Your adventure begins in Norway's capital, Oslo. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
Sightseeing with a Local Specialist includes views of Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Walk around the Opera House and marvel at the striking contemporary architecture of the new Bjørvika district. Wander through Frogner Park, with its intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the most modern ski jump in the world, Holmenkollen. Maybe explore City Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony is held, or walk upon the famous architecture of Oslo Opera House.
Journey across the Hardanger Plateau, Europe's greatest mountain plateau and the largest national park in the Nordic countries, before arriving at your hotel in Ulvik.
Travel to the Nærøyfjord for the opportunity to visit Viking Valley and cruise this UNESCO-listed fjord on an Optional Experience. After, continue to the coastal city of Bergen by a traditional train of the Flåm railway. Journey from the shores of the Aurlandsfjord on one of the world's steepest railways through tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountainside. And breathe in the fresh mountain air while you drink in the views of the rushing waterfalls, glacial rivers and verdant scenery.
A Local Specialist introduces you to Bergen. The ancient Hanseatic port city still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the picturesque and lively Fish Market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. The market also has stalls selling a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps you might like to visit the village of Telavåg, before ascending Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia. This evening join your Travel Director at a local restaurant for dinner.
Travel along this incredible coastline and sail across fjords passing an abundance of islands. Arrive in Stavanger, one of Norway’s oldest cities founded almost 900 years ago. The city has continued to evolve with changing times and now is the headquarters of the Norwegian oil industry, Stavanger is a fusion of old world charm and cosmopolitan flair. Cruise the Lysefjord and admire the waterfalls and Pulpit Rock overhanging the fjord.
In Lyngdal, tour the Wild Salmon Center with a biologist guide, learn about protecting salmon populations and the local ecosystem. Observe the majestic fish in their own environment, via a unique indoor 'staircase' and viewing area. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive around the southern cape of Norway. Upon arrival in Kristiansand, your orientation walk of the city center will show you the Domkirke and the Nupen Fountain. Savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Say farewell to Norway as you sail across the Skagerrak to Hirtshals, Denmark. Your journey continues through Aalborg, Denmark’s fourth largest city, where you will have time to pause for lunch before traveling on to Aarhus, your home for the next two nights. This evening, gather at a local restaurant for a farm-to-table dinner, with Danish flavors crafted from seasonal ingredients.
Begin your day with your Travel Director’s orientation of Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, where Viking-age roots meet bold contemporary design along the waterfront. At Moesgaard Museum, you'll wander through exhibitions spanning human evolution to the Viking Age, then come face-to-face with the Grauballe Man, one of the world's best-preserved bog bodies. Later, enjoy free time to explore Aarhus at your own pace before returning to your hotel.
Visit Odense and the Hans Christian Andersen House, a museum dedicated to his life and works. Learn all about the famous fairytale writer as you follow his career, travels and love life. Continue to Denmark's vibrant capital city, Copenhagen and later discover the enchanting Tivoli Gardens.
Meet your Local Specialist and pay a visit to Hans Christian Andersen's iconic Little Mermaid statue. Later, see Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace and the colorful waterfront district of Nyhavn. The afternoon is at your leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cofoco restaurant and enjoy a delicious dinner of sustainable ingredients, as you toast to the end of your Scandinavian adventure.
Your trip comes to an end this morning.
