Day 1 – Arrive Oslo.
Welcome to Norway!
Arrive at Oslo International Airport. You will be met and *transferred to our hotel. The journey takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. *If on suggested flights. A Private Transfer will be booked otherwise.
Our accommodation is The Hub, a vibrant gathering place in the middle of Oslo.
Take some time to rest after your flight. Depending on when you arrive, you may want to explore some of Oslo’s landmarks close to the hotel. The popular area of Aker Brygge is within walking distance, with its many seaside restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Tonight, we will meet in Norda, the hotel restaurant for a light dinner so we can all meet each other and go over our upcoming journey. Then an early night after a long flight.
Overnight: The Hub, Oslo (Light Dinner)
Day 2 – Oslo.
After breakfast this morning, we meet our local guide in the lobby and set off for a guided tour through Oslo with focus on modern city development, art and architecture. Our tour will include icons such at the Opera House and Deichman Library, two iconic parts of the fjord city development.
We will pass such national landmarks as the Parliament building, with its two imposing lion statues at the main entrance, the Cathedral, the National Theatre and the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the present Norwegian Monarch.
We will stop for lunch in a restaurant located in the hills just above Oslo, with a stunning view of the inner Oslo fjord, the city and the Opera House.
We will have entry to the new Munch Museum, an art museum dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, best known for The Scream.
You may also drop into the new National Museum, a museum which is truly a colossus of Norwegian art and will combine the collections of the Norwegian Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Gallery all under one very large roof.
This evening, we can all meet for a Cocktail in the bar, and then head out for a casual dinner at a local favourite where the wines are biodynamic and organic, and the sharing dishes are made from mostly local and organic produce, and change according to season.
Overnight: The Hub, Oslo (B / L / D)
Day 3 – To Ålesund
Today is a big day. So grab your book, your earbuds and throw on your comfy pants.
After breakfast, we walk across the road to the train station and board our train to Ålesund. (Our luggage will be forwarded onto Bergen. We carry only our day bags)
We board our train to Dombas. Aside from the obvious climatic benefits in train travel, the views from the tracks in Norway are simply stunning. Our first leg from Oslo to Dombas, and this is approx 4 hours. We will be travelling in Premium Class.
We then have a quick change in Dombas for our leg on the
Rauma Railway to Åndalsnes. From your seat, you have the opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway. You can admire well-known attractions such as the Kyllingbru bridge, the Trollveggen cliff, the fantastic Rauma river, and the Romsdalen valley. This section takes approx 1.5 hours.
Upon arrival to Åndalsnes train station, we will be transferred by private van (approx 1.5 hours) to our lovely hotel, the
Hotel Brosundet. Our stunning accommodation is housed within a former fisheries warehouse. This hotel exudes urban luxury, from the elegantly cozy seating area in the lobby where a multistory fireplace crackles with warmth, to the Sundet fitness and wellness space, and of course, the exceptional on-site restaurants.
Åndalsnes is often referred to as “The Alp town by the fjord” and situated on the Romsdalsfjord, its landscape combines valleys and mountains, rivers and lakes. Boasting some of the world’s most popular hiking trails and paths, Åndalsnes is a mecca for nature enthusiasts and professional climbers. But don’t worry! We are not here to climb Norwegian mountains! Ålesund — to many, Norway’s most beautiful city — is synonymous with this century-old architectural style, also known as Secessionist or Jugendstil.
We check into our hotel, relax and refresh, and tonight we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant, Sjøbua,
where seafood is the highlight. There is plenty of fresh local fare, such as brown crab dumplings, grilled langoustines from Midsund, dry-aged turbot and grilled cod tail. But before we dine, we can meet in the lounge / bar area and enjoy a pre-dinner wine in front of the hotels magnificent fireplace.
Overnight: Hotel Brosundet. (B / D)
Day 4 – Ålesund
This morning, we embark on a magical journey, a private cruise through the Hjørundfjord. The Hjørundfjord is a 35-kilometre long fjord surrounded by the Sunnmørsalpene mountain range with peaks reaching 1,700 metres (5,600 ft). You really feel small under such towering peaks! Both sides of the fjord are dense with forest, due to the extensive rainfall in the area. This just adds to the experience of being in a magical forested fjord landscape. Charming villages that dot the fjord’s shores, each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich culture and hospitality.
Along the journey, we makes a stop at Trandal. The village Trandal, in the middle of Hjørundfjorden, has only about six inhabitants, and here we find the charming inn Christian Gaard Bygdetun, where we have lunch. In the late nineties, the old farm was restored and remade into a an inn. The capacity of the inn is 25 times bigger than the amount of inhabitants in the village! Trandal has no road access to the outer world, and all access has to go through water, by ferry or boat.
We will return to Ålesund by 4pm. Your afternoon is free. Why not try a sunset Kayak. Take in the stunning views of the Art Nouveau architecture as you paddle the still waters of the canal, and soak up the tranquility of the fjords. Ore head over to the Devold Factory, an art building (Kunstrnerhuset) where you are able to experience real craft traditions such as glassblowers, welders, blacksmiths, woodturners and artists, and only 7 minutes by boat from Ålesund.
After such a big day, your evening is free.
Overnight: Hotel Brosundet. (B / L)
Day 5 – Ålesund to Trondheim
Check out of our rooms, and our luggage is forwarded to Trondheim.
This morning, we have a guided Art Nouveau town walk and a visit to the the Jugend Museum. Ålesunds’ eclectic vibe is exciting and offers Art Nouveau architecture, culture, beautiful shops, and local art. It has a long history and is famous for its architectural style. Following a devastating town fire in 1904, the city was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, giving Ålesund its characteristic and unique look. We will visit the picturesque fishing harbour of Brosundet and Apotekertorget Square. We will stop at galleries of talented local artists, and call in at the museum and national centre for Art Nouveau, Jugendstilsenteret. An eclectic collection of interiors, furniture, and other Art-Nouveau inspired objects that will give you a fascinating insight into the history of this unique style of art.
We are then transferred to the airport for our flight to Trondheim. We are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel.
Our fabulous accommodation in Trondheim is the Britannia Hotel, an iconic hotel with a storied past serving Arctic explorers, politicians, royalty, and celebrities.
Your afternoon is at leisure, perhaps this is the perfect time to spend at the Britannia Spa. Beautifully designed, the new Britannia Spa is a modern, elegant oasis of tranquility that boasts six treatment rooms, a heated lap pool, sauna, steam room, ice bath, mineral pool, gym, infrared cabin and much more. Or spend the afternoon exploring the many small, and large galleries, and art museums.
Dinner is at leisure this evening. We can meet in the Britannia Bar and have a cocktail and a light meal from the bar menu. The Brittania Hotel is where English aristocrats, anglers and afternoon-tea lovers hobnobbed in the 19th century. Swashbuckling stories from local history fuel the signature cocktails here. The feminine inspiration for the elegant, spicy “Journey” cocktail comes as no surprise: Trondheim’s bold, wildly successful businesswoman Catharina Lysholm (1744–1815). In 1805, this pioneer dared to send her merchant ship loaded with aquavit across the equator to create distinct new flavors in the form of Linie Aquavit: potato-distilled liquor ingeniously matured in sherry-oak casks for four months at sea.
Overnight: Britannia Hotel (B)
Day 6 – Trondheim
Today we have a chance to explore Trondheim, the wooden city of history. Trondheim is one of the oldest cities in Norway and boasts a fascinating history and cultural heritage. Founded in the year 997 by Viking King Olaf I of Norway, who gave the town the name ‘Nidaros’.
Thanks to its imposing medieval Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim has been a pilgrimage site for nearly 1000 years. It is the world’s northernmost gothic cathedral. Built in 1070 over the tomb of St. Olav, the Viking king who brought Christianity to the heathen Vikings, the cathedral was completed around 1300.
One of the most beautiful areas of Trondheim is the old city, known as Bakklandet. We will stroll its delightful streets and admire the colorful wooden buildings, which used to be the homes of the working class, now shops, cafes, and restaurants.
We also visit the historical Hanseatic district. The area features a canal that showcases a long row of brightly colored houses, some in disrepair but offering an amazing glimpse into the history of the city. There is also great shopping and dining along the canal.
After lunch (own account), we have a private 1-hour ‘Magical Winter Boat’ tour, which has us sailing on a along the Nidelva River or the Trondheimsfjord. We will be super toasty under blankets and with hot chocolate in our hands.
We return to the hotel for a hot shower and a rest.
Before heading out to dinner this evening, we can meet in the Britannia Bar for a cocktail. Tonight’s dinner is at one of the city’s favourite eateries, a super cosy restaurant offering traditional, local, food.
Overnight: Britannia Hotel (B / D)
Day 7 – Trondheim
Trondheim is known as ‘The Home of Nordic Flavours’. The Food scene in Trondheim is a celebration of farmers and fishermen, divers and gatherers who patiently grow, catch and develop world-class local produce from every nook and cranny of Trøndelag. No other region in Norway has as many Matmerke (“food brand”) specialties as Trøndelag, and in Trondheim there are a myriad of restaurants serving local food from farm to table. The city’s flourishing food scene – which is fast becoming a blueprint for sustainable dining – is one of the main reasons to visit. Trondheim is amassing ever more gourmet credentials: the city hosted the Bocuse d’Or Europe in 2024, Trondheim-Trøndelag was a European Region of Gastronomy in 2022 and the local profusion of Michelin stars is, for a city its size, quite frankly indecent.
This morning, embark on a guided culinary journey that takes you through the city’s hidden culinary gems. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Trondheim offers a wide array of gastronomic delights that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Trondheim boasts a thriving food scene that blends traditional Norwegian cuisine with modern twists. From local seafood delicacies like freshly caught cod and salmon to reindeer and elk dishes that celebrate the region’s unique wildlife, the city offers a diverse range of flavors and ingredients. You can indulge in authentic Nordic dishes like rakfisk (fermented fish), Klippfisk (dried and salted cod), and lutefisk (dried whitefish) prepared with time-honored recipes. We will be led to local eateries, street food stalls, and specialty shops, where you can sample mouthwatering dishes and learn about the city’s culinary heritage. From traditional Norwegian fare to international fusion cuisine, Trondheim’s food will tantalize your taste buds and provide a deeper understanding of the city’s vibrant food culture.
This afternoon your time is free. Why not check out some of the cities amazing galleries and museums like the Trondheim Kunstmuseum, Rockheim and the National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
We could, if we have the energy, finish our day with a cocktail at one of Trondheim’s best cocktail bars.
Overnight: Britannia Hotel (B / L)
Day 8 – Lofoten Islands
After a lazy breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Leknes, on Lofoten. We first fly to Bodø, then to Leknes.
We transfer to Ballstad Village & our accommodations. Hattvika Lodge is a rorbu, historic fishermen’s cottages with views of the Norwegian Sea. For generations, Hattvika has been the address for fishermen during the legendary Lofoten fishing season, and today the fisherman’s cabins are available for us to sleep in. (*NOTE: The rorbu’s are shared apartments. Each Guest has their own bedroom, but a bathroom is shared between 2 people.
The world’s only Cod Liver Oil Taste Depot is located at Hattvika Lodge. Lofoten’s history is based on the Lofoten fishery – the world’s largest fishing takes place just outside your cottages. Cod Liver Oil has traditionally been used by locals as light oil, for paints fisherman cottages and vitamin supplements. This is pure Omega-3. At Hattvikholmen, millions of bottles of Cod Liver Oil are produced annually and you, as a guest, can get your daily dose from the Cod Liver Oil Taste Depot.
Tonight, we enjoy a 3-course dinner at the Lodge. Fangst serves traditional food from local suppliers with a focus on what the Lofoten sea produces in seasonal varieties.
Overnight: Hattvika Lodge – Fishermen Cabin (B / D)
Day 9 – Lofoten Islands
Lofoten is epic, featuring huge contrasts between dizzying peaks, bone-white Arctic beaches and pastures that form the foundation of some of the most incredible food. It’s also the Kingdom of the Weather Gods—the constantly changing climatic conditions, light and seasons are an attraction in themselves.
Regardless of the time of year, Lofoten provides a journey amid breathtaking natural surroundings. The combination of the untamed ocean and stormy seas, jagged alpine mountains plunging into the water, tiny, sheltered fishing villages and white beaches with crystal clear waters will never cease to enchant you.
Today is a little fluid, but rest assured, we have some great sightseeing on hand. We will be driving on Scenic Route Lofoten, and will make sure not to miss Dan Graham’s glass construction. This piece of art has reflecting walls that display the magical Arctic beauty of winter in Lofoten.
Our host will guide us through the picturesque landscape, typical for the Lofoten islands. Along the way we will stop at the mandatory photo stops before ending in lovely Henningsvær.
We spend the afternoon wandering Henningsvær, delighting in the local Arts scene and boutique stores.
We have lunch at Lysstøperiet Cafe and indulge in a fabulous Cinnamon or vanilla bun.
Tonight’s dinner is your own choice in the Lodge restaurant.
After dinner, we will escape into the darkness on the hunt for the northern lights. The natural phenomenon, Aurora Borealis is a fantastic sight and is best experienced in places with minimal artificial light, preferably out in nature where reflections in the sea, mountains and a fantastic landscape make this an experience out of the ordinary. Our guide will escort us around the archipelago in a private vehicle to some of the best spots to experience the northern lights according to the night’s forecast.
Overnight: Hattvika Lodge (B / L)
Day 10 – Lofoten Island
This morning, we take a drive to Nusfjord, Norways’ oldest and best-preserved fishing village. The earliest traces of human settlement in Nusfjord date back to 425 BC and, with a golden age early last century, Nusfjord is a treasure trove of history. Secluded and tranquil, it is home to merely 16 residents in 2023.
We will walk through the historical centre, and we can visit the Salteriet Galleri Nusfjord – a salt house building that has since been transformed into an art gallery—before stopping for coffee and cake at the Landhandleriet Café, which offers stunning views to the mountains and the harbour. The Café used to be the office of the hamlet owner and the old general store, dating back to 1907, has kept its original interior, taking you back in time the moment you enter.
We have a pizza lunch (own account) at Oriana Tavern, a much-loved pearl in Nusfjord, serving Italian pizza. A popular specialty is a pizza with freshly smoked salmon topping, coupled with the famous Norwegian aquavit or a signature gin & tonic with wild foraged juniper.
Returning to Ballstad, we pass the spectacular mountains passes of Flakstad, where we can breathe in the salty winds of the northern sea. We can stop at Flakstad Church, a beautiful timber church with a characteristic onion dome built around 1780.
This afternoon is leisure time. Perhaps a harbour sauna is called for. After a day exploring the best of Lofoten, spending time recuperating with private access to the sauna overlooking the ocean is just about perfect. And if you’re feeling really brave, why not take a dip in the ocean to cool off?
Or maybe a bit of sea kayaking? Lofoten’s beautiful surroundings and deep fjords offer perfect surroundings for kayaking experiences. *Local guides are available from basecamp in Hattvika.
To farewell our magical time on Lofoten, we dine tonight at Lofoten Food Studio. Helmed by Chef Roy-Magne Berglund, we will watch him prepare and serve seafood inspired by the four seasons. Seasonal variations in light, weather and ingredients both challenge and increase creativity, and the result is something you can smell, taste and observe from seats in the front row at the table.
Overnight: Hattvika Lodge (B / D)
Day 11 – To Tromsø
We have a lazy morning before transferring to Leknes for our flight to Tromsø.
Tromsø is located in the middle of the Northern Lights Oval, which is the area with the highest probability of seeing the lights. This means that there will always be good chances of Northern Lights, regardless of the sun’s cycles. This natural phenomenon can be observed late August to April, depending on the weather conditions and solar activity. If the sky is clear, you might be able to see the Northern Lights right above the city. (Note: Aurora can be a shy diva, so there are NO promises)
On arrival, you will be right in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, surrounded by steep mountains and beautiful fjords. We are transferred to our hotel.
Tonight, we have a light dinner and time to rest before we head out for our last evening of Aurora chasing.
Overnight: TBC (B / D)
Day 12 – Tromsø
From November to January, the whales swim to the fjords on the hunt for herring. This morning, we board a boat and head out to sea to go whale watching to see orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales and feel your heart beat a little faster as they gracefully breach in the frosty air. November to the end of January is usually the peak season for whale watching. (Note: climate, hunting grounds, and weather can influence when whales appear).
Northern Norway is unique for whale watching, all year round but orcas and humpback whales crowd the fjords in winter. No one knows what the day will bring, because as with any other safari, it is the animals that decide when to appear. However, your chances here are good. The sea areas off Skjervøy, north of Tromsø, are the whales’ hunting grounds. From November to January, these giant marine mammals migrate towards the coast in search of herring.
The wildlife is not the only impressive part of a whale watching safari. The whale watching season coincides with a period of large variations in light. The Polar Night in Tromsø stretches from around 27 November to 15 January. However, there is not constant darkness. When the sky brightens for a while in the middle of the day, you get a magical mix of dusk and dawn. It’s hard to beat the sight of a whale fin in front of pink polar skies and snow-capped mountains.
This amazing, and once in a lifetime journey, is an all-day excursion. On return to Tromsø and our hotel, your evening is free.
Overnight: TBC (B / L)
Day 13 – Tromsø
The Sami are the indigenous people of the north. Even though the Sami are now part of modern society, they maintain ancient traditions such as joik, handicrafts and reindeer husbandry. The Sami people have always adapted their traditional way to the nature around them. For centuries, the Sami have lived by hunting, fishing, farming and reindeer husbandry. We are often asked if it’s possible to visit Sami settlements, but such settlements no longer exist in Norway. The Sami are part of our modern society, live in towns and villages and are involved in all occupations. However, the Sami traditions remain strong, as they have for hundreds of years.
Today we will participate in the daily feeding of a herd of over 300 reindeer. We will be picked in Tromsø and hop on a 45 minutes’ drive to our Guides camp. On your way, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful Northern Norwegian mountains and upon arrival, you will be greeted by our Sami guide who will guide you to the reindeer fence to start with the reindeer feeding. You will learn more about these amazing animals while enjoying the views with the Lyngen Alps in the background and enjoy our little patch of Arctic paradise.
Now that the reindeers are full and satisfied, it’s our turn to eat. You will head to the Gamme (modern-traditional Sami hut) for a hot drink and a warm tasty Biddos, the traditional Sami reindeer stew. Inside the Gamme, our guide will tell you more about life in the Arctic, Sami knowledge and culture, and will show you a collection of Sami artifacts and clothing. The most important part of the Sami experiences is the storytelling, and it is easy to be fascinated by the Sami’s proud history and mythology.
We should arrive back in Tromsø at about 2pm, and you have the afternoon free. Perhaps spend the time discovering the classic symbols of Tromsø like the Cable Car and Arctic Cathedral. You can visit several museums like the Polar Museum, the Arctic University Museum of Norway, The Science Centre, Troll Museum and the Northern Norway Art Museum.
Overnight: TBC (B / L)
Day 14 – Tromsø
Our last day of adventures! And what an amazing one it is. Dog sledding allows you to experience the northern Norwegian wilderness in a completely unique way. With the wind in your face and the sight of wagging dog tails, you sense the most beautiful of all: Arctic silence.
In the old days, dog sledding was an important means of transport to carry goods between the settlements. In modern times, it has become a sport and lifestyle for many locals, as well as a popular activity for visitors. The Alaskan husky is the most common sled dog and is a fast and good-natured dog created for northern Norwegian conditions.
Our trip involves dog sledding in pairs, with one as the “musher” (driver) and the other a passenger. Our tour involves 60-75 minutes of dogsledding in a thrilling ride along tree-lined trails and through open terrain. Professional guides provide a thorough introduction about everything from harnessing the dogs to driving techniques. It’s not that hard, as the dogs are eager to run and follow the team in front of them. During the ride, you will be the musher and a part of a team together with your dogs. Your sledding partner will be sitting on the sled, and you switch positions halfway. The guides will lead groups of 3-4 guest teams each. After the adventure, we head inside to warm up by the fireplace and get a traditional lunch meal of moose or reindeer stew and hot drinks.
On return to Tromsø in the early afternoon, your time is free.
We then meet this evening in the bar, and head out for our final meal together in a small, relaxed restaurant serving a menu based on the ingredients and culinary history of the north.
Overnight: TBC (B / L / D)
Day 15 – To Oslo
This morning, we fly back to Oslo for a final night in the capital before next morning international departure.
We check back into The Hub, and settle in.
This afternoon, as a final Nordic treat, I suggest we pack our swimmers (or not!) and head to The Well, the largest spa in the Nordic region. The Well is a wellness center with bathing traditions from around the world. You can disconnect from the outside world and experience 11 different pools, 15 various saunas and steam baths, more than 100 showers, waterfalls, a Japanese bathhouse with an onsen, an Oriental hammam and amazing treatments.
This evening, we will celebrate our Nordic journey with a casual farewell dinner at an informal gourmet restaurant where the kitchen is constantly challenging itself to create new and exciting flavour combinations inspired by Scandinavian cuisine. A perfect way to end our journey through Norway.
Overnight: The Hub, Oslo (B / Farewell Dinner)
Day 16 – Departure
Departure day. (B)
Depending on your flight time, you may have some time this morning to enjoy a last-minute stroll before being transferred to Oslo Airport to either fly home or further your travels in Europe.
*Departure Transfers are not included.
*The best way to get to the airport is by Airport Express from the Central Station across the road.
*A Private Transfer may be booked if you wish.