Home Bespoke Tours The Golden Circle of Norway Join a spectacular luxury express tour through Norway and witness the ultimate highlights of fjord country on breathtaking cruises, renowned train journeys, and captivating urban walks. Best time of year: Summer Suggested duration: 8 nights Traveller type: For families, for seniors, fast pace, for adventure seekers Set out on an extraordinary journey through the most remarkable attractions of the fjord country! Enjoy stunning fjord cruises across UNESCO-listed fjords, scenic train rides through green valleys, and captivating sightseeing tours through charming city streets — all while navigating Norway’s landmarks with ease. Your 9-day Norway luxury express tour begins in the country’s vibrant capital, where you will stay in a luxurious 5-star hotel in Aker Brygge, the city’s modern waterfront district. After independent sightseeing on your first day, you will discover the best of Oslo on a combined walking and bus tour by exploring the pedestrian-only city centre and seamlessly travelling to more remote attractions, including the world-famous Vigeland Park. Next, travel beyond the capital. In Oslo, you will catch a train to Åndalsnes, which runs along two scenic railway lines, notably the renowned Rauma Line that has even featured in the Harry Potter films! Åndalsnes, renowned as Norway’s mountaineering capital and nestled in the captivating Romsdalen Valley, is an excellent destination for a one-night stay, where you can take a thrilling cable car ride to the nearby Mount Nesaksla or journey to Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face. Afterwards, you will enjoy a private transfer to the secluded village of Geiranger, pausing for photographs near Trollstigen, the famous serpentine road. Another notable stop on your road trip is the serene village of Valldal — a genuine hidden gem of the fjord country. Once in Geiranger, take your time to explore this charming village or even embark on a hike on one of the popular trails, including the hike to the historic farm of Skageflå. After an overnight stay in the historic Hotel Union, you will take a cruise across the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord to Ålesund, a truly astounding town built entirely in the Art Nouveau architectural style. You will have the opportunity to learn about Ålesund’s dramatic history on a guided tour, which concludes on Mount Aksla — a local attraction that provides spectacular vistas of the town, the surrounding mountains and fjords. Following a short flight from Ålesund, you will arrive in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and home to one of the country’s most significant landmarks — the 14th-century Bryggen wharf. After guided exploration of Bergen, you will conclude your Norwegian adventure with the most popular journey among travellers — “Norway in a Nutshell.” This tour from Bergen to Oslo embodies the best of the fjord country, showcasing some of the most diverse and remarkable landscapes. The absolute highlights of your day trip include a two-hour cruise across the majestic Nærøyfjord and an equally stunning Flåm Railway ride, often hailed as the world’s most scenic train journey. Your Norway luxury express tour concludes in the city where it started, leaving you with memories that you will treasure for years to come. Previous tour itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Oslo and enjoy a private transfer to your luxury, 5-star hotel, located on the city’s waterfront. Spend the rest of the day exploring Norway’s vibrant capital independently. Day 2 Begin your morning with a combined 4-hour sightseeing tour, which includes a walking segment through the city centre and a bus tour to more remote attractions, such as the renowned Vigeland Park and the Holmenkollen ski complex. In the evening, set sail on a silent electric cruise through the charming Oslofjord. Day 3 Today, you will embark on one of Europe’s most picturesque train journeys, travelling along the Dovre and Rauma Lines to Åndalsnes, Norway’s mountaineering capital. As you gaze in your window, the scenery will gradually transform from lush green valleys into a dramatic fjord and mountain setting. After your arrival and checking into a comfortable hotel, you will take a thrilling ride up Mount Nesaksla on the Romsdalen Gondola. Day 4 Begin your day with a scenic drive to the idyllic village of Geiranger, nestled on the shore of the UNESCO-listed namesake fjord. Along the route, stop by several remarkable attractions, including the breathtaking Trollstigen, a winding road with eleven sharp hairpin turns, and the peaceful village of Valldal — a true hidden treasure in Norway’s fjordland. After checking into the historic Union Hotel in Geiranger, take your time to explore this beautiful, compact village. Day 5 Set out on an unforgettable cruise to Ålesund across the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, witnessing the spectacular Seven Sisters Waterfall along the way. In the evening, explore this remarkable town, almost entirely built in the Art Nouveau style, independently. Day 6 In the morning, join a guided tour of Ålesund and discover its major attractions, before concluding your sightseeing on Mount Aksla for panoramic views and taking a transfer to the airport. Following a swift flight to Bergen — a city renowned for its colourful Bryggen wharf — you will check into a luxury boutique hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Norway’s second-largest city independently. Day 7 Begin your morning with a private 3-hour walking tour of Bergen, which concludes with a thrilling cable car ride to Mount Fløyen. Alternatively, you can opt to embrace Bergen’s culinary traditions on a food and culture tour at the central market. Day 8 After giving up your luggage to have it delivered directly to Oslo, embark on the adventure of a lifetime — the enchanting "Norway in a Nutshell" journey. The trip begins with a picturesque train ride to Voss, followed by an even more impressive bus ride to Gudvangen, where the highlight of your adventure awaits. Step aboard a silent electric cruise and witness the sensational Nærøyfjord in all its glory. Afterwards, join the world-famous Flåm Railway ride — often hailed as the world’s most scenic train journey — before catching a train to Oslo. In Norway’s capital, check into one of the 4-star hotels located within walking distance of the railway station. Day 9 Depart from Oslo or extend your stay in the city. Get in touch Explore Norwaywithout the effort. We’re here to help you escape reality — seeing incredible landscapes without the admin required to get there. Get in touch for custom tours tailored to you. Begin your Journey The breathtaking Trollstigen, a winding road with eleven sharp hairpin turns, is one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks. Tour highlights Our favourite stops The Royal Palace of Oslo The remarkable Neoclassical palace stands majestically on a rise at the end of Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main thoroughfare. This magnificent building is the official residence of the Norwegian monarchs and boasts a truly dramatic history. It was erected for the very person the street is named after, King Karl III Johan, but the Swedish monarch who had conquered Norway never had the opportunity to reside within its walls. Comprising 173 rooms, including a banqueting hall and a private chapel, the 19th-century palace is surrounded by a beautifully designed Slottsparken, featuring picturesque ponds and classical statues. Travellers can explore this major attraction by joining one of the public guided tours, available only during summer and requiring advance booking (tickets sell out quickly). However, visitors unable to secure a tour can still witness the elaborate changing of the guard ceremony, held daily at 13:30 outside the palace. Rauma Railway The railway, opened between 1921 and 1924, offers one of Europe’s most scenic rides. The train takes travellers along the majestic Romsdalen Valley, past the towering Trollveggen and numerous waterfalls, and crosses the impressive stone arch bridge spanning the Rauma River. While Rauma is less famous than the world-renowned Flåmsbana, it is certainly no less beautiful. The railway is so scenic that it even briefly featured in the sixth Harry Potter film! Romsdalen Gondola The Romsdalen Gondola in the town of Åndalsnes is Norway’s first to be built on sustainability principles — its operation is powered entirely by electricity. This modern attraction whisks travellers up the nearby Mount Nesaksla — towering over the town at 708 metres above sea level — in just five minutes, offering a 360-degree panoramic view along the way. At the summit, visitors can dine at the on-site Eggen restaurant or hike down to the iconic Rampestreken viewpoint for excellent photo opportunities. Geirangerfjord Geirangerfjord, Norway’s most famous fjord, is a genuine masterpiece of nature, surrounded by steep mountains on all sides and cascading waterfalls. The fjord, which attracts at least 300,000 visitors annually, is a great place for activities such as kayaking, RIB boat tours, and hiking in the surrounding area. Aksla Viewpoint Also known as Fjellstua, the viewpoint on Mount Aksla is one of the most popular attractions in Ålesund, offering spectacular views of the city and the surrounding archipelago. Visitors can reach the spot by climbing 418 stairs or taking the city train. Fjellstua also serves as a starting point for several scenic hikes and features an on-site restaurant, perfect for a delicious meal with unforgettable vistas. Flåm Railway Flåmsbana is one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railway lines, running along the Flåmselvi River, through picturesque green valleys, and past cascading waterfalls. Many call it the most scenic train ride in the world, which explains why it has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. The train makes a stop near the roaring Kjosfossen waterfall, where passengers can watch a short spectacle featuring Huldra, a tempting forest creature from Scandinavian folklore. Nærøyfjord Nærøyfjord is an arm and arguably the most beautiful stretch of the Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest fjord, also known as the “King of the Fjords.” As the name suggests, Nærøyfjord is one of the world’s narrowest fjords. Nestled between towering mountains and tiny, picturesque villages in green meadows, this fjord is best experienced on an unforgettable cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm. Places you’ll explore Review the route Oslo Åndalsnes Geiranger Ålesund Bergen Voss Gudvangen Flåm Myrdal Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich history and cultural core — packed with museums, parks, and a stunning waterfront. Read more Åndalsnes Located at the mouth of the majestic Romsdalen valley, Åndalsnes is a haven for climbers and hikers, serving as a starting point for trips to Trollveggen and Trollstigen. Read more Geiranger Geiranger, surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, is a tiny, picturesque village that sits at the end of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, making it perfect for recreation and activities on the fjord. Read more Ålesund Spread over several islands in a truly picturesque setting, Ålesund is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and the spectacular views from Mount Aksla. Read more Bergen Bergen, nicknamed “the city of seven mountains,” is the country’s second-largest city and the gateway to the West Norwegian fjords. Read more Voss Oftentimes referred to as “Norway’s adventure capital,” Voss is home to two major ski resorts, attracting travellers year-round with its abundance of outdoor activities — from rafting and hiking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. Read more Gudvangen Nestled at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Gudvangen is famous for the reconstructed Viking village of Njardarheimr and the spectacular scenery of imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls that surround it. Read more Flåm Flåm, a small mountain village in western Norway, sits on the shore of the Aurlandsfjord and draws crowds of travellers thanks to the Flåmsbana, which many call the world’s most scenic train ride. Read more Myrdal Myrdal, a small mountain village and train station, is best known as the last stop of the Flåmsbana, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Read more Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich history and cultural core — packed with museums, parks, and a stunning waterfront. Read more Åndalsnes Located at the mouth of the majestic Romsdalen valley, Åndalsnes is a haven for climbers and hikers, serving as a starting point for trips to Trollveggen and Trollstigen. Read more Geiranger Geiranger, surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, is a tiny, picturesque village that sits at the end of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, making it perfect for recreation and activities on the fjord. Read more Ålesund Spread over several islands in a truly picturesque setting, Ålesund is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and the spectacular views from Mount Aksla. Read more Bergen Bergen, nicknamed “the city of seven mountains,” is the country’s second-largest city and the gateway to the West Norwegian fjords. Read more Voss Oftentimes referred to as “Norway’s adventure capital,” Voss is home to two major ski resorts, attracting travellers year-round with its abundance of outdoor activities — from rafting and hiking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. Read more Gudvangen Nestled at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Gudvangen is famous for the reconstructed Viking village of Njardarheimr and the spectacular scenery of imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls that surround it. Read more Flåm Flåm, a small mountain village in western Norway, sits on the shore of the Aurlandsfjord and draws crowds of travellers thanks to the Flåmsbana, which many call the world’s most scenic train ride. Read more Myrdal Myrdal, a small mountain village and train station, is best known as the last stop of the Flåmsbana, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Read more Frequently asked questions How it works Pricing Travel support Can I book an itinerary exactly as it is on your website? Not quite. Every traveller is unique, and so is every itinerary we create. The sample itineraries on our website are meant to inspire you and give you an idea of what’s possible. Your personal Travel Consultant will design a bespoke trip tailored specifically to your preferences, interests, and travel style. What’s the difference between a private trip and a group tour? All our trips are private and tailor-made. We do not offer scheduled group tours. Instead, we focus on fully customized itineraries designed just for you and your travel companions. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, every detail will be crafted to suit your individual needs. How do we start planning a custom itinerary? It all begins with a conversation. Once you reach out to us, one of our Travel Consultants will get in touch to learn more about your travel style, interests, and must-sees. From there, we’ll craft a personalised itinerary, refining it with your feedback until it’s just right. Once confirmed, we handle all the logistics, so you can simply enjoy the journey. How long does the planning process take? It depends on the complexity of your itinerary and how much customisation is required. Some trips come together in a matter of days, while others – especially those with special arrangements or remote destinations – can take a few weeks. We recommend getting in touch as early as possible to ensure availability and a seamless experience. Can I make changes to my itinerary after booking? Absolutely. We understand that plans can evolve, and we’ll do our best to accommodate any adjustments. Changes may be subject to availability and potential additional costs, but we’ll always strive to make your trip as flexible as possible. What added value do you provide? Planning a seamless and memorable trip takes time and expertise – that’s where we come in. From itinerary design and booking to on-the-ground logistics, we take care of everything, ensuring a hassle-free experience. We work with trusted local partners, personally vet every element of your journey, and remain available 24/7 should you need assistance. With us, you’re not just booking a trip – you’re investing in a carefully curated travel experience. Can you arrange a rental car for my trip? Yes, we can arrange a rental car for you. Once we discuss the terms and pricing, you can decide whether to book through us or arrange it independently. We’ll ensure that you have the right vehicle for your itinerary and provide recommendations for driving routes and road conditions. Why aren’t all meals included in the price? We believe discovering local cuisine is an essential part of your journey, and everyone has different tastes. To give you flexibility, we typically include daily breakfast and occasional lunches or dinners. In remote areas, such as in hotels near fjords or remote villages, dinner is usually included. Your final itinerary will specify which meals are covered. How does your pricing work? The prices on our website are indicative and based on two or more travellers sharing the cost of accommodation, transport, and experiences. Once you get in touch, we will provide a customised quote based on your travel dates, group size, accommodation choices, and any special requests. Since every trip is tailor-made, the final cost will reflect your unique itinerary. Are international flights included in the price? No, international flights are not included. Many of our travellers prefer to book their own flights using frequent-flyer miles or loyalty points. However, if you need assistance finding the best routes or timings, we’re happy to help. All regional and domestic flights within your itinerary, as well as other transport, are included in the cost. What if my flight is delayed or cancelled? If your flight is delayed or cancelled, we recommend informing us as soon as possible so we can assist with any necessary changes to your itinerary. If you have booked your flights independently, you should contact your airline directly for rebooking options. However, we will do our best to adjust transfers, accommodations, and activities to keep your trip running smoothly. Do you provide electronic documents and itineraries? Yes! We are committed to sustainable travel, so we provide all travel documents, itineraries, and confirmations electronically. Your personalised itinerary will be accessible through a mobile-friendly application, ensuring you have all the details at your fingertips without the need for printed documents. What happens if I need assistance during my trip? We provide 24/7 support throughout your journey. Whether you have a last-minute question, need to adjust your itinerary, or require urgent assistance, our team is just a call or message away. We work closely with trusted local partners to ensure you always have someone to turn to, no matter where you are. Do I need an international driver’s licence for a self-drive tour? In most cases, a valid driving licence from your home country is sufficient for driving in the Nordic region. However, some rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your licence is not in English or does not use the Roman alphabet. We recommend checking in advance to ensure you have the correct documentation. You will also need to present your licence for activities such as snowmobile safaris. Do I need a visa to travel to the Nordic region? Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Many travellers from Europe, North America, and certain other regions can enter visa-free for short stays. However, starting in 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries (such as the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.) will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) permit before entering the Schengen Area, which includes most Nordic countries. The ETIAS application is a quick online process and is valid for multiple trips over three years. Please note that the launch date of the system is currently unknown. Since entry requirements can change, we recommend checking with your local embassy or asking your Travel Consultant for guidance. While we can provide information, it is usually the traveller’s responsibility to arrange visas or travel authorisations. Our travel log We curate content, too Featured Local tips Tours 13 Best Fjords in Norway to See and Visit Norway is almost synonymous with fjords. These stunning waterways, carved by ancient glaciers, snake inland from the dramatic coastline, creating landscapes of unparalleled beauty that draw visitors from across the globe. Deciding which are the most beautiful fjords in Norway is truly tough. And to help you navigate this breathtaking landscape, our article will explore some of the best fjords in Norway, their main destinations, and the top things to do in each area. Featured 17 Charming Small Towns in Norway You Must Absolutely Visit Many tourists coming to Norway choose the country’s biggest towns as destinations for their vacations: Oslo, Bergen, or Tromsø. But there are also many charming small towns in Norway – some are quite popular among travelers, and some are off-the-beaten-path destinations. In this article, we will list 17 beautiful small towns that, in our opinion, you should consider adding to your bucket list! Local tips Tours Flåm Travel Guide Flåm, a picturesque mountain village, is famous for its beauty and scenery, even by Norwegian standards. This village became so popular in big part thanks to Norway in a Nutshell Tour, which links Gudvangen to Flåm and Flåm to Myrdal (read in our travel guide below). In this Flåm travel guide, you will learn about how to get to this village and the top things to do in Flåm. Adventures Summer Holidays in Norway: Top 15 Places to Visit in the Land of Vikings Spending summer holidays in Norway is always a good idea since this fantastic country with deep fjords, tumultuous yet beautiful waterfalls, and imposing mountains have always captivated the visitors of the Land of Vikings. In this article, I will talk about the perfectly suitable places for a great summer trip. Be confident that including at least a few attractions from this list in your travel plans would be brilliant. Local tips Top 10 Reasons to Visit Oslo Oslo is not solely the capital of Norway. This city tends to be a genuine travel gem in Europe, having been transformed into a world-class center of art and design. There are myriads of reasons why you should come and see countless attractions on your own, but here we have selected our top 10 reasons to visit Oslo and explore this stunning city. Adventures Cruise Tours The Ultimate Guide to Lofoten Islands in Summer Summer in Lofoten is arguably the best time to visit this beautiful archipelago. Even though you will (obviously) not see the Northern Lights on your Lofoten summer trip, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Lofoten in summer – from observing the beautiful midnight sun to hiking the archipelago’s countless trails to relaxing on white-sand beaches. In this guide to Lofoten Islands in summer, we will cover everything you need to know about traveling to this Norwegian archipelago.
