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Sacramento, CA Travel Agent· 9 Years of Experience
Hourglass Expeditions, an independent agent with Cruises & Tours, Unlimited, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
31 reviews
100% Recommended
9 Years of Experience
5.0
(31)
100% Recommended
I had a great experience working with Ahmer Khan as our travel agent. He was very helpful in organizing our family tourist visit to Ireland. He... Read More >
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the stunning landscapes and charming cities of Norway with this meticulously crafted itinerary. From exploring the cultural treasures of Oslo and the dramatic fjords of Flam to the picturesque beauty of Bergen, each destination showcases the unique charm of Norway. The highlight of this adventure is a breathtaking 7-day coastal cruise, taking you from Alesund through Trondheim, Bodo, Tromso, and Honningsvag, all the way to the North Cape and Kirkenes. This Norway itinerary offers the perfect blend of urban exploration, scenic fjords, and Arctic wonders. Here's an overview of your stops: Oslo (2 days), Flam (1 day), Bergen (2 days), and a 7-day coastal cruise up Norway’s magical coast, including Alesund, Trondheim, Bodo, Tromso, Honningsvag, and North Cape (Nord Kapp), concluding in Kirkenes.
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DAY1
Oslo
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Arrival in Oslo
Arrive in Norway’s vibrant capital, Oslo, and transfer to your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Akershus Fortress, an imposing medieval structure offering panoramic views of the harbor. Stroll through the bustling Karl Johans gate, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. In the afternoon, explore the Oslo Opera House, where you can walk on the rooftop for stunning views of the city and Oslofjord. End your day with a visit to the Nobel Peace Center, which offers a deep dive into global peace initiatives.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore Akershus Fortress for panoramic harbor views
Stroll along Karl Johans gate and visit Oslo Opera House
Discover the Nobel Peace Center
Dinner in the Grünerløkka district
DAY2
Oslo
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Oslo’s Culture and History
Start your second day with a visit to the world-famous Vigeland Park, home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Continue to the Viking Ship Museum, where you’ll see well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts, offering insight into Norway’s seafaring past. In the afternoon, visit the Munch Museum to admire works by Edvard Munch, including the iconic "The Scream." If time permits, take a relaxing ferry ride on Oslofjord for a view of the city from the water. Enjoy dinner in the trendy Grünerløkka district, known for its vibrant dining scene.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit Vigeland Park and see the sculptural installations
Tour the Viking Ship Museum to view Viking artifacts
Explore the Munch Museum and admire Edvard Munch’s works
Enjoy a ferry ride on Oslofjord
DAY3
Flam
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Journey to Flam
Take a scenic train ride from Oslo to Flam, a journey famous for its breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, enjoy the dramatic scenery of Norway's fjords, rivers, and mountains. Upon arrival in Flam, embark on the world-renowned Flamsbana (Flam Railway), one of the steepest railways in the world, and enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls and deep valleys. Afterward, take a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend the evening in Flam, enjoying the serenity of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Scenic train ride from Oslo to Flam with dramatic landscapes
Experience the Flamsbana Railway for views of waterfalls and valleys
Fjord cruise on Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
Evening in Flam enjoying fjord views
DAY4
Bergen
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Travel to Bergen
Depart Flam in the morning and take a ferry or train to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. Upon arrival, explore the historic Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colorful wooden buildings. Take a leisurely walk through the cobbled streets of the old town and visit the Hanseatic Museum to learn about Bergen’s trading history. In the afternoon, take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for sweeping views of the city, the fjords, and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at the bustling Fish Market.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ferry or train ride from Flam to Bergen
Visit Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Walk through Hanseatic Museum and explore Bergen’s old town
Take the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for city and fjord views
DAY5
Bergen
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Bergen’s Natural Beauty
Spend the day exploring Bergen’s natural and cultural attractions. Start with a visit to the Bergenhus Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications in Norway. Then, explore the KODE Art Museums, which house collections of Norwegian and international art, including works by Edvard Munch. In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the surrounding fjords, where you’ll see towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene landscapes. For a relaxed end to the day, wander through the vibrant Vågen harbor and explore the artisan shops.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Tour Bergenhus Fortress
Explore KODE Art Museums for Norwegian and international art
Boat tour of surrounding fjords with views of cliffs and waterfalls
Walk through Vågen harbor and visit artisan shops
DAY6
Alesund
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Begin Coastal Cruise – Alesund
Embark on a 7-day cruise along Norway’s stunning coast, starting in Bergen. Your first stop is Alesund, a town known for its unique Art Nouveau architecture. Spend the day exploring the charming streets and visit the Alesund Museum to learn about the town’s reconstruction after a devastating fire in 1904. For panoramic views, hike up to the Aksla viewpoint, offering a bird’s-eye view of the archipelago, fjords, and the Sunnmøre Alps. Reboard the ship in the evening for a relaxing journey toward your next destination.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Embark on a 7-day coastal cruise from Bergen
Explore Alesund’s Art Nouveau architecture
Visit Alesund Museum and hike to Aksla viewpoint for city views
DAY7
Trondheim
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Trondheim’s Historical Charm
Arrive in Trondheim, a city rich in history and culture. Begin your day with a visit to Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and a major pilgrimage site. Explore the Archbishop’s Palace and the Ringve Museum, which houses an impressive collection of musical instruments. In the afternoon, stroll along the Nidelva River, visiting the colorful wooden houses along the Bakklandet district. Don’t miss the chance to visit Kristiansten Fortress for panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjord. Depart Trondheim in the evening as your cruise continues.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit Nidaros Cathedral, a major pilgrimage site
Explore Archbishop’s Palace and Ringve Museum
Stroll along Nidelva River and Bakklandet district
Visit Kristiansten Fortress for panoramic city views
DAY8
Bodo
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Arctic Gateway in Bodo
As you sail further north, you’ll arrive in Bodo, the gateway to Norway’s Arctic region. Start your day with a visit to the Norwegian Aviation Museum, which showcases the country’s aviation history. Next, take a short boat ride to the nearby Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest tidal currents, where you can witness the natural phenomenon of whirlpools forming in the water. In the afternoon, visit the Bodo Cathedral and explore the town’s art galleries. End your day with a walk along the harbor before reboarding your ship.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit Norwegian Aviation Museum
Boat ride to Saltstraumen to see the strongest tidal currents
Explore Bodo Cathedral and art galleries
Walk along the harbor
DAY9
Tromso
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Tromso – The Gateway to the Arctic
Sail into Tromso, often called the "Gateway to the Arctic." Spend the day visiting the iconic Arctic Cathedral, known for its striking architecture. Learn about polar expeditions at the Polar Museum and take a cable car ride up Mount Storsteinen for spectacular views of the surrounding fjords and mountains. Tromso is also known for its lively nightlife, so enjoy a meal at one of the city’s renowned restaurants before returning to your ship.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Tour Arctic Cathedral with its unique architecture
Visit Polar Museum to learn about polar expeditions
Take the cable car up Mount Storsteinen for fjord and mountain views
Enjoy Tromso’s lively nightlife and dining scene
DAY10
Honningsvag
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Honningsvag and Nord Kapp (North Cape)
Arrive in Honningsvag, the northernmost town in Europe, and prepare for a day trip to the North Cape (Nord Kapp), the northernmost point of mainland Europe. The journey offers stunning views of barren landscapes and windswept cliffs. At Nord Kapp, visit the North Cape Hall, where you can learn about Arctic history and enjoy panoramic views of the Arctic Ocean. Afterward, return to Honningsvag to explore the quaint town before reboarding your ship.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Day trip to Nord Kapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe
Visit North Cape Hall for Arctic history and ocean views
Explore Honningsvag, the northernmost town in Europe
DAY11
Kirkenes
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Kirkenes – End of the Coastal Cruise
On the final day of your cruise, you’ll arrive in Kirkenes, located near the Russian border. Explore the town’s unique cultural blend and visit the Borderland Museum to learn about the region’s history during World War II. If time permits, take a king crab safari, where you can catch and sample the famous Arctic delicacy. After your excursion, transfer to your hotel for a relaxing evening in this remote and peaceful town.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit the Borderland Museum to learn about regional history
Option for a king crab safari to catch and sample Arctic delicacies
Explore Kirkenes’ unique cultural blend and landscapes
DAY12
Kirkenes
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Departure from Kirkenes
Spend your final morning in Kirkenes, taking in the last of Norway’s breathtaking landscapes. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short nature walk or a visit to the nearby Snowhotel. When it's time, transfer to the airport for your flight home, bringing an end to your 12-day adventure through Norway’s cities, fjords, and Arctic coast.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy a final morning in Kirkenes, with options for a nature walk or a visit to Snowhotel
Transfer to the airport for departure
FINAL THOUGHTS
Plan ahead for transportation and book early, especially for scenic cruises and trains. Embrace the Arctic experiences and be open to spontaneous adventures for an unforgettable 12-day journey through Norway's stunning landscapes.