Norway & Denmark: A Fjordland Journey

Arrive in Oslo, the capital of Norway, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel’s restaurant.

Experience life along the scenic Oslo fjord, starting with a guided visit to Vigeland Park, a Scandinavian cultural treasure comprising over 200 granite, bronze and wroughtiron sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. Then, explore the Munch Museum to peruse its vast collection of artworks, texts, letters, photos and personal possessions bequeathed to the city by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, best known for his iconic modern Expressionist work, The Scream. Proceed to privately tour the cutting-edge Oslo Opera House and opt for a walk along its mountain-inspired sloping roof. Then, enjoy some time at leisure to discover the city on your own, perhaps stopping for lunch at the Sanguine Brasserie with its views of the stunning fjord.

Rise early for a flight to Alesund, a fishing town on Norway’s rugged west coast. Upon arrival, begin your explorations of stunning Fjordland in charming Alnes on the island of Godoya, which you reach via underwater sea tunnels. Marvel at the village’s classic boathouses and lighthouse and note how dwellings were built close together for protection against the sometimes-fierce coastal climate. Stop into the lighthouse’s charming on-site café to savor a Norwegian vafle (waffle) or svele (pancake) with coffee and peruse the local artworks on display. Return to Alesund, where after lunch in a local restaurant, you enjoy a guided walking tour to view its distinctive architectural style born of devastation. On a stormy night in January 1904, a fire raged through the town, destroying 850 houses and leaving 10,000 people homeless. Over the next four years, the dwellings were rebuilt in an Art Nouveau style with a local folkloric twist, sporting turrets, spires and medieval ornamentation, including dragons. At day’s end, continue to your hotel.

Begin your day by enjoying one of these Design Your Day activities. Kayak a Tranquil Fjord accompanied by an expert instructor, stopping in bays and inlets, and watching for seabirds and other aquatic life.  Hike the Mountainous Terrain of the Fjord with a guide who reveals the flora and fauna of the Nordic forest. Sample Tasty Cuisine With Your Hotel’s Chef as he explains his culinary philosophy and shares some of his favorite cooking techniques. Afterward, relax and soak up the atmosphere of this idyllic fjordland retreat. This evening, enter a traditional Norwegian lavvo (tent) to savor dinner made from local ingredients and served al fresco around a roaring fire.

Journey along Storfjord, taking in the extraordinary scenery and traversing the winding Eagle Road, which carries you up for views over rugged coastal terrain. View Seven Sisters Falls and gaze down on the many cruise ships that traffic the fjord far below. Listen as your guide explains how glaciers created the fjords over countless centuries. Next, board a traditional ferry for a panoramic cruise along the wondrous Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark in Hellysylt and continue toward the picturesque village of Loen, where you enjoy lunch accompanied by stunning views at a skylift restaurant. Then, check in to your waterside hotel and enjoy time at leisure before sampling one of Norway’s most sumptuous buffets.

Rise early for a drive along a route that includes a ferry crossing of the Sognefjord and a jaunt through the Laerdal tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel. Arrive in the tiny village of Flam, located on the shores of the Aurlandsfjord, which you experience by RIB (rigid inflatable boat), and then cruise into the spectacular Naeroyfjord to Laegdafossen — a breathtaking waterfall in the heart of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder — the perfect vantage point for views into the spectacular fjord. Along the way, enjoy tales of the region’s history shared by your personal guide. Disembark in Gudvangen and enter the historic Viking village of Njardarheimr to view reconstructed Viking-style houses built using the tools and techniques of the age. Look on as the Viking style of combat is recreated for your enjoyment. Then, visit the home of the resident Viking chieftain, your host for a private meal prepared with traditional Viking methods, such as spit roasting and smoking, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Savor dishes flavored with the kinds of herbs and spices the Vikings brought back to the region from their seafaring forays. Afterward, continue to Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and check in at your hotel.

Travel outside Bergen to visit Fantoft, a stave church dating to the 13th century. Proceed to the Hanseatic Museum and Schotstuene in Bergen, two museums where you see how the merchants from the Hanseatic League traded stock, fish and grains from the 14th through 18th centuries. Continue to the Bergen Fish Market to enjoy a sampling of traditional local products. This evening, gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Fly to Copenhagen, enchanting capital of Denmark, to discover its elegant contrast of medieval and modern architecture and examples of world-famous Danish design. Upon arrival, enjoy a typical Danish lunch at iconic Nyhavn Harbour, followed by a boating experience through the canals of the city, listening as your local guide introduces you to the Danish capital and its history. Settled as a small stone-walled fishing village in the 11th century, learn how Copenhagen grew into a sea-trading port city often in conflict with the powerful Hanseatic League and later a center for elegant architecture throughout the Renaissance.

Venture outside Copenhagen to discover Frederiksborg Castle, former home of Denmark’s royal family. Discover five centuries of Danish history through its rich collection of paintings, furniture and applied art. Continue to the internationally known Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. View its 4,000-plus pieces, mainly paintings and sculptures, in a minimalist but inviting space filled with art juxtaposed with windows offering views onto the lovely Danish landscape. Then, enjoy some time at leisure, free to explore the museum’s lovely garden and on-site restaurant. This afternoon, savor a relaxing “hygge Sunday” on a private visit with a local Dane’s family. Share afternoon tea and conversation with them, finding out how the Danes learn early in life to protect their social customs, on this A&K-exclusive experience. Return to your hotel and later enjoy a farewell dinner at iconic Tivoli Gardens.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.