tours

While many know Norway for its stunning fjords, charming towns, and expansive rivers reflecting majestic mountains, this uniquely shaped country at the edge of Europe offers much more. Sophisticated and cosmopolitan Oslo is superbly located at the head of its own fjord and seems surrounded by water. From its amazing Opera House, which was built to resemble a glacier at the water’s edge, to its Royal Palace, art galleries, and maritime museums, this is a city that will surely surprise and delight you. We also enjoy two of Europe’s most breathtaking rail journeys: the Oslo to Bergen plus the celebrated Flåm railway – one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways, operating without cogs or cables. Then there are, of course, the majestic fjords and our tour includes a cruise on the unforgettable UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord. And finally, typically Nordic Bergen – a member of the medieval Hanseatic League, crammed with charming, cobbled streets and colourful buildings lining its delightful quayside.

Highlights

Explore beautiful Oslo on a sightseeing tour, and visit Voringfossen, Norway’s spectacular waterfall.
Discover the wild Telemark region, the Rjukan power station, and the country’s largest ‘stave’ church at Heddal, built entirely of wood.
Travel on the famous Oslo-Bergen rail line and one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways to Flåm – rail tickets included.
Cruise across the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord and enjoy a scenic drive along Hardangerfjord.
Embark on a walking tour of Bergen visiting the UNESCO site of Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, and enjoy an ‘Oslo Pass’ for free entry to over 30 museums and unlimited local transport.

Inclusions

The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Flights to Oslo, returning from Bergen
Airport departure taxes
Transfers
Seven nights’ in three-star and four-star accommodation
Daily breakfast and two dinners
All tours as mentioned
All local accommodation taxes
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

1

Arrival in Oslo

2

Oslo & free afternoon - After breakfast we embark on a guided tour of Oslo. Norway’s capital is a beguiling mix of old and new, featuring world-class museums, contemporary architecture and beautiful open spaces. We’ll see the imposing Royal Palace, the nearby Ibsen Museum and the famed Vigeland sculpture park. The tour will end at the fascinating Kon-Tiki Museum and the museum dedicated to the polar exploration ship Fram, used in the race to reach the South Pole, which also includes the Gjøa, the first vessel to transit the Northwest Passage. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming city with an Oslo Pass, which allows free entry to the city’s main museums and galleries, plus travel on public transport. Signature experience - Dine on typical Norwegian cuisine at a cosy local restaurant this evening. The delicious dishes showcase the unique flavours and cooking techniques which have placed Norway firmly on the food map.

3

Telemark - Today begins with a journey west to the picturesque Telemark region made famous by the Norwegian resistance, whose heroic actions between 1942–44 helped prevent the occupying German forces from developing the ‘heavy water’ needed to further their atomic bomb-making capabilities. We visit the site of the processing plant at Rjukan that was destroyed by a team of Norwegian saboteurs in February 1943. It was from here that the Germans planned to transport their remaining stocks of processed ‘heavy water’ back to Germany but the ‘Heroes of Telemark’ as they became known (you have probably seen the film of the same name) blew up and sank the steam ferry carrying the heavy water. We travel back through this stunning landscape finishing with a visit to the country’s largest ‘stave’ church at Heddal, a spectacular 13th century wooden structure that looks like something straight out of a fairy-tale and return to our hotel in Oslo.

4

Bergen Railway - After breakfast we depart from Oslo on the fabled Bergen Railway. Often cited as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, Oslo-Bergen is the highest line between any two cities in Europe, peaking at 1,222m. One moment you are speeding alongside lakes and forests that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see and then as the railway climbs further you are past the tree line and on to the barren Hardangervidda plateau where patches of snow linger well into July. Just over five hours later you arrive at the mountain resort of Voss, where you check into the historic four-star Fleischer’s Hotel for two nights with breakfast and dinner.

5

Flåm Railway - There’s a real treat in store today – a trip on the world-famous Flåm Railway. From Voss we head to Myrdal, where we change trains for Flåm, a 20-kilometre journey that sees us descend 865m on one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railway lines, deemed ‘the world’s best train ride’. You will marvel at the engineering feat of 20 tunnels carved through sheer mountainsides, you will be left speechless at the beauty of the sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls, and you will be in awe as you eventually reach the mouth of one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, Aurlandsfjord. Your hour-long journey ends in Flåm, where you board a two-hour ferry for Gudvangen across the UNESCO-listed Naerøyfjord and its jawdropping vistas. From Gudvangen you take a coach for the return journey to Voss.

6

Voringfossen - We leave Voss for the pretty village of Eidfjord, which is nestled on the banks of Norway’s second-longest fjord, Hardangerfjord – known as the ‘Queen of Fjords.' Our journey takes us across Norway’s longest suspension bridge, and we continue up the valley to Voringfossen, the country’s most renowned waterfall. As it drops almost 600 feet into the sheer-sided gorge below, you may be lucky enough to see its rainbow from the viewing point that offers sensational views of this magnificent natural spectacle. We continue our journey along the fjord on a scenic drive by coach to Bergan where we stay for two nights at the historic Grand Hotel Terminus, a classic art deco hotel dating back to 1928. The atmospheric oak-panelled bar – voted the best in Norway for whisky – offers over a thousand different labels and is an ideal place to relax with newly made friends at the end of the day.

7

Bergen & free afternoon - After breakfast we take a morning walking tour of this beautiful coastal city. Bergen has a long fishing heritage, and we will walk around its famous fish market before strolling along the colourful wooden houses and warehouses that make up the UNESCO site of the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf. Originally built in the 14th century for German merchants trading out of the city, these beautiful waterside buildings have been converted into characterful shops and restaurants that wonderfully evoke Bergen’s medieval past. The afternoon is spent at your leisure. A wealth of sightseeing opportunities includes the house of Bergen’s most famous son, composer Edvard Grieg, or a ride on the Fløibanen funicular up to the summit of Fløyen for a breath-taking view of the city. If that all sounds like too much effort, simply stroll around the narrow, cobbled streets with their pretty archways before settling down in a café or restaurant to order a plate of fruits de mer or even the local speciality of herring. They are guaranteed to be as fresh as the air, water and panoramas that you have experienced over the past six days that make Norway so wonderfully invigorating and unique. Signature experience - Take a scenic ride on the Floibanen funicular, which starts from the centre of Bergen and reaches the summit of Mount Floyen. Soak up spectacular panoramic views over the city and follow a walking trail leading to one of the many viewpoints overlooking the magical landscape of fjords, lush green forests and mountain peaks. This evening a unique experience awaits with a visit to Magic Ice. Enter a sub-zero winter wonderland, constructed by renowned ice carvers. Once inside discover the ice-art gallery inspired by famous Norwegian and international artists and enjoy an icy aperitif in the Ice Bar - of course served in an ice glass.

8

Return home

Grand Hotel Terminus

Chosen for its convenient location, the historic three-star superior Grand Hotel Terminus is a classic art deco hotel that dates back to 1928, making it the perfect base for exploring Bergen. Relax in the atmospheric oak-panelled bar, which serves speciality whiskeys before returning to your typically Scandinavian room. All the rooms have been tastefully furnished with ultimate comfort in mind.

Scandic Sjølyst Hotel

The newly renovated Scandic Sjølyst Hotel features a restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi. The light, modern rooms are furnished in typically Scandinavian neutral tones and are well-appointed with all the facilities you would expect for a comfortable stay.

Fleischer’s Hotel

The classic four-star Fleischer’s Hotel dates back to the 19th century and is still owned by the fourth generation Fleischer family! The reception area is lovely with wooden panelling and comfortable leather chairs and sofas in rich, relaxing colours. Dine in style in the elegant restaurant before retiring to the cosy bar for a digestif, often accompanied by a local pianist. Enjoy stunning lake and mountain views from the large terrace or take a swim in the indoor pool (local charges may apply). The rooms are located in the newer part of the hotel and offer all the facilities you would expect in a hotel of this quality.

Radisson Blu Oslo Scandinavia

Rising from the city's skyline, the 22-story high hotel offers beautiful views of the capital city and the nearby fjord. During your stay, you can take advantage of a wide range of guest services. You could work up a sweat in the gym, then relax and rejuvenate your body and mind in the sauna - it's been a Norwegian tradition since the Middle Ages. The Lagoon Fitness Centre features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and modern fitness equipment. (Good to know: In Norwegian they say å ta badstue, or to take badstue / to enjoy sauna). Or - if you're looking for something a little less energetic - head up to the 21st floor and enjoy the views from the brand-new 26 North Restaurant & Social Club over a refreshing drink. In the evening, retire to your room and drift off to sleep on the hotel's signature mattress, with your choice of a double or twin bed. In the morning, you can wake up slowly with a hot drink with the in-room coffee and tea facilities and take advantage of the other amenities, including a TV, safe, toiletries, an iron with an ironing board, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. All our Standard Rooms are located between the 3rd and 11th floors. Please note: this hotel is for 2025 departures only.