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 towards Åndalsnes and then Ålesund. (Our luggage will be forwarded onto Ålesund. We carry only our day bags)
We board our train to Dombas. 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. 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 the coastal town of Ålesund and our lovely hotel, the
Hotel Brosundet. Our stunning accommodation is housed within a former fisheries warehouse. We check into our fabulous hotel, relax and refresh, and tonight we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant,
Sjøbua, where seafood is the highlight. 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 have a guided Art Nouveau town walk and a visit to the the Jugend Museum.
Ålesund — to many, Norway’s most beautiful city — is synonymous with Art Nouveau architecture, the century-old architectural style, also known as Secessionist or Jugendstil. 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.
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. After a time out on the water, end the trip in Svai Sauna for a bath and a hot sauna.
Or 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.
You can even hike up the 418 steps from the Byparken Town Park up to the Mount Aksla viewpoint. You’ll be rewarded with an incredible view. At the top, you’ll find a restaurant and a viewing platform where you can look out over the city and the surrounding mountains.
Your evening is free.
Overnight: Hotel Brosundet. (B / L)
Day 5 – Ålesund to Trondheim
Early check out of our rooms, and our luggage is forwarded to Trondheim.
We are transferred by private van back to Åndalsnes where we board our train to Trondheim, the final station of the Dovre Line. Again, we have a quick change in Dombas before continuing our incredible journey over the mighty Dovrefjell mountain range. The highlight of the route is the mountain pass through this historic pass which has been an important transit route for centuries. Today it’s home to wild reindeer and herds of musk oxen that were imported from Greenland in the 1930s. *We aim to arrive in Trondheim by 3pm.
On arrival in Trondheim station, we will picked up and transferred to our hotel.
Our accommodation in Trondheim for our three nights is the Thon Nidaros. We check in, settle in and our evening is free after a long travel day. *The hotel restaurant and bar are open.
Overnight: Thon Nidaros 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. 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.
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 as we snuggle under soft sheep blankets with hot chocolate in our hands, savoring the tranquility of the river while surrounded by the winter scenery.
We return to the hotel for a hot shower and a rest.
Tonight’s dinner is at one of the city’s favourite eateries, a super cozy restaurant offering traditional, local, food and fabulous entertainment. The menu is served up with stories, music and drinks. The food is made from the best ingredients from Hitra and Frøya, Røros, Inderøya and other local producers in Trøndelag.
Overnight: Thon Nidaros 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. The city’s flourishing food scene – which is fast becoming a blueprint for sustainable dining – is one of the main reasons to visit.
This morning, we embark on a guided culinary journey that takes us through the city’s hidden culinary gems. 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.
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
Tonight is the perfect night to experience one of Trondheim’s Michelin stars.
Fagn is renowned for cuisine that combines tradition and innovation. They are passionate about using local and sustainable ingredients; this is a place where Nordic flavours meet global influences.
Or you could opt for Speilsalen, where the pursuit of culinary perfection is a never-ending process. At Speilsalen, you are invited on a food journey where the finest, hand-picked ingredients are prepared with the utmost care and respect.
*These restaurants must be booked in advance.
Overnight: Thon Nidaros Hotel (B / L)
Day 8 – Kvitnes Gård
Today we leave Trondheim and begin our journey towards Kvitnes farm, situated at the foot of the Møysalen mountain, on Hinnøya island in Vesterålen. Vesterålen, lying north of Lofoten, is an archipelago of green islands surrounded by whales, seals, and seabirds. It is inhabited by coastal people who have lived there since the Stone Age.
First up this morning we are transferred to the Trondheim airport where we catch a flight to Evenes (via Bodø). We then have a 2 hour private transfer to Kvitnes Gård.
Kvitnes Gård is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored among the fjords of the Arctic. As soon as you step into the centuries-old ancestral home of chef Halvar Ellingsen – now a fine-dining restaurant and guesthouse – I can assure you that your time here will be nothing short of extraordinary. Ellingsen was the youngest chef to be named Norway’s best chef and returned ‘home’ in 2015 to refocus his exacting standards on growing, harvesting and refining the spoils of northern Norway.
The menus are not just about food, they are a journey through the local ingredients and the history of the region. The raw materials prepared at the restaurant come mainly from the farm which has its own garden and animals. Aside from sugar, flour and wine, they aim to exclusively use local ingredients from Vesterålen, Senja and Lofoten. Every day is different, and menus are never repeated. This is an experience – not a meal.
We stay the night in the gorgeous, rustic rooms of the farm.
Overnight: Kvitnes Gård (B / D)
Day 9 – Lofoten Islands
This morning we will likely wake up to the sound of sheep singing or to a grunt from one of the pigs. Breakfast continues in the same style as dinner, where you get fresh bread, eggs from the chickens and lamb roll from their own animals. After a lazy breakfast, we take a wander around the farm. Ellingsen and his team grow all their own vegetables on the farm. They also have sheep, pigs, cows, ducks, hens, quail, and lots of other animals that produce food for the restaurant – they use whole animals as much as possible. Other animals are just used to help run the farm; for example, the ducks eat snails that would eat the vegetables.
After our morning tour, 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 10 – 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. 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 can have lunch at Lysstøperiet Cafe (own account) and indulge in a fabulous Cinnamon or vanilla bun.
We dine tonight at Lofoten Food Studio. Chef Roy Magne Berglund transformed his garage into a chef’s counter and built a fine dining restaurant right in his backyard. In his culinary playground, he crafts tasting menus inspired by the four seasons, using local ingredients from Lofoten. His twelve-seat communal counter connects visiting foodies from around the world. Berglund cooks every dish, washes every plate, pours every glass of wine, and shakes every cocktail. This makes the experience feel more like you’re dining in someone’s home than sitting in a restaurant.
Overnight: Hattvika Lodge (B / D)
Day 11 – Lofoten Island
This morning, we take a drive to the Lofotr Viking Museum. We will see the world’s longest reconstructed longhouse; a reconstruction of the original Chieftain’s House. The reconstruction is adjacent to the original site where the archaeological excavations took place. Smell the tar and fire, hear the local Norse stories, learn about crafts and experience how people lived in the Viking Age. We will have access to the Exhibition rooms, using an audio guide system.
From here, we travel to Bøstad to Lofoten-Gardsysteri, an organic and bio dynamic cheese farm. Here, Marielle and Hugo make cheeses that have won both gold and silver in the National Championships. We have an afternoon introduction course to cheese making. We will participate in making the cheese they sell in the farm shop. We will learn about the whole process from when the dairy is milked, until it ends up on our plate as a cheese. We will also get an introduction to organic farming and the entire biological cycle on the farm. And of course, there will be cheese tasting!
We return to Ballstad. Dinner this evening will be light and easy. As after dinner, and a rest, 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 / D)
Day 12 – Havila Overnight Cruise
We have a free day today before transferring to Stamsund this evening to board our overnight Havila cruise to Tromsø.
Perhaps a harbour sauna is called for. 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.
We transfer to Stamsund at approx 7pm, and board our boat, which departs at 7.40pm. Our overnight voyage on board Havila Castor cruises through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to Tromsø, a city characterised by hunting and fishing, polar expeditions, and courage. It is also the land of the Sami, Norway’s indigenous people. This overnight is part of the Norwegian Coastal Express, a 130-year-old route, connecting the coastal communities of Norway. And possibly, you will see the Northern Lights dancing across the skies in the evening.
Tonight, we have dinner on board, and time to rest before we head out on deck for Aurora spotting.
Overnight: Havila Cruise (B / D)
Day 13 – To Tromsø
We continue sailing along the Coastal Route towards Tromsø. For your time on board, we recommend that you explore the ship and simply enjoy the beautiful Arctic nature that flows by outside the large panoramic windows. There is also a well-equipped gym on deck 7, a jacuzzi on deck 8 and a sauna.
Arrival in Tromsø is estimated to be approx.. 2.30pm.
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.)
When we arrive in Tromsø, we will be right in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, surrounded by steep mountains and beautiful fjords. Once we disembark the ship, we will be transferred to our hotel, the very new Scandic Vervet, located in the heart of Tromsø’s new urban area Vervet.
Overnight: Scandic Vervet (B / L / D)
Day 14 – 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 mink whales and feel your heart beat a little faster as they gracefully breach in the frosty air. (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 may 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: Scandic Vervet (B / L)
Day 15 – 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: Scandic Vervet (B / L)
Day 16 – To Oslo
This morning, we fly back to Oslo for a final night in the capital before our international departures the following day.
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 17 – 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.